How to Plan the Most Magical Reading Retreat or Book Club Getaway

Lately, I’ve been completely obsessed with a new kind of travel trend: the reading retreat. This one’s all about slowing down and trading busy itineraries for cozy cabins, quiet mornings, and that stack of books you’ve been wanting to read.

If you’re a book lover, slow traveler or just someone who wants to explore quieter travel, this one’s for you! A reading retreat is a trip where you pick the perfect destination and, instead of filling your days with activities and sightseeing, you immerse yourself in another world entirely. 

The best part? You can plan your next readaway as a friend’s trip, book club getaway or solo escape. 

I discovered the Readaways trend in the Vrbo Unpack ‘26: The Trends in Travel report. In this report, Expedia Group reveals the trends that shape the way we explore and inspire us to journey more consciously and creatively.

So, let’s explore what a reading retreat is and how you can plan the perfect bookish getaway.

Disclaimer: This blog post is in partnership with Vrbo and contains some affiliate links. This means I get a small commission if you make a booking (at no extra cost to you). It’s one of the ways I can keep producing free guides and resources for my readers. Learn more about my affiliate policy here. Thank you for the support!

So, what exactly is a ‘readaway’?

You can think of it as the ultimate vacation for book lovers. It’s a trip where reading is the main activity, instead of something you squeeze in by the pool. You’ve probably started seeing this trend pop up on social media with book clubs planning international retreats or groups of friends booking weekend cabins to tackle their ever-growing TBR piles together.

​This concept flips travel norms: instead of packed schedules, you choose places that help you slow down, unplug, and get completely lost in a book.

The idea is to pick the ideal setting for your reading retreat. Whether it’s a cabin, cottage, or quiet escape, your biggest decision should be, “What book will I read next?”

Learn more about the Readaways trend in the Vrbo Unpack ‘26: The Trends in Travel report. Now, let’s jump into how to plan your ultimate 2026 readaway.

Step one: decide what kind of readaway you want. Do you want a secluded cabin in the woods? Maybe you picture yourself reading poolside, taking quick dips to cool off between chapters. Or maybe you want small-town Gilmore Girl vibes, leaves changing, and the local coffeeshop calling your name.

Readaways are all about the vibes. The atmosphere you choose is more important than any specific destination.

​This is where Vrbo becomes your best friend. Vrbo gives you all the comforts of home, everywhere you go. I love how you can search by “type of trip,” which makes finding the perfect readaway destination so much easier.

When searching, I recommend prioritizing comfort above all else. Look for places with large, dreamy windows that flood the space with natural light, a fireplace for cozy evenings, and plenty of seating options (because, let’s be honest, you’ll be doing a lot of sitting).

​Since you won’t be spending money on tours and sightseeing, consider splurging a bit more on your accommodation. Pick that home with the incredible mountain view, hot tub right by the river, or the sunset views over the lake, where you can end each night with nothing but stars overhead.

Now comes the fun part! Building your TBR (to-be-read) list. This is where you can be totally strategic about your book choices, and trust me, it can make such a difference. One of my favorite tricks is matching your reading list to your accommodation.

For me, a cozy cabin would be an excellent place to dive back into any mystery novels on my list, whereas a sunny poolside readaway would encourage me to pick up that romance novel or travel memoir that everyone’s been talking about.

Consider the mood of your destination and accommodation, and lean into it. Or, if you know you have something big that you want to read (say that fantasy series that’s been on your list forever), pick a destination that inspires that genre for you.

Audiobooks are also a great addition to your readaway. A beautifully narrated audiobook can be your companion for peaceful morning walks, cooking dinner, or even enjoying the hot tub. I always have a mix of both physical and audiobooks.

Just make sure to download everything before you go, in case the rural WiFi is unreliable.

Packing for your readaway is nothing like packing for a ‘normal’ vacation. Of course, what you pack will also be determined by the type of reading retreat you choose, but the idea should be less about ‘going out clothes’ and more about focusing on cozy clothes for staying in. Whether that’s your favorite loungewear and slippers or swimwear and lightweight pool cover-ups.

No matter what kind of readaway you’re headed on, here are some essentials not to miss.

• Go-to snacks and drinks (think coffee, an assortment of tea, chocolate, or wine)
• Your books (including e-readers and chargers)
• A journal for jotting down notes
• Bathing suits for the pool or hot tub
• Comfortable clothes to match the vibes

Depending on where you’re headed for your readaway, you could even bring a cozy blanket, candle (this one is perfect for bookworms), and your plush bathrobe from home. The goal is home-away-from-home comfort.

You might find yourself on a remote readaway, where leaving the house requires a four-wheel drive vehicle and considerable effort. To make your escape more magical, I recommend planning your meals ahead of time. Think about comfort foods that don’t require too much effort to prepare.

My go-to is always a grazing board with nuts, cheeses, and a variety of olives and pickles for easy snacking.​You might also want to bring a spread of sweets, such as chocolate-covered strawberries or champagne gummy bears, to make your reading retreat even more luxurious.

The thing I really love about a readaway is the fact that you get to do nothing, except read (and relax). This might take some getting used to, especially if your vacations are usually filled with lots of activities and exploring. A readaway is the opposite; it encourages you to slow down and savor the moment.

A reading retreat encourages you to slow down, disconnect, and lose yourself in another world, even if only for a day or two. Think of a readaway as your chance to truly unplug. For the best experience, try deleting social media, email, and work apps from your phone while you’re away.

Now that you’re ready for your trip, it’s time to pick where you’re going. As I said, vibes are everything. Here are some of the most magical destinations I found on Vrbo for your 2026 readaway.

• Location: Redmond, Washington
• Sleeps: 4
• Read: The Fourth Wing or The Spell Shop

Book the Emerald Forest Treehouse on Vrbo

​For a truly magical readaway, book this enchanting treehouse in Washington State. When my husband and I stayed here, we instantly fell in love with the cozy, secluded atmosphere.

​Tucked away on 30 acres of forest, this treehouse has everything you need for the perfect reading retreat. Plenty of seating, huge windows that let the natural light stream in, a coffee nook for your quiet mornings, and a hot tub where you can relax each evening.

​The Emerald Forest Treehouse is the ideal place to tuck into that mystery or fantasy novel from your TBR.

• Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee
• Sleeps: 9
• Read: The Silent Patient or Demon Copperhead

Book the Little Green Cabin on Vrbo

Planning a 2026 readaway for you and your best friends? The Little Green Cabin in the Chalet Village of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, has room to comfortably sleep nine, with more than enough seating for you all to tuck into a good book.  

​My favorite part of this home is the wrap-around porch, which features a hot tub and offers gorgeous views of My Leconte. You’re also just minutes away from Gatlinburg, where you can stock up on any supplies that you might need, and the property has access to pool facilities and walking trails for when you want to stretch your legs.

While this home would be particularly beautiful in the fall, winter would also be a lovely time to retreat, surrounded by nothing but a good book and the stunning views around you.

• Location: Napa Valley, California
• Sleeps: 4
• Read: Great Big Beautiful Life or The Salt Path

Book this French Chateau Villa on Vrbo

For something completely different, head to Napa Valley for a sunny readaway in this French-style chateau. Surrounded by vineyards, this gorgeous home is the ideal place to tuck into that romance novel you’ve been wanting to read, or for a truly magical readaway experience, pick a book that helps to transport you to the French countryside.

​Between the pool, terrace, and brightly lit living room, you won’t run out of places to read around this home. And of course, if wine is your thing, this is the place for you.

• Location: Irasburg, Vermont
• Sleeps: 7
• Read: The Outlander Series

Book this Stunning Castle on Vrbo

​If your TBR stack is overflowing with historical fiction, why not escape into the past with a stay in this Bavarian-style castle in Vermont? Set on 20 acres of manicured gardens and woodland trails, this fairytale home has all the charm of a European getaway.

Spend your days wandering the quiet paths, sitting by the pond with a book in hand, and gathering by the fire pit each evening. This would be the perfect place to take in the brilliant night skies.

It’s an inspiring setting for any reading retreat, especially if your stories transport you to other eras.

• Location: Cortez, Colorado
• Sleeps: 2
• Read: The Alchemist or The Ministry of Time

Book the Cliff House on Vrbo

This Cliff House is exactly what it sounds like. A home built directly into the red rock cliffs of Cortez in Southern Colorado, making for an absolutely unique readaway experience. Designed without a TV, this home encourages you to disconnect from the world.

When you stay here, you’ll be surrounded by the sights and sounds of the desert, and visited by all the creatures who call this world their home. ​The homeowners have gone above and beyond to create a retreat from the modern world here, while still providing you with everything you’ll need for a comfortable stay.

• Location: Baring, Washington
• Sleeps: 4
• Read: Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail or Remarkably Bright Creatures

Book this Riverside A-Frame on Vrbo

It’s no secret that I have a thing for A-frame cabins in the Pacific Northwest. My husband and I make it our goal to stay at as many as possible, and this is another cabin that completely blew us away.

Surrounded by nature, you have towering trees and a river running directly beneath the cabin. Unique windows let in plenty of natural light, and the claw-foot tub and wood-burning fireplace make this the perfect winter escape. You can’t forget the best part – the hot tub set right above the river.

​This a-frame cabin encourages you to disconnect completely from the world and get lost in the next book on your TBR.

• Location: Hot Springs, Arkansas
• Sleeps: 4
• Read: One Golden Summer or The Summer I Turned Pretty

Book this Lakefront Treehouse on Vrbo

​If a lake view sounds like the perfect backdrop for your 2026 readaway, this beautiful treehouse on Lake Hamilton is calling your name. Newly built and thoughtfully designed, it offers everything you need for restorative escape.

You can start your mornings with quiet walks along the shore, spend the afternoons swimming in between chapters, and end the day with sunsets from the porch. The nature-inspired interiors create a calming space to curl up with your TBR, and it’s pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry reading buddy along for this one.

• Location: Columbus, Ohio
• Sleeps: 12
• Read: Dream Count or The Wedding People

Book The Book House on Vrbo

​What better place for your first readaway than a home that was made for bookworms and aptly named The Book House? Sleeping 12, this home is perfect for gathering your friends for a shared reading retreat.

Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves with library ladders mean you don’t even need to pack your own books; there’s something for everyone here. Each room is designed with comfort, natural light, and the ideal reading nook in mind, while the backyard fire pit offers a cozy spot to unwind and swap stories about the day’s literary adventures.

For 2026, the Book House is the ultimate destination for a reading escape with friends.

• Location: Orcas Island, Washington
• Sleeps: 3
• Read: A Court of Thorns and Roses

Book The Forest House on Vrbo

I recently went on a girls’ trip to Orcas Island and fell in love with this beautiful escape right in my own backyard. So, when I saw this Forest House on Vrbo, I knew I’d found my dream destination for a 2026 readaway. Home to local coffee shops and waterfront views, your vacation starts the minute you set foot on the ferry.

​Called the Hobbit House, this home is uniquely broken up into small treehouses, each with its own amenities. I personally love the wrap-around outdoor porch that connects the home’s many rooms, as well as the soaking tub and the tower where you can do yoga each morning.

This beautiful setting is begging me to finally read that fantasy series that’s been on my TBR forever.

• Location: Roger’s Kentucky
• Sleeps: 4
• Read: And Then There Were None or The Housemaid

Book The Stoic Cabin on Vrbo

The final destination for your 2026 readaway is a remote cabin situated in the countryside of Kentucky. This property is accessed by all-wheel or 4×4 drive only, so you can trust you’ll be completely tucked away from the noise of the world around you.

​This cabin has all the amenities I love when booking a readaway. Floor-to-ceiling windows, nature-inspired design, and a firepit with a view of the night sky. With a gorgeous hot tub set on a boulder behind the cabin, this home is perfect for a reading retreat with your partner or best friend.

In a world where time feels like it is constantly flying by, there’s something so beautiful about planning a vacation where the only goal is to slow down. A readaway isn’t just a trip; it’s permission to disconnect from the chaos, turn your phone off, and remember why you fell in love with reading in the first place.

So, grab your book-loving besties for the ultimate reading retreat, or embark on a solo readaway where you can set your own pace. Just don’t forget the most important part: the books that are going to make your 2026 readaway absolutely unforgettable.

Where would you go for your first readaway? I’m already planning my next one and would love to hear your dream destinations in the comments below.