Travel tips: Transform your hotel room into a home

Bring the best of home with you, but leave the clutter there. Most of us travel for one of two reasons, 1st for our work, 2nd to get away from our work. Either way making a hotel room exactly like home would be difficult, and may be counterproductive. Lugging framed photographs, and knick knacks is impracticle, and heavy. That said, bring a few things to make your stay more comfortable.

Your pillow, “0 my own, mine own.” Most of us sleep best on our own familiar pillow. If you don’t want to carry, or have insufficient room to carry the whole thing, just pack a pillow case from home. It smell like home, and will feel almost the same. If you’ve already arrived and forgot your pillow, wrap the hotel pillow in one of your washed at home tee shirts. It will smell like home, and some new pillow cases can be scratchy feeling.

Bring munchies. Most of us munch between meals, and restaurant fare can get old fast. Without planning at least a little bit, it would be too tempting to grab for the chips and or candy bars out of those vending machines. This is detrimental to your diet, and your wallet. Pack a sampling of what you really eat at home, and or stop at a nearby market. I bring dried cereal, nuts, and fruit, as well as cocoa powder and tea to add to the freebee coffee service.

Bring your laptop if you have one. Not only can you get some work done, it has your favorite photos, and games included. Most hotels have wireless internet available, and you can catch up on your e-mail correspondence.

Bring your gym bag. If you routenely go to a gym at home, don’t stop just because your away from home. Most hotels have workout rooms, and or can direct you to a local workout space. Your club just might have a site nearby, or a transfer agreement with a local club.

Traveling with kids? Make sure you pack some of their favorite playthings, crayons, and activity books. Sprinkle in new toys throughout the trip. Bring a blankie. Play games that get them to look out the window. Bring along a couple of their favorite movies, and ask for a local tv listing if you don’t find it in your room. When you get there, move the most fragile looking decoration items to the tops of the shelves and or closets, and place the kids toys where they can get to them.

UNPACK! Go ahead and use the dresser space, and closet space that is available. It’s worth the extra few minutes. Your clothes will relax, and so will you.