Hotel rooms have been my home away from home for the last ten years. My husband has a job that requires he travel extensively and I have learned over the past few years how to make our hotel rooms into a more personalized and restful refuge for us. If you travel extensively or are just planning a vacation, here are some tips from a veteran traveler on how to transform your hotel room into a home.

As soon as you get to your room you should "settle your nest". This is crucial. You can't feel at home if your living out of a suitcase. Unpack and put away your clothes. Then proceed to the bathroom and place all of your items, such as soaps, shampoos, brushes and combs, lotions and perfumes, on the counter and shelves in similiar positions as they would be in your own bathroom. This will create an air of familiarity and hominess.

Nothing says home like family photos. Take along a couple of framed photographs of your children or grandchildren and place them on the night stands or coffee table of the hotel room. These will provide an instant connection to home and will make your room feel more personal.

There is nothing like slipping into that old beat up pair of pajamas and worn out bath robe to make you feel at home. So pass up the temptation to purchase new P.J.s and robe for your trip and take along your favorites instead. What could be more restful than slipping into your favorite bedtime attire when you are weary from a long day of travel or sight-seeing.

Do you have a favorite set of sheets that you love the feel of? Take them along with you. Replace the hotel sheets with your own and you will feel as though you are sleeping in your own bed. This only takes a few minutes of your time and it is definatly worth it. You can also include a favorite afghan or knitted throw in your suitcase. It won't take up much room in your luggage and can add a touch of home to your bed or couch in a hotel room.

And then there are the scents, the smells, of home. Is your home in the mountains? Or perhaps by the sea? Do you love the scent of your rose garden? I love scented candles in our hotel room. Choose a scent that reminds you of home to create that nostalgic atmosphere. For me it is the scent of pine as that is the tree that is most prevalent near our home. Just choose a scent that reminds you of home and you will be amazed at how the atmosphere of your hotel room will change.

Most hotel rooms will have a refrigerator, coffee maker and possibly even a microwave. Go shopping as soon as you can and stock up on favorite snacks and beverages. There is nothing more depressing than running down to the vending machines everytime you want something. Having your favorite cup of coffee first thing in the morning and getting up for a favorite midnight snack is going to make you feel right at home.

These are some of the things I do to make our hotel rooms more like home for us. When you travel as much as we do, a home-like atmosphere is crucial to our rest and well being. So plan your trip, pack those bags and make your next hotel room a "home away from home". Happy traveling!

Learn more about this author, Kathy Weaver.
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