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What You Can Do To Avoid The Homesick Blues While Staying In Hotels For An Extended Period

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Staying in a hotel can be fun, but for those who travel frequently, being away from home for extended periods of time can be difficult. That's why you should learn a few tricks that will help you feel at home in your hotel room. Below are several small, but significant, things you can do to get rid of or prevent the homesick blues:

Bring your own linens

Hotel linens are usually impeccably clean and fresh, but they don't always have the same exact feel you are used to at home. For example, if you are particular about your pillow, be sure to bring your own pillow with a case. The texture and feel of your pillow can remind you of home, and this alone often lends itself to a great night of sleep. In addition, a small throw blanket can often provide the same effect when spread out on your bed, so don't hesitate to toss one in your suitcase. Even your own bath linens can be helpful in recreating the feel of home, and bringing a small facial or hand towel is an easy way to make your experience more homey.

Unpack your suitcase and bags

Hotels typically provide their guests with luggage stands, but they almost always have dressers containing several drawers for your use. Be sure to take advantage of this amenity by unpacking your clothing and placing it in the drawers. Not only does this simulate the feel of being at home, it also enables you to get your suitcases out of the way and stored under a bed or in the closet until time to leave. Your clothes will benefit, too, by removing them from the cramped, wrinkle-inducing confines of your luggage and giving them a chance to air out.

Bring your nightstand's contents

Chances are likely your bedside table at home contains a variety of personal possessions, including such things as an alarm clock, photos, magazines, earphones, or even snack foods. These items can make your hotel room become much more comfortable and seem like your bedroom at home. The good news is that unless your nightstand is extremely full, most of the items will easily fit into a travel bag, and the layout can be replicated on your hotel room nightstand within a matter of seconds.

Make a friend or two

One of the best things you can to engage in deliberate conversation with hotel staff members, such as the desk clerk, housekeepers or valets. The conversation doesn't need to be deep or complex; simple conversations about where you were born, your hobbies, and family can be enough to make you feel at home in the hotel. Keep in mind that fake conversation doesn't help you engage, so be sure to be authentic and genuine with your new-found friends.

Harness the power of smells

There is a definite connection between familiar odors and the human mind. This powerful relationship can be enough to "trick" your mind into thinking it is back home. To make this happen while you are on the road, bring a a few candles, plug-in scent devices and other strong-scented items. However, just be sure not to actually light the candles, as they are often banned in some facilities due to the fire hazards they pose.

In addition, you can do more to help make yourself feel at home by using toiletries with familiar smells. For example, shampoos, conditioners, and lotions are common items that you can bring along for the "smell-factor". Even though hotels usually provide these items, it may be to your advantage to forego the free ones and use your own from home. 

Don't be afraid to decorate

Another tip that can help you make your hotel room a little more like home is by taking a few simple steps to decorate it. For example, purchasing fresh flowers and placing them in a vase can do wonders to liven up your space. Ask the hotel staff if they have a vase you can borrow for the duration of your stay, and you won't even need to bring one with you. In addition, other easy decorating tips include bringing a cloth runner to lay across a table or a rolled-up, lightweight door mat to place in front of your door.


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