“Readaway” Vacations Are on the Rise

This previous November, on a crisp morning, I discovered myself in my ideally suited state of affairs. I used to be sitting on a leather-based sofa, about to start out “North Woods” by Daniel Mason, because the final rays of the day’s gentle streamed by the home windows of an condominium brimming with books. As if that was not idyllic sufficient, the condominium itself is housed above a bookstore that I used to spend hours shopping in as a toddler, situated on the prime of Broad Road, a storied cobblestone avenue within the coronary heart of Nantucket island. 

I grew up coming to the island, and as any frequent customer will attempt to persuade a novice, the off season is the very best time to trip on this East Coast escape. It’s chilly, moody, and the ocean air evokes all the correct ranges of consolation. This Thanksgiving, previous to becoming a member of my household for the festivities at our house about 10 minutes exterior of city, my fiancé Daniel and I had the possibility to remain in a “Literary Oasis” for one night time. 

Apparently, Daniel and I should not the one individuals who suppose the easy act of studying in a wonderfully curated setting can really be a trip. In Expedia Group’s 2026 journey report, “Unpack ‘26,” it was revealed that 91 % of Expedia vacationers search getaways centered on “studying, leisure, and high quality time with family members.” As mentions of reading-related phrases in visitor opinions on Vrbo, one of many group’s flagship manufacturers, surged 285 % year-over-year, the corporate leaned in. They created the class “Readaways,” containing dozens of escapes to select from. In Austin, Texas, a house with built-in bookshelves surrounding your complete front room; In Dunedin, New Zealand, “The Professor’s Seashore Home” boasts a whole bunch of novels and a wood-burning fire; and in West Sand Lake, New York, a house within the forest that appears prefer it got here proper from “The Hobbit” set. 

Throughout our keep on the “Literary Oasis,” the island windchill created a feels-like temperature of about 5 levels Fahrenheit, which made staying indoors all day much more interesting than the already fairly good setting. The 2-story loft has excessive ceilings adorned with uncovered wood beams, and a wall-to-wall bookshelf that catches the attention as quickly as you enter the house. There’s additionally a large kitchen island, and a protracted wood eating desk match for a grand meal with buddies or household—all of whom may keep the night time, as there are three bedrooms within the loft, together with a top-floor room with two twin beds. 

I notably loved the main points; an simply connectible Sonos speaker system, the tacky, however comforting framed quotes from novelists like E. E. Cummings and Roald Dahl, and low mugs that depicted Moby Dick—the sperm whale from Herman Melville’s traditional novel, set within the very waters of the Nantucket sound. However maybe the very best half was staying proper on the town for the primary time in my life, blocks away from locations I’ve visited a whole bunch of instances, like Born & Bread Bakery or The Whaling Museum. 

As the recognition of “readaways” suggests, my one-night getaway confirmed that you simply don’t all the time should be 1000’s of miles from house for an journey. Typically, the last word luxurious is simply the permission to decelerate and keep awhile.