6 Reasons to Download Audiobooks for Travel

In partnership with Audible. For a change of pace, I’ve recently decided to join the millions of people who have turned to audiobooks for entertainment during travel. Naturally, I turned to Audible’s free 1-month trial as a first step and am surprised by how much I enjoy listening to books and do not at all miss my tired music playlist.

Here are five reasons why audiobooks make sense, especially while traveling.

1. Audiobooks Maximize Time

Audiobooks are a multitasker’s dream. Gone are the days of, “I don’t have time to read” and not knowing what to say when people ask for book recommendations. You can listen to audiobooks while walking, waiting in the check-in line, at the gate and on the plane as well as while hiking, packing, folding laundry and a myriad of other circumstances.

2. Choose from a Huge Selection of Travel Books

Did you know there are guidebooks, travelogues, essays and more travel-related books to listen to? Save time by listening to tips and tricks while on the go. Get inspired to journey to new destinations or learning more about the one you’re en route to.

3. Get Reacquainted with Classics

My daughter is getting to an age where she’s old enough to read books that I loved as a child. Jane Eyre is one recently released with narrative by Thandie Newton, who has a perfect, soft, British accent for a classic like this.

Lately, I don’t have time to re-read Jane Eyre but I DO have time to listen to it while on the go.

4. Famous People Narrate Books

Speaking of voices, acclaimed performers who have recently narrated works of literature for Audible include Emma Thompson, Rosamund Pike, Dan Stevens, James Franco, Jesse Eisenberg, Jake Gyllenhaal, Kate Winslet and Tim Robbins. Familiar voices make stories even more of a pleasure to listen to.

5. No Need for a Bookstore

Travelers need not pause an itinerary to browse a bookstore for a new read. Over 250,000 books can be quickly searched online.

6. Free 30-Day Trial

Want to try it? Sign up for Audible’s free 30-day trial to download a book of your choice.

Do you listen to audiobooks? Tell us your thoughts!

5 Comments

Audiobooks are great for traveling. My daughter can listen to books while on the train or in a car instead of reading which makes her motion sickness worse.

I am addicted to podcasts but haven’t really listened to books much. Good travel tip!

Thanks for sharing! I love old fashioned books, but this could be great for on the go!

Yes to all of this! We’ve adored audiobooks for ages on our road trips and long flights over the years. They’re a family travel wonder!

This is so true. My fantasy is there in the future is that we can buy a combo digital-audio book where we can switch gears for what ever we feel like.

Katie Dillon is the managing editor of La Jolla Mom. She helps readers plan San Diego vacations through her hotel expertise (that stems from living in a Four Seasons hotel) and local connections. Readers have access to exclusive discounts on theme park tickets (like Disneyland and San Diego Zoo) and perks at luxury hotels worldwide through her. She also shares insider tips for visiting major cities worldwide like Hong Kong, London, Paris, and Shanghai that her family has either lived in or visits regularly (or both).