10 Essential Packing Tips for Book Lovers Going on Vacation
If one of the hardest parts of planning a trip is deciding which books to pack, you’re in the right place. I wrote this while getting ready for a family vacation to Greece (you can also read a curated list of romance books set in Greece), staring at a stack of books and wondering how many I could realistically fit in my carry-on.
Spoiler: I still packed too many in my opinion.
If you’re someone who reads mostly physical books, packing can feel like a full-on dilemma. You want options, but you also don’t want your paperbacks to take up half your suitcase. These are the ten essential packing tips for book lovers I swear by to keep your reading life joyful and low-stress while you’re getting ready for vacation.
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1. Be Realistic About How Much You’ll Actually Read
You may want to read five books, but if your days are packed with sightseeing or family activities, that might turn into one or two. And that’s totally fine.
Instead of overpacking, try bringing a mix:
- One book you’re really excited to read
- One comfort genre that always works for you
- One option in case you’re in the mood for something totally different
If you’re bringing a longer or slower book, save it for travel days or those moments where you can truly settle in and focus.
2. Use a Kindle or E-Reader to Save Space
Even if you prefer physical books, an e-reader can be a game changer for travel. I bring my Kindle Paperwhite everywhere and never regret it. It fits in my purse, the screen is glare-free, and it held backups for every possible mood.
Download your books ahead of time so you’re not relying on spotty hotel Wi-Fi or international data.
Gone are the days I used to worry about packing paperbacks just for the ’gram. I’d stress over which books had the prettiest covers, or which ones matched my destination’s vibe for a photo. These days, I’m more focused on the reading experience itself. If I snap a photo, great. But I no longer pack a book just because it’ll look good in a flat lay.
Reading on vacation should feel easy—not staged.
Ready to be a Kindle girlie? Here are some essentials:
If you don’t have a Kindle yet or are in need of a new one, I’ve got a handy Kindle comparison guide to help you choose. But you can also go with different types of e-readers. There are some amazing Kindle alternatives out there.
3. Plan a Bookish Stop Along the Way
One of my favorite things to do on vacation is visit an indie bookstore or find a literary café. I always try to pick up a book by a local author or something with regional flair. It makes the best kind of souvenir.
You can also search for author landmarks or museums if you want a deeper bookish moment in your itinerary.
4. Protect Your Books From Damage
Between sand, sunscreen, and spilled coffee, your books need a little extra care when traveling.
Here’s what I recommend:
- Use a waterproof pouch or simple zip bag if you’re headed to the beach or pool
- Pack a padded book sleeve if you’re carrying paperbacks in your bag
- Don’t forget a screen protector if you’re bringing an e-reader
It only takes one leak or lotion spill to ruin your favorite read. Better to be safe.
Here are a few suggestions that won’t break the bank but can still help with protection:
5. Check for Hidden Book Swaps and Little Libraries
Hotels, resorts, and even some Airbnbs often have bookshelves or leave-behind libraries. You might be surprised at what you find.
Here’s a real example. Suzanne found a copy of A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole on a random shelf at a resort. She picked it up just to have something to read by the pool, and it ended up becoming one of her favorite series of all time. Yes, her Immortals After Dark love affair started right there on vacation.
6. Download Audiobooks for Travel Days (or Beach Days)
Flights, road trips, and long train rides are the perfect time for audiobooks. You can also listen while walking around a city, relaxing by the pool, laying out on the beach or hiking somewhere new.
Try apps like Libby, Audible, Libro.fm or even Spotify. Just make sure to download them in advance so they’re available offline.
Audiobooks are also great if you’re sharing space with others and need a quiet way to unwind.
Need some headphone options? Check these out!
7. Don’t Forget Your Bookish Essentials
It’s the little things that make vacation reading easier. Pack these in your carry-on:
- A good bookmark or two (or honestly, whatever scrap of paper you’ll use)
- A clip-on reading light for late nights
- Headphones for audiobooks and playlists
- A Kindle case or sleeve if you’re traveling with an e-reader
None of these take up much space, but they make a huge difference when you’re reading in shared rooms or on the go.
8. Create a Reading Playlist to Set the Mood
Want to make your vacation reading feel even more immersive? Pair your book with a playlist that matches the vibe. Romantic, witchy, summery, or dark and dramatic—you can set the tone with a quick Spotify search.
It’s a small thing, but it makes your solo reading time feel more intentional.
9. Build In Time to Actually Read
If you wait for the perfect quiet moment to open your book, it might never come. Schedule reading into your day like you would a nice dinner or a museum visit.
Try these reading rituals:
- A chapter with your morning coffee
- A few pages while lounging between excursions
- A wind-down session at night with your Kindle in bed
- Read while traveling
You don’t need hours. Even 15 minutes a day keeps you connected to your reading routine.
10. Leave a Book Behind for the Next Traveler
If you finish a physical book during your trip, consider leaving it behind. You can tuck it into the hotel’s reading shelf, leave it in a Little Free Library, or pass it to another traveler.
It lightens your luggage and shares the bookish joy. Who knows—your vacation read might become someone else’s new favorite.
Let Reading Be Part of the Adventure
Books aren’t just a backup plan for boredom. They’re part of the vacation story. The early mornings on the balcony, the poolside breaks, the quiet moments before bed. Whether you bring a whole stack or just your Kindle, give yourself permission to read for the joy of it.
Do you have any other packing tips for book lovers that we didn’t cover here? Leave your suggestions in the comments below!
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