Some people think reading and traveling do not mix. The rush of airports, the noise of bus stations, the unpredictability of schedules — all seem like enemies to a peaceful reading moment. Yet, travelers all over the world manage to keep a steady page-turning habit even while hopping between cities. The truth? You can enjoy travel reading if you plan with the same care you use for booking flights or packing clothes. vpnly.com offers a great example of how digital tools can make travel smoother, showing that preparation is the key to creating space for the things you love. Let’s explore how.
1. Accept That Your Routine Will Change — and Adapt
At home, you might have a favorite chair, a cup of tea, and a set time each evening for reading. On the road, your “reading nook” could be a crowded train seat or a sunny park bench in a foreign city. The trick isn’t to recreate your home ritual exactly — it’s to adapt. Think short reading bursts rather than marathon sessions. Ten minutes on a ferry deck with the wind in your hair can sometimes be more memorable than an hour on your couch.
2. Choose the Right Format for the Trip
Carrying a hardback on a backpacking trip? That’s like bringing a brick in your luggage. For reading while traveling, lighter is better. Many travelers prefer e-readers, which can store hundreds of books without taking up more space than a notebook. If you love the smell of paper, opt for slim paperbacks or small-format editions. Audiobooks are another lifesaver — they turn long drives or airport waits into immersive storytelling sessions.
3. Schedule Reading into Your Day
Travel often comes with unpredictable delays: boarding queues, check-in lines, or bus rides that stretch on longer than expected. Instead of scrolling endlessly on your phone, treat these moments as reading opportunities. A 2019 survey found that the average traveler spends over two hours daily waiting for transport connections — a perfect window for fitting in a few chapters. Setting a mental reminder to read in these gaps keeps your routine alive.
4. Keep Your Reading Material Safe and Accessible
Physical books can be damaged by rain or bending. E-readers can run out of battery. Always keep a backup: a second book in your bag, a few downloaded e-books, or an audiobook saved on your phone. Store devices in padded sleeves and carry a portable charger. This reduces the chances of being “bookless” in the middle of a perfect reading moment.
5. Use Technology Wisely (and Safely)
If you read through online platforms or access books via apps, you’ll often rely on public Wi-Fi in airports, hotels, or cafés. Unfortunately, such networks can be unsafe. Protecting your data is as essential as protecting your passport.
That’s why it’s smart to use a VPN and mobile proxies for iOS when downloading e-books or syncing your reading apps. That’s because iPhone VPN encrypts your connection, ensuring your personal information and purchased books remain secure while you enjoy your digital library. With technically advanced VPN apps like VeePN or proxy provider like Proxidize, your security and privacy are guaranteed.
6. Mix Light and Heavy Reads
Your travel mood can change daily. One day you may crave a gripping mystery; another, a light romance or a travel memoir. Having variety prevents reading fatigue. Pack at least one “easy” book alongside your deeper choices. Many seasoned travelers keep a light read for noisy environments (where focus is harder) and a more complex one for quiet evenings.
7. Involve Your Surroundings
Travel reading can be enriched by your location. Reading a novel set in the country you’re visiting adds layers to your experience. For example, reading a Japanese short story while sitting in a Tokyo café makes the pages feel more alive. On a train through Italy, a local author’s travelogue might connect you more deeply to the landscapes outside your window.
8. Track Your Progress
Some people find motivation in keeping a log — noting pages read, books completed, or even brief impressions of each reading spot. Later, these notes become part of your travel memories: “Finished chapter eight on a rainy ferry to Santorini.” Apps like Goodreads or simple phone notes can help, but a small paper journal works just as well.
9. Know When Not to Read
Here’s the irony: maintaining a reading habit while traveling also means knowing when to put the book down. There will be moments when the scenery, the conversation, or the unexpected event in front of you deserves your full attention. Missing a sunset because you’re deep in a thriller might leave you with regrets. Balance is key.
10. Make Reading Social (If You Want)
Traveling with others doesn’t mean giving up your routine. Suggest shared reading sessions in the evening. Exchange books mid-trip with fellow travelers. In hostels, many leave behind books they’ve finished, creating an informal “take one, leave one” culture. You might discover new authors that way.
Final Thoughts
Travel reading isn’t about clinging to your home schedule; it’s about weaving books into the rhythm of the road. Some days you’ll read two pages; other days, two hundred. Both count. By adapting your format, securing your online reading habits, mixing genres, and using downtime wisely, you can keep the joy of reading alive no matter how many borders you cross. And when you return home, your books will carry the scent of the places you’ve been — not literally, but in the way certain paragraphs will forever be tied to a train ride, a café corner, or a quiet park far from home.