What to Bring on a Reading Retreat (Besides That Stack of Books You’ve Been Hoarding)

Packing for a Reading Retreat is not like packing for a high-speed “see-10-cities-in-7-days” tour where you live in wrinkled clothes and snack on protein bars while running for the next train. Instead, think: comfort, intention, and a dash of “I could spend all day reading here.”

Here’s what to bring (and what you can leave behind) for your next Slow Travel Co. Reading Retreat:

The Obvious: Books

Yes, bring the book you’ve been “currently reading” since last summer. Yes, bring that buzzy new release you swore you’d start. But remember, you’ll also have quiet reading time built into the retreat, and we do a book exchange on night one, so pack one you’ve already loved and are ready to pass along. Think of it as literary matchmaking.

Clothing & Essentials

While every destination has its own quirks (tropical beaches in Costa Rica, misty mornings in England, sunny island strolls in Greece), there are a few essentials that will serve you well no matter where we go:

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months, if traveling internationally)

• Comfortable clothing suited to the climate. Lightweight and breathable for warm destinations, or layers and cozy knits for cooler ones

• Walking shoes (and hiking shoes if you’re feeling adventurous)

• Weather gear like rain jacket/umbrella for unpredictable showers, sunhat and sunglasses for brighter climates

• Sunscreen & bug spray (a must for tropical spots, optional but never a bad idea elsewhere)

• Medications and personal essentials (always in your carry-on)

• A little USD or local currency cash for emergencies or small shops/cafés

• Reusable water bottle (hydration is always in style)

We’ll provide the rest: towels, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryers, eye masks, and earplugs. Basically, all the boring but important stuff is covered.

The Fun Extras

• Your favorite books or Kindle

• A book to exchange at dinner (Night 1!)

• Journal, sketchbook, or whatever helps you capture slow moments

• A little extra room in your luggage for your gift bag and bookish goodies 

The Reading Retreat Mindset

This isn’t a trip where you’ll need to pack a color-coded itinerary binder. Instead, bring curiosity, openness, and a willingness to embrace downtime. You’ll have mornings where the biggest decision is “pool or hammock?” and evenings spent around the table swapping stories.

One Last Note

Don’t stress too much. We’ll send you a full packing list prior to departure so nothing slips through the cracks. Just remember: Reading Retreats are about slowing down, not lugging around three suitcases full of “just in case” outfits. (This isn’t Gilmore Girls where Rory moves into Yale with her entire bedroom.)

Interested in joining a Reading Retreat? Check out our newest 2026 destinations.