If there’s a single point that both casual readers and avid book lovers can concur on, it’s thatreading on holidayFeels somewhat magical. Away from the pressures of everyday routine, worries disappear. Time appears to extend.
Books seem more vivid, engaging, and easy to keep reading. Long novels no longer appear daunting; short ones are happily read all at once. Paperbacks might get wet by the pool or gather grains of sand in the spine, but those well-worn books are the ones we value because they are filled with pleasant reading memories.
Then we head back home. Books once again take a backseat – squeezed in between errands, emails, and endless scrolling. Reading turns into something we only manage to get around to at the end of the day, in a struggle with our weary eyes.
Alternatively, we may take up a book with positive intentions, only to put it down shortly after, drawn back into the chaos of everyday routines. The rhythm varies. The ambiance is different. And the pleasure of immersing oneself in a narrative begins to seem like an indulgence we can’t quite manage.
But with some deliberate effort and a few minor adjustments, it is possible toread as if you are on vacation– even when you’re far away. From creating a holiday-themed reading corner to concentrating on enjoyment, you can recreate that relaxed, luxurious, and immersive atmosphere anytime, anywhere. Here’s how to maintain the enchantment of holiday reading, even after you’ve finished unpacking…
Maintain your routine and continue with your practices
Whether it’s morning pages by the water or an hour in the swing after lunch, one of the reasons holiday reading is so enjoyable is that it allows us to create reading routines. And you don’t need a behavior expert to realize that these routines help us develop habits—once you’re back home, all you have to do is maintain them.
“Reading during holidays reminds us of the joy of being completely engrossed in a book—so maintain that energy by setting aside a short ‘reading break’ each day,” says Lucy Pearson, a bibliotherapist who organizes reading retreats andThe Literary EditA newsletter on Substack. You may not have an hour to spend in a hammock (Pearson recommends using a timer for only 20 minutes), but establishing any kind of daily reading routine will make a difference. The more consistent you are with a habit, the simpler it becomes.
Curate your list of books with the same amount of attention
“I dedicate more time to planning my holiday reading than my clothing choices,” says Carly Penderis, a bookseller at The Wee Bookshop in Dollar, Clackmannanshire. This is a sentiment many readers can understand: after all, there’s nothing more frustrating than being stuck with a poor book during your vacation, or discovering too late that a stack of titles are all very similar.
Most of us carefully consider what to bring, ensuringthe booksOffer trusted suggestions, or ensure there is a good mix of light and serious content, along with mysteries and romances. So why not apply that same approach to your home reading experience?
I always pick a book I’m really excited about and choose a day that feels right to start,” says Penderis. “I’ve been saving John Boyne’sThe Elements series, for example, to indulge in during my next break – because the perfect book at the ideal moment can feel like a vacation.
Focus on pleasure
While you’re in the mood, don’t feel obligated to read specific kinds of books after the holidays. Beach reads are called that because they are usually enjoyable and simple to get through – and there’s nothing wrong with keeping on reading them even when you’re far from the shoreline. “Maintain that relaxed vibe by picking what feels good, not what you think you should read,” suggests Pearson.
“Give yourself permission to be a ‘lazy’ reader – and what I mean by that is you don’t have to read serious books,” agreesDaisy Buchanan, the writer of the non-fiction manualRead Yourself Happy and the novel Pity Party, which has recently been released in paperback. “Allow yourself to read for enjoyment. Let’s face it, once you’re back at work, you’re going to need even more moments of fun than usual.”
Don’t hesitate to set a book aside, either. “If a book was dull during your vacation, you likely wouldn’t waste your valuable time off trying to reach the end just to finish it,” says Buchanan. “The same principle should apply when you’re back home. There’s no need to complete a book you don’t enjoy simply because you’re not on holiday anymore.”
Try destination reading
If you’re yearning for a sense of escape, let books take you elsewhere. “Choose titles that transport you — whether to a hot summer in Italy, the rugged cliffs of Croatia, or the dimly lit streets of Paris,” says Pearson. “Try”Family and Borghesia by Natalia Ginzburg, Slanting Towards the Seaby Lidija Hilje, or James Baldwin’sGiovanni’s Room.”
Buchanan says: “Some of the books I cherish the most are those that give me the feeling of still being on vacation. They really help to ease the sadness after a trip. I loved”Beautiful Ruinsby Jess Walter – it’s set along the coast of Italy in the 1960s and transported me to a different place and time. Or tryThe Layoverby Beth Reekles – it’s incredibly charming, delightful, and takes place entirely in an airport.
Alternatively, draw inspiration from your recent travels. “If you’ve just come back from a journey, maintain the experience by reading books set in that location,” says Christy Matthews, from Ink@84 Books in Highbury, north London.
You don’t need to stop being curious about a location after you’ve departed. Inquire with your local bookstore for suggestions. For example, if you were reading Orhan Pamuk in Istanbul, tryTell Them of Battles, Kings and Elephantsby Mathias Énard and uncover another aspect of Turkish history.
Read while on the go
Half the pleasure of reading during holidays is, naturally, the environment. “It would be great if we could read on a beach or by a pool,” says Buchanan. “But you can definitely create that vacation atmosphere by”reading outdoors.
Head to the park during your lunch break and bring a refreshing drink – iced tea always makes me feel like I’m on vacation.
Kat Harrison, representing Truman Books in Farsley, Leeds, agrees, stating: “I don’t mind reading in a bar during vacation. However, at home, reading tends to be neglected due to chores, daily tasks, and television.”
Occasionally, I go to a bar, café, or beer garden with comfortable seating and relax with my favorite drink and my current book. It’s a small shift in environment that brings back the relaxed feeling of vacation into my day.
Read Next: The top five books for escaping reality, as recommended by Matt Haig
Host a small reading getaway at home
“Kindle a candle, prepare a beverage – whether it’s iced coffee or an Aperol spritz, there’s no criticism here – and designate one chair in your house as a screen-free reading area,” says Pearson.
Carolynn Bain from Afrori Books in Brighton comments: “This is something I do regularly. Turn it into a night of self-care – prepare your favorite meal, play a holiday playlist, lower the lights, and curl up with your book.”
Go off grid
At home, we can spend whole evenings watching unthinking TV or browsing our phones – sometimes simultaneously – in a manner we would never consider while vacationing. “Pick one night each week to go without screens,” advises Bain. “I choose Mondays – it’s an excellent way to begin the week.”
If you’re looking for a push, look at your phone’s screen time data, suggests Ross Denby from Pages N’ Pixels, a comic book store located in Halifax, West Yorkshire. “Allocate 10 or 20 percent of your screen time from last week to reading instead. You’ll be surprised at how fast you can finish books—and how much more relaxed you’ll feel.”
Make it social
It can frequently seem simpler to read during a vacation because, more often than not, you’re surrounded by others who are also reading. “Some of my favorite holidays have been the group ones, where we’re all ‘alone together,'” says Buchanan. “We’re quietly reading our books, sharing snacks, and occasionally gasping or laughing out loud.”
Although reading is a wonderful activity to enjoy by oneself, I prefer to bring back the holiday spirit by having a friend or two over for areading afternoon– particularly because this often leads to many wonderful literary discussions.
