Beyond the Beach Read: Bookish Travel
“I want to read big books in nice hotels.”
These were my husband’s words to me while we were dating – hence the subsequent marriage, obviously. What self-proclaimed bibliophile could resist dreaming together of exploring new places with gorgeous lounges, rich food and good books?
Most people’s vacations revolve around family visits or dream destinations. Ever thought about planning a trip because of a book?
We have. Of course, we read about various places, especially noting the local, independent bookstores available, but the image in our minds isn’t just the touristy stuff. It’s reading. Where do we want to go read books?
Books can inspire us to travel, sparking a desire to explore new worlds after getting a sneak peek of them through the author’s eyes. My mother-in-law insisted on drinking a “pink gin” and seeing the Nile River with her own eyes on her recent trip to Egypt, adventuring after her beloved Agatha Christie in Death on the Nile.
Of course, we all know that books can keep us company while we are traveling. Whether you’re lugging books in your carryon, packing an e-reader or listening, you can’t really say you’re a book lover if you don’t agonize over which books to bring to pass the time in airports.
For us, there’s more to it than simply having something enjoyable to do while on vacation. My husband and I want to be places where we can picture ourselves reading. The possibilities are as endless as the destination choices. As you might have guessed, let’s start with the beach read.
You may not be familiar, but “beach read” is an actual genre of books. Beach reads are books that are good enough to keep you engaged but not so serious as to usurp your holiday. Some recent releases that might qualify: The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris and Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala.
Beyond the beach read, how might we pair books and travel? Maybe the same way we pair books and wine.
Ask yourself, what is the vibe of the book and where might that take us? A plot with endless horizons and unrealized potential might lead us to the deserts of Mexico or a sail in the North Sea. Heading to explore a famous gritty city? Bring along some characters with complex backstories or mysterious motives.
Doesn’t that sound like fun? Make it even more simple. Choose a book – historical fiction, a thriller or romance – that takes place in your destination of choice. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by friends with fascinating stories.
Of course, not everyone can afford books, let alone vacations. BookGive makes sure everyone can get away, at least as far as the stories in a book can carry us. Books are the best escape! Free books are even better. Travel thousands of miles, not to mention throughout the space-time continuum without spending a dime.
How can you access free books? Join the email list so you don’t miss BookGive’s community book give-aways where you can pick up a load of great reads – all free – for you next trip or book escape.
Contributions for this blog from BookGive volunteer, Miranda Ericksen.
