5 Tips to Make Traveling Anywhere Feel More Like Home

Ever booked and planned an entire vacation only to get there and realize you can’t relax enough to enjoy it? Some people, like myself, are nomadic meaning I can get acclimated to a new environment quickly. People like my husband however take a while and are not entirely comfortable until the day before we head back home. Over my many years of traveling I’ve learned a few tips and tricks to help get you situated a little quicker. The goal is to get anyone comfortable in a new temporary environment so you can go on to enjoy your vacation. Some of these may seem obvious while others you may not have been thought of before.

1. Sleep mask – Yes, they seem cheesy and straight out of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, but they serve a fantastic purpose. I’m talking the satin eye covers straight from a movie (picture hair rollers and a robe). A while back my sister and I took the kids out of town. She laughed at me when I put my eye mask on at bedtime, but I was the one laughing in the morning. You see, most hotels leave lights on in the hallways which then shines through the bottom of the door. That much light and activity right outside the bedroom door can keep our brains from shutting down at the end of the day. My satin sleep mask (double duty for crow’s feet!) instantly makes my surroundings dark, better helping me get that necessary REM.
2. Bring your own pillowcase or pillow -The familiar feel and scent of your own bedding fools your brain in to thinking you are laying in your own bed. If you really have trouble sleeping in new places bring your own sheet set too. Sometimes going as far as bringing the entire sheet set helps. Whatever works. Point is it makes you feel at home.
3. Face mask or self-care items – I credit my 15-year-old daughter with this tip, and it makes total sense. What better way to relax in your new and temporary environment than a little self-care? Now I’m not saying you must go all out with a bubble bath and candles. When we go on family vacations often, we have 6 people sharing a bathroom, so a bubble bath is just not feasible. But something quick and simple like a hydrating face mask can do a world of wonder. Hand one out to everyone in your group and have everyone kick up their feet for just 5 minutes before you start unpacking and planning your itinerary. It helps relax you and regroup from the craziness of a family vacation. Plus, flying can be really drying on the skin so it’s a win-win.
4. Noise cancelling headphones – No need to order the expensive headphones, you can find more economical ones on Amazon or in your local Walmart. We can’t control who our neighbors are when we check in to our hotel room, but we can ensure a moment of peace with noise cancelling headphones, at least for a little while.
5. Bedtime routines: If your 5-year-old needs a bath, 2 special stories, a certain blanket and a cup of milk at the same time every night when you’re home then plan on sticking to that routine while on vacation. I know you may be dying to see those nighttime fireworks but trust me when I say you won’t enjoy them at all if your little one is having a meltdown because she’s exhausted and her normal routine is not being followed. Most parents tend to throw routine out the window when we take our children on vacation. Guilty right here! But I have quickly learned that a vacation is even more reason to follow those strict routines you’ve been laying down for months. Even my teenagers, who look forward to the vacation leniency, tend to get moody when their day to day routine is switched. This goes for parents as well! If mom always watches Real Housewives before bed, then bring your tablet and headphones and watch your show. If dad does yoga every night before bed, then namaste good sir! Trust me on this.

I hope this list of simple tips help your next vacation go smoothly. What tips and tricks do you have for a stress-free vacation? Do you have unusual ideas that work for you and your family? Let us know!

Call your travel agent – The best cure for a long day is to book and start planning your next trip. Having a countdown to your next visit can cure your Monday blues. For a free personalized quote contact me today, [email protected]