Along with my dark overcoat, Audrey Hepburn-ish scarf and dark sunglasses, I left for Paris armed with reading material appropriate for the journey. Reading on the Road Seasoned travelers know that the key to comfortable travel is lightening the load. Don't even think about trying to lug around a suitcase full of heavy books. Absolutely no hardcover books. If you're traveling with a group of friends working on a similar assignment, then plan for each of you buy different books and trade off with one another.
Many hostels have informal book lending and book trading arrangements available.
This can be an economical alternative to purchasing books if your stay is going to be longer than three or four days. Of course, you can save money by buying used books in local area stores. While a bit pricier, the selection will be much wider in stores that cater to the university crowd. The American Booksellers Association offers info on 4500 independently owned bookstores on its Website. If you're counting every penny, you should consider utilizing the local public libraries.