Tips for a Bookish Getaway

I don’t know if it is because of the “Meta” algorithms, but I’ve been seeing a lot of posts these days about people going on reading vacations. I’ve never thought of myself as trendy - but if going away for a weekend to read books is “on trend” these days - then I’ve been ahead of the curve for more than a decade!

So if you are like me - or like the host of other people on social media enjoying posts about escaping to a B&B with a fireplace, tea, and bookshelves galore, I am happy to share some of the tricks that I’ve discovered on what makes a reading vacation good for the soul when you can’t make it to a 5 star cabin in the woods.

As much as I enjoy aesthetically curated pictures of serene places to curl up with a book - sometimes you find yourself in a Fairfield Inn with a view of a strip mall, Red Lobster, or a highway. (Don’t get me wrong - I love Fairfield Inns, but they don’t really match the “Bookstagram Bookish Getaway” vibe).

Regardless of where your destination is, I think it is possible to have a nice retreat anywhere - even if you are in a Fairfield Inn with sounds of semitrucks honking in the background.

So here are a few tips, regardless of where your accommodations might be:

Embrace Solo Travel

For whatever reason, I’ve never been fearful of traveling by myself. From when I was in high school, I remember driving to a nearby town and exploring stores, parks, and coffee shops as a way to get away.

Through the years, I’ve learned from many friends that this can be scary for some - that doing things like going to a movie alone or sitting at a bar with a glass of wine by one’s self can be daunting for the uninitiated. So maybe leaving for a weekend by yourself for the first time may be even more overwhelming, so take it easy. Start with a baby-step. Just go some place close for an afternoon.

However, as you feel more comfortable - book a room at a hotel in your price range, bring a bottle of wine, some tea, snacks and your stack of books. Consider these to be your travel companions. They won’t let you down and if properly consumed - won’t suck the life out of you.

I understand that there are fears in doing this, but each time I take the time to retreat from my world for however small a bit of time, I learn more about myself. Start small and local. As wonderful as it may seem to book a chalet in the Swiss Alps for a week by yourself - this may not be the best first step if you’ve never traveled alone!

If this is something that still seems intimidating to you, check out my friend Dawn Pick Benson’s travel site. She does an extraordinary job coaching and inspiring people from all walks of life to discover the benefits of solo travel.

You Can Never Pack Too Many Books

When packing for a bookish getaway, always make room for more books - especially a wide array of books. For me, I find it frustrating if I’m away, and I don’t have a book that piques my interest. For this reason, I like to bring a variety of books and not feel as though I need to read everything I bring.

For me, my travel book collections tend to include a memoir, a historical graphic novel, a young adult book, chick lit, a historical fiction, a non-fiction book about some historical event that is of interest to me, and a book by an author from the area I’m visiting. You may be totally different: mystery, fantasy, medical journals, true crime - if you love it, bring it!

Of course, if space is an issue, there is always Kindle and Audio books. Generally, I like to pack 3-5 books, but it depends on the trip and the form of travel/space allowed for physical books in my luggage. But if it’s a choice between a book or another extra pair of shoes, I’m going to choose the book, personally!

I am very aware that I can be a bit excessive, and that my travel book haul can provide problems for packing. Like when I took my massively huge edition of Calvin’s Institutes when I traveled to Geneva, Switzerland. However, I knew if I did not have my highlighted copy from my days in grad school, I would be bummed when I visited Calvin’s church, drank his beer, and visited his grave. So I opted for a pair of sensible flats over two inch heels in order to make space for this monstrosity of a book.

Get Out of the Hotel and When You Do - Always Have a Book

I started going on reading retreats to Lake Placid over ten years ago when I was needing a respite from a demanding job. I discovered a great hotel that was an easy walk to the main street. The hotel had beautiful views of the lake, an indoor hot tub and pool, and a patio with an abundance of flowers.

It would have been easy to stay in the hotel the entire time; however, I quickly learned that even though my priority was to decompress and read, it was good for my soul to venture outside the hotel.

I loved meandering down to the main street, walking in and out of shops, and grabbing a slice of pizza while I cracked open a book.

Then I would return to the hotel, read a bit in my room, or in a hotel nook before heading to dinner someplace where I would enjoy an entree and a glass of wine with an open book.

It was also nice to take a bike ride or hike with a book in my backpack, so when I took a break, I could enjoy a chapter or two with a scenic view; then I’d stop by a brewery on the way back to the hotel - where I could enjoy a flight of beer with my book.

There is much to be said about the value of staying in a comfy bed while reading. But I have found trips to be even better for my spirit when I can experience reading in a multitude of places that provide peace and calm.

Find a Bookish Place to Visit

*F. Scott Fitzgerald’s House, St. Paul, Minnesota*

Anywhere you find yourself traveling will most likely have bookish places to visit. Independent book stores (or even a Barnes & Noble) are a great place to start. Once you book your hotel room, google bookstores in close proximity. At some point at the start of your visit, stop by your local bookstore and see if there are local authors’ historical markers or a “places of interest” section or look at their websites before you go. (For example, click here for Beacon Hill Books & Cafe, and what their website shows for local attractions.) I’m always surprised by what I discover and it provides great ideas for where else to visit during my getaway.

Many times, historical sites are great places to discover new non-fiction or historical fiction book titles, too. Gift shops are places where I inevitably add more books to my Goodreads list as well.

In addition, in the case of Lake Placid, I loved visiting the ice skating rink where the legendary 1980s Olympic Hockey game occurred. I am by no means a hockey fan and my knowledge is limited - but learning about the, dynamics surrounding the game, the players and the book, The Boys of Winter was such fun.

Don’t Stay Too Long

Goldilocks taught us all a valuable lesson, as it relates to reading retreats - you want the length to be “just right.”

If it is too short, I leave thinking, “what was the point? I was just figuring out my groove!”
If it is too long, I find myself having a harder time adjusting back into a regular pace of life.
If a reading retreat is just the right amount of time - you will leave refreshed and with plans to take another trip in the future.

For me, I have found book retreats are best when not viewed as a way to escape life, but rather as a way to reenergize so that I can return to my regular life with a greater sense of purpose and perspective.

I remember someone I used to work with said that good military leaders “Charge!” they don’t “retreat” and I find this to be an inspiration for reading getaways, too. There is great value with charging into life with gusto! However, I also think that a good military leader can’t be “charging” all of the time. It is necessary for those fighting a good fight to take a break and “retreat” at times. So if you find yourself getting exhausted with all of the “Charging!” know that I am here rooting you on and saying that there is nothing wrong with “retreating” when you need to.

After a good time away hopefully you’ll return to life refreshed and renewed, having enjoyed some pretty places, good books, and hopefully, with a good number of new books in your suitcase.

Note: This post focused on solo book retreats - A post will soon follow for tips on how to have a reading retreat with friends.

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