Reading in free time: relaxation that you really feel
Free days are for many people the moment when reading "suddenly becomes possible" again. Not because you suddenly become a literature person, but because the daily pressure is a bit less. In that research by TUI and CPNB, 72% of vacationers say they read almost daily on vacation. For more than a third, that period is even the moment when there is finally time to open a book.
What is particularly interesting is the effect: readers more often rate their vacation as better than non-readers. They more often describe a more relaxed atmosphere, less stress, and the feeling that they are really resting. The nice thing is: it does not immediately require hours. A few pages at breakfast, a chapter before bed, or ten minutes on a bench is already enough to unwind.
For entrepreneurs, that is a recognizable win: you do not have to "set aside an entire afternoon"; you take micro-moments. Especially on vacation (or on a weekend), those moments suddenly appear – on the train, at an airport, on the balcony before everyone wakes up.
Research insights in 30 seconds
- 72% read (almost) daily during vacation.
- Vacation readers more often experience relaxation, less stress, and return more rested.
- A small fixed moment works already: the effect often lies in focus, not in making hours.
Why (re)reading is extra important for children
For children, vacation reading is not just "fun to take along"; it also relates to reading development. Research on reading skills shows that children who read little or not at all during a long vacation (such as summer vacation) sometimes do not progress or can even fall back in reading level (it is often said to be 1 to 2 AVI levels). Children who do read a lot, return stronger after vacation.
The practical lesson is simple: it is not about perfection, it is about routine. Short, fixed reading moments usually work better in practice than "occasionally reading a book when it comes up". And it helps enormously if children can (also) choose what they read. Enjoyment almost always works better than "you must".
Tip: let children help decide. A personal choice + a fixed mini-moment is often more effective than a strict reading plan.
Vacation reading routine in 5 minutes a day
- Breakfast: 5 minutes of reading while the day starts.
- Travel break: in the car/train, have a "reading moment" instead of extra screen time.
- Reading aloud: a short fixed conclusion before sleeping.
- Choice freedom: "if you don't like your book, choose something else" works better than pushing through.
E-reader as a travel companion: less weight, more choice, less 'book stress'
Reading on vacation is therefore a good idea – until you try to close your suitcase. Paper books are fantastic, but they take up space, they weigh something, and you quickly end up taking either too little or the wrong things. Especially with children, there is something extra: they can suddenly be into something completely different halfway through the vacation ("I want comics now" / "I'm done with this story").
An e-reader solves that very practically: light, compact, and you have (depending on storage) hundreds of titles with you. For families, that means fewer stacks of paper and less hassle: everyone can read something different, and switching costs no extra kilo of luggage. For entrepreneurs, it is mainly convenience: one device that always fits in your bag, so you can actually read when you suddenly have that moment.
BOOX mentions three models that are well-suited for vacation use: the Go 7, Palma 2, and Note Air4 C. They are designed for reading moments on the go, with the advantage that you do not have to choose between "reading now" or "searching later": your library is already in your hand.
Packing list for e-reader (small but crucial)
- Download your books offline before departure (especially when traveling).
- Bring a case/sleeve (sand/beach/spaces).
- Turn off notifications (if you want peace, you have to guard it).
- Bring a charger; possibly a power bank for extensive travels.
Three BOOX models for on the go (practical example)
If you are looking for an e-reader that can really keep up with your vacation rhythm, it helps to think in three types of users: "ultra-compact", "all-round reading", and "larger screen + extras".
BOOX Palma 2: ultra-compact and always with you
BOOX Palma 2 E-reader
The BOOX Palma 2 is made for those who want something that you can almost take anywhere. It has a 6.13-inch Carta 1200 ePaper display and weighs 170 grams. This makes it interesting for short reading moments on the go – and also for families where children like to grab something quickly. Suggested retail price: €269.99.
BOOX Go 7: the all-round e-reader
BOOX Go 7 E-reader
The BOOX Go 7 is a 7-inch e-reader with a sharp Carta 1300 monochrome display. This is the "I just want to read comfortably" format: not too small, not too big, easy to carry. Those who want can take notes and highlight with the BOOX InkSense stylus (sold separately, €45.99). Suggested retail price: €249.99.
BOOX Note Air4 C: larger, color, and notes
BOOX Note Air4 E-reader
If you want to read not only books but also comics, magazines, or color content, then the BOOX Note Air4 C is the model with a 10.3-inch Kaleido 3 color display. The larger screen also makes it interesting if you want to capture ideas on the go and work them out calmly after your vacation. Suggested retail price: €549.99.
In short: Palma 2 is the most compact, Go 7 is the all-rounder, and Note Air4 C is ideal if you want color and a larger screen.
Prices may change; check the current price with the provider. There are sometimes offers online.
Do you want to compare BOOX with other models? Then also check our overview of the best e-readers in 2026.
Linking reading to your destination: make it more fun (and easier to maintain)
If you want to make reading on the go extra attractive – especially for children – it helps to choose books that match the destination. You can also find this tip in vacation reading advice from reading platforms like lezen.nl: if the story "fits" where you are, reading almost becomes part of the adventure.
A few examples to make the idea concrete:
- Are you heading towards the French or Italian Alps? Then you can already get into the mood with Crusade in Jeans.
- In Astrid Lindgren's Värld (Sweden), the stories of Astrid Lindgren come to life, with places and characters that children recognize.
- In the English Lake District, you can tell children that this is the area where Beatrix Potter wrote her children's books.
- And those traveling through places like Hadrian's Wall or heading towards the Highlands can create "story routes" around Harry Potter.
Tip: let children "search back" for one detail, place, or character on the trip. This makes reading active, without feeling like school.
More than reading: apps and audio on the same device (but keep it mindful)
BOOX models provide access to the Google Play Store, allowing you to install apps for music, podcasts, or other digital activities in addition to reading. This way, one device can fill multiple moments: reading when possible, listening while on the go, taking notes when inspiration strikes.
The pitfall is clear: if you are looking for peace, you do not want to accidentally build a second smartphone. The trick is simple: only install what truly adds to your vacation rhythm. Then the device remains a tool for focus and relaxation, rather than a new source of stimuli.
Finally: vacation reading works best when you make it easy
Reading in your free time is for many people a surprisingly practical way to unwind: one story, one focus, no notifications for a while. An e-reader makes it especially easier to actually do it – because you have to carry less and have more choice with you.
Want to keep it simple? Choose two books before departure, download them offline, and agree with yourself (or your family) on one small moment per day. Then the chance is much greater that reading does not remain "something for later", but simply becomes part of your vacation.
Want to read more about BOOX and e-readers? Check out the BOOX overview from Baaz.
