A bookcation is a trip built around books — and it's having a genuine moment. Skyscanner's 2026 travel trends report found that 55 percent of travelers had booked a trip or would consider one inspired by a book, while Vrbo reported that 91 percent of respondents were interested in a trip devoted to reading and relaxing. Two forces are driving this: a hunger for community and self-investment, and social media's grip on how we plan travel.
What is a Bookcation? Defining Literary Travel
Strip away the catchy names and the concept is simple. Literary tourism means traveling to places associated with literary works — settings that inspired novels, towns frequented by authors, or cities with thriving literary scenes. As travel writer Adrienne Currie puts it, this kind of travel "connects stories to place," inviting you to walk the same streets as your favorite characters.
The trend has picked up fresh vocabulary along the way. The New York Times' Elaine Glusac documented the rise of the "book-cation," while Vrbo coined "readaways" for book-inspired group travel. Whatever you call it, the industry is responding: resort book clubs, hotel libraries, and a growing number of literary festivals now cater specifically to readers who want their vacations to match their nightstands.
An Explanatory Model of Bookcation Types
Not every bookcation looks the same. Based on the formats described across travel reporting, literary travel falls into three distinct types, each serving a different motivation. Use this table to match your own travel goals to the right kind of trip.
| Type | Travel Style | Primary Motivation |
|---|---|---|
| Relaxation-Focused 'Readaways' | Unwinding with books in a serene setting, often at resorts or dedicated retreats; some combine reading with wellness activities | Escape, self-investment, and uninterrupted reading time |
| Group Reading Retreats | Organized trips for readers to connect over literature, including women-only and themed formats | Community, shared literary experiences, and safe travel spaces |
| Book-Setting Pilgrimages | Visiting real-world locations that inspired works, appeared in novels, or were frequented by authors | Immersion in the narrative and a deeper connection to a book or author |
The categories overlap — a group retreat can be relaxing, and a pilgrimage can be social — but the core intent differs. A readaway is about the book itself. A retreat is about the people. A pilgrimage is about the place.
