The Best Bookish Accessories for Travelers

As someone who travels frequently—whether it’s for work trips that keep me tied to my laptop in hotel rooms, exciting adventures abroad, or quick weekend getaways—there’s one constant: my love of reading travels with me. So I never leave home without certain bookish accessories that make reading on the road easier.

Over the years, I’ve developed a list of travel must-haves that not only make my trips more comfortable but also ensure that my reading habit is uninterrupted, no matter where I am. These five bookish accessories for readers are always in my suitcase, whether I’m catching a flight, embarking on a road trip, or heading to a quiet Airbnb for a weekend of relaxation. (Have you seen my reading retreat planning guide?)

You may have seen my earlier post about travel necessities that I always have with me, but I also have five specific travel bookish accessories that every reader should consider packing for their next adventure:

1. Mini iPad/Tablet

I’ll be the first to admit that I love the feel of a physical book in my hands, but when it comes to travel, the convenience of a mini iPad or tablet is hard to beat. It’s lightweight, compact, and powerful—making it the perfect travel companion for any book lover. (And if you follow me at all on Instagram, you’ve seen mine show up many times with various drinks or food in the picture.)

With my mini iPad, I have access to my entire library of ebooks, audiobooks, and even travel guides, all in one device. Whether I’m in a busy airport or relaxing in a quiet café overseas, I can dive into a new book with just a few taps. And since I never know what kind of mood I’ll be in, I love having a variety of genres at my fingertips—from mystery novels to travel memoirs.

Plus, there’s the added bonus of using apps for navigation, translation, and finding the best local bookstores. (Yes, visiting bookstores in new cities is one of my favorite things to do!) My mini iPad makes it all possible, while saving space in my bag for other bookish travel accessories.

Bonus Tip: One of my main qualifications for deciding on a day travel bag was its size and my need for a day bag that can hold my tablet and a bottle of water, because I always have those on me. This is the bag I use…pretty much every day, even when I’m not traveling.

2. Book Sleeve

While I love my tablet for its convenience, sometimes I’m reading a paperback or hardcover and I want to bring that with me. That’s where another one of my essential bookish accessories comes in: a book sleeve, which kind of a quilted book cover, often with a zipper, to protect your book(s).

After too many experiences of bent covers and dog-eared pages, I invested in this cozy little cover to keep my paperbacks safe. Not only does it protect my book from the usual travel wear and tear, but it also adds a touch of luxury to my reading routine. If I’m trying to stuff my book in my carry-on, I know it will stay protected inside its quilted cover.

I purchased mine (with this fun map design) from Book Beau. I went for the largest size possible because I’m not sure what size book I’ll have and, in fact, it’s currently carrying two books as I type this on a plane.  🙂

3. Book Weight

Reading on the go can sometimes be awkward, especially when you’re juggling a cup of coffee, trying to eat, or even a plane armrest. That’s why I thought it was time to invest in one of my favorite bookish accessories: a book weight for hands-free reading.

This small, clever tool holds the pages of your book open for you, allowing you to enjoy hands-free reading. It’s especially handy on long-haul flights when your hands need a break from holding a book for hours on end. Plus, it’s perfect for outdoor reading—no more pages flapping in the wind!

I remember a long train ride through Italy where I used my book weight to keep my novel open as I sipped wine and watched the countryside roll by. Simple bookish accessories like this make travel reading so much easier, and they’re always worth packing.

4. Portable Reading Light

If you’ve ever tried to read on a dimly lit plane or in a poorly lit hotel room (especially if you’re sharing with others), you know how frustrating it can be when you can’t get enough light on your book. That’s why a portable reading light is one of the bookish accessories I always pack.

This small but powerful gadget clips onto my book or tablet and provides just the right amount of light, no matter where I am. Of course these are great while on a plane or in a hotel room, but they’re also great while camping under the stars—I can read comfortably whenever I want. This particular light has three different light settings and is easy to recharge, so it’s super handy.

With this must-have bookish accessory, I don’t have to worry about disturbing others while I enjoy a late-night reading session. And it’s been a lifesaver on those long flights where the cabin lights are off but my desire to read is still going strong.

5. Downloaded Ebooks and Audiobooks

This might sound like an obvious one, but I really do have to remind mysel of this sometimes: always have a few ebooks and audiobooks actually downloaded on my devices!

It’s great to have a full library, but if you don’t actually download the ebooks and audiobooks before you travel, it won’t mean much when you’re up in the air without any wifi, so before every trip, I make sure to load up my devices with a fresh batch of ebooks and audiobooks. This simple habit has become a key part of my bookish travel routine, ensuring that I’m never without something to read or listen to.

Audiobooks, in particular, have become one of my favorite bookish accessories for travel. They’re perfect for long drives, flights, or even while going for a hike. Having a variety of ebooks and audiobooks downloaded in advance also means I’m prepared for any reading mood that strikes.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget You Are Traveling

While these five bookish travel accessories are always in my bag, the best part of being a reader on the road is that I’m always curious and on the lookout for something new and interesting. So as you pack your bags and prepare for your next adventure, be sure to bring along your own bookish travel essentials—but also keep your eye out for the other fun things that travel can bring–don’t spend so much time looking at a book that you forget to look around. You never know where your books (and your travels) might take you.