Due to the convenience of technological e-reader devices having to pack and carry physical books is something many people avoid now-a-days. However, if you are like me and only read physical books, preferably paperbacks, when traveling there is a juggling act to be overcome.

We have to take into account the waiting after check-in at the airport, the length of stopovers and the duration of the flight itself as well as the length of the vacation.

factors to consider:

Are you a slow or fast reader?

Do you have slim or thick tomes?

Do you have a current read you want to finish?

Are you reading a series?

How many hours will have available to read?

There is a strategy we can employ, which is an average of one hundred pages read per hour, so a book with three hundred pages will entertain you for approximtely three hours give or take interuptions etc. In addition this length of book is around one pound in weight so easily packed into your carry-on. For international flights of twelve-hours or so thirteen hundred pages will keep you well occupied.

In addition, if the country you are traveling to does not have narratives in your language, you may want to pack a few for your stay. And remember to have a book on hand for your return flight.

Make sure to pack the books securely in your checked luggage. You can wrap them in clothes to lessen damage and distribute them evenly within the case.

Now, there is the plight of returning with said books or not! If you have taken a book from a series that you want to keep, or the book is one you need to hold on to then it must accompany you home. However, if like me you only keep a certain number of books, then you can leave them behind and bring newly purchase books home with you.

Do you have any tips for packing or traveling with books?

How many physical books do you take on vacation, or for a long haul flight?