When you’re getting ready for a trip, it is so hard to not worry about what to pack! I keep a running list in the days leading up to my departure, but there’s always a nagging feeling that something is getting forgotten. This list of things to pack for your hotel room will be perfect whether you’re traveling alone or with your kids. Some items are better for a road trip, some are more flight-friendly. But with a few adjustments, you’ll be able to customize this list for exactly the adventure you’re planning. Nevertheless, if you want your hotel to feel comfortable for your visit, there are a few things that will make your trip much better.
Slippers with Outdoor Soles: I have a small pair of travel slippers with outdoor soles that I could wear down to the hotel lobby in a pinch. I also feel better wearing them around the hotel room instead of walking barefoot. Kimono or Lightweight Robe: Find a thin, packable robe for tossing in your suitcase. This is handy to have in case you need to answer the door for hotel service during your stay. Eye Mask and/or Ear Plugs: Hotel rooms might have glowing lights from electronics, phones, displays, or fire alarms that are different than what you have at home. Not all hotel rooms have good sound proofing. To ensure a good night’s sleep, pack these small items in your bag. Favorite Travel Cup and/or Water Bottle: Most hotel rooms offer some kind of cup or mug but often they are disposable. I usually bring an unbreakable insulated stemless wine glass because it works for a cup of water, coffee, or wine at the end of the day.
Shampoo & Conditioner: These are the most likely to be offered at your hotel so if you have to skip one thing from this list, this would be it. Body Soap for Showering: Unless you enjoy bathing with a tiny soap cake, definitely bring your preferred soap from home. Toothbrush & Toothpaste: The most forgotten items, be sure to pack these! Facewash and Makeup Remover Deodorant Shaving Essentials: Razor, shaving cream, aftershave. Makeup Contact Lens Solution and Lenses Hair Styling Products: Bring your own gels and mousse, etc. Most hotels have a hair dryer but if you need special features or attachments, bring your own. Also bring your own curling irons. Jewelry, Scarves, Watches, etc. to complete your outfits Feminine Care Products: You never know if travel will throw your cycle off. Even if your period isn’t scheduled, pack some things just in case.
Travel Pouch of Bleach Wipes: I wipe down all the handles, door knobs, remote control, phone handle, and faucets in the room. It takes just a minute at arrival and gives me huge peace of mind. Vitamins Pain Relievers/Fever Reducers: Advil or Tylenol Acid Reflux/Heartburn Meds Anti-Diarrhea Meds
Laptop & Charger Tablet & Charger Kindle or eReader Device & Charger Paper Book or Magazines Headphones or a Travel Bluetooth Speaker for Music, Podcasts, etc.
Traveling with teens? You can use this printable packing list for teens and let them do the job on their own!
Box Fan: This is more appropriate for a road trip, but even when we fly our first stop is to a local pharmacy or Walmart to buy a $10 box fan for white noise and air flow. At the end of the trip, we’ll just leave it in the hotel for them to store or dispose of or if we’re driving, bring it home with us. Stuffed Animals or Blankies: Whatever your kid needs to sleep, just bring it!! If you’re worried about losing a beloved stuffie, be sure to read my tips about traveling loveys here. Night Light
Hand Wipes or Sanitizer Diapers & Wipes Baby-friendly Toiletries as Needed Large Pack of Bottled Water: This is also more road trip friendly, we stock up on a big case of water bottles for the hotel room. This saves us from having to leave the room in the middle of the night when someone wakes up thirsty. If you’re flying, pick it up while you’re there or have it delivered.
Food is an essential thing to have on hand with kids in your hotel room. Snacks, mini meals, extra beverages, have it all ready to go! If you want to avoid a total meltdown and temper tantrums, having just the right snack or granola bar ready to whip out at a moment’s notice could save your day.
Activity Books or Small Toys Headphones and a Tablet: You can use a headphone coupler so they can share. Travel Games: Here are my favorite packable travel games for kids.
Travel Hamper Little Kid-Sized Hangers Extra Gallon-size Ziploc Bags
You can learn how I use those items to keep our hotel room organized here. And don’t miss my list of hotel tips for road trips with kids here.
