Embrace the Essence of Summer: A Conversation with Ariela White

There’s a certain essence about summer that invites readers to vanish—not entirely, but just enough to let five books slip into your suitcase alongside a bottle of sunscreen. This season makes your current read a perfect travel companion for adventures and unexpected airport delays.

Ariela White, an Our Stories Matter Youth Ambassador for Digitally Lit, understands this feeling well. Every summer, and throughout the year, she immerses herself in different lives through her favorite genres: sci-fi and fantasy. As a lifelong traveler, she has visited fifty-three countries and territories. Ariela shares lifestyle content on her blog (arielaonthego.com) and Instagram (@arielaonthego). She also showcases her passion for books and art. When not reading, writing, or creating art, you can find her cycling or rollerblading in beautiful weather.

In this confessional-style interview, Ariela shares her summer reading secrets—especially the ones tucked in between the lines.

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Secret 1: What Does “Summer” Mean to You?

Exploring the Connection Between Travel and Reading

Summer means Canada.

“In the summer, I usually come back to Canada! I love Canadian summers, visiting the library, and reading with my friends outdoors. These activities go hand in hand; summer is a great time for reading.”

Secret 2: Do Your Reading Habits Change When You Travel?

The Transformative Nature of Reading on the Go

Traveling means reading more.

“I find that my reading habits change a little bit when I’m traveling! I actually read more when I'm on the go (which is most of the time). I read while waiting for something, on a flight, or during a road trip. Part of this is due to being on vacation, which gives me more free time. Reading is my favorite offline activity!”

Secret 3: What Kind of Books Do You Bring on Trips?

The Art of Curating Your Book Selection

Fewer books = fewer excuses.

“Sometimes I’ll bring a book that I’m in the middle of reading or one I'm struggling to get through. By packing fewer books, I feel motivated to finish one because I have limited options. This method works pretty well for me.”

Secret 4: A Book as Part of Your Summer Landscape

Discover the Beach's Impact on Reading Choices

Beaches are a reader’s best friend.

“A book becomes ‘part of the landscape’ when you look at a view and think, ‘I should be reading.’ For me, this typically happens at the beach—any beach, really. I believe beaches epitomize summer.”

Secret 5: Do Your Travels Influence Your Book Choices?

The Connection Between Place and Literary Preference

Traveling sparks curiosity.

“Yes, it does! I like to travel almost aimlessly. That way, I’m open to anything. Sometimes, I take a tour or visit a museum I know little about. This expands my interests and tastes, so if I find a book related to what I’m learning, I’m intrigued.”

Secret 6: How Do Books Shape Your Travel Memories?

The Nostalgic Power of Literature

Reading fuels nostalgia.

“Absolutely! To be honest, I don’t always try to match a book to my trip, but it's nice to do that! Books can carry nostalgia just like music. The memories associated with the books I read while traveling often translate to my memories of that trip.”

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Concluding Thoughts on Reading and Traveling

Reading transforms our experiences. Whether you're reading while waiting for your next flight or flipping pages on a beach towel, Ariela proves that reading is a blend of serendipity and storytelling. Traveling acts as a guide to illustrating these tales. This summer, embrace the adventures of literature and let every book enrich your journey.

Dive into summer with books that not only entertain but also inspire. After all, the stories you choose can leave lasting impressions long after summer slips away. Embrace the journey, and happy reading!