Home sweet home. But if you are a frequent traveler, home may be many sleeps away. Turn your hotel room into a home with these simple tips.

Start with the bed:

First, remove that ghastly bedcover (these covers are rarely if ever washed; you don't want this fabric, filled with other people's mysterious leavings, nestled up against your face.)

Now look in the closet or the dresser drawers for another sheet or blanket. Use this as your extra cover, if your room is cool.

Find the additional pillows, again hidden in a closet or a drawer. A bed always feels homier if it's plumped up with several pillows, especially if you are sleeping alone.

The room temperature:

Figure out how to work your room's temperature controls before you are too tired to do so. Set the thermostat to the temperature you prefer for sleeping. Turn off the air conditioner and open a window, if you prefer fresh air.

Rearrange the furniture:

If the table isn't in a convenient position, the armchairs are oddly placed, or you simply need more room, then relocate the furniture.

Clear away all extraneous printed materials left out by the hotel. Scoop all this stuff into a drawer. The goal is to claim as much space for your own use, as possible.

Change the scent in the room:

Be sure to pack a candle or two (tinned travel candles are best these are safer than plain wicked candles). Remember matches, or a lighter, especially if you are a non-smoker.

Choose a scent you are familiar with (vanilla, ginger, rose, strawberry, or cinnamon are popular). These tantalizing scents will instantly bring back warm memories of home. They may also mask any underlying odors left behind by former occupants.

Stock and use your refrigerator:

Nothing is more home-like than being able to go to the fridge for a snack while watching TV. If your room is equipped with a fridge, turn its thermostat to the coldest setting (maids usually set these to their warmest settings to conserve energy.)

Go shopping for quick snacks: yogurt, fruit, muffins, cold cuts, cheese, and beverages. Remember wine and real cream for your coffee!

Pack cutlery and other kitchen utensils you would have at home:

Don't rely on room service. Pack your own bottle opener, corkscrew, small sharp paring knife, and metal cutlery. Be sure to pack these items in your checked luggage because you will never get them through airport security. Include a couple of well-packed wine glasses, if you plan to drink wine.

The little touches:

Add little touches like flowers or dried lavender from a local farmer's market; pictures from home (displayed in unbreakable acrylic frames); maybe a favorite stuffed animal. Display a few new issues of your favorite magazines.

The bottom line:

Take control of your environment as soon as that room key is in your hand. Change things, move things, add things. Your proactive approach will go far to making you feel more relaxed and more at home.

Learn more about this author, Sheree Zielke.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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