Adult life is stressful in every sense of the word — and many of us turn to travel as a little escape from the real world (if even only for a few days). But now, according to Booking.com’s 2026 Travel Predictions and travel trends data, a new travel trend is captivating the hearts of book lovers everywhere. So called “reading retreats”, are perfect for anyone looking to blend the thrill of travel with reading.
With recent data suggesting that there is a significant gender gap between readers, with men reading fewer books than women, reading retreats could help shift perceptions around reading as a masculine-coded activity.
To learn more about reading-focused getaways and breaking the male stigma around reading, I chatted with Angela Cavis, Director of Communications, Americas at Booking.com, to discuss the rise of reading retreats, get the scoop on some of the most popular reading retreat destinations, and discuss how these reading-focused getaways could help balance the gender gap between readers.
Using travel to re-engage men with reading
With over 30% of men reportedly not reading a book in the past year, travel can offer a unique opportunity to re-engage men with reading.
“Travel offers a unique opportunity to rekindle interest in reading among men, particularly through experience-centric trips like reading retreats. These getaways provide a chance to engage with literature in a very relaxed, yet stimulating way that combines the excitement of new destinations with the intellectual enrichment from reading,” Cavis shares.
“It’s about creating an atmosphere where reading becomes part of a broader adventure, while also offering the chance to get away from home and step outside the day-to-day so travelers can focus on simple pleasures, like reading, that can often be harder to prioritize amid the realities of busy daily life.”
The rise of reading retreats
Not only can the rise of reading retreats help reconnect men with reading, but it’s also changing how we view reading. “This new trend can help transition reading from a solo pastime to a more communal and dynamic activity. By combining reading with travel and social interactions, these retreats showcase it as a diverse, engaging hobby that transcends traditional gender norms,” she shares.
“The communal aspect of these retreats, particularly in scenic or culturally rich settings, redefines reading as a shared, vibrant experience, potentially repositioning it as aspirational and inclusive for all genders.” Cavis also shared that there’s already a cultural appetite for seeing reading as something attractive and aspirational, including for men, as seen through popular social accounts like “Hot Dudes Reading.”
“In that sense, reading retreats can help build on this idea in a more experience-led way, making reading feel less like a quiet activity done alone and more like part of a broader lifestyle rooted in curiosity, connection and intentional travel,” she shares.
In addition, this connects to a broader shift in how men are showing up in travel and relationships. Booking.com’s This Guy Books research found that 93% of American women say a partner who plans and books a trip is very attractive, reinforcing the idea that thoughtfulness, initiative and intentional experiences can be deeply appealing. Reading retreats tap into a similar space by pairing travel, culture and self-enrichment in a way that feels modern, social and inclusive rather than bound by traditional gender norms.
Booking.com’s curated reading retreat stays
To make it easier for these bookworms to experience the world, Booking.com has curated a list of stays where readers can find new literary inspiration, lose themselves in their favorite novel or make the acquaintance of fellow book enthusiasts on a similar escapist mission.
“Featured stays like at The Library Hotel in New York or B2 Boutique Hotel + Spa in Switzerland provide the perfect place to unplug and immerse yourself in a good book,” says Cavis. “From literary-themed decor and curated libraries rich with diverse genres to tranquil spaces and cozy nooks dedicated to reading, both hotels feature elements that expertly combine relaxation with intellectual stimulation, creating a haven for book lovers to explore new worlds between the pages.
Looking for more inspiration or considering a reading retreat getaway to escape the stress in your life? Some other top picks and trending destinations on suggested by Booking.com include:
- Waterfront Penthouse, Key West: This waterfront penthouse in Key West offers a spacious, comfortable setting for a group reading retreat, with room for up to 16 guests and stunning sea views that inspire relaxation. With its private pool, boat dock, and fully equipped kitchen, it creates the perfect balance of shared connection and quiet moments to dive into a good book.
- JW Marriott El Convento Cusco, Peru : Highly endorsed for history and culture, Cusco is a great base to explore the magnificent Macchu Pichu. Built upon ancient Incan ruins, JW Marriott El Convento Cusco’s vaulted ceilings and Peruvian artifacts will inspire you to read one of Mario Vargs Llosa’s novels (if you haven’t already).
