If you’re staying in a hotel for a week or less, don’t bother unpacking. Just use your suitcase as a drawer!
Never unpacking makes re-packing ridiculously easy, and you can be sure you haven’t left anything behind.
Leaving everything in your suitcase isn’t lazy, it’s smart! The only trick to this is keeping your suitcase organized throughout your stay. But how hard is that? Just keep you r clothes packed and resting neatly in your bag, and you’re golden.
Many hotel rooms have windows that don’t open, or that can’t be opened out of safety concerns. Such rooms may be perfectly clean, but they still tend to smell stale or musty. There also can be a hint of smoke in the air, even in a non-smoking area.
I used to ask to be moved to another room, but they were all the same! I’ve learned to ask instead for an electronic air filter I can plug in. Overseas, I might ask for a floor fan. Both work fast and do wonders to circulate and clear the air.
Bonus: both these items provide restful background “white noise.”
On the morning of a trip, I keep my toiletry bag with me as I get dressed. After I use each item that morning, I simply drop each into the bag.
This eliminates my taking things that I probably will not need — and makes sure basics like my eyebrow pencil or my toothbrush is not left behind.
Before I zip the bag, I can always add in a few extras, drop in my jewelry pill box, and that bag has almost packed itself!
In many places, hotels offer special lower rates to locals in order to increase occupancy. This is particularly true on last-minute stays or when bookings have been low, and is especially applicable to overseas travel.
If you’re going to a place where you have family or friends, ask them to inquire directly about any special rates or promotions that may be available.
Having them book on your behalf can save you some serious cash.
Use comfortable, soft-sided bags, such as gym bags, small daypacks, or duffel bags for easy-access and lightweight portability on a trip — just make sure to sort out your belongings properly inside the bag.
To maximize comfort and ease, find a duffel bag that has a wide opening with easy slide zippers and an adjustable strap. This will help reduce the strain of carrying a big suitcase.
In addition to increased comfort, duffel bags offer other advantages, as well. First, you won’t have to worry and wait around the terminal for your suitcase to show up at the baggage claim. Second, duffel bags can be tucked under your airline seat, shoved into overhead compartments, and opened quickly and easily during security checks.