Recently, we saw an art print online, BRB On Vacation by a Malaysian artist, September Khu. It reminded us of one of our vacation which was also inspired by Bill Gates's Think Week, where he takes one week off, twice a year, away from business, technology and family to read in a cabin in the woods. We also like checking out GatesNotes where he reviewed the books he read that help us with our selection too.
We might not be able to afford a luxury of two weeks time for reading vacation, but we could definitely do a two day reading vacation.
If you are looking to gift yourself some quality time to submerge into the world of books and switch off from screen time, we kept it to three main considerations for your planning.
Photo: One of our reading vacation atThe Red Burrow, Craighead Hows, Scotland
(1) Retreat
Stay: We wanted to be away from home as its a vacation and did not want to be distracted by house chores. We discover that a refreshing setting is a wonderful way for setting the mood and getting engrossed in your books.
Distance : We wanted somewhere not too far for our first reading vacation. Departing Friday evening and returning on Sunday evening to maximise our reading vacation fully.
Connectivity: We find that location with no WiFi is becoming more appealing. It is a conscious decision to reduce screen time and dependent only on data, if necessary. We also put our phones away in a different room and only check it in the morning and evening during our meal breaks.
Pro Tip: A comfortable chair and good lighting for long hours reading makes a huge difference.
Photos around Scotland: Breakfast/ View from Cabin on Skye / View of the beach near Stonehaven
(2) Meal time (the perfect break)
Enjoying a hearty meal while on vacation is important for us. As our location choices are slightly isolated, we prefer not to dine out as it takes up traveling time and breaks our momentum. We find it fulfilling to prep meals as a mental break from the books.
Meal time is also great for us to talk about the books we are reading. If you are traveling solo, cooking while pondering over your thoughts must be like a gentle massage to the mind.
Occasionally, where meal delivery is possible, we would order in for one of the meals and was great for saving time from meal prep too.
Pro Tip: Pick a location where you can break for a walk, swim in the lake, or just being outdoors for fresh air.
A sample of our 3D2N meal plans, we pick ingredients which are versatile (i.e. eggs, tomatoes, potatoes etc)
Breakfast - Coffee machines are a luxury in an isolated cabin. We brought instant coffee and tea sachets along. En route, we buy croissant and pastries. Omelette is great! Once, we even did a full breakfast of bacons, sausages and mushrooms!
Lunch - we kept it short to keep our momentum going, a hearty tomato or chicken noodle soup. We tried Instant Shin Ramyun Noodles, although the nutrition may be questionable, it saves time for us to get back to the books.
Tea - a treat break! Bring out the slice of cake and put the kettle on.
Dinner- we like grilled salmon or chicken with vegetables or couscous. Sometimes chicken stew on the stove while we continue reading. A bottle of wine and cheese to top it off and for our post dinner reading till late (and hot choco!)
Photo: The Hobbits are a true inspiration for planning your meal times!
(3) Books Books Books !
How many books should you pack? We recommend to keep to something you really wanted to read and have been looking forward to. If you're a fast reader, definitely pack more.
We first packed 6 books/magazines each, totalling up to 12 (including hard covers) and that was heavy! We only managed 3 books each and since set 3 to 4 as preferred number for a 2 day reading vacation. We bring Kindle along as standby too.
Packing light helps as we may need to hike or walk some distance to get to our isolated cabin.
Photo: Borrowing books from the local library
We love our reading vacation very very much and definitely look forward to planning to make it at least twice a year.
We hope you find this an enjoyable artsy lifestyle tip and happy vacay!
Tight on budget? If you are helping a friend with house sitting, plant caring or pet sitting, take this opportunity into a reading vacation in an environment different from your own space!