Travel Essentials for Readers

Every year, I put out a list of travel essentials just in time to order before you hit the road for your holiday trips. (You can find last year’s here). I’ve updated our list and added a few new things I think you’ll enjoy if you’re hitting the road or trying to fly in the next few weeks!

Electronics

You will never hear me say I prefer eReaders over print books, but there’s a time and place for everything. Same for audiobooks. Here’s a few things I’m packing when we hit the road for Thanksgiving:

Kindle Paperwhite

I really don’t know what I’d do without this. I can throw it in my purse or carry on easily, it can store thousands of books, and gives me access to audiobooks and free books through other Amazon subscriptions. As of the time I am writing this article, Amazon is offering the Kindle 16 GB Paperwhite with no lockscreen ads for $129 plus a free 3-month subscription to Kindle Unlimited. If you do pick up this eReader, I suggest grabbing a cover and screen protector to secure your investment – I’ve had mine for 3 years and it looks like even after dozens of flights and getting bumped around in my bags.

Noise Cancelling Headphones

I may 100% give away my age here, but I used to loathe these things – my kid would never answer me because they were always glued to her head! But a coworker of mine let me try hers when we were on a trip and I couldn’t focus in a noisy environment and now they go on every plane ride with me. There are a lot of great options out there with big names associated, but for a budget friendly option, check out the JBL Tune 520BT. As of this writing, they are available on Amazon for $29.95 – the lowest price I could find with online retailers. Easy to pair (even multiple devices) and easy to use, the cushioned earpieces don’t hurt, even with long wear time. They are also comfortable with glasses. Another great feature – a 57 hour listen time! I pop these on and can listen to my audiobook or some music while I read and tune out the chaos around me.

Power Bank

Again, lots of great options out there. If you’re an iPhone user looking for a wireless option that also gives you flexibility to charge other devices via cord, check out the Power Pod by Casely. At $75, it is a pricey option, but they are having a site-wide BOGO sale this week. Even at the normal price, it is well worth it for longer trips, especially if you know you’ll have a layover at an airport and can’t guarantee a plug to recharge. One fully charged Power Pod can fully charge my iPhone, but I’ve also used it to charge my headphones or my Kindle when they got low (and Mr. Barger’s Android phone when he forgot to charge it….). And while you’re on the Casely site – check out their fun cases, too – my Power Pod actually matches my case.

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Book Accessories

Book Light

I found The Really Bright Book Light by accident. I was in Books-A-Million with my kids and needed $15 more dollars in my purchase to qualify for a special they were running. I also needed a book light for when I travel, so I grabbed this and threw it in. I have loved it ever since! With a slide to adjust brightness and a flexible neck to put the light at just the right angle, this is perfect for most situations. I have taken it on planes in my carry on, and it will be in my bag for our upcoming trip! At $19.99, this one is the largest in this product line, but there are a few smaller sizes as well.

Annotation Sticky Notes

Last year, I had recommended a magnetic annotation kit that would attach to the front cover of your book, but it looks like those guys went out of business. I did find these sticky notes which are the exact same sticky notes without the magnet though! Throw these inside your bag or the front cover of your novel and you’ll be able to mark favorite quotes or passages without permanently marking your books. At $5.99, this is a great deal!

Magnetic Bookmarks

I wanted to order some new magnetic bookmarks this year because mine were showing some wear from constant use and, well, I fell down a rabbit hole on Etsy. I really do use these all the time when I have a physical book in progress. They don’t fall out like regular bookmarks and usually are so thin they don’t dent the pages when the book is closed. Plus, they are so cute! These have come a long way in terms of design and cost. I mean, check out this cute Belle inspired creation for $7. Or this that seems to speak my love language for less than $5. And maybe I love this one because it is Scholastic Book Fair week at my kid’s school this week. And finally, this one is great if you get interrupted frequently and have to stop in the middle of a page!

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Cozy Items

Fingerless Gloves

If you’re headed somewhere cold this holiday season, a good pair of fingerless gloves is a must. I love getting up early and reading before anyone else is up, or staying up late and reading by the fire, but my hands get cold holding my book! Regular gloves make it hard to turn the pages, but these give me dexterity while keeping me warm. I love the color options from this creator starting around $30 – they also have coordinating scarves and hats!

Convertible Travel Blanket/Pillow

I love having a throw blanket while I’m reading, but they are just so hard to pack! I found this a few years ago and it’s great. It folds into an easy to carry travel pillow for those long plane or car rides, but is still a decent side throw when spread out. It can also be personalized! Starting at $35 there are several color and font options to choose from.

Kindle Stand

This one you may only be able to swing if traveling by car, but it has been a life saver when it’s cold! I got this back in the Spring and my Kindle stays docked in when I’m home. It’s adjustable and gives my hands a rest from holding the device during long reading stretches. I also utilize an electronic page turner with no issue. I know this says the tray is for “snacks”, but it usually ends up holding my phone and the TV remote. This starts at $46, but there is a 10% discount available as of today on Amazon.

What would you add to this list? Drop your suggestions in the comments!

This post contains affiliate links.

What I’m Reading

• Current print book: Keep Tuscany, Kelly Kay
• Current audio book: In High Places, Arthur Hailey
• Book I’m most looking forward to: Yours Truly, Aby Jimenez