It only took one scroll-stopping TikTok to convince me that a “reading retreat” is the exact vibe I want for my next trip. Imagine this: a cozy, secluded cabin in the woods or a breezy coastal cottage, you in your comfiest loungewear, wrapped in a chunky blanket, hot beverage in hand, and a stack of books you’ve been meaning to get to for months. Peaceful, unplugged, and purely indulgent—the kind of vacation that prioritizes rest, reflection, and all the reading your everyday life never seems to leave time for.

If this sounds like your ideal way to spend a few days off the grid (with minimal planning and maximum relaxation), here’s how to turn the reading retreat of your dreams into a reality:

📍 Step 1: Choose Your Perfect Location

Your reading retreat should be somewhere quiet and aesthetically pleasing—think cozy over luxurious. Here are a few dreamy options:

• Cabin in the woods: Perfect for fall vibes or winter coziness.
• Coastal cottage: Ocean waves as your background music? Yes, please.
• Mountain escape: Clean air, scenic hikes between chapters, and peak serenity.
• Tiny house rental: Quirky, charming, and just big enough for you, your books, and your snacks.
• Chic Airbnb in a quiet town: A soft bed, a café nearby, and zero distractions.

Look for places with big windows, a fireplace or outdoor seating, and a peaceful atmosphere. Bonus if there’s a bookstore within driving distance.

📚 Step 2: Curate Your Reading Stack

The magic of a reading retreat lies in the books. Bring a mix to suit your moods:

• A cozy mystery or feel-good rom-com for lighthearted moments
• A long novel you’ve been avoiding (now’s the time!)
• A memoir or essay collection you can dip in and out of
• A poetry book for quiet mornings or reflective evenings
• A nonfiction pick if you want to learn while you unwind

Pro Tip: Download a few audiobooks for walks or while you’re prepping meals. It’s all about creating a vibe, not a challenge.

🧺 Step 3: Pack for Comfort & Cozy Vibes

This is not the trip for tight jeans or makeup bags. Here’s your must-pack list:

• Comfy sweaters, joggers, socks, and oversized cardigans
• A blanket or throw (if your Airbnb doesn’t already come stocked)
• A reading light or candles for soft, moody lighting
• Snacks—think charcuterie, fresh fruit, pastries, and chocolate
• Your go-to coffee, tea, or wine
• A cute tote or basket to carry your books from the bedroom to the patio like you’re starring in a Nancy Meyers film

📵 Step 4: Set the Vibe (and the Boundaries)

Leave your laptop at home if you can. Put your phone on Do Not Disturb. Bring a journal to jot down thoughts, dreams, and plot twist reactions. A reading retreat is about rest—not productivity. This is you time.

Want a little structure? Try this:

• Mornings: Read with coffee, maybe go for a walk
• Afternoons: Switch locations (patio, hammock, couch) and read more
• Evenings: Light a candle, pour a drink, read until you fall asleep

✨ Bonus Ideas to Level Up Your Retreat

• Host a reading retreat with a few book-loving friends (everyone brings snacks and one rec!)
• Create a playlist of ambient music or nature sounds
• Start or end the trip with a local bookstore visit
• Gift yourself one new book to start the retreat with
• Choose a theme: dark academia, fantasy worlds, cozy cottagecore, etc.