Most hotel rooms are standard, but you don’t have to see your holiday stay as a sterile place.  Incorporating personal touches into your hotel room can enhance the vacation experience.  Here are five ways I try to add my personal touch to a room when I travel.

Unpack.

I try to unpack whether it’s for the weekend or the week.   I hang up my clothing, spread out my toiletries in the bathroom, put my shoes out and my suitcase away.  I like my hotel room to feel like it’s my own.  I usually walk with my journal, so I leave it on the bedside table and put away all the hotel brochures.  I unpack my electronics and plug them in using one area of the room, so I won’t overlook any when I leave.

Candles.

Candles are a lovely way to fill a room with your favorite scent.  I walk with a candle warmer and place my candle on it when I unpack.  In a few hours, the smell will fill your room with a beautiful aroma instead of a sterile hotel smell.  Be cautious; however, never light candles and leave them, just as you would not do so at home.  I like to use small sample candles.  The trick is to remember to turn off your candle warmer the night before you leave, as your candle will have time to become firm for packing.  Once firm, it can stay in your suitcase for use repeatedly.

A small speaker.

If you require more volume than your device gives, then a tiny speaker does the trick.  There are so many options on the market that are tiny but pack an incredible punch for noise output.  You will listen to your music and get into the mood you desire with your music.  Please remember your neighbors and keep the volume down, especially late at night.

Your pillowcase.

For a luxurious feel, travel with your pillowcase.  For EbonyTravelers, this can be especially helpful for hair care and maintenance.  In my opinion, choosing a satin or silk pillowcase is a personal preference.  Silk is a more expensive option, but the less expensive satin is also a great choice.  Only you will know what is best for your hair type and sleeping style.  The benefit of having your pillowcase is you can use it to store your dirty clothes when you are ready to pack for leaving.

Handicap accessible room.

If possible, request a handicap-accessible room when checking in.  These rooms are typically larger in size because they are designed for wheelchair access, so doors are wider.  Outlets are more accessible, and best of all, it is illegal to charge more for an accessible room, so you’ll get more space at the same price.  Please always be considerate of those with genuine needs and know that your request may not always be honored.

Do you like to feel at home when on vacation, or do you prefer to know that you are away from home?  Please let me know in the comment section below.