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What Kind of Reader Are You on Vacation (And What You Should Pack)

  • May 9
  • 2 min read

Packing for a trip sounds simple until you get to the books. Because suddenly you’re standing there thinking, “What if I’m in the mood for something light?” “But also what if I want something deep?” "And what if I finish two books and need a third?”


Next thing you know, half your suitcase is books, and you’re still not convinced you packed the right ones. If that sounds familiar, this post is for you.


Before you overpack your entire bookshelf, let’s figure out what kind of reader you actually are on vacation and what you should realistically bring.


📖 The “I’m Definitely Going to Read 5 Books” Reader


What you think will happen:

Open book on sandy beach with turquoise sea and clear blue sky in background, evoking a sense of relaxation and leisure.

Long, uninterrupted days of reading by the pool. Finishing a book every day. Maybe even journaling about them.


What actually happens:

You read… a lot less than expected.


There are conversations, meals, exploring, naps, and suddenly you’re halfway through one book, wondering where the time went.


What to pack:

  • 2 to 3 books max

  • A mix of easy and engaging reads

  • One “backup” book just in case


🏖️ The “One Perfect Book” Reader


What you think will happen:

You will slowly savor one really good book for the entire trip.


What actually happens:You either:

  • Finish it way too fast and wish you had another

  • Or don’t love it and feel stuck


What to pack:

  • 2 books minimum

  • One you’re excited about

  • One that’s totally different, just in case


A stack of six colorful books on a black table in a modern, bright room with chairs. Titles include "House of Hunger" and "Katabasis."

📚 The “Mood Reader”


What you think will happen:

You’ll go with the flow and read whatever feels right.


What actually happens:

You brought 6 books and somehow none of them match your mood.


What to pack:

  • 3 books across different genres

  • Something light

  • Something immersive

  • Something familiar or comforting


Bonus points if you’re going on a Reading Retreat and can swap with someone else.


😴 The “I Fall Asleep After 3 Pages” Reader


What you think will happen:

You’ll finally catch up on reading.


What actually happens:

You fall asleep immediately every time you open your book. (Honestly, this might be exactly what you need.)


What to pack:

  • One easy, low-pressure read

  • No expectations

  • Maybe a second book just in case


🧳 What I’m Packing for My England Reading Retreats


I’m heading to the Cotswolds next week for two back-to-back Reading Retreats, and even I have to think this through every time.

Hand holding a colorful book titled "Maine Characters" by Hannah Orenstein. Background shows a blurry poolside setting with relaxed ambiance.

Here’s what I’m bringing:

  • The Movement: How Women's Liberation Transformed America by Clara Bingham

  • A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn

  • Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman

  • The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst


I'm really trying to bring a mix of genres! I've got non-fiction, a historical fiction with a bit of romance, a sci-fi, and a witchy romance.


And yes, I will probably end up borrowing a book from someone else anyway.


✨ Want to Actually Have Time to Read on Your Next Trip?


If you’re tired of bringing books on vacation and never opening them, you’re not alone.

That’s exactly why we created Reading Retreats.


 
 
 

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