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The moment every book girlie has been waiting for: the release date for Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation is just around the corner. We're literally screaming right now — are you?
Fans are buzzing for the first of Henry’s book adaptations, with several others already in the works — including Beach Read and Happy Place. It's been a long time coming, and it's only the beginning for the romance girlies. From Heated Rivalry to The Summer I Turned Pretty, we are being fed well.
The official synopsis teases: “Poppy's a free spirit. Alex loves a plan. After years of summer vacations, these polar-opposite pals wonder if they could be a perfect romantic match.”
But we all know this story is about way more than just friends-to-lovers or opposites attract. Poppy (played by Emily Bader) is trying to figure out why everything in her life seems right, yet feels wrong. Alex (Tom Blyth) wrestles with the tension between duty and passion. It’s the classic extrovert girl, introvert guy formula — and honestly, can you tell we’re excited?
So, let’s talk about when People We Meet on Vacation is being released and where you can watch it.
What is People We Meet on Vacation about?
People We Meet on Vacation follows best friends Alex and Poppy as they try to reconnect on a holiday. The pair used to take an annual trip together, but have since drifted apart thanks to a mysterious incident the reader only discovers along the way. The story alternates between these past vacations and the slightly disastrous present trip, giving fans both laughs and heartache.
The book became a publishing sensation when it was released in 2021, cementing Emily Henry’s status as the queen of modern romance. Henry releases a book annually, following characters on their emotional journeys, though no 2026 title has been announced — likely because she’s focused on seeing her beloved novels brought to life on screen.
The Emily Henry hit is getting the Netflix treatment.
The adaptation is directed by Brett Haley, a seasoned filmmaker known for translating literary works to screen. He previously helmed Hulu’s acclaimed adaptation of Looking for Alaska.
While Haley takes the director’s chair, the romantic comedy’s script is penned by Yulin Kuang, Amos Vernon, and Nunzio Randazzo. Fans will be thrilled to know that Haley worked closely with Henry herself to ensure the adaptation preserves all the beloved details from the book.
The People We Meet on Vacation cast also includes Sarah Catherine Hook, Jameela Jamil and Molly Shannon. Expect plenty of gorgeous filming locations, from New Orleans to Barcelona. And don't fret: that sick scene is included in the film, as confirmed by the trailer.
Where can we watch People We Meet on Vacation?
Good news, Emily Henry fans: People We Meet on Vacation is heading straight to Netflix. No cinema run for this one, which saves us on tickets… though it does mean we can’t pull a Wicked and show up dressed in Poppy’s bright and eccentric outfits — rainbow jumpsuit, anyone?
The upside? We’ll be able to rewatch it as many times as we like, and yes, that includes crying through the heartbreaky bits and swooning over Alex all over again.
What's the release date for People We Meet on Vacation?
People We Meet on Vacation is set to premiere on Netflix this Friday, 9 January. So cancel all plans, grab a bestie, and snuggle up for the first romantic comedy of the year.
Luckily for British fans, the film will be released worldwide simultaneously, meaning you can start watching from 8 am GMT on Friday. Hypothetically speaking, calling in sick might just be an option…
