How to Pack for the Perfect Bookish Vacation

1. Do not pack more than seven books. Even if you’re going to the beach for an entire week. Even if you’re going on an international trip for two weeks. Even if you’re going away for a long weekend away to a secluded cabin. Even if your vacation is longer than a month . . . well, okay maybe then you can bring a few more. But sabbaticals excluded, seven books is usually sufficient for one vacation. I’m already saving PACHINKO by Min Jin Lee as one of my next seven vacation reads.

2. Bring a variety of genres. One or two thrillers, for sure. These books are easy to read and the perfection distraction from jet lag. I highly recommend THE SECRETS SHE KEEPS by Michael Robotham. I’d also bring a literary novel, a memoir, a funny book, a short story collection, a historical fiction, or a love story.

3. Stick with what you know. Bring books by authors you already love. This is a great way to ensure you’ll enjoy the books you’re bringing and to avoid wasting space on a dud. Loved SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN? Throw THE TEA GIRL OF HUMMINGBIRD LANE in your bag.

Read the full review of THE TEA GIRL OF HUMMINGBIRD LANE.

4. Ask for recommendations. Consider books that your friends (or Off the Shelvers) have highly recommended. Again, you don’t want to lug around a dud. If you’re asking me, you can’t go wrong with THE GERMAN GIRL by Armando Lucas Correa. It’s a fantastic historical fiction novel perfect for fans of THE NIGHTINGALE and ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE.

5. Pack paperbacks and books you wouldn’t mind leaving behind. The paperbacks will keep your luggage light and bringing books you don’t feel guilty leaving behind opens up room for . . . more books! I always end up at an indie bookstore on my travels and can’t resist buying a new book as a souvenir. On my last vacation I visisted several bookstores in London and bought close to 10 books, including the charming WHEN GOD WAS A RABBIT.

6. Take that one book you’ve been meaning to read for ages. It will feel so good to finally get it off your TBR pile! I’m looking at you, STATE OF WONDER.

7. Keep it light. If you’re like me, your brain needs a vacation, too. Leave the serious, high-brow literature at home. And, publishing friends, don’t even think about bringing work books. It can be difficult to get into these books and you may end up hating a book you would have liked in nonvacation mode. I read THE SHARK CLUB on my summer vacation and loved it.

8. Match your destination. Be it the beach, the mountains, or a magnificent European city, it can be really fun to read a book set where you’re vacationing. It may also teach you more about the history of the place you’re touring. I’m sure reading BEAUTIFUL RUINS in Cinque Terre is a magical experience.

Read the full review of BEAUTIFUL RUINS.

9. Bring one long book. If you’re like me, you inevitably get stuck in an airport or in the car for many more hours than you expected. This can be a great time to get power through an extra long, extra good read like THE NIX.

10. When in doubt, load up an e-reader with any other books you just couldn’t resist packing. This is a sure-fire way to make sure you never run out things to read without punishing your back. You should probably download DID YOU EVER HAVE A FAMILY. I just read the e-book and it’s incredible.

Safe travels and happy reading!