A recent study in Sage Journals examined modern readers’ habits and found that those who choose digital usually do so because they read a lot or often find themselves reading in various places and situations.
Among the majority of adults who have read a book in the past year, around 33% still switch between digital and print. The clear distinction for now, is convenience, with digital libraries especially optimal for travelers who like to read.
For traveling bookworms who haven’t made the jump (32% say they only read printed books), there are a few compelling reasons to transition to the screen if only for your trips.
All the books without the excess baggage
One of the costliest grievances travelers often contend with is baggage. Aside from the hassle of having to lug around a mishmash of luggage, there are also the limits imposed by airlines, related additional fees, and the increase in mishandling of checked luggage.
A recent trend report by TripIt even found that the majority of US travelers opt out of baggage check-ins because of this.
The convenience of electronic books and audiobooks is great for travelers who love to have a full collection of books to bring for the trip without the trouble of carrying said books.
You can access millions of digital content across genres within a single platform. Nowadays, it’s easy to find titles from a niche author to a classic writer. You aren’t limited to books since you can also get magazines and journals.
More insight for your travels in one ecosystem
Arguably, the most helpful aspect of digital libraries is the sheer amount of information you have at your fingertips. Everand’s travel ebooks are ideal because you can quickly access relevant and vetted information with more cohesion and credibility than a random Google search.
You can read up on practical titles like the Official Guide to Texas State Parks and Historic Sites: New Edition or excellent niche experiences like the Haunted Hikes of New Hampshire.
Even if you want a little inspiration for your trip, you can always read a memoir like Nicole Antoinette’s How To Be Alone: an 800-mile hike on the Arizona Trail.
Even better, you get all of these within a singular app. You essentially get this central hub for knowledge within your tablet or mobile device, enabling you to keep one ecosystem tied to other essentials.
As mentioned in our list of ‘Top Tech Tips for Tech-Savvy Travelers’, these include language translators, currency converters, expense trackers, and travel organizers.
Since Everand also has in-app downloads, you can keep useful content like maps, culture and travel tips, and language guides handy even when you’re offline.
Reading anywhere, anytime
When traveling, you are at the mercy of the weather, different lighting conditions, and various places you may be unfamiliar with. This unpredictability makes bringing along a selection of books a difficult task.
You never know when you might contend with overly dim lighting, a sudden bout of rain, or a long trek that would make it hard to enjoy carrying around and eventually reading your book.
You don’t have to worry about any of that with a digital library. Many mobile devices have accompanying waterproof cases that still enable touch, so you can continue to flip through digital pages regardless of the weather.
Whether in sunny outdoor spaces or the dark of night, you can adjust your screen brightness to accommodate your viewing needs. And since all your books are in one device you likely already carry around, you don’t have to worry about extra weight and space.
Books on the go over socials
A global study of 9,200 travelers found that Americans spend more vacation time on their phones than relaxing. Additionally, 55.5% of tourists check their phones up to five times hourly on vacation.
According to Kent University professor Andrew Lepp, just 15 minutes of social media scrolling can increase boredom and decrease positive emotions. This is the opposite of what your phone should provide and the antithesis of a vacation.
When you’re on the go and your trusty phone is attached to your hip the whole time, it’s better to give it some extra depth so you’re not just stuck on the social-scrolling loop.
The beauty of a digital library comes in the ease of getting new books whenever you want without worrying about availability.
Plus, you no longer have to worry about forgetting your favorite comfort read before your flight or in some stray cafe you may never visit again.
