Book To Screen
‘People We Meet on Vacation’ First Photos Tease Fan-Favorite Poppy & Alex Book Scenes
“On vacation, you can be anyone you want.” Well, now, we can confirm that we want to be Emily Bader and Tom Blyth!
After months of waiting, Netflix has revealed its first look at beloved author Emily Henry’s first book-to-screen adaptation, the second chance romance, People We Meet on Vacation. Set to premiere January 9, 2026, we are counting down the minutes until we can get our hands on this epic summer rom-com.
People We Meet on Vacation follows former best friends Poppy Wright (Bader) and Alex Nilsen (Blyth), who have been traveling together every summer for over a decade. Or at least they did until their falling out two years ago. Reunited over an impromptu text message, Poppy and Alex decide to travel on one last vacation together to heal their friendship and sort out their feelings for each other.
Scroll to take a look at the first six photos of Emily Bader and Tom Blyth as Poppy and Alex in People We Meet on Vacation, as well as every book reference we see in the photos!
People We Meet on Vacation, January 9, 2026, Netflix
Poppy lounges on the beach
Nothing compares to reading a book at the beach, especially if that book is by Emily Henry! In this first look image, Poppy lounges under an umbrella near the ocean, in an orange once piece bathing suit. The only question is: Where’s Alex?
Poppy & Alex take Nola?
No one rocks a “joutfit” like Poppy Diana Wright. Here, denim-clad Poppy and PWMOV-orange adorned Alex cheers to another vacation together. With “old Crayola-colored buildings” behind them, what appears to be a tuba, and “alcohol in slushy form” in their cups, could this be Poppy and Alex’s trip to New Orleans?
Poppy Wright, solo traveler
Poppy Wright found in airport? Fork found in kitchen. Here, Poppy wears a cream-colored ensemble as she walks through the airport alone. With no Alex Nilsen in sight, Poppy does not appear to be a happy camper.
Alex Nilsen, king of yearning
If there’s one thing Tom Blyth can do, it’s yearn. Thank goodness for us! Here, it appears that Alex, wearing yet another cream-colored ensemble, is at his brother’s wedding. Taking place in the “This Summer” portion of the book, this destination wedding could give Alex and Poppy the second chance they need and friendship, and maybe something more.
Poppy & Alex in People We Meet on Vacation
Talk about a stunning couple! Standing so close that their shoulders touch, Poppy and Alex look off camera. While Poppy wears a stunning green satin dress, Alex wears a sport coat jacket over a white shirt. Whether this is modern day or a moment from the past, it’s safe to say that Bader and Blyth’s chemistry is off the charts.
Alex & Poppy jet off together
Look out for elbows, Poppy! In this photo, Poppy rests her head on Alex’s shoulder as they sit side-by-side on a plane. Fans may recall this scene as it is directly pulled from the book. In her depiction of this scene, Emily Henry wrote, “As soon as we lift off and the cabin lights dim, though, the exhaustion kicks in and I find myself being lulled to sleep, head resting on Alex’s shoulder, a small pool of drool accumulating on his shirt, only to jolt awake when the plane hits a pocket of air that makes it dip and Alex accidentally elbows me in the face in response.” Yikes!
