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.

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.

Yeah, that doesn't make any sense. I can't imagine Komarr making any sense without reading Memory first!

I meant Civil Affair, not Diplomatic Immunity.

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.

Exactly. I plan to spend the majority of the time lounging and reading. I plan to get some classics as well, but thought that the Buffistas may recommend some classics I missed, and i'm kind of excited about this new series.

Oh, another (much shorter, less chronologically-confusing) series I can recommend is Megan Whalen-Turner's Attolia books. They are YA, I think, but very appealing to this adult reader at least. It's got a whiff of fantasy, lots of cool if not overly-complex world-building details, mythology, intrigue, and one of the most interesting romances I've read in the genre, all wrapped in one. There are three books: The Thief, The Queen of Attolia, and The King of Attolia. They are slim volume & fast reads, but the writing is just lovely.