Hmm, I'm not sure I'd ever bring the same book on multiple trips. I tend to pack a business-related book that I would never read in my normal routine. Discovering somewhere new for the first time gives me the perspective to look at the reading in a new way, too.

Posted By Josh on April 26, 2008, 2:52 PM

i like to travel... with travel books. i've especially enjoyed a series called "the best american travel writing".. it's published every year, with fabulous material.. always interesting, always fun to read.. and always in paperback so it's portable.

Posted By wendie on April 28, 2008, 12:10 PM

I like to start a book about the place I'm visiting -- "Almost French" for France was a favorite; "Summer at Tiffany" and "The Nanny Diaries" for New York City, etc.

Posted By Judy on April 28, 2008, 12:17 PM

My book choice depends on the place. A road trip favorite is "Angels & Demons" by Dan Brown or "Footloose" by Leanne Banks. Then, for the Disney trip, I love Birnbaum's Guide to Walt Disney World. The pictures and the ability to highlight what I cannot miss, is great.

Posted By Melissa Gonzalez on April 28, 2008, 12:18 PM

In 1967 we had been living in Ethiopia. On our way to the states, we bought a car in Europe and spent six weeks sightseeing. On a sidewalk sale in Amsterdam we bought the book, "Bells on Their Toes" for ten Dutch cents. It is a sequel to "Cheaper by the Dozen". We had three children aged 7 to 13 and we laughed our way through Europe as we took turns reading aloud.

Posted By Aileen Saunders on April 28, 2008, 12:26 PM

My Amazon Kindle! Load it up with as many books as you want (the upper limit is something like 600). They're all categorized, and indexed, and the whole thing weighs less than a single paperback.

And you can even buy more when you're stuck in the airport and the bookstore is on the OTHER SIDE of security, or just has a lousy selection.

Posted By Marion Gropen on April 28, 2008, 12:48 PM

"The Fellowship of the Ring" by JRR Tolkien has travelled all over the US and Europe with me. A timeless classic...

Posted By doug nace on April 28, 2008, 12:51 PM

Normally at home I read non-fiction, but when I travel, I buy fiction (mysteries, adventure) in paperbacks at local thrift stores, yard sales, or the library sale so that when I finish the book, I can give it away or leave it behind. I refer to these books as my "airplane books."

Posted By Gladys on April 28, 2008, 1:07 PM

I wouldn't _always_ bring any one book, but here's a recommendation for those traveling in Europe, actually or in imagination: Patrick Leigh Fermor's _A Time of Gifts_ and _Between the Woods and the Water_. It's an account of Fermor's peregrination, mostly on foot, from the Hook of Holland to Istanbul. Fermor was 19--the year was 1934--when he took his long stroll, but he recounts it from the perspective of a man 30+ years on. He writes a glorious Jamesian prose, rich as a Fuerst-Puechler-Torte. The second volume stops in Bulgaria. Fermor's said to be working on a third and final one. He's 93, so I'm holding my breath.

Posted By Richard Cross on April 28, 2008, 1:11 PM

I'm with Judy - I try to find a novel set in the area I'll be visiting, and read that.
Last year, on a trip to Alaska's "Southeast", where we traveled by ferry from place to place, I took Louis L'amour's Sitka. This historical novel covers a lot of territory, but covers the period when Alaska was purchased from Russia by the US. Lots of ships maneuvering the Inside Passage!
Before and during a trip to Barcelona I read mysteries set there. Somehow, novels can give a sense of place that you just don't get from travel guides. Contemporary ones give a more current view, of course, but the historical ones can give a sense of the history and background of the place you are visiting.
The best, of course, are ones written by someone who lives, or has lived, in the city or region, rather that someone who just traveled there for background research.

Posted By Margaret Smith on April 28, 2008, 1:21 PM

I always grab a book by Tim Dorsey or Carl Hiassen. They have similar styles and their books are hilarious! These books are especially great if you currently live in Florida, have EVER lived in Florida, know someone who lives in Florida, are traveling in Florida, or know where Florida is on a map! :)

Posted By Michelle on April 28, 2008, 1:38 PM

I bring the bible with me. I also bring the audio bible on my IPod. It helps me concentrate better when I am reading. There is nothing better than sitting on a beach or looking at a mountain or storm watching after reading the bible!

Posted By Clark Thorne on April 28, 2008, 1:48 PM

The ultimate travel guide is 1000 Places to See Before You Die.

Posted By Stephanie Copeland on April 28, 2008, 2:23 PM

I just read a fabulous book which would appeal to historical fiction readers entitled The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. If you are going to see some gothic and Romanesque cathedrals in England, then this is the book to inspire you!

Posted By Beth Helwagen on April 28, 2008, 2:31 PM

I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of Unfaithful, by Devon Scott to read during a quick weekend getaway. It's a steamy, suspenseful read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I absolutely loved it. I can't wait to read more from this suburb writer!

Posted By Shelly on April 28, 2008, 3:14 PM

I love the "Shopaholic" Series. I began reading the first one, "Confessions of a Shopaholic" on a flight. I was laughing and grinning so much, the Flight Attendant actually asked me the title, since it must be pretty funny. I had a 3 hour layover in Atlanta and didnt even mind, since I had my book. When I got home that night, I had a chapter left and didnt hardly talk to my husband until I finished it! There have been 4 more in the series and I have saved each one for a trip. I just heard there is going to be a movie based on it. I would love it if I caught it on a flight!

Posted By Jennifer on April 28, 2008, 3:25 PM

PIcking a book about/set in the place you're traveling to is a great way to go, but I prefer to read these before I leave so I can get geared up about my trip. I also like to take it one step further and pick something that evokes a particular time period that I associate with a place. Jane Eyre is a must when heading to the English countryside. If I can make it to South Africa for the World Cup, I'll definitely reread The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay.

As for when I'm actually traveling, I pick something that I've been dying to read and may have trouble putting down (perfect for long flights!) Suggestions: The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon; Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell; Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood. Happy literary travels!

Posted By Adrianna Ibrahim on April 28, 2008, 3:35 PM

When we were in England I got hooked on the Dorling Kindersly (DK) Travel Guides. They read like a fun children's book for adults, with lots of interesting tidbits, and all you need to know about where you're going. For the areas not featured with the DK books, I research in advance internet sites (including this one) for interesting ideas to share with my family, that reads like a book. Always makes for both a fun & educational trip whether it's a weekend away or longer.

Posted By Lisa on April 28, 2008, 4:19 PM

Without a doubt, the best is "The Traveling Curmudgeon" that gives travelers many laughs for and about travelers and places to be or visit!

http://www.amazon.com/Traveling-Curmudgeon-Irreverent-Anecdotes-Destinations/dp/1570613893

Posted By tom on April 28, 2008, 4:35 PM

I like to take along a book about the area I'm visiting....Russka by Rutherford for my trip to Russia...Independent People by Haldor Laxness for my trip to Iceland...Michener for lots of places...just gives the trip a different perspective. I always read a lot before a trip...but it means more to read the history of a place as you're experiencing it!

Posted By Jane Howard on April 28, 2008, 4:57 PM

When I travel I like the take the opportunity to reflect on my life and create new growth. The book I ALWAYS travel with has an odd name, but inside it there are wonderful strategies on creating the life you desire and releasing habit patterns that aren't supportive. It is an ebook with audios so for those who like work books and are keen on personal growth and development. I would highly recommend it. www.fastmoneybook.com
Happy traveling,
Monique

Posted By Monique Gallagher on April 28, 2008, 5:09 PM

A very sweet book to read is "Something to Declare" by Julia Alvarez. She is originally from the Dominican Republic and this book is a kind of autobiography, but it is more than that. She writes about her childhood there and her family moving to America, and about how she found "her voice" to write. It is really interesting and you can see that she is a poet. She is a very well-known writer who lives in the States and, after reading her book, I plan to go on with the rest of her work!

Posted By Ida Benavides on April 28, 2008, 5:12 PM

When traveking abroad there is nothing like a Mark Twain read such as Innocents Abroad, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court or Following the Equator. Somerset Maugham ain't bad either.

Posted By david Hendrickson on April 28, 2008, 5:45 PM

Definitely Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I have a small red copy that I take with me when I travel--it's light and can fit in most pockets. There always seem to be hidden depths to that novel. I think it is important to have something light and something you've already well-read to pick up for a while in the middle of the night when you can't sleep. I always travel with a couple of new books, but I always take P&P with me wherever I go.

Posted By Lana on April 28, 2008, 6:11 PM

I, like Sir Alec Guinness, never travel without a Trollope novel.

Posted By Katie on April 28, 2008, 6:14 PM

Anything by Tim Dorsey, Carl Hiassen, Randy Wayne White or John Grisham. Dorsey is Hiassen squared, and White is the new John D. McDonald for south Florida thrillers.

Posted By JB on April 28, 2008, 6:25 PM

"1,000 Places to See Before You Die" by Patricia Schultz!. It was the New York Times #1 bestseller and we love to make copies of the cities we are visiting and use the information while in that city to be able to visit special places.

Just a few weeks ago we were in Kraków's Old Town and were able to eat at the historic restaurant Wierzynek, the best place to enjoy courtly European service and traditional Polish specialties. Said to be the oldest operating restaurant in all of Europe, its history goes back to 1,364, as per page 300 of our book and the restaurant brochure. The place was elegant, the food great, the waiters were excellent and our bill was only $117.00 for both of us.

After using each item in the book we write the date of our visit so we can remember later on.
It is a lot of fun!

Posted By Lilia Espinosa-Perez on April 28, 2008, 7:09 PM

I'm laughing at Lana's comment because I always bring P & P (Pride & Prejudice) myself!! It's a comfort book; something I know and enjoy and can get lost in anywhere I go.

Posted By Jennifer on April 28, 2008, 8:10 PM

Since I don't love air travel, I like to read something that grabs my interest without requiring a lot of thought. So my favorites are the Stephanie Plum series by Evanovich and anything by Bill Bryson or Harlan Coben.

Posted By PAB on April 28, 2008, 8:22 PM

Nothing socially redeeming...My favorite is the Janet Evonivich series about Stephanie Plum, female bounty hunter.... Pure chic lit. In large print(I'm over 50) for a good Carribean beach read every summer...laugh out loud without the aid of margaritas, or with is even better...

Posted By gail on April 29, 2008, 12:25 AM

I like to bring a book of crossword puzzles. If you're going to Paris, however, pick up Hemingway's "A Movable Feast"!

Posted By Meghan on April 29, 2008, 9:35 AM

When I go down to the New Jersey shore (Seaside Park is my favorite beach town!) I bring a copy of
Michael Capuzzo's book, "Close to Shore: a True Story of Terror in the Age of Innocence" with me, mostly to read excerpts to any kids that are around. The book is told mostly from the point of view of a shark, while he terrorized the NJ shore during WWI. He maimed and killed a few people on his trip from Beach Haven to the Matawan Creek. It's a really good picture of what life was like back then,and it's unbelievable to most people that this is actually a true story!!

Posted By Daryn Cashin on April 29, 2008, 10:03 AM

I always have a Janet Evanovich book when I travel. You laugh so hard, you find you're landing at your destination before you know it. Her Stephanie Plum stories are sidesplitting. You don't mind delays nearly as much if you have a book to keep you company. A sense of humor goes a long way in keeping your stress level down. It definitely carries over to those around you.

Posted By Vickie on April 29, 2008, 10:23 AM

Sometimes I take books appropriate to my destination; in December I took Bridge at Andau to Budapest. It greatly enhanced the history of what I witnessed there. However, I always take magazines--Budget Travel, Western Interiors, and numerous professional journals. I either leave them in public places (waiting in line for the Uffizi to open in Florence), share with passengers on cruise ships, or leave with a tip for my hotel maid (I had to enlist the help of the front desk in Prague for my maid to take the magazine, tip, and St. Nicholas chocolates that I left for her with a note. She didn't take them the first day!) I think it is important to leave good things behind as we Americans travel the world!

Posted By Judy on April 29, 2008, 10:46 AM

Absolutely the Janet Evanovich Stephanie Plum novels are the perfect "mindless escape" novels for passing idle time!

Posted By Jody G on April 29, 2008, 11:26 AM

Always an Eyewitness book (great color photos) on the place I am visiting or a FODOR's but they tend to be bulkier and heavier to carry. "Dinner with Perspehone" for trip to Greece.

Posted By Karen on April 29, 2008, 4:07 PM

100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez - my backup in case a new book I bring is a disappointments!

Posted By Casey on April 29, 2008, 4:29 PM

I'll often pick up a magazine of the place I'm travelling to, such as "Boston" magazine etc. The articles are written by locals of the city so it can function as an insiders guide to all that's interesting about that city.

Posted By Christine on April 29, 2008, 5:57 PM

Any of the novels by Carl Hiaasen. They are easy reading and lighthearted folly of happenings in Florida. All his books have made it to the best sellers lists. I don't take any serious reading on trips as most of my reading time is in the evening or at night when not engaged in other activities.

Posted By Laird on April 29, 2008, 7:41 PM

I love to read on the plane. It makes the trip so much shorter !! My favorites are the "Death" series by J.D. Robb or the "FBI" series by Catherine Coulter.

Posted By Kathy on May 1, 2008, 11:38 AM

This may sound like a weird combination, but I bring the Bible and Edward F. Murphy's book, "Heroes of WWII". Both are full of exciting short stories that you can read quickly between the many interruptions you get when traveling. Murphy's book is a compilation of the true stories of the Congressional Medal of Honor winners during the Second World War - the 'earthly' perspective, while the Bible is a compilation of the true stories of many people - a more 'spiritual' perspective I guess you could say. Anyhow, both are fascinating reading.

Posted By Tim P on May 1, 2008, 9:22 PM

Our favorite book is always a paperback that both of us enjoy since we can save space if both of us will use it and it's always a paperback since we will leave it when we're done and so have room for stuff to bring back.

Posted By B&J Greisch on May 1, 2008, 9:50 PM

When I lived in Greece for 3 months, traveling from place to place and needing to have everything in a knapsack, the book I most relied on for reading believe it or not was the DICTIONARY - a great copy with etymologies etc. I worked my way all the way through the T's I believe by the end of the trip, and increased my vocabulary enormously. I also remember spending many enjoyable hours with John Gardner's long poetic novel Jason and Medeia - a book with so many unusual words that it requires a dictionary!
Tracy

Posted By Tracy on May 5, 2008, 7:39 PM

I travel a lot for business, and I always keep Joel Osteen's podcasts and audio book on my ipod. I also have his newest book. It's such calming material, but exciting and uplifting at the same time. It makes me appreciate the world, and my place in it even more. And, it reminds me that I'm right where I'm supposed to be, experiencing things I'm supposed to experience, and meeting people who will enrich my life and vice versa.

Posted By Samantha on May 8, 2008, 1:56 PM

I'm with those who believe there is one perfect book or author for each place. Examples: Tony Hillerman for New Mexico and nearby regions. Bruce Chatwin's The Songlines is perfect for Australia.

Posted By Sandra on May 8, 2008, 7:53 PM