Last weekend I was able to get away for 2 nights with some of my longtime friends. It was such a gift to be able to have this time away, and it provided much needed relaxation, refreshment, and rest.
We stayed at a great hotel and appreciated our simple, clean accommodations. After the weekend I was thinking about that particular hotel stay and hotel stays, in general. I pack (and sometimes over-pack) thinking I know just what I need. Sometimes I get it right, and sometimes I realize I forgot something that would have been very helpful. Packing can sometimes be a bit of a guessing game, but I think there are some “should bring” items that might be a little unexpected.
Today I am sharing the 5 items you should bring on your next hotel stay.
(This post contains affiliate links, so thenotsobusymom receives a very small commission if you make a purchase through the links.)
Hand soap
Most hotels supply a few toiletries including soap, but it is always bar soap. Washing my hands with bar soap is really not my favorite, and every time I stay at a hotel I think about my hand soap back home. So, the next time you head to a hotel, run into the Dollar Tree first, and buy yourself some inexpensive hand soap.
Flip flops
There was a pool at our hotel, and flip flops really are the best shoe for time at the pool. Flip flops are also great for sliding on when walking to the vending machine or making a quick trip down to the front desk. Flip flops are easy to toss in your bag and come in handy when you need to throw something on your feet.
Steamer
Yes, most hotels have irons and ironing boards, but I find that whole process somewhat tedious. I am not a fan of ironing when I am at home, and I don’t enjoy doing it while I am away. A steamer is a much easier way to rid your clothing of all those crazy wrinkles that occur when your items are stuffed in your suitcase or bag. There are plenty of mini-steamers that can easily be packed with all your other belongings.
Laundry bag
By the end of your trip (whether 2 nights or 1 week) you will have a small (or large) pile of dirty clothes. I have a hard time shoving my dirty clothes into my bag with all the unused, clean clothes. A laundry bag is a simple solution. If you don’t want to purchase one, you can always just choose the frugal option, and grab a garbage bag from home. I also find that coming home with a laundry bag of dirty clothes makes unpacking much easier. Just throw the bag of clothes right into the washing machine, and put everything else away.
Cash for tips
I have worked at a B & B every summer since I was in high school, and I know housekeepers work hard to clean your room and give you your needed supplies. A tip is a great way to thank them for their service. It doesn’t have to be much, but it is always appreciated. You might also need tip money for room service or maybe just cash for the vending machine.
Those are my 5 “should haves” for your (or my) next hotel stay! They are simple items but very helpful in making for an even nicer get-away!
What about you? What items do you think are necessities when staying at a hotel? I would love to hear your ideas, so drop me a comment!
Until next time,
Charissa
Hand soap! That is so smart! I’m always so confused why most hotels don’t have any… then we’re forced to use the “facial bar.” Not cool, hotels, not cool!
Great list. We always bring a separate bag for laundry. Makes it easy when you get home.
Cristy
http://www.happyfamilyblog.com
It really does make the unpacking process a whole lot easier, Cristy!
These are great tips! I always forget to bring these kinds of stuff with me. Now I am ready for a get away 🙂 Thanks for this.
You are welcome, Charity!
Good call on the cash for tips – I usually never have cash on me, or at least smaller bills, so this is a great piece of advice!
Glad my advice helped you, Lindsay. 🙂
These are excellent tips! I always bring flip flops because the floors get my OCD worked up. I also bring a steamer, but bringing my own hand soap is such good advice! That bar soap is for the birds!
Thanks for reading and commenting, Brittany! I’m glad I’m not the only one who is unimpressed by the bar soap! 😉
I ALWAYS forget to bring cash and feel terrible when we leave after staying with our 3 little boys. I will remember next time ha!
Thanks for reading, Jessica! 🙂
YESSSS to the hand soap. I never understood why it is always bar soap.
Exactly, it’s an odd option for hand washing.
Totally agree with the hand soap! I hate washing my hands with bar soap
yes!!
These are great tips! We always bring flip flops and a laundry bag with us, but the hand soap is genius! I wish hotels would allow a tip option when we check out…I rarely have cash with us!
A tip option at check out is a good idea, Melissa!
We always bring bathroom spray. Lol
Need i say more?
Great idea! Love it!! 🙂