Logistics of Reading Week Trips

One Week, One Backpack, Zero Regrets

Traveling is one of the most amazing things you can do. There’s something magical about discovering new places, experiencing different cultures, and trying foods you’ve never tasted before. And honestly, I can’t think of a better time to travel than when you’re a student.

You’re young, energetic, and usually have more flexibility than you will once you start working full-time. Reading Week is one of those opportunities that you should definitely take advantage of. Yes, you should study, and I’m not trying to be a bad influence, but sometimes a change of scenery is exactly what you need to come back refreshed and motivated. So, here are my best logistics tips for planning a Reading Week trip.

Travel for 4–5 Days

My biggest recommendation is to travel for four or five days rather than the entire week.

First, it gives you a couple of days to catch up on classes, assignments, and readings before you leave. Second, and most importantly, you always need a vacation from your vacation.

Traveling is exciting, but it can also be exhausting. We try to fit so many activities into a short period that by the time we get home, we’re more tired than when we left. Having a few days to relax, unpack, and do absolutely nothing can make a huge difference. You’ll start classes feeling recharged instead of completely drained.

Book Your Flights Early

Traveling around Europe can be incredibly affordable if you book your flights in advance.

I usually use Skyscanner to compare prices and find the cheapest options. I also recommend downloading the Ryanair app or following them on Instagram because they regularly post flash sales and limited-time deals. These discounts often disappear quickly, so it helps to stay updated.

For example, I managed to get Reading Week flights from London to Tenerife for only £30 round trip. Trust me, it’s worth keeping an eye on those deals.

Book Accommodation Once the Group Is Confirmed

Once you know exactly who is going on the trip, that is, who has actually bought their plane ticket, it’s time to book accommodation.

When organizing group trips, I usually set a deadline two or three weeks before departure. If someone still hasn’t decided whether they want to come, I politely tell them that we can’t wait any longer because accommodation prices will only increase.

When searching for places to stay, I normally check websites in this order:

1. Booking.com

2. Airbnb

3. Hostelworld

I personally prefer hotels, then apartments, and finally hostels. Sometimes you can find surprisingly affordable hotels that fit your budget, so it’s always worth checking before assuming they're too expensive.

Don’t Overthink the People

One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting for the perfect group.

If you have even one friend who is excited and ready to go, book the trip. You can have an incredible adventure with just one other person. Meanwhile, indecisive people can take all the time they need to make up their minds.

Also, never assume someone won’t be interested without asking them. You might be right, but you might be completely wrong.

I’ve had friends who I was certain would say no, but after I asked them, they ended up joining the trip and having an amazing time. The worst they can say is no, so ask anyway.

Planning the Trip

When planning, I usually start by telling an AI assistant what kind of trip I want, and I use the suggested itinerary as a starting point.

After that, I check TikTok to see which places people actually recommend, what hidden gems travelers have discovered, and whether attractions look as good in real life as they do in photos.

If the city offers a free walking tour, I always try to do it on my first day. Local guides often provide the best information, interesting stories, and practical tips. Plus, the tour gives you a great overview of the city, helping you decide what you want to explore in more detail later.

Choosing a Destination

The destination really depends on your interests, but for Reading Week, many students are simply looking to escape London's cold weather.

If you're craving sunshine, I would definitely consider Southern Europe. Destinations along the Mediterranean coast often offer warmer temperatures and plenty of opportunities to relax outdoors. I’ve also heard amazing things about Morocco, which is becoming an increasingly popular option for students looking for something different.

Another travel experience I absolutely love is visiting a friend’s home country. They know the local spots that tourists rarely find, and getting to see where they grew up adds a completely different dimension to the trip. Some of my favorite travel memories have come from exploring places through a local friend’s eyes.

My biggest piece of advice is simple: just do the trip.

There will always be reasons to wait. You might feel busy, worried about money, or unsure if enough people will join. But years from now, you probably won’t remember the extra assignment you finished during Reading Week. You will remember the sunrise you watched from a new city, the food you tried for the first time, the people you met, and the stories you came home with.

Travel doesn’t have to be perfect to be worthwhile. Sometimes the missed train, the unexpected detour, or the last-minute plan becomes the highlight of the entire experience.

As students, we have a unique opportunity: enough freedom to explore, enough energy to embrace adventure, and enough curiosity to appreciate it. So if you’ve been thinking about taking that trip, book the ticket, pack your bag, and go create memories that will stay with you long after Reading Week is over.