Just as soon as we’d booked our Summer Holiday this year, my sisters and I began to discuss what books we were packing as we planned to swap to make sure we have enough reading material to last the whole holiday. I know that you can pack more books digitally on your phone or tablet but for me nothing beats reading a physical book on the beach. Apparently, I’m not alone as millions of Brits will prefer to get stuck into a paperback than read a digital download or content online as they jet off on their summer holidays this year, according to a new study.
Researchers polled more than 3,000 people in a Travel Book Survey and found that three in four Brits (78%) favour the format of paperbacks when it comes to their holiday-reading, over any other reading material such as magazines (7%), newspapers (4%), digital downloads or reading content online (4%). Read on to find out which books made the list of top ten summer reads:
Since the abolition of EU data roaming charges, it’s now cheaper to download e-books through electronic devices while travelling abroad but I’d prefer to save my data and battery for communicating with family and good old social media.
Like us, most people read more than one book on holiday. Of those polled in the survey, more than two thirds of Brits (66%) will read up to two books on holiday while more than one in five (21%) avid readers will get through as many as four books in the sun. I managed two on our family holiday but would be more likely to read four on a child free break.
Unsurprisingly, just over a half (51%) said they spend more time reading on holiday than they would do at home and the reading habits of one in twenty (17%) will see them getting through just as many words as they would do at home. I can understand this as it’s easier to fit in reading time without factors such as work, hobbies and TV . I have to admit I generally read more during the school holidays whether I’m on holiday abroad or not. This week I’ve taken advantage of the rainy days while the kids have been happily playing to get stuck into a new book (one in the top ten summer reads as a matter of fact).
The research reveals that reading is one of the top three preferred activities that one in four (25%) British holidaymakers look forward to once they’ve reached their destination, after relaxing on a beach (44%) and trying the local cuisine (30%). I definitely look forward to reading my book and preferably in the sun on the beach or by the pool. I also look forward to flights and train travel to have an opportunity to read too.
It seems that Brits like the escapism that a good novel provides, with literary works helping them either to digitally detox, or switch off from the real world during their well-earned break.
I love a good fictional story, preferably based at my holiday destination. Fiction (45%) is the preferred genre, while romance (10%), adventure (8%) and famous autobiographies (8%) all top the approved list of holiday-reading material. I love a good old fashioned Hollywood autobiography.
Lukas Balter, destination expert at Opodo.co.uk, commented: “Going on holiday is one of the only times in the year that we can unreservedly put ourselves first and do what makes us happy, so it’s no surprise to see people are so eager to pick up a good page-turner.
“Getting lost in a good book might allow British holidaymakers to indulge in a total digital detox for a week or two.”
Brits also want to keep up with the news when they’re on holiday. I remember walking to the shop each morning to buy “yesterdays” paper to try and keep up with the headlines.
It’s a lot easier to keep abreast of current affairs nowadays with smartphones, typically, 57% said they will be more likely to keep up with the news on their smartphones or tablets now that EU data roaming charges have been abolished.
By sharing our books and using the library, my sisters and I saved money on our holiday reads but according to the data, almost half (47%) said they spend thirty pounds or more on literature for their holiday.
When it comes to purchasing reading material, I used the the preferred method (24%) of shopping online for my new book. One in five (20%) buy second hand books and more than one in 10 (13%) purchase from their local shop.
Some 23% purchase digital content for e-readers and just 7% of last minute Brits will pick up a book at the airport. I remember buying new books on holiday and at the airport when I had the chance to read more.
So what books have we been reading this year? I love a Jodi Picoult book and am currently reading “Small Great Things” which has made the number 1 spot of the Top 10 Summer Holiday Reads:
Top 10 Summer Holiday Reads
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Small Great Things, Jodi Picoult
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I See You, Clare Mackintosh
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Conclave, Robert Harris
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The Essex Serpent, Sarah Parry
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This Must Be The Place, Maggie O’Farrell
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The Gypsy Moth, Julia Fierro
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The Ministry of Utmost Happiness, Arundhati Roy
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Hunger, Roxanne Gay
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H (a) ppy, Nicola Barker
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Sour Heart, Jenny Zhang.
Do you pack a book or read e-books while on holiday? What’s your top summer read this year?
Collaborative Post
Can't beat a good hardback /paperback readHaven't had much time for readingI've READ Jodi picoults latestStill have the other 9 to go !!!Tend to get mine from the library
What I love about holidays. It means I can catch up on my reading. Never enough hours in the day otherwise
I’m in the middle of reading The Fear by C.L Taylor and so far so good. I haven’t yet got a favourite this summer but I will definitely be reading a few from your list ! Kali Filsell