On organizing a
hotel stay, one will need the time and dedication to search for the best deals. Think about the season you are planning your travel. Are there discounted hotel stays currently ongoing? Do you have a membership to a site that offers exclusive deals, coupon codes and cash back or points on your purchases? There are websites that do offer cheap hotel rates but take a moment to research the hotels listed before you book your stay. Also, some of those bargain sites do not refund your money if you should show up and decide that the hotel is not right for you. Be sure to check reviews.
When it comes to planning a short hotel stay, you want to be sure that you have all items that you need and not necessarily what you might use or want just because. The more belongings you have, the more likely you will forget something. So start with your essentials (the things you can't go without) and then go down the list:
1) Prescription medicines,
Vitamin supplements
Check your refills. Pack the vitamins that you know have a positive effect on you rather than every bottle you own. So if B supplements you get the most benefit, be sure they are packed. Then C, digestive supplements, etc.
2) Hair products
Comb, brush, hair styling creams or gels. Your favorite shampoo and conditioner if need be.
3) Toiletries
Consider the length of stay (3 to 5 days). You may only need to pack trial sizes. Toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, and mouthwash. Women's products (sanitary napkins, douche, pantyliner's, and body hygiene products). Men's products (shaving supplies, aftershave, body wash, lotion...) Add tweezers, nail clippers, and a first aid kit. Anything else like packing your own toilet paper or towels and you will have more items than you need and most likely will forget them when it is time to go. However, if you plan on taking a swim at the hotel, you might want to bring your beach towel along with fun water items.
4) Clothing
Pay attention to the weather and be sure you pack the kind of items that will make you feel comfortable. When selecting clothes, pick out the items that you can pair with other things this way you don't need to carry so many. For instance, a three night stay with possible rain showers and a drop in temperature, bring a light jacket. Carry items such as: a short sleeve shirt, a long sleeve shirt, a dress shirt, jeans, casual or dress pants. Women might bring along similar items including a short skirt, long skirt, or after 5 pm dress. Don't forget your belt!
5) Underwear and Sleepwear
T-shirts, panties, bras, briefs, and lounge wear or pjs. Depending on the occasion, men and women might include sexy apparel. Women who have certain clothing that require additional undergarments like a stockings, slip or other items to flatter the body include those in your luggage.
6) Shoes
If you plan on doing some sight-seeing or shopping, bring your comfortable shoes. Going to a nice restaurant or other special location, bring dress shoes. Plan on working out? Don't forget your sneakers and your workout clothes! Don't like walking on the hotel floor, bring your slippers! For the shower, water proof sandals.
Additional items might include: printed directions (don't rely on GPS only), tickets to event and/or print out of reservation. For downtime, reading materials and reading glasses, laptop, camera, work phone, etc. Electronic chargers, batteries, and instruction manual.
7) Accessories
What things might you want to add to your wardrobe? Sometimes there is jewelry, smaller handbags, a special belt, or some other thing that compliments your attire, you won't want to forget it.
8) Cash and Credit Cards
Things come up and you don't want to be stuck penniless. So be sure you have cash to tip, extra credit cards just in case you max out, and anything that you might be able to pawn just in case a money emergency should arise.
9) Kid's stuff
If you are traveling with children, don't forget to bring items that will keep them busy. Those moments in the hotel can feel quite long when there is nothing for them to do.
10) Important Documents, Relics, Gifts
From phone numbers to contracts, sometimes people leave behind valuable items that were meant to be shared with those they are visiting. Don't let it happen to you. Be sure those things are packed in your bags the night before or days in advance such as: memory cards of family events, photo albums, contracts, computer files, etc. it is very easy to be so focused on packing your items, you forget what you were supposed to bring with you to give to someone else.
Have a safe trip!
Nicholl McGuire is the author of
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