The Miles Vorkosigan books, which is like all three of your genre combined together! But I suspect you've read them all already.

I don't think I've heard of them, this is so exciting!

eta: Just checked them on Amazon, do you happen to remember which one is first? I find that even if reading out of order, or not the whole series, you should read the first one first because it sets up so much stuff.

The latest Vokosigan books have a list in the back of them of which ones come where in chronology.

edit: I adored Diplomatic Immunity. I read the books in a big bunch, and reading Diplomatic Immunity was so much fun with all the in-jokes and past events that informed the current events.

That's a trickier question than it should be because the early books have all been repackaged a bazillion times. But Wikipedia has a pretty good list of what's currently in print.

[eta: Oh wow, ALL of them have been repackaged. Yipes.]

That's a trickier question than it should be because the early books have all been repackaged a bazillion times

Yeah, that's why I asked, I couldn't figure out which was a reprint/package from the amazon list.

The wiki list Jessica linked is pretty comprehensive. I don't know how much reading time you'll have on your trip, but you can probably get your hands on the first two omnibus volumes, "Cordelia's Honor" (which is about Miles' mother, Cordelia, and does a good job of introducing you to the universe and gives you some essential background for Miles' character; plus, Cordelia = made of awesome) and "Young Miles" easily at used bookstore -- the two books should be enough to see if you'd be into the series. After that, I'd say go directly into "Miles Errant" books instead of Cetaganda & Ethan of Athos, which are somewhat less relevant to the narrative.

After that, I'd say go directly into "Miles Errant" books instead of Cetaganda & Ethan of Athos, which are somewhat less relevant to the narrative.

I second this. There's nothing wrong with Cetaganda, but Ethan of Athos is out of continuity, and the high point of the series (IMO) is the run from Brothers in Arms through Komarr.

I adored Diplomatic Immunity

Is that the one with the bug butter? *checks* Oh, the bug butter one is Civil Campaign, I see. That one might be my favourite among all the books, just for the dinner party scene of High Screwball Comedy that could have been written by Preston Sturges.

I also love the middle ones with Mark, for whom I have a massive soft spot.

ETA: I don't understand why they didn't package "Memory" with "Brothers in Arms" and "Mirror Dance" because the three books make for one long arc. The omnibus volumes are more widely available, but I found "Memory" in its own tougher to find, and it's an essential book in Miles' character arc.

A good book for traveling is "e" by Matt Beaumont - it's a series of e-mails among the staff and clients of a London ad agency and, as such, it's easy to pick up and put down.

Seconding the Vorkosigan books. Anything by Jennifer Crusie.

Vortex, where's the cruise? If you'll be able to lounge in the sun, a good whodunit would work. Two or three old Ellery Queens or Erle Stanley Gardners probably won't set you back more than $5 or $6.

If you want to get classier, Jane Austen and Anthony Trollope are good choices. Though you might have trouble finding Trollope in a used book store. At least, I do. Or did -- it's been quite a while.