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I hardly travel. I am a homebody. But when I find I am set to head out of town for a week or so I always grow extremely excited and extremely anxious in combination. The idea of sleeping, dining and bathing in a strange place has me on edge, yet still I look forward to the vacation (naturally) before arriving. To curb my small anxieties however without ruining the vacation I bring a few things with me.

PILLOWS. Never leave home without your own pillows and pillowcases. The well worn, well laundered linens of home are enough to bring back a cozy feel once bedtime rolls around and you're finding it hard to sleep. The starchy bedding of hotel rooms can instantly ruin my mood while leaving me with little to no sleep. I always thrash around while rubbing my face, legs and arms raw on the unappealing and overly clean (not complaining, just stating) sheets. They are stiff, bleached and uncomfortable so having along something so simple from home, or even your own sheets altogether, depending on your length of stay, is well worth it.

FOOD. You don't exactly have to bring food on the trip, but a grocery shopping spree while staying in a hotel for any length of time will help to bring about home life to an otherwise structured eating plan the hotel provides. Your favorite food stashed in the mini fridge for a late night snack or a lovely dinner is key to home. Drinks as well, especially drinking water, will make the trip more enjoyable. One state or one city away from home can still bring about a change in drinking water. It's best not to risk upsetting your stomach.

LUGGAGE. Of course you'll bring luggage on a trip, but the key to a hotel home is the arrangement of your baggage. Unpack and hang up your wardrobe. Living life day by day, pulling articles of clothing from a pack and stuffing articles of clothing back in can turn into a real pain. It's inconvenient and messy too. So hang up your clothing and stay awhile, especially if you're around for three or so days!

SHOWER BAG. Your very own shampoo, conditioner, and bathwash is better than the itchy and potentially risky containers hotels provide. Not only will you save your hair from drying out, and your skin from breaking into hives, but you will also have the familiar scents of home. This includes lotions, toothpaste and handsoap. Create a small bag you can easily keep in any hotel bathroom, including mini versions of most everything you carry in your very own bathroom.

Hotels cannot compare to homes but you can do your best to provide yourself with some semblance of comfort now and then. Even a favorite book, or a movie can help to ease the dreary and altogether too clean feel of the unfamiliar.

Learn more about this author, M W.
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