A third of the year has vanished in the breeze, leaving me daydreaming of my next retreat: to a secret copse, or a toasty coast, or a craggy trail above the slopes. Regardless of which fantasy comes to fruition, I always bring writs of exposition. But what indeed makes a good vacation read? The question is seemingly fraught with bias. Though I believe this should not bind us. I’ve found four(ish) qualities of form and lit that may just bridge this subjective split.

In the past, ambition has led me to take a particularly thick volume along on a holiday excursion. But in my experience, daily treks and explorations distract from the thoughtful immersion often needed for denser novels. While mammoth tomes may be ideal for an eight to ten-hour flight, satisfyingly slim tales are great for a quick read between excursions or before bed. The books in this collection of collections will make an ideal companion for any wide-eyed wanderer.

Some authors are able to imbue their voices directly into the ink on the page. When this magical process aligns with the reader, the act can become effortless, as though the author is speaking their thoughts directly into your mind. Such free-flowing prose lends itself to whimsy and wordplay. Anything facilitating less effort and more laughs fits right in to my vacation agenda. These witty authors take full advantage of this lucid and personable writing style.

Words are cool, but they can be a lot of work; and work is the last thing I want on a vacation. The simple accessibility and eye-catching art styles found in graphic novels can strike a subtle balance between ease and engagement for the traveling reader. Graphic novels are no longer limited to comic strips and superheroes. You can find vivid stories of life and love, memoirs and mysteries, satire, historical fiction, and reimagined classics! Whether you are an existing fan of the genre, a comics skeptic, or a prose traditionalist, one of these artful tales might be just the thing for your summer getaway.

And let’s not forget about audiobooks. Gone are the days of clunking around with 20 CD’s and a Walkman. If your goal is a light pack, the Libby application offers a self-contained treasure trove of audible stories. E-audiobooks give you the freedom to listen anywhere and everywhere, without the hassle of peripherals. So rather than fight against close companions on a plane, the obtuse angles in a tent, or the bouncy buzz of the interstate; download a book to your device, pop in your headphones and give your eyes their own much needed vacation.

So, I bid you safe travels, restful nights, and thrilling days
And a perfect book, poised near, no matter how far you stray