AD | Collaborative post
Travelling is exciting—new places, new food, and new adventures await! But when it comes to sleep, being away from home can throw a wrench in your routine. Between lumpy hotel beds, different time zones, and that mysterious drip drip noise from the bathroom, getting quality shut-eye can feel like an impossible dream.
Trust me, I’ve been there. After years of trial and error (and a few bleary-eyed mornings), I’ve cracked the code for sleeping well on the road. Here are my go-to tips for catching Z’s no matter where I am.
1. Pack a Pillow That Feels Like Home
Hotel pillows are like a box of chocolates—you never know what you’re going to get. Too flat, too fluffy, or downright lumpy, they can ruin an otherwise good sleep. That’s why I always travel with my trusty memory foam travel pillow. It’s lightweight, compact, and gives my neck the support it deserves. Whether I’m on a red-eye flight or a hotel bed that feels like a brick, this pillow is my non-negotiable comfort item.
2. Cool Pyjamas Are the Unsung Heroes
You know that awful feeling when you wake up in the middle of the night, sweaty and uncomfortable? That’s why I swear by cooling pyjamas. Made from breathable fabrics like bamboo or moisture-wicking blends, they regulate my temperature whether I’m in a tropical Airbnb or a drafty European hotel. Plus, they’re so comfy, they make me look forward to bedtime—no matter where I’m sleeping.
3. Block the Noise with Earplugs
City noises, thin hotel walls, or even a snoring roommate can be sleep’s worst enemies. My secret weapon? Noise-canceling earplugs. These little lifesavers create a bubble of silence, making me forget about the late-night party next door or the plane engine humming in the background.
4. White Noise Machines Are a Game-Changer
If earplugs aren’t your thing, a portable white noise machine is your next best friend. These compact gadgets play soothing sounds—like rain, ocean waves, or soft static—that drown out disruptive background noise. I’ve used mine to drift off to sleep in bustling city centers and even on flights with crying babies. It’s a travel hack I wish I’d discovered years ago.
5. Stick to Your Sleep Schedule (No Matter How Tempting That Late-Night Gelato Is)
Time zones and exciting new places can wreak havoc on your internal clock. But sticking to a consistent sleep schedule—going to bed and waking up around the same time as at home—helps me stay on track. Sure, adjusting to local time might mean a slightly earlier or later bedtime, but consistency is key. And yes, this sometimes means saying no to late-night gelato runs… though I’m still working on that.
6. Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Sleep Mask
Light is a sneaky sleep disruptor, especially when hotel curtains don’t fully close or you’re on a flight with overhead reading lights blazing. A good sleep mask is my secret weapon. I bring one that blocks out every last beam of light, instantly creating my own little blackout zone—even if the sun is still up.
7. Hydrate Smart, Not Hard
Staying hydrated is essential, but waking up at 3 a.m. for a bathroom trip? Not so much. I sip water throughout the day to avoid dehydration (which can leave you restless), but I cut off the liquids about an hour before bed. That way, my body stays happy, and my sleep stays uninterrupted.
8. Create a Mini Bedtime Ritual
Your brain loves routines, so I bring a bit of my home routine on the road. For me, this means a little lavender essential oil to set a calming mood, a few pages of a book to wind down, or a soothing playlist to ease me into dreamland. Even when I’m in a new environment, these small rituals help signal to my brain: Hey, it’s time to sleep now.
Sleep Like a Pro, Wherever You Go
Getting good sleep while travelling doesn’t have to be a battle. With a little preparation and these trusty tips, I’ve turned sleepless nights into restful ones—and you can too. Whether it’s a pillow that feels like a warm hug, cooling pajamas, or a reliable white noise machine, these simple strategies have transformed how I travel.
