In a kindle age, six reasons I take paperback books on leave

For some of us, the way to travel “old -fashioned” – with paperback books.

Admission Upfront – I am a travel agent and a regular passenger. It is easy to understand the benefits of limiting weight and bulk in goods and whatever is in the carry-on bag. I know that paperbacks replace books and add weight.

I also understand that the collection of e-books in my smartphone or e-reader or iPad is more smarter than carrying them in a suitcase. However, I have because of me.

Six reasons why I still travel with paperback books

1. I like paper

I like to be able to bend a page down, easily flip forward and back. And I like to feel in my hands. Of course, there are more practical reasons.

2. Damaged books are easy and inexpensive to change

If a book is lost, it is relatively easy and cheap to change it. Ditto if it becomes wet, covered in sand, etc.

Also, while electronic readers are appropriately durable, friends tell me that they get scratched and they can be broken.

3. My paperback books should never be recharged

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4. Make friends and search for new books with paperback books

I get along. I like to get ideas to read new books. This is the place where paperback books are used. A paperback book can start a quick chat with other people on the aircraft or by the pool what they are reading. Those types of impromptu conversations can be fun. And, I learn something.

Over the years, I have really found some new favorite writers, either looking at someone’s book and asking about it, or vice versa. (On the other hand, I think an e-reader can be useful for anything you feel a bit embarrassed about reading in public; A rope of women comes to mind.)

5. I can use borrowed libraries in many hotels

Many hotels have borrowed libraries where you can leave a used book and lift one in return. So, a book can turn into several.

Also, if you are traveling somewhere where books are rare, you can often donate them. When we were in Kenya a few years ago, our guide told us that they would like any book that we were reading.

6Paperback books remind me of amazing trips

Watching a book at home on a shelf can be a pleasant holiday memory. This can be particularly true if you read the books prescribed in your destination. I will often remember a special book and associate with the journey where I read it.

Now, of course, I realize that e-books and e-readers are the most convenient way to travel, and I think I may have to break down at some point. But for now, they have to exclude my books from my hands.

How about you, passengers unite united readers? What do you think? And have I missed any reason to stick with paper?

Photo: © Nomatic Las, Flickr Creative Commons