The Ideal Number of Books to Bring on Vacation

Plus 6 NEW Books to Pack on a Trip!

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I’m the world’s worst packer. ( Or, at least, it feels like I am!)

I tend to overthink literally everything I’m packing for a trip ( including which books to bring).

My brain spirals.

I suffer from decision paralysis.

And then I make a mad dash to jam everything I may possibly need into my suitcase!

If you’re relating, my condolences! But even if you’re a whiz at packing, deciding how many books, which titles, and hardback vs. paperback vs. ebook is vitally important for the enjoyment of your trip! ( Imagine not having anything to read on your travels! The horrors!)

So, today I’m asking:

How do you decide how many books to bring on a trip?

I wanted to give you a number. But honestly, there really isn’t an ideal answer!

Your book choices and the amount you bring are incredibly personal, based on your reading pace, genre preferences, and preferred format.

Plus, your choice of destination, how long you’ll be gone, and method of travel all factor in!

Share your thoughts on how many books to bring on vacay!

6 NEW Books to Pack on a Trip …

Consider this book list as Part 2 of Page-Turners to Pack on a Trip!

Last year, I recommended new release books that seemed perfect for different vacation destinations.

This year, I’ve kept most of the destinations but swapped out the book recs for 2026’s new releases. Enjoy!

View the booklist on Bookshop.org! (Local independent bookstores benefit from your purchases!)

To the Beach

The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson

If you find yourself at the beach (or just wishing you were there), look for or pre-order this book, which releases June 30th! When it publishes, you’ll likely see many, many people reading it on the beach (and everywhere else!). Rich people drama, a small New England town, and a love triangle that keeps getting so page-turningly complicated! (*Amazon | Bookshop.org*)

On an Island

The Island Club by Nicola Harrison

This book had me at the charming setting of Balboa Island, along the California coast! While we dream of a getaway, why not read this “skillfully crafted story” (as one reader described it) about three women in the 1950s dealing with life issues on the island. It has tennis, friendship, and plenty of drama! (*Amazon | Bookshop.org*)

By a Lake

The Lake Club by Lina Patton

Let’s join an elite club by the lake and watch rich people behave badly! Or let’s save the high price tag and spend our money on something far more entertaining: a book about two well-off women pursuing the same male nanny and the country club that loves to gossip about it! (*Amazon | Bookshop.org*)

In a Big City

It Could Have Been Her by Lisa Jewell

I’d be up for a trip to London! However, I may feel a little unnerved about my ventures there after reading thriller author Lisa Jewell’s newest book. Set initially in the British countryside, a girl goes missing. Then the action swiftly relocates to a mysterious home in London. Jewell’s None of This Is True was such a fabulous “unhinged woman” read, that I’m sure this book will be equally as addictive! (*Amazon | Bookshop.org*)

On a Cruise

American Fantasy by Emma Straub

When I think about a cruise ship, I think about having a good time! And, fortunately, it seems that when Emma Straub imagines a cruise ship, she also envisions a good time … and a 90s boy band, and a romance! All aboard for this feel-good read of the summer! (*Amazon | Bookshop.org*)

Abroad

Villa Coco by Andrew Sean Greer

Twist my arm. Yes, I’ll go to Tuscany with you. Threaten me with a good time! While I’m booking our flights, travel to Tuscany in this book with a recent grad who takes a job as an assistant to the aging Baronessa, Coco. He’s hired to archive her art and antiques in her equally aging Tuscan villa, but really, he’s enjoying the characters and life at the villa! (*Amazon | Bookshop.org*)

**View the booklist on Bookshop.org! *(Local independent bookstores benefit from your purchases!*)

“Here’s to books, the cheapest vacation you can buy.”

― Charlaine Harris

Bookish AF Summer Reading BINGO

This summer, add whimsy to your reading habit! Follow along with the Bookish AF Summer of Reading 2026 here!

Mini-Challenge #2 Reading Outside

Reading, as we all know, is good for your brain, your mood, and basically your life. Spending time outdoors is also good for your brain, your mood, and basically your life. Hmm, I’m seeing a lot of similarities! So, imagine if we combine the two? Woah!

Brittany Viklund expressed it more poetically in her recent post: “reading — under a shady tree, on a towel by the water, in your favorite backyard hammock, reading in the summer is joyful comfort!”

So, here’s the mini-challenge (You’re going to thank me!):

1. Choose a pleasant weather day
2. Set up the essentials (chair or blanket, book, drink, snacks, sun block…)
3. Open a book and read for at least 20 minutes!

Enjoy less eye strain, lower stress, and potentially better sleep that night! (You’re welcome!)

Mini-Challenge #3 Summer Reading Photo

Now that reading outside has provided you with a natural glow-up (book reading automatically makes you more attractive!), snap a selfie or an “ussie” if you’re with friends! Lookin’ good!

Shop for the books I recommend on Bookish AF at my Bookshop on Bookshop.org!

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Originally published at https://bookishaf.substack.com.