A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
My wife and I travel a lot. From cruise ships to hotel stays, from national parks to a highway rest area in our Mercedes Sprinter van. Every traveler has different preferences. A few small, inexpensive items can improve sleep, reduce distractions, and make an unfamiliar location feel more comfortable. If you don’t have your own traveler’s comfort kit, hopefully, this will give you some ideas.
Our Must Have List
Our “must have” items include earplugs, long charging cables, lightweight sandals or flip flops, some snacks, and a “just in case” bag.
A Better Night’s Sleep, Personal Comfort, and Staying Connected
After a few nights of interrupted sleep, things like earplugs and sleeping masks have become a lot more common in our luggage. Whether it was the state champion volley ball team, a midnight train whistle (just like in “My Cousin Vinny”), a noisy ice machine, or bright parking lot lights, we’ve learned that you never know what you’ll experience.
I also don’t like walking to the pool in shoes, or having to put a pair on just to go to the ice machine. So, a pair of flip flops get packed; my wife prefers sandals.
Longer charging cables are convenient when the nearest plug is too far away from where you want to use your device.
Other suggested items:
A Better Night’s Sleep
A white noise phone app, pillowcase from home (my wife and son pack their favorite pillows when possible), and a small night light. Melatonin supplements always make it into my travel bag to help with a good night’s sleep.
Personal Comfort
Comfortable sleepwear, an extra layer of clothing, reusable water bottle, favorite snacks
Staying connected
Charging cables, headphones, downloaded entertainment, or streaming apps are great for getting work done, or just relaxing.
A Traveler’s Comfort Kit Should Include a “Just in Case” Bag
I am not a minimalist traveler, but a thousand miles of long-distance hiking has taught me a few supplies in a small zip-top bag can prove useful. What I usually like to have in my bag includes basic first aid supplies, medications and pain relievers, stain removal pen, sewing needle and thread, hand sanitizer, a couple disinfecting wipes, a safety pin or two, and important travel information.
Make sure essential and necessary items like medication, and hard to replace items, stay with you as you travel rather than in checked luggage. You’ll also want to remember to remove important items from your carry-on luggage that you end up checking at the gate, and carry them with you on the plane.
Forget Something?
As a traveler and hotel operator, I know even the most experienced travelers will forget something once in a while. If you are staying in a hotel, don’t be afraid to ask for an item you might have forgotten. Also, if there is something which will make your stay more comfortable, most hotel staff members are trained to do their best to accommodate you. They may not always have the item available, and some items may not be complimentary, but it never hurts to ask.
Items Which Might Be Available From the Front Desk
Personal Hygiene Items:
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- razors and shaving cream
- deodorant
- feminine-hygiene products
- shower caps
- sewing kits
Room Comfort Items:
- Extra pillows
- Blankets
- Towels and washcloths
- Earplugs
- Luggage rack
- Portable fan
- Crib
- A shower chair
Availability may be limited, particularly during busy periods.
Technology and Travel Items:
Depending on the hotel, the front desk may have:
- Phone chargers left behind by previous guests and available as loaners
- Charging adapters
- Local maps
- Restaurant recommendations
- Transportation information
- Printed boarding passes or limited printing assistance
Recently, I needed to have something printed, and the hotel didn’t have a public printer, or business center. After talking with the front desk, they allowed me to email the document to the hotel and printed it for me.
What Do You Bring?
Travelers do not need to pack half the house to enjoy a more comfortable stay. I have found that a few carefully chosen items, especially if they help you sleep, stay connected, and maintain your normal routines, make a noticeable difference. And, if something is forgotten, a courteous call or visit to the front desk may solve the problem.
What is one small item you always pack because it makes traveling more comfortable?