The rituals of vacation reading

Why I always pack a paperback—and sometimes leave it behind. Plus, a peek at the weight-inclusive reads I’m reviewing right now.

When I go on vacation, I like to read my books in print.

It’s one of my quirks. Most of the time, I don’t care whether I’m reading in print or on digital. (I gave up on audiobooks a while ago. I just couldn’t focus in the car, which was my main “reading” space. And if I liked the book, I usually ended up buying the print or Kindle version anyway).

Despite a teetering stack (or two! or three!) of mostly unread books on my bedside table, I read most of my books on my iPhone via the Kindle app. But when it’s time to pack for a trip, I go through the stacks and grab a book (sometimes two) based on my mood and slip them into my carry-on bag. If I bring two, one is usually nonfiction, though it often stays tucked away.

Vacations, after all, are for escape, and nonfiction just doesn’t usually fit the mood. (Memoir being the exception.)

Plunge pool reading at Nayara Tented Camp

But fiction is more than an escape. It’s a way to step into a different world entirely. Even if the premise has nothing to do with my destination, which it almost never does, it opens my mind to new perspectives—new ways of thinking, seeing, being. Somehow, it enhances the experience of being elsewhere.

Once I arrive, the book goes on the nightstand, along with my reading glasses, my iPhone charger, and the destination guide or magazine (if the hotel provides one). It’s part of the ritual of unwinding.

In my 9-to-5 days, I used to never go offline, not even on vacation. But these days, I take deliberate steps to unplug. I avoid email. I try not to check my news apps (hard right now with the state of the world). On my most recent trip, I even turned off Substack notifications.

Reading in print is one of the ways I reclaim “me” time. It’s indulgent, but in the best way. It demands nothing of me beyond attention. It gives me permission to rest. I wish I did more print reading at home, but there are more distractions, obligations. On vacation, it’s the perfect pause and a problem-solver: when I’m ready before everyone else, instead of getting frustrated, I sit back down and open my book.

Sometimes I make reading on vacation into a game. Can I finish the book before I leave and leave it behind? So many hotels have lending libraries now, and I like to do my part. (Side note: Am I the only one who does this?)

In February, we made it to Nayara Springs in Costa Rica, one of my husband’s bucket list resorts. Our tented camp had its own patio with a hammock, loungers, and a plunge pool fed by volcanic thermal springs. It quickly became one of my favorite places to read in the mornings or between activities.

I’ve been reading print on vacation for so long now that I forget I have other reading options when I travel. On another trip, when I was almost done with Barbara Kingsolver’s “Demon Copperhead” (a tough read I’ll confess I almost didn’t make it through because of how depressing it was), I turned to my husband in a moment of concern.

“I don't know what I’m going to do when I finish this book, I didn’t bring anything else to read with me.”

My husband, who reads exclusively on his Kindle or iPhone, looked at me like I was crazy, before reminding me that my next book was a mere download away. But that’s not how I roll on vacation.

Soaking tub at Carmel Valley Ranch. Book not included.

Last weekend, I flew to California to meet my husband, who now spends many of his work weeks there. We headed down the coast for a few days of bliss—walks and hikes through Big Basin, Big Sur, Carmel Beach, and Carmel Valley. We stayed at Carmel Valley Ranch, a gem of a property that feels like a refined summer camp (not that I ever went to camp, refined or otherwise).

The highlight for me was an outdoor soaking tub. Some of the second-floor suites have them. We booked with points—a perk of my husband’s frequent travel—and paid a little extra to land one of those heavenly tubs. Our patio faced west, with a front-row seat to the sunset from a perfectly oversized oval stone tub.

While I’m home or away, reading in the bath is already one of my favorite rituals, but when it’s outdoors and surrounded by nature, it’s next level.

We arrived just as the sun dipped behind the hills, and the first thing I did after settling in was hop into that tub with my chosen book: Tara Westover’s memoir “Educated” (I know I’m late to the party, but it was so, so good).

There’s something about being in water, holding a real book, and sinking into a story that has nothing to do with your life. It was the perfect start to a relaxing getaway.

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📖 Let’s talk about your reading rituals

I’d love to hear from you. Do you read more when you travel? What are your vacation reading rituals (or just reading rituals in general)? Are you Team Print or Team Kindle? If you’ve got a great vacation read, please drop the name here so we can all add it to our list!

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My upcoming weight-inclusive reads + reviews

One of the non-vacation times I prefer print is when I’m reading books for review. I don’t do them often, but in a fun bit of timing, I’ve got four I’m currently reading and planning to share more about soon!

“No Weight Loss Required” by

Megrette Fletcher (She/Her)

(coming May 1, 2025)

A weight-inclusive guide for those navigating diabetes. I interviewed Megrette for my series Dared to Ditch back in January, and it was truly one of the most personally powerful interviews I’ve done. I’m honored to learn this newsletter was included in the resources section.

“Nurture: How to Raise Kids Who Love Food, Their Bodies, and Themselves” by

Heidi Schauster

Published on January 9, 2024, this guide offers insights into fostering healthy relationships with food and body image in children and teens. ​

“Nourish: How to Heal Your Relationship with Food, Body, and Self” by Heidi Schauster

Released on March 6, 2018, this one presents a 10-step healing process to transform eating habits from self-control to self-love. ​

“Find Your Food Voice: Defy Diet Culture, Declare Body Liberation, and Reclaim Your Peace” by Julie Duffy Dillon (March 25, 2025, Sheldon Press)

I wasn’t familiar with Duffy Dillon’s work until her PR team reached out, but this book aims to challenge diet culture and promote body liberation. ​

I’ll be sharing more about each of these soon—what I’m loving, what’s resonating, and why you might want to read them too, so stay tuned!