Books
I've always loved traveling. To me, it's the perfect experience because it includes new places and experiences, relaxation and adventure, a lot of eating, and usually plenty of down time to read. If you're a bibliophile with a case of wanderlust yourself, you're going to want to get these accessories every reader needs on the road, because when you're a book-lover on vacation, you're going to need more than sunscreen and a bathing suit to get you through your trip.
My priorities when I travel generally include finding the best local cuisine, seeing the sights that aren't listed in the guidebook, and having plenty of time to kick back, relax, and get lost in a good book. Whenever I go on vacation, whether it's to a beachy place to soak up the sun and sand, a camping trip in the woods, or a hotel getaway somewhere, I always bring at least two books with me, physical or digital. Over the years, though, I've learned packing books simply isn't enough. To be a truly happy reader on the road, I need something to keep my books protected in my luggage, the right kind of bookmark to hold my place no matter how bumpy the road gets, a backup battery for my e-reader so I never run out of juice, and just the right accessory for reading on the plane.
Luckily, I've found all those things and more, and I'm ready to let you in on my travel secrets, from one book-lover to another.
Ready to pack your bags and hit the wide open road? Then here are 13 accessories every reader needs on the road.
1Book Sleeve
Golden Feathers BookBud Book Sleeve, $18, Etsy
Whether you toss your book in your carry on bag, or have it stowed away in your luggage, you're going to want to make sure it is protected. This beautiful fabric book sleeve will keep your paperbacks safe from ripped and ratty covers.
2Magnetic Bookmark
William Shakespeare Magnetic Bookmark, $5, Etsy
When you're traveling, just about anything, including your tickets, receipts, and gum wrappers, can become bookmarks. But if you want to make sure you don't lose your spot while on the road, make sure you have a magnetic bookmark to hold your place. Unlike your makeshift versions, these bookmarks won't rip, budge, or fall out, no matter where you take them.
3Tote Bag
"Read" Tote Bag, $18, Society6
Tote bags are an essential accessory for all readers, but especially for bibliophiles who travels. The perfect place to store your wallet, keys, tickets, and, of course, books, this beautiful tote bag will help you bring everything you need with you, on the road and beyond.
4Clip On Reading Light
LuminoLite Rechargeable Clip On Reading Light, $18, Amazon
The best part about reading is that it requires very little aside from a book and good enough light to see it with. Make sure you don't find yourself stuck in the dark on your travels by packing a clip on reading light. Whether you're a passenger on a dark bus or airplane, or you're enjoying your book under the night sky, this rechargeable tool is the perfect companion for any traveler.
5The Book Seat
A Book Seat, $40, Amazon
A two-in-one book holder and travel pillow, the Book Seat is a travel accessory made in literary heaven. A great tool for reading hands-free, this dual-action item molds to any shape and any surface, and doubles as a travel pillow for readers on the go. What more could the traveling bibliophile ask for?
6The Book Lover's Journal
The Book Lover's Journal, $9, Amazon
Keep track of what you read on your travels with this small and handy Book Lover's Journal. A great way to log what you read and where you read it, this slim book will fit right in with your reading go-bag.
7Literature Nalgene
Powells Literature Nalgene Bottle, $12, Powells
There are two things readers need to survive: books and water. This clever Literature-themed nalgene combines the two and makes the perfect travel accessory for the reader who wants to stay hydrated — and well read — on the road.
8Portable Charger
Spigen Mini Portable Charger, $8, Amazon
Whether you're reading on the beach of camping in the woods, you're going to want to make sure your e-reader stays fully charged all vacation long. That's why you're going to need a mini portable charger like this one. Small, lightweight, and compatible with everything from your iPhone, iPad, Kindle, Nook, or other tablet, it's the perfect handy accessory to throw in your bookish tote along with your e-reader, bookmarks, and other travel reading accessories.
9Polarized Sunglasses
Polarized Sunglasses, $95, Warby Parker
Make sure your eyes stay safe when reading on the road and in the sun by getting yourself a pair of polarized sunglasses. The perfect pair of protective eyewear, polarized sunglasses will help cut the glare your print book's bright white page gives off, but we warned they may make reading on a tablet, phone, or e-reader more difficult.
10Noise Cancelling Headphones
Phillips Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones, $60, Target
If you're the kind of reader who enjoys a good audiobook on your travels, you're going to want to make sure you have the right gear for optimal listening. Whether you're in a loud airport, a crowded bus station, or you just want to relax on vacation without having to hear people ask you, "What are you reading?" a million times, these noise canceling headphones will ensure you can enjoy your audiobook distraction-free, anytime, anywhere.
11Travel Book Candle
Bookish Soy Candle, $11, Etsy
No matter where the road takes you, make sure you're prepared to read in comfort with a great book, the right reading pillow (see above), and something to set the mood, like this travel bookish candle. Perfect for lighting by the bathtub at your hotel, next to the fire on your camping trip, or even on the beach during your sunset reading session, this candle will make you feel relaxed and ready to binge read no matter where you are on vacation.
12Travel Mug
Metal Travel Mug, $24, Society6
The only way to survive travel is with a good book and plenty of coffee (or tea.) Make sure you pack this bookish travel mug alongside your TBR pile, because you're going to need it no matter where you're going.
13Bookplates
Travel the World Bookplates, $6, GoneReading
If you're traveling the world, chances are you're bound to lose a book or two along the way. That's why every book-lover on the road should have these bookplates "for wanderers and Fill them out with your name and contact information and be sure to stick one inside every book you take with you on vacation. If you do leave a paperback or hardcover behind somewhere, whoever finds it will know how to send it home to you where it belongs.
