Reading on the Go
Hey there, Rambler!
I can assure you, no one loves a good paperback as much as I do. Really, there’s just something about it. I’m not sure if its the smell, the feel of the paper, the edges you can fill with notes or all of the goodness waiting to be underlined and highlighted - it truly is special. In this day and age though, especially on the road, its just not very practical.
Nowadays, weight and luggage restrictions are super INTENSE. In years past, on international flights, you got two pieces of free checked luggage AND a carry AND a personal item. Now, most airlines only allow one checked bag (this too, often costs something) and a single carry on or personal item. Needless to say, those of us who spend a lot of time on the road (or in the air) have to be smarter about how and what we pack.
That being said, it is time to leave the (physical) books at home and throw all your favorites onto a Kindle. I must admit, the transition was pretty hard for me, but there are definitely perks worth mentioning. For example, with a kindle you can highlight, take notes, alter the font size, look up words you aren’t familiar with and sometimes you can even lend the books you love to your friends. In addition you can get a ton of free or dramatically reduced books via services online, like BookBub. Even better, if you live in the USA and have a local library account, you can check out books and have them delivered directly to your Kindle. You usually get these books for two weeks at a time - all without a trip to the library.
Sold yet? If so, here’s what we suggest . . . .
Kindle Paperwhite - Extended Storage
This model is perfect for you if you plan on living the minimalist lifestyle and ditching all your physical books. The higher cost of $129.99 comes with tons of extra storage.
Kindle Paperwhite - Standard
This is the model for you if ready to switch to the Kindle on the road, but aren’t quite ready to give up your beautiful at-home library, yeah, I get it, me either! Plus, this one is only $89.99.
Outside of the reasons mentioned above, the Kindle Paperwhite models are awesome because they have a built in back light (meaning you don’t need an external light source), are easy on the eyes (so you can read for hours), have a crazy long battery life, and are waterproof. (I wouldn’t dunk it in the pool, but it’s going to be A-okay if a few splashes get on it).
Want something that can do a little more?
We suggest you try . . . .
Fire 7 Tablet
This model features a 7 inch display and has 8 GB of storage. This is the model I have and it’s right for you if you you plan to keep it simple. Meaning a few different apps (maybe some games and Netflix plus books.) There’s not a ton of space, but it’s only $49.99 USD, so you really can’t go wrong.
Fire HD 8 Tablet
This model features an 8 inch display and has 16 GB of storage and it’s right for you if you want to download a bunch of apps and use it as your main source for reading books. This model is only $79.99 USD and keeps you from having to lug a computer around while traveling.
I personally use and travel with the Standard Kindle Paperwhite and the Fire 7 Tablet. For me, I can’t use the Fire 7 to read with because after a while of reading, I get a really bad headache, so the Paperwhite is essential for me. The being said, I don’t enjoy traveling with my computer, but I do want easy internet access and the ability to download a Netflix series or two for entertainment and the Fire 7 gives me that.
I’m assuming you have a Kindle now
so maybe you’re looking for some book recommendations. Here’s some of my faves . . . .
If you’re traveling to Morocco, I’d check out.
It’s only 15.39 and provides a general overview for the whole country. Its a great planning companion, but you’ll still want to search for some real insider tips on top of this read.
This read is a true (even if a little exaggerated) account of a family who moved to Casablanca. It gives interesting insight to the spiritual realm of Morocco and gives you a deeper cultural understanding of this rich culture.
Last but not least, a new book was just released by our friend and remote travel guru, Alice Morrison.
My 1001 Nights: Tales and Adventures from Morocco
Alice, is nothing sort of amazing. She has and continues to live an extraordinary life that should inspire us all to action. In 2011 she completed the Tour D’Afrique, a 12,000 km bike race from Cairo to Cape Town. 2014, she ran the Marathon Des Sables, a 250 km foot race across the Moroccan Sahara. 2018 she completed and ultra marathon (160 km) around the base of Everest. And she most recently completed a three month, 1200 km trek along the Draa River of Morocco.
If you haven’t read her other books, then maybe you have seen her as the presenter of the BBC2 series, Morocco to Timbuktu: An Arabian Adventure. Anyhoo, Alice is someone you want in your life. Let her words and adventures inspire you’re own. A great read to ignite your travel lust.
Sadly, these are not available on Kindle, but we still suggest you read them, because they are SO GOOD.
This book is quite academic, but it will give you immense appreciation of rural Morocco, the families who build lives there, and the language that shapes and unites them. Truly, an eye opening read.
This title is for the history lovers. It is a great read to prime yourself before traveling to Morocco, because it will provide you with the historical context you needed in order to understand Morocco a little better.
Morocco sounds great, but we aren’t headed there.
Have any other suggestions? Well, of course, I do!
A true classic - in search of America while on an epic cross-county road trip with your best friend, who happens to be your dog. It’s a witty, easy read that will have you mapping out your next, or first road trip. I’ve read this one several times now and I always find something new to love.
Okay, so everyone loves this book, but there’s a reason for that - its great! Who hasn’t gone on a grand adventure and ended up finding out more about themselves than anything else. This is the perfect read for both the seasoned traveler and someone heading out for the first time.
Last but not least, this is just the most beautiful book I’ve read in a while. If you aren’t one of the millions who have already read it, well, it’s time.
This book was a true joy to read. I cried, I laughed, and I essentially did nothing else but read it for three days straight.
It gives a beautiful and honest depiction of marsh life and the struggles that many people, quietly live with. This is an anthropology book wrapped in a love story and climaxes with a to the last word who done it, murder mystery.
My entire family has read Where the Crawdads Sing and we all love it. I’m sure you will too.
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FYI! I receive commission if you decide to purchase through any of the links above, however I have not received money or perks for listing them. I list because I LOVE, and I hope you do too!