5 simple tricks to make any hotel room feel like home

As much as we all love exploring the world, living out of a suitcase for too long can leave us feeling a little bit homesick. Sometimes it helps to bring a piece of home with us to turn any hotel room into our personal space. In this article, I’ll share some tricks with you, for all those times you’re not lodging in luxury—as well as the times you actually are. Trust me, a little preparation and some easy habits can work wonders!

No matter how luxurious your travel destination may be, it will never live up to the comfort of your own home. Even waking up to room service under fresh hotel bed linen can’t quite match the tranquillity of your morning routine in your snuggly slippers. Whether you’re constantly on the road or just an occasional traveller, here are some simple tips and tricks to make your hotel room more personal—so you’ll feel just like you do at home.

“People who actually unpack their suitcase and use the dresser in their hotel room are at a level of responsibility that no one can understand”, says a popular post on Reddit. But is it actually true that only the vast minority of people unpack their luggage after they check into a hotel room? We’ll probably never know. But one thing is for sure: it helps to feel more at home. Maintaining some semblance of a regular schedule can reduce stress. This also includes taking your clothes out of a wardrobe, instead of your suitcase or backpack when you get dressed in the morning. Try to remember that next time you’re tempted to live out of your suitcase once again.

Now that you’ve unpacked, it’s time to fill the hotel room with your own vibe—and by that, I mean something that reminds you of home. Even if your near and dear ones couldn’t join you on your trip this time, there’s a way to keep them close. Get yourself a pocket picture frame that can be displayed anywhere. As soon as you have to leave, it can be folded up and packed easily.

Another important aspect that always gets neglected while travelling is the right scent in your hotel room. According to fragrance expert Paola Paganini of Acqua di Parma, people need familiar smells to calm their minds. Brown University studies led by psychologist and neuroscientist Rachel S. Herz showed that smells can affect mood, improve productivity and even change people's behaviour. A hotel room typically smells of laundry or cleaning products, which isn’t always very comforting. Essential oils can help to create a sensory environment that smells just like your own home. Citrus scents usually have an energising effect, while lavender helps you relax and sleep. An alternative would be travel-sized candles, which additionally guarantee a warm atmosphere. Just dim the lights and light your candle to fill the room with scent and the cosy flicker of candlelight.

What’s the best way to start the day? Right, a cup of your favourite hot drink. If you’d rather enjoy your morning coffee or tea in your hotel room than in a bar, don’t forget to pack your signature blend. Starting the morning with your preferred unique flavour immediately makes you feel so wonderfully at home. 

Travelling typically involves missed or heavy meals—honestly, it doesn’t come as a surprise that this has negative impacts on your body and mind. Obviously, you don’t want to miss out on making new experiences, but don’t use your holidays as an excuse to drink or eat to excess. In case you are forced to skip a meal, bring along a few nutritious snacks you can enjoy in your hotel room in a quiet moment. According to a study carried out at Cardiff University, the consumption of healthy snacks is associated with lower anxiety, depression, emotional distress, somatic symptoms, cognitive difficulties, and fatigue than the consumption of unhealthy snacks. I’d say you can leave your chocolate bars and crisps at home then.

Even if there’s no smart TV in your hotel room, you don’t have to miss out on watching your favourite shows. Nowadays, almost everyone brings some kind of electronic device on their trip. To make your life easier, you could download a few episodes of your favourite show in advance. Whenever you can’t seem to fall asleep, you can always binge-watch some Netflix in your hotel room—like you would any other sleepless night at home. And even if you can’t be bothered with TV shows, you can always listen to your favourite music for a homey feeling.

I guess we can all agree on this one: the best part of coming home after a long day is taking off those horribly stiff jeans and putting on a pair of comfortable sweatpants. This is exactly what we often miss while travelling. Let’s put an end to being uncomfortable! Just pack some loungewear that makes you feel ultra-cosy—and don’t forget your snuggly slippers. Instead of clomping around your room in the hotel slippers that are 4 sizes too big, bring your own to ensure a relaxing time in your temporary home.