We've seen more Kindles and Nooks in the past month across the beaches and shores of Tel Aviv, Istanbul and Kota Kinabalu than We've seen our whole lives, and we have to admit we were jealous of their smart and savvy beachgoing owners. In an urban setting these black and white readers may seem archaic (they certainly aren't as sexy as iPads) but for travelers who want to read in the sun, these e-readers are the way to go. Get one and you'll be the envy of everyone on the beach.

Benefits we know, but can't stress enough:

• E-ink may be B&W, but you can read in direct sunlight

• Super affordable

• They're tiny

• They're lighter than the paperback and easy to hold with one hand in any beach lazing position

• A single charge allows you to use them for up to 2 months - perfect for long trips and getting off the beaten track

• There's still built in WiFi, PDF readers, tons of free books, you can download free books from your public library, etc.

What’s the angle for hotels?

• Offer each guestroom an endless library of books, magazines and other publications for guests to enjoy during their stay.

• Expand your library in ways that wouldn’t be possible if you stuck to a traditional library - think Netflix for print.

• If it drops it isn’t the end of the world. If it’s stolen, it’s a small expense to hotel guests. There’s nothing worse than a hotel lending you something that’ll cost several hundred dollars to replace if broken.

• 2020 Update - With COVID and the closure of libraries, Kindles have made it possible to download quick reads without screen fatigue. And hotels can easily disinfect each device between stays.