A innovative jacket designed for travelers now allows holidaymakers to pack up to 48 books despite strict luggage limits. TV personality and Sunday Times bestseller Charlotte Crosby showcases the garment, which features 12 spacious compartments ideal for beach reads.

Launch Aims to Boost Vacation Reading

Online travel agent loveholidays introduces the jacket to encourage more reading during trips. This move follows a National Literacy Trust report highlighting reading rates at their lowest in two decades.

A survey of 2,000 UK holidaymakers uncovers common overpacking habits. Most fill suitcases with excess clothes, leaving no room for books. Two in 10 respondents admit they never allocate space for reading materials, while 23% view books as less essential than unused outfits or extra shoes.

Charlotte Crosby Praises the Practical Design

“I’m absolutely made up with this coat, I love it. I can carry all my holiday reads and all the outfits I’ve planned for my trip,” Charlotte Crosby said. “Reading is a key part of my holiday, but I am also a serial over-packer and have to sit on my suitcase to zip it up every time as I take too many clothes with me. With this coat I’ll never have to worry about leaving enough space for my books ever again.”

Reading Enhances Relaxation, Survey Finds

Two-thirds of holidaymakers report that books help them relax, with 49% appreciating screen-free escapes. Yet, one in 10 who pack books read less than desired, often due to noisy environments or time spent with family and friends. Notably, 18% of travelers say they would bring more books if luggage allowed.

Al Murray, spokesperson for loveholidays, which commissioned the survey, stated: “It’s easy to stuff your suitcase with too many clothes—leaving less room for the things that matter, like that bestselling thriller you’ve been dreaming of reading by the pool. For many, a good book is the perfect way to truly switch off, so making space for a few great reads can make all the difference to a relaxing escape.”

Murray added: “So many holidaymakers love to read but just don’t end up getting to read as many books as they’d like while on their travels. And with people admitting they stuff too many things in their cases that they don’t even need while they’re away, it’s a fun reminder to pack smarter and make space for the stories that help turn a good holiday into a great one.”

Popular Books for Holiday Packing

Top choices include The Thursday Murder Club, The Time Traveller’s Wife, Where the Crawdads Sing, The Housemaid, The Couple Next Door, It Ends With Us, The Holiday, The Alchemist, Me Before You, One Day, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Normal People, The Midnight Library, The Road Trip, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, Big Little Lies, The Island, The Secret Life of Bees, Lessons in Chemistry, It Starts With Us, Daisy Jones and The Six, The Satsuma Complex, Crazy Rich Asians, My Brilliant Friend, and Rachel’s Holiday.