I am an avid reader. While I live off my electronic gadgets, I still like a real paper book to read on journeys. Watching other people on buses, planes and trains, I know that I am not alone!

Books take up space and add weight so here are some of my tips for travelling with books:

Before Travel

• avoid buying books at the airport or train station- rarely will they be discounted-the exception is in the UK where I have found deals such as three books for the price of two!
• avoid hard covers as they add to your weight
• always take two books on a long flight or train journey- if one is boring, you can switch books
• if your hand luggage is approaching its weight limit, take your books out and carry them separately. No one has asked me to weigh my books!

En Route

• Join Book Crossing and keep your eyes out for free second hand books left in public places
• Buy a book second hand to read on your journey and then cash it in at a second hand book shop at your destination or donate it to a charity shop or join bookcrossing (see above) and leave it “in the wild”
• Look for literature written by local authors local to your destination. I have books in my collection bought from across the USA, Europe, South America, New Zealand and Iceland. They bring back memories of my visits!

On your Return

• Travelling with friend or partner with similar literature tastes? Carry a book each and swap on the return journey
• order a book or two from Amazon or Book depository or ebay and have it waiting for you at your destination for your return journey
• fly through Helsinki airport which has a book exchange in  the airport!

Enjoy your journey –with a book!

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