Why Reading Retreats are One of the Fastest-Growing Travel Trends for Women in 2026

A quieter, smarter way to travel is having a moment, and women are leading the charge.

Not every vacation needs an itinerary that reads like a military operation.

In 2026, more women are opting out of jam-packed sightseeing, 6 a.m. wake-up calls, and the unspoken pressure to “make the most of every second.” Instead, they’re choosing travel that leaves room to breathe, and yes, to read.

Enter: the Reading Retreat.

What once sounded niche or indulgent has quickly become one of the most talked-about travel formats for women, especially those over 35. Publications like Vogue, USA Today, and National Geographic have all spotlighted literary travel and reading-focused escapes (and quoting our Slow Travel Co. founder!), signaling what many travelers already feel: this isn’t a fad, it’s a response.

So, why now?

Because burnout is boring.

After years of being “on” at work, online, and everywhere in between, women are craving trips that don’t demand performance. Reading Retreats offer something refreshingly radical: permission to do less, without guilt.

No group reading assignments. No pressure to socialize every minute. No checklist of “must-see” attractions. Just beautiful places, intentional pacing, and time that actually feels like yours.

Reading Retreats aren’t anti-exploration. They’re anti-rush

There’s a misconception that Reading Retreats mean staying put the entire time, curled up indoors like a Victorian child with a fainting couch. Not quite.

Most Reading Retreats blend exploration with generous downtime. Depending on our destination, we could wander historic towns and visit local wineries, or go ziplining and snorkeling before returning to a beautiful villa with a book when you’re ready.

The difference is choice. You’re not racing the clock. You’re not trying to see everything. You’re allowed to enjoy what’s in front of you and skip the rest.

It’s travel that trusts you to know what you need.

Why women, specifically, are driving this trend

Women have long been the planners. Of trips, families, calendars, and expectations. Reading Retreats flip that dynamic.

They appeal to women who:

• Travel solo but don’t want to be alone

• Love books but don’t want homework

• Appreciate beautiful destinations without needing a jam-packed agenda

• Want rest that doesn’t feel like quitting

  
  

For many, it’s the first time travel feels truly restorative instead of performative. No “content creation” pressure. No country counting. No comparing experiences. Just time that belongs to you.

The cultural shift is bigger than books

Yes, books are central, but the rise of Reading Retreats points to something larger: a move away from productivity-as-identity, even on vacation.

It’s no surprise that literary travel is gaining mainstream attention now. The appetite for slower, more intentional experiences isn’t niche anymore! It’s mainstream, especially among women, redefining what “a good vacation” looks like.

Where Slow Travel Co. fits in

At Slow Travel Co., Reading Retreats were never about trends. They were about creating the kind of travel many women were already wishing existed.

Each retreat is designed around:

• Thoughtfully chosen destinations (both beloved and slightly unexpected)

• Ample unstructured time

• Optional experiences, never mandatory ones

• The understanding that reading is both a pleasure and a form of rest

No assigned books. No forced discussions.

Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond

If current momentum is any indication, Reading Retreats are only getting started.

As women continue to seek travel experiences that feel personal, unhurried, and genuinely enjoyable, this format isn’t going anywhere. It’s evolving into a new category altogether. And honestly? About time.

If this way of traveling resonates, you can explore our upcoming Reading Retreat destinations to see what’s on the calendar. From countryside escapes to sun-soaked coastal stays, each retreat is designed with the same intention: beautiful places, unhurried days, and plenty of space to read, rest, and wander at your own pace. Whether one is calling to you now or you’re just beginning to imagine a future trip, you’re always welcome to take a look.