Quick Reads for Holidays and Weekend Trips
You know the feeling — you’ve finally got a long weekend or a little getaway booked, and all you really want to do is pack a bag of snacks, something comfy to wear, and just the right quick reads to disappear into for a few hours.
I’m always on the lookout for quick, escapist reads I can dip in and out of during toddler naps, train rides, or lazy afternoons tucked in a shady forest spot. My go-tos? Romance, thrillers, and fantasy that’s low-effort but totally addictive. Think short chapters, witty characters, and a plot that grabs you fast.
If you’re the kind of person who packs more books than clothes, you’re in the right place.
? This is the second post in my Summer Reading Lifestyle series — designed to help you romanticise your reading life all season long.
☀️ Missed the first post? Start with How to Build the Ultimate Summer Reading List.
? Up next: Books to Read Based on Your Favourite Summer Drink — coming soon!
? 1. Choose Books That Feel Like a Treat
When I went to Bude last week, I binged through a few books in the Zodiac Academy series — and honestly? It was the exact kind of dramatic, slightly ridiculous escapism I needed. Holidays are the time to lean into your guilty pleasures.
Go for books that feel indulgent, silly, fun, twisty, or comforting. Whatever makes you exhale and say, “Yesss, this is exactly what I needed.”
? 2. Short Chapters = Maximum Flexibility
Whether you’re reading in a queue, on a train, or hiding in your hotel bathroom for a quiet moment, short chapters are the real MVP. They help you read in snatches, without losing the plot.
? Quick Hit Favourites:
- Happy Place by Emily Henry – A breezy romance with depth
- The Perfect Guest by Ruth Irons – A twisty, fast-paced page-turner
- Wrong Place, Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister – Smart, clever, and totally bingeable
? Treat yourself to your next read by using one of my affiliate links (at no cost to you): Waterstones | Amazon | Bookshop.org
? 3. Pick Light-hearted or Fast-Paced Plots
You want something that keeps you turning the pages without asking too much of your brain. It’s about flow, not literary merit (although it’s always a win when a book delivers both).
? Weekend Escapes:
- Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood – Cosy magical chaos and sass
- A Lady’s Guide to Fortune-Hunting by Sophie Irwin – Light, clever regency rom-com
- The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton – Wildly whimsical and hilarious
Treat yourself to your next read by using one of my affiliate links (at no cost to you): Waterstones | Amazon | Bookshop.org
?♀️ 4. Escape Into Fantasy (Without Needing a Map)
Fantasy doesn’t have to mean 800-page epics. Sometimes the best magic happens in short, sharp doses. For holiday reading, choose cosy or romantic fantasy that delivers atmosphere without the info dump.
? Fantasy Favourites:
- Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett – Whimsical academic fae lore
- The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst – A gentle magical adventure
- The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent – Addictive romantasy with real bite
Treat yourself to your next read by using one of my affiliate links (at no cost to you): Waterstones | Amazon | Bookshop.org
? 5. Perfect for Poolside or Patio
Looking for pure joy, steam, or swoon while the sun shines? These books read like an Aperol spritz with extra ice — fizzy, flirty, and impossible to put down.
? Sun-Soaked Picks:
- Book Lovers by Emily Henry – Enemies-to-lovers done just right
- Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston – Smart, warm, and gloriously romantic
- Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood – STEM romance that’s both sweet and snarky
Treat yourself to your next read by using one of my affiliate links (at no cost to you): Waterstones | Amazon | Bookshop.org
? Try This:
? Save this post to your phone so you can refer back before your next trip
? Pin it and start building your list of quick reads for the weekend right now!
? Let’s Chat:
Sometimes the best part of a trip isn’t the itinerary — it’s the moment you finally get to open a book without interruption. Whether you’re on a beach, a train, or curled up in a forest cabin, the right read can make everything feel a little more magical.
What books are you packing for your next adventure? Tell me in the comments — and if you’ve ever read something brilliant while travelling, I want to hear all about it!
✨ Loved this post? There’s more cosy summer inspiration waiting for you on the blog — including the full Summer Reading Lifestyle series. Come and explore what else to pack, sip, and read next.
Amy x
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