As a travel writer who spends a lot of time navigating airports, I’ve learned that some of the smartest money-saving travel hacks start long before you ever reach the security line. While most tips focus on finding cheap flights or budget-friendly accommodations (and those are huge wins), the quiet hero of my pre-trip routine is surprisingly simple—and completely free: a quick stop at the public library.
Stock up on vacation reads before you fly
Before any trip, I swing by my library and check out a few books for the plane, the pool, the beach, or those cozy end-of-day reading moments. I gravitate toward fast-paced mysteries or destination-themed novels that help set the mood for wherever I’m headed.
Airport bookstores are undeniably tempting with their glossy displays and newest bestsellers—but they come with premium prices. According to CheapAir, airport bookstores often mark up books and magazines by as much as 30%. That spontaneous “I need a book for the flight” moment can easily become a $20–$30 impulse buy.
Avoid overpriced airport bookstores
I used to fall into the last-minute trap of buying whatever caught my eye at the airport. Not only is the selection limited (usually recent releases and not much else), but everything is more expensive.
At the library, however, the options are endless. I have rows of books to browse, and if I’m planning ahead, I can even request titles from other branches or place holds on popular books before my trip.
Pack enough books for your entire trip
A borrowed library book is an easy way to enjoy vacation reading without airport markups.
(damircudic via Getty Images)
If you’re a fast reader like I am, you may finish your plane book long before your return flight. Grabbing multiple titles from the library means I’m covered for the entire vacation—without spending a cent. It’s one small step that saves real money while traveling.
Don’t skip the library’s digital perks
Even if you love the feel of turning physical pages, most libraries now offer powerful digital resources you can take advantage of before your trip. With apps like Libby or Hoopla, you can download:
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E-books for easy on-the-go reading
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Audiobooks for long drives, layovers, or poolside listening
Best of all, digital borrows return automatically, so you don’t have to worry about due dates while you’re away.
More surprising ways your library can help you save
Many libraries offer perks that go far beyond books. Depending on where you live, you may be able to borrow:
These are perfect for staycations, road trips, or budget-friendly sightseeing.
A pre-trip ritual that builds excitement
A peek at my local library shelf—where my pre-trip ritual begins. Grabbing vacation reads here helps me skip pricey airport bookstores.
(Brittany Anas)
My pre-vacation library run has become a ritual I genuinely look forward to. Wandering through the stacks, picking up a new thriller or a long-awaited memoir, and letting the anticipation of the trip build—it’s a small moment of calm before the adventure.
And because I skip the pricey airport bookstore splurge, I head into my travels with a little extra spending money (and a much better selection of reading material).