Expedia Group has released Unpack ’26: The Trends in Travel™, the annual global report uncovering what’s inspiring travellers and where they’re headed next.
This year’s trends highlight a deeper craving for meaningful escapes, the kind that help you slow down, unplug, and connect. Among them? A new wave of literary-inspired getaways that blend relaxation with the joy of reading… and one Nova Scotia stay is getting international attention for it.
trips are getting ‘lit’ this year
As in literature… 😉
Tucked along the coast in Port Medway, Nova Scotia, Atlantic Pearl has been named one of Vrbo’s top “Readaway” stays for 2026. Just an hour from Halifax, this oceanfront home is the perfect spot to trade phone screens for paperbacks and let the sound of the waves set your reading pace.
“Readaways” are shaping up to be the next big chapter in travel, with 91% of travellers saying they’re interested in trips centred around reading, relaxation, and quality time with loved ones.
Mentions of book-related terms in Vrbo guest reviews have surged 285% year-over-year, proving travellers are ready to swap nightlife for novel time.
the ‘readaway’ trend
From #BookTok favourites to in-person book club getaways, the Readaway trend celebrates slow living and story-driven escapes. Travellers are seeking cozy chalets, lakeside cabins, and seaside cottages where they can unwind with a good book (and even better company).
Looking for a larger vacation? Other top Readaway stays in the 2026 report include:
- The Book House No. 43 – Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
- Luxury Mid-Century Home – North Berwick, Scotland
- Lyra – Kangaroo Valley, New South Wales, Australia
- Grand Beachfront Villa – Rethymno, Crete, Greece
- Family-Friendly Cottage – Gnarrenburg, Lower Saxony, Germany
- The Professor’s Beach House – Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand
- Novel Retreat – Austin, Texas, U.S.
- Forest House – Orcas Island, Washington, U.S.
- The Literary House – Sorrento, Italy
atlantic pearl: a dreamy coastal retreat
Back in Nova Scotia, Atlantic Pearl delivers the perfect blend of charm and luxury. The Cape Cod–style home features a chef’s kitchen, dining for eight, and panoramic views of Ragged Harbour; a natural bay framed by endless Atlantic blues.
You can sip wine on the screened-in porch, melt into the outdoor hot tub, or take a one-minute stroll to your own private beach. Inside, every detail from shiplap walls to heated bathroom floors channels cozy coastal energy.
Whether it’s a romantic “baecation” or a book-club retreat, Atlantic Pearl is the kind of stay that makes you forget about the clock and get lost in the moment (and maybe a few chapters).
See the full travel trends list here!
Photos via Vrbo listing for Atlantic Pearl
