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Why I Finally Gave Kindle Unlimited a Go
And How It’s Saving My Sanity on Our Upcoming Long-Haul Flight with Kids
If you’d asked me a year ago whether I’d ever trade my beloved paperbacks for an e-reader, I would have said absolutely not. There’s just something so special about holding a physical book—the feel of the pages, the smell of the paper, and the sense of satisfaction as the bookmark edges closer to the final chapter. Plus, there’s nothing better than having shelves full of beautiful books to choose from at home. Our apartment here in La Plagne is overflowing with them, and it’s a collection I’m proud of.
But as much as I adore my paperbacks, reality has a way of catching up with you. With three young kids and an upcoming long-haul flight to Hong Kong to visit family, I’ve had to face the fact that there’s no way I can travel with enough books to last an entire month away. As anyone who’s travelled with kids will know, my luggage is already taken up by nappies, snacks, baby wipes, and enough toys to entertain a small army – there’s just no space for my usual stack of paperbacks. Plus, from experience, I know that finding second-hand English books in Hong Kong is difficult, if not impossible.
Even when my sister went off on a holiday to Croatia with a backpack stuffed full of fiction summer reads, a bikini, and a passport, I still clung to my paperbacks. But that was when the penny dropped. She’d barely had space for the essentials because her bag was bursting at the seams with books – and I knew I wouldn’t have the luxury of overpacking like that. If I was going to stay sane during a month-long trip with three kids in tow, it was finally time to embrace a more practical solution. Enter Kindle Unlimited.
What is Kindle Unlimited?
For those who don’t know, Kindle Unlimited is a subscription service from Amazon that gives you access to over a million ebooks, as well as audiobooks and digital magazines, for a monthly fee. For £9.49 a month, you can browse, download, and read an endless section of titles, whether you’re in the mood for a thriller, a bit of romance, or even a winter-themed children’s story that brings a ski holiday to life for the kids. For someone like me who loves variety and discovering new authors, it’s a bit of a dream.
And the best part? You can try it out for free for 30 days with no strings attached. If you’re like me and prefer to dip your toes in before fully committing, this is a perfect way to see if it fits into your lifestyle without spending a penny.
Why I’ve Finally Made the Switch (Even Without a Kindle)
I’ll be honest – I don’t even have a physical Kindle, and I’m still not sure I want one. But that doesn’t mean you can’t use Kindle Unlimited. I do all my reading on my iPhone, which has been an absolute game-changer, especially for those middle-of-the-night feeds or the rare moments of quiet when the kids are playing. I love a good paperback, but let’s face it: reading on my phone is just easier these days.
My phone is always with me, whether I’m on the bus, on the slopes or waiting for the kids to finish their skiing lessons, or taking a few minutes for myself at an après-ski café. It’s a huge relief to know I can dive into a book whenever I have a spare moment – no need to lug around a paperback in my ski jacket!. With Kindle Unlimited, I’ve got a whole library in my pocket, ready to go whenever I am.
Kindle Unlimited is Perfect for Family Travel
With our long-haul flight to Hong Kong fast approaching, I’ve already downloaded nearly 20 books on my phone, ready for the journey and the holiday weeks. There’s a selection of books there for me and for my kids. There’s no chance I’d be able to pack that many physical books into my suitcase – not when it’s already overflowing with baby essentials, toys, and winter gear for our trip back to the French Alps after Hong Kong.
For anyone planning a family holiday – whether it’s a trip abroad or a ski holiday in the mountains – Kindle Unlimited makes life a lot easier. You don’t have to worry about overpacking or running out of things to read, and with kids in tow, that peace of mind is priceless.
Even better, Kindle Unlimited isn’t just for me. The service includes a whole range of children’s books and audiobooks that are perfect for keeping the kids entertained on long journeys. If you’ve ever tried to survive a long-haul flight with small children, you’ll know how important it is to have something to keep them occupied. Having a few audiobooks downloaded means I’ve got some backup entertainment if we run out of games or snacks during the flight (which, let’s face it, always happens).
And if your kids are like mine, then the fact that they are reading or listening – but off a screen, makes it more appealing to them!
Keeping the Kids Entertained on Ski Holidays with Kindle Unlimited
Ski holidays are full of adventure, but let’s be real – as much as kids love zipping down the slopes, there’s often downtime to fill, whether it’s in the car, during breaks, or back at the chalet in the evenings. For any parent who’s faced with “What can we do now?” after a day on the slopes, Kindle Unlimited can be a game-changer. Not only does it come with a huge selection of ebooks for kids, but it also offers a range of audiobooks, which have quickly become our go-to entertainment for ski holidays.
Audiobooks are especially perfect for keeping kids engaged in a screen-free way. After a big day skiing, they’re usually a little too tired to keep playing, but not tired enough to sit still without some entertainment. Listening to an audiobook gives them something exciting and cosy to wind down with, while we get a moment to prep for the next day, handle ski gear, or just sit back and enjoy a well-earned break. The best part is that they can enjoy these stories without needing to look at a screen, making it feel like a healthier option after a day outdoors.
Kindle Unlimited has plenty of winter-themed and adventure audiobooks that really add to the holiday vibe, too. My kids love listening to snowy adventures and fantasy tales that match the magic of the mountains around us. Whether we’re driving around a ski resort, taking a quiet moment in a chalet, or getting ready for bed, these audiobooks have made all the difference. Plus, they’ve saved us from having to pack extra books or rely on screens, which is a huge bonus when you’re already carrying enough ski gear for the whole family.
If you’re looking for a way to keep everyone happy during ski season, Kindle Unlimited’s audiobooks are worth every penny, helping kids relax, stay entertained, and make the most of the mountain atmosphere – all while keeping things light and simple for the whole family.
What’s the Catch? Not All Books Are on Kindle Unlimited
One thing to note is that not every book is included in the Kindle Unlimited subscription. Some of the latest bestsellers and popular titles might still need to be purchased separately. And annoyingly, there are a few series I’ve been reading where they are all available on Kindle Unlimited – apart from the final book! How annoying! So do check your series out.
Having said that, there are over a million books available. You’re never short of options. The selection is huge, and I’ve found some real hits that I wouldn’t have discovered otherwise.
The other thing is that it’s worth researching the platform first if you’ve got specific books in mind. For example, I’ve been able to read most of Sarah J. Maas’ books (A Court of Thorns and Roses, Throne of Glass, and Crescent City) for free through the BorrowBox app from my local UK library. However, there are plenty of books on my Goodreads To Be Read list that aren’t available through my library but are available through Kindle Unlimited.
So, while Kindle Unlimited doesn’t have everything, it certainly fills in the gaps when other services or local libraries don’t have the books I want to read. For someone like me, who is always on the lookout for new reading material, this service has been a fantastic addition.
Kindle Unlimited vs Free Options (Like BorrowBox)
I’ll be the first to say that I’m always looking for ways to save money, and the BorrowBox app has been a great resource for getting free books from my UK library. It’s a brilliant way to access popular titles and audiobooks without spending anything, and I’ve used it to read loads of fantastic books. However, BorrowBox has its limitations, especially when it comes to certain genres or newer releases, and that’s where Kindle Unlimited really takes over.
If you’re someone like me, with a long TBR list on Goodreads, Kindle Unlimited can help you get through those books that aren’t available on other platforms. Plus, with the ability to download books ahead of time, I never have to worry about having something to read during the inevitable delays and downtime that come with travelling.
Is Kindle Unlimited Worth It?
For me, Kindle Unlimited has been a game-changer, especially with our Hong Kong trip just around the corner. Having access to thousands of books at my fingertips, without the need to lug around a suitcase full of paperbacks, is a huge win for family travel. It’s also given me access to a range of children’s books and audiobooks to keep the kids entertained, which is always a bonus when you’ve got three little ones in tow.
I would say that the monthly fee of £9.49 is acceptable if you read a lot each month. I think of it like this: If I bought two new books each month, it would cost me more than this. So I just need to read more than this to make it worth it! And I have!
If you’re an avid reader who loves to discover new titles, or if you’re looking for a convenient way to keep everyone entertained on long journeys, I’d highly recommend giving Kindle Unlimited a try. Plus, with the 30-day free trial, you can see if it fits into your life without any commitment. Just put the trial end date into your diary with a reminder to cancel the subscription if it doesn’t work for you.
How to Sign Up for Kindle Unlimited (UK)
Signing up for Kindle Unlimited is quick and easy. Just head to Amazon UK and start your 30-day free trial. Once you’re signed up, you can begin browsing and downloading books right away. It’s super simple, and if you find it’s not for you, there’s no obligation to continue after the trial. Just remember to cancel the subscription!
That’s La Plagne & Kindle Unlimited
I’ve always loved paperbacks, and while I’ll never give up my beautiful collection of books, Kindle Unlimited has become an essential part of my life as a busy mum and frequent traveller.
From Hong Kong to the Alps, Kindle Unlimited has made life so much easier. As much as I love my paperback collection in La Plagne, having a digital library at my fingertips means I can read wherever, whenever, and keep the kids entertained all winter long. Whether on a ski lift, in a chalet, or at 30,000 feet, I’ve always got the perfect book ready to go.
See you on the slopes!
Check out this post if you need a list of all the best ski-themed books for all the family!
