Check at your local library and try some different styles of e-readers. The e-ink ones tend to be more 'paper-like' and less 'screen-like.' I mean, I love my Nook, but for real-feel reading, I still go back to my Sony every time, and the battery life on it ROCKS.
Otherwise, there was no real alternative to just lugging around a lot more weight than anyone sane would acquiesce to in the first place. BTDT, by the way. I recommend a combination strategy there-- take some new books, buy some at destination.
