So, you save up and plan the summer vacation you’ve been waiting all year for, and your hotel ends up being less than desirable. We’ve all been there but staying on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your vacation. We’ve put together a list of tips on how you can make your hotel stay just a little bit more comfortable. You may read this list and think “That’s a lot of extra stuff to bring on my vacation,” but if you’re staying for more than three nights, we’re sure you’ll be glad you packed an extra bag.
1. Work on the air quality. First things first, if your hotel is poolside or beachside the room might feel a little damp. Turn your AC on when you get into the room to help dehumidify the air. You can take it one step further by bringing a small portable air purifier. You can find small air purifiers for less than 50 dollars and they’ll come in handy at home as well!
2. Bring a couple of cleaning supplies. We know what you’re thinking, “But I’m on vacation!” Still, sometimes spending just 15 minutes giving the bathroom and other surfaces a quick clean will make you feel more comfortable for the rest of your stay.
3. Bring some Febreze or your favorite air freshener. Sometimes even a pristine hotel room can have a bit of a funky smell, or just a smell you’re not used to. Having air freshener on hand can improve the smell and make your stay more comfortable.
4. Bring your own bedsheets and pillows. You don’t have to bring the comforter but sleeping on your own sheets and with your own pillow can help you feel more at home and get a better night’s sleep. You’ll have more energy for the fun stuff! Also, bring an extra sheet and blanket for the couch. Sure, you’re on vacation, but it’s also fun to get a crab bucket to-go and bring it back to your hotel room for a movie night, especially on a rainy night. Beach hotels will often have couches in a material that’s easy to clean, but not so comfortable. Having some extra blankets will make those rainy nights more enjoyable.
5. Bring some hand soap with a pump to set at the bathroom sink and kitchen if your hotel has one. Of course, the hotel will provide a bar of hand soap, but by the end of your stay, you’ll have a wet sticky soap residue on your counter. The hand pump soap is so much easier to use during your busy vacation!
If you’re still not sure bringing these extra items will be worth it, pack them all in the same tote bag and leave them in your car until you check out the room. If you find you don’t need them you can just leave the bag in the car, no extra unpacking!
Palo Magazine Contributor
