What to Read on Vacation? A Book for Every Type of Traveler

The brilliant simplicity of Dickinson's botanical poetry, combined with the visual beauty of her literary images, makes it an ideal travel companion for discovering the Mediterranean landscapes with a book in hand. Walking through the pine forests and turquoise coves of Mallorca, you'll feel like you're in one of her poems. The Iberostar Selection Albufera Playa hotel, committed to sustainability and tailored towards adults, is located right on Playa de Muro and next to the S’Albufera Natural Park, a protected area with many scenic paths.

For spiritual seekers: ‘The Power of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle

Want to live in the moment during your vacation while enjoying a good read by the sea? With "The Power of Now," Eckhart Tolle's bestseller, you'll practice what you read. This spiritual guide emphasizes living in the present moment, answering questions about life, death, love, and human identity through small teachings connected to the essence of being. Against the traps of the mind, Tolle proposes looking inward and existing from the soul. 

Whether you already choose travel destinations based on your Zodiac sign or are new to spirituality and want an accessible introduction, this book is for you. A getaway to Iberostar Selection Playa Mita, a five-star resort in the heart of the Riviera Nayarit, offers the perfect opportunity for self-discovery. Explore tropical nature and immerse yourself in Mexican customs and traditions.

For feminist travelers: ‘The Bell Jar’ by Sylvia Plath

Among all the vacation books in this selection, "The Bell Jar" best reflects the human condition and especially the female experience. In her only completed novel, published in January 1963 under the pseudonym Victoria Lucas, Sylvia Plath channels her own experiences into her protagonist, Esther Greenwood. The book delves into mental health, suicide, and the sexism prevalent in the art, magazines, and American society of the 1950s. Today, there are numerous editions in various languages, making it easy to take with you and enrich your travels with profound literature.

Did you know that Sylvia Plath, like many other literary and cinematic stars, fell in love with Spain and the Mediterranean Sea? During a summer in Benidorm, then a small fishing village, Plath lived and wrote with her husband, fellow writer Ted Hughes, in a house with a garden near the sea. Around the same time, Elizabeth Taylor and Sofia Loren began frequenting the Spanish coasts and other European destinations like Montenegro. To travel as they did, consider staying at Iberostar Waves Slavija in the Montenegrin bay of Budva. This hotel maintains the charm of yesteryear with classic, elegant décor inspired by the Venetian Empire, offering plenty of peace to read for hours without interruption.

This surprising 36-year-old Ecuadorian author’s works have been translated into various languages and have received awards such as the Next Generation Prize from the Prince Claus Fund. Her name appears on lists of the best Latin American writers under 39 and the 25 best young Spanish-language narrators. She was also a finalist for the National Book Award. If you love parties and concerts, include this title, published by Penguin Books, in your suitcase to enjoy her groundbreaking use of language in destinations like Montego Bay in Jamaica, where music is more than music. There, JOIA Rose Hall by Iberostar, a top-tier resort, allows you to dance and celebrate but also to get engrossed in reading and relaxing by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

For romantics: ‘The Unbearable Lightness of Being’ by Milan Kundera

Planning a romantic getaway? "The Unbearable Lightness of Being," widely regarded as Milan Kundera's masterpiece, was published in 1984 but remains a timeless exploration of human passion. Published by Tusquets, this book continues to captivate readers with its profound depiction of love and relationships. Now, imagine a remote, picturesque destination, perhaps a beach in Punta Cana, wherein the secluded world that love creates, only you and your partner exist. Toasting with a colorful cocktail by the sea, you open your novel and start reading. Welcome: you have just been transported to JOIA Bávaro by Iberostar, a luxury resort designed for adults and filled with art, where romance and natural beauty blend perfectly.

Shared reading moments are even better in family hotels by the sea. These resorts feature Star Camp, a play area with a program designed for children and teenagers of all ages (including Generation Z) to learn and acquire sustainable habits while having fun with specially designed workshops. Reading, learning, and having fun: can you think of a better combination for a meaningful vacation?

Map at the center of thought: ‘Where Am I Now?’ by Shinsuke Yoshitake

"Where Am I Now?" by Japanese children's literature author Shinsuke Yoshitake teaches that when someone is lost, sometimes the most challenging thing is navigating a physical map. But what if children drew their own inner itineraries? The protagonist of the story, Yū, learns that to interpret the keys to the drawing his mother gives him before sending him on errands, he will also have to invent new paths. The questions posed in this book make it a stimulating and educational vacation read for children, encouraging self-reflection. Knowing where you are, naming an emotion, having a favorite hiding place, defining the future, or understanding what you truly enjoy doing.

While traveling, children have the chance to discover many things about themselves. They get excited, take risks, and play. A family trip to Riviera Maya, for example, with its range of activities as varied and diverse as life itself, will encourage them to explore and learn more about themselves. Support their adventures by staying at a resort like Iberostar Waves Paraíso del Mar, an oasis of fun for all ages right on the beachfront. With adapted rooms, shows, and entertainment for kids, Star Camp, children's pools, and more, it’s the perfect place for them to enjoy and thrive.

For a perfect match to the book’s adventure, choose a hotel with a water park (including a pirate ship) where children can continue to imagine and enjoy their favorite vacation reads with the family.