This 2026 Bookish Travel Trend Could Improve Your Mental Health

Book and camera on a beach towelIn all the chaos of the world, isn’t it lovely that reading is becoming cool again? As we reported earlier this year, Google searches for “book club” are at their highest in years, and Eventbrite say the number of book club events on the platform has increased by 350% since 2020.Stunning!Now, in their Unpack′26 report, the leading travel experts at Expedia reveal that ‘Readaways’ are surging in popularity ahead of 2026 travel.Working in collaboration with holiday rental site Vrbo, they found that 91% of travellers admit that for 2026 trips, they’re interested in taking a trip centred around reading, relaxation and quality time with loved ones. So, what is a ‘Readaway’ really?So, it’s more than just taking some books abroad which is of course incredibly common. ‘Beach Reads’ are called that for a reason, right?“It’s not new to take a stack of books on vacation, and that’s not what Readaways are,” says Melanie Fish, VP of Communications at Expedia Group.“These are restful retreats shared with fellow book-lovers, where the real adventures unfold on the page – from a quiet corner in a cozy library, a porch swing, or a pool lounger.”Reading on a porch swing while sipping a coffee and enjoying the outdoors in comfort? Isn’t that literally the dream? It isn’t always quite countryside trips, eitherBen McLeod, General Manager at hotel The Social Hub in Glasgow says: “I always ask people why they’re visiting, and more and more I hear that they just want to get away from it all and get lost in a book or two. People are really looking for ways to switch off and step away from their phones.“Traditionally, you might think people would head to the countryside to read, but while our lobby is busy and there’s always loads of different things happening, I’m always struck by how many guests I see immersed in a book. There’s something special about slowing down in the middle of a busy city.”Reading is also great for your mental healthIf, like me, you are one of the 25% of people in the UK that live with mental health issues, a trip like this may be exactly what you need for a little relief. Studies have indicated that reading can enhance social, mental, emotional and psychological wellbeing.It also increases resilience and wellbeing for older people, so much so that the Mental Health Foundation recommends reading books and playing musical instruments as a way to preserve mental health in old age.I will be BOOKing (get it) my own trip very soon.Related...The Best Jane Austen Books To Read After Pride And Prejudice (According To Her Fans)So THAT's Why Old Books Smell So GoodReading Is Cool Again – But Why Now?

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