essential travel hotel stays

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Julia Vaness

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Essentials , Travel Guides , Travel Tips , Uncategorized · July 24, 2022

What to Pack for Your Hotel Stay: A Hotel Packing Guide for 2022 and Beyond

After a few “inconvenient” trips across the pond, where I was surely underprepared, I decided I was in desperate need of a full-proof packing plan, aka, a checklist.

This isn’t a redundant packing list for clothes, shoes, and a toothbrush. This list is focused on the items you wouldn’t pack first or even second. These are the items that can save you in a pinch.

You can use this list for any vacation in an AirBnB or Hotel, basically anywhere that’s new to you. It’s important to have these items on hand for a variety of reasons but I’ve noticed that if I ever skip one, that’s when I need it most.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links. No extra cost is added to the item. Commissions come from a portion of the sale.

Hand soap is at the top of the list because it’s essential. Please don’t use those wax bars they provide you in the room. They do nothing and feel terrible on your skin. It could be a personal preference but I don’t think those actually clean your hands. Pack a small anti-bacterial liquid hand soap from the market. You can usually pick them up at a local CVS or Target near your hotel if you’ve forgotten to pack it. We travel with the soap closed/locked and then wrapped in a ziplock bag, we haven’t had any problems with this before.

An extra door lock is great for peace of mind and actual security. TikTok travel videos have made me hyper-aware of how easy it is to break into a hotel room. This one isn’t meant to scare you, just to help you add a bit more protection for you and your valuables while you are traveling. It’s easy to let your guard down when you travel somewhere you’ve been a hundred times or someplace local but it’s always important to maintain proper safety protocols. I found a super easy-to-use door lock on Amazon and I haven’t had any issues.

Not to Pack but order extra blankets and towels to cover the furniture – new pillowcases

I’ve recently started to order extra towels, blankets, and pillowcases for the room as soon as I check-in. Extra towels are always great if you have multiple people staying in the room but they also help to cover the furniture. Hotel room furniture doesn’t get cleaned as often as you think. It’s best to just throw a towel over the chair and use a blanket if you have any larger chairs or sofas in the room. Changing out the pillowcases and the top sheet/blanket is another tip I’ve learned, as hotels don’t wash the top blanket if it looks clean.

Charger/Power strip with USB

Keep your phone, tablet, Ipad, etc. charged at all times when you’re traveling. You don’t always know when you’ll need these items and having them charged makes them readily accessible. It’s always good for safety reasons too. When you travel, try not to let your phone battery get too low or your Apple watch. Keep a portable charger with you at all times and have outlets accessible in the room too. I like to travel with a power strip with room for USB chords and regular plugs. It’s also good to have if you’re sharing a room, then everyone has a central place to charge their items and nothing get’s lost or left behind.

The tiny hotel trash cans are never enough. Pack a few large trash bags for food and packaging trash from souvenirs. Large trash bags can also be used for dirty laundry if you don’t have room to pack a collapsible hamper. Trash bags are always handy for cleaning before you leave the hotel….please pick up the room and collect the trash and put all used towels in one place. It’s just good manners.

Zip Lock Bags

I’ve mentioned before that zip lock bags or plastic bags are helpful for packing shampoo and soap bottles but they are also great for packing wet clothes like swimsuits. I like to pack a few bags in different sizes and keep them in my travel kit. We reuse the bags for each trip and we also use larger bags to wrap our shoes in to keep our clothes clean.

Pop Up hamper

This one is fun but not necessary because like I said before, you can pack an extra trash bag or packing cube for your laundry. BUT having an actual hamper and not just a corner to throw your clothes in feels so much better. You literally feel fancy with a 99 Cent Store hamper because your clothes aren’t all over the place. This is a total game changer for me and my husband and we highly recommend packing one.

Clorox Wipes

Please wipe down the room. Just like covering the furniture because hundreds, if not thousands, of people have stayed in that room before you. Wipe down the high-touch areas like the remote, door handles, toilet, sink and counter and any tables in the room. You can pack one of the larger containers or the small travel ones, depending on if you’re driving or flying.

Most hotel rooms won’t include a mini fridge, especially the nice ones, and basically every hotel in Las Vegas, nice or not. We travel with an insulated bag or a cooler, depending on the stay. You can put the ice from the ice machines in the ziplock bags and keep everything cool in the insulated bag. It works great and is helpful for any snacks you make pick up at a local store and even leftovers.

When you’re traveling you must stay hydrated. Drink tons of water but also use a hydration packet (i like Liquid IV) to help supplement any of the much-needed electrolytes on the trip. They are easy to carry in your bag while you’re out on the town exploring and you can add them to a water bottle or a glass of water at a restaurant.

This one is for fun and necessary for me and my husband but not for all. If we’re driving to the hotel then I will pack my favorite cold bre coffee, either STOK or Chameleon. They are both amazing and they have so many flavors! If I’m not able to pack cold brew then you can expect to see me at any Starbucks within a two-mile radius of the hotel. Having your favorite morning drinks with you helps you stick to your routine and brings a bit of home to the trip. We also pack the K-cups in our favorite blend to use in the room, if we know they include a Keurig coffee maker in the room. They are also great for tea, pack whichever you prefer.

Slippers/Socks/Slides

Keep your feet clean and soft and not icky from the hotel carpet or tile flooring. I’m really not sure how often hotel floors are deep cleaned, other than the once over with a vacuum. Take some extra precautions and pack some fuzzy socks or indoor slippers/slides to use while in the room.

Laundry Detergent

Doing laundry at your hotel is usually better for extended trips. When we take weekend trips we don’t mind packing our laundry and doing it at home, but for longer trips like in Disney World or when we went around New York, Boston and Connecticut for a while, doing laundry at the hotel or AirBnB is a must. Most luxury resorts or deluxe hotels don’t offer laundry rooms and will charge a lot to do your clothes but moderate hotels usually have a small laundry room available. If you have a longer trip planned, do a bit of research to see if laundry is available on the property and be sure to pack enough laundry soap for a couple of loads.

Stomach Medicine/First Aid Kit

I never leave my house without my little first aid medicine bag, ever. I’ve left a couple of times for errands and always regretted it. Please pack stomach medicine and a pain reliever for your trip. Even if you never usually get an upset stomach, pack it. Trying new foods, being in different time zones, extreme weather – it can all make a difference on how your body reacts on your trip. It’s also good to take before bed after a night of partying if you’re away on a celebration trip or in Las Vegas or some place similar. And from experience, please pack stomach medicine and pain reliever for long flights across the country or international flights. Other countries may not have the medicines you’re used to or not have them available when you need them. Not all hotels offer small convenience shops or sell medicines at the front desk. So pack it all! Some items I ALWAYS carry with me are Tums, Pepto, Immodium, Tylenol, Advil, and Midol and also band-aids.

Pack a lot of water. Now, I understand you might be flying in and can’t travel with jugs and cases of water but you can pick some up at a local convenience store. We like to grab at least a gallon of water, sometimes two. It’s easy to forget to drink your water and stay hydrated on trips, especially in a hotel when you may not be on a normal eating routine but having clean water in your room is a definite must. We also pack hydration powders like DripDrops or LiquidIV to have each morning of our trip and even before bed. Please don’t skip on hydrating.

Traveling Internationally? Don’t forget the Adapters

Don’t lose your favorite hair tools to an electrical issue. Be sure to pack the correct power adapters for wherever you’re traveling to. You can find kits online for many different countries or a simple adapter for just the country you’re visiting.

Entertainment

Pack something for the room to keep you entertained. Have your Ipad or phone loaded up with your favorite shows and music playlists. Having a portable Bluetooth speaker is the best to listen to your favorite music while getting ready or even while winding down at night. Packing a book is another good item to have on hand for downtime, reading at the pool, or before bed. We also like to pack playing cards for games with friends.

How Can I Make My Hotel Stay Better?

The first way to make your hotel stay better is to do your research . Look up the hotel and the surrounding area. Check out what amenities are available in your room and offered at the hotel. Get to know the area, what restaurants are nearby, and what local grocery stores or even Target/CVS locations are nearby to pick up last-minute essentials.

The second tip is to stay organized and have a plan . Packing cubes are helpful for keeping your belongings organized and a plan helps to keep your trip in order. Investing in things like packing cubes and travel-size containers helps you in the long run and keeps your room and suitcase from becoming cluttered. Having a full plan or itinerary for your trip keeps everyone on schedule, and well-fed, and ensures all of the activities you want to do and see can get done.

Another tip would be to book directly through the hotel website . We have previously booked through third-party sites but recently we have started booking directly through the hotel for loyalty points, room upgrades, and overall better service. Hotels love when you book directly through them and usually offer better service and amenities when you do so.

Lastly, bring a part of your home with you . Adding personal touches that remind you of home goes a long way and creates a more relaxed environment. Your hotel room then becomes easier to relax in and sleep in. A great way to feel like home is to have familiar scents around. If you have a favorite essential oil, spray, or candle – pack it. Check to make sure candles are allowed and always light them in a safe fire-free area like the counter or in the sink.

Another great way to feel at home in your hotel room is to pack your own towels and your favorite blanket. Again, you might be limited to what you can pack so be aware of weight limits but if you have the space then these little extras can mean a lot on a long trip away from home.

Most importantly, stick to your routine. This means morning coffee or tea, your music, the same morning and night self-care routine and even unpacking and not living out of a suitcase. It’s a dozen tiny little things that add up to feeling great in a new space.

If you’re looking for more ways to feel the comforts of home during your hotel stay or have any tips of your own you’d like to share, drop them below in the comments.

I hope these items help you on your next trip and help to make it as comfortable as possible.

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I'm Julia Vaness. I write for theme park enthusiasts and travel lovers. My style leans towards puffy dresses and lots of sequins and glitter. Here you'll find hotel reviews, Disney planning tips and travel essentials. There's nothing I love more than planning the perfect vacation. I'm an overpacker and love to have a theme for everything. So if you love Disney, hotels and cute outfit inspiration - you're in the right place! Follow along on TikTok and Instagram for daily adventures!

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20 Useful Things to Pack for a Hotel Stay

It seems like our family spends a quarter of our lives staying at hotels. Over the years, we’ve figured out what we really need to make it a comfortable hotel stay. Depending on where we’re going, we make sure we have our hotel packing essentials. Check our list of 20 Useful Things to Pack for a Hotel Stay.

disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an  Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

20 USEFUL THINGS TO PACK FOR A HOTEL STAY:

1. Antibacterial Wipes – Stay sanitized and wipe down the TV remote, nightstands and light switches. These are breeding grounds for germs usually not cleaned by housekeeping.

2. Laundry Bag – Let’s not mix those clean & dirty clothes (especially wet from the pool that didn’t dry enough). Get a drawstring laundry bag or a backpack laundry bag that’s perfect if you’re going on a long trip and will be needing to do laundry on-site, like a vacation to Disney World.

3. Portable Travel Iron – We’ve had bad experiences using the hotel’s iron where it stained our clothes so we bring our own. This portable iron steamer is lightweight and easy to use we bring it to our hotel stay and use it at home as well. The best part, you don’t need to use the hotel’s ironing board.

5. Directional Sensor Night Light – Works great as a night light for those bathroom trips when everyone’s asleep and you don’t know the layout of the hotel room when it’s pitch black. It’s also directional so you can face it to the ground or against a wall to use as ambient lighting. We pack this for cruise trips as well.

6. Sleep Mask – Make sure to bring a sleep mask to your hotel stay in case those curtains do not close all the way and you’re planning to sleep in.

7. Binder Clip – Have these handy so you can clip and close the curtains tightly where they meet together. Don’t ever again have a curtain “peek-a-boo” surprise from the light outside the window that wakes you up in the morning. They are great for leftover bags of potato chips as well if you are big on snacking during trips.

8. Earplugs – Are the hotel walls too thin? Are your neighbors making too much noise? Get these earplugs to find your quiet time.

9. Hotel Slippers – Bring these so your feet don’t touch the dirty carpet. Sometimes they provide slippers in the hotel room so check the closet, but usually, they don’t so just bring one instead.

10. Long cable phone charger – More often than not, the hotel outlets are not really where they should be so we bring long cable phone chargers to make sure we can be in bed and easily access our phones while it’s charging.

11. Portable Door Lock – If you are traveling alone, bringing a portable door lock is a smart thing to bring to a hotel as it can provide you with extra security and privacy as it prevents unauthorized entry, so the door can’t be opened from the outside, not even with a key. It is easy to install and remove without needing any tools.

12. Hanging Toiletry Bag – Every so often there’s not enough counter space in our hotel bathroom to put our things, especially since we are traveling with kids. We now pack this hanging toiletry bag to keep my make-up, medicine, pieces of jewelry, and toiletries hung. Since we travel a lot, I also use it at home and hang it in the closet where it’s ready to go when we have impromptu trips.

13. Bubble Bath – When we stay in the nicer resorts where there’s a separate bath from the shower, there’s never really a bubble bath or even bath salts. To fully enjoy it, we bring our own. The kids also like bath bombs with a surprise toy .

14. Universal Plug Adapter – If you’re traveling to another country, especially Europe, make sure to bring a Universal Plug Adapter so you can charge your phone or whatever it is you need to plug in your hotel room.

15. Snacks and Drinks – Save money by bringing your own snacks and drinks versus buying from the hotel. We bring a bagful coz’ the kids love to snack, especially after a dip in the pool.

16. Travel-size Air Purifier – If you have allergies, bring a mini air purifier to reduce possible odor or smoke from your hotel room.

17. Separate Extra Duffel Bag – If you love shopping whenever you travel, I would suggest bringing a foldable duffel bag in case you end up going home with more things than your luggage can allot.

18. Travel Router – Some hotels only allow one device to be active per room unless you’re willing to pay an extra fee. This travel router acts as one device where you can connect multiple devices.

19. HDMI cable – If you want to watch something from your laptop to the hotel’s TV, bring an HDMI cable especially when you’re traveling with kids and you’re unsure if their favorite show will be on TV or if you will be plugging your Nintendo Switch or other game devices.

20. Flat iron and Curling Iron in one – Hotels usually provide hair dryers but if you want to style your hair, don’t forget to bring a flat iron &/or a curling iron for your hair, especially if you are traveling to attend a wedding.

Now let’s start packing for your hotel stay!

21. Luggage – Make sure to bring the right luggage to meet carry-on or check-in size restrictions if you’re going through the airport. Try to also look for one that is expandable and preferably has spinner wheels allowing you to easily move it through airports and hotels. If you need more than one, especially for international travel, then get a luggage set . Also, consider not buying a black one if you’re going through the airport, it’s just hard to figure out which luggage is yours once it comes down the conveyor for pick-up.

22. Packing Cubes – Get your luggage organized with packing cubes so it is easier to access your stuff when traveling especially when you get to the hotel.

23. Your own toiletries in travel bottles – If you prefer to bring your own shampoo or soap and dislike hotel toiletries, you’ll want to bring your own toiletries in travel bottles. These travel bottles are easily refillable and are TSA approved so you can place them in your carry-on bag if you’re flying before getting to your hotel.

24. Compression Storage Bags – If you want to squeeze more into your luggage, I do recommend bringing a few compression bags. Hubby used them when we stayed at Disney World and they really worked, allowing him to pack more into his luggage than usual.

25. Digital Weight Scale – You sometimes need to weigh your luggage as there are weight restrictions when it comes to luggage especially when traveling internationally on a plane. If your hotel doesn’t have one, I recommend bringing this scale especially if you doing a lot of shopping during your trip.

PIN OUR HOTEL PACKING ESSENTIALS:

Also Read : Airplane Essentials

Discount to Theme Parks, Water Parks, & other Major Attractions:

• Legoland Arizona Discount  (Discovery Center)
• Aquarium of the Bay Discount (San Francisco)
• Aquarium of the Pacific Discount (Long Beach)
• California’s Great America Discount
• Castle Park Discount
• Disneyland Discount
• Gilroy Gardens Discount
• Knott’s Discount  &  Knott’s Soak City Discount  &  Knott’s Scary Farm Discount
• Legoland California Discount
• Medieval Times Discount
• Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Discount
• Pirate's Dinner Adventure Discount
• Raging Water Los Angeles Discount
• Raging Waters San Jose Discount
• San Diego Safari Park Discount
• San Diego Zoo Discount
• SeaWorld San Diego Discount  &  Howl-O-Scream Discount
• Sesame Place San Diego Discount
• Universal Studios Hollywood Discount  &  Halloween Horror Nights Discount
• Warner Bros Studio Tour Discount
• Wild Rivers Waterpark Discount

Connecticut

• Lake Compounce Discount
• Busch Gardens Tampa Discount  and  Adventure Island Waterpark Discount
• Disney World Discount
• Kennedy Space Center Discount
• Legoland Florida Discount
• SeaWorld Orlando Discount and  Aquatica Waterpark Discount
• Universal Orlando Discount &  Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights Discount
• Wild Adventures Discount
• LEGO Discovery Center Atlanta Discount
• Adventureland Discount
• Kentucky Kingdom Discount
• Michigan’s Adventure Discount
• ValleyFair Discount
• Worlds of Fun Discount
• Legoland New York Discount

North Carolina

• Carowinds Discount  &  SCarowinds Discount
• Columbus Zoo Discount
• Kings Island Discount
• Monsoon Lagoon Waterpark Discount
• Zoombezi Bay Discount

Pennsylvania

• Dorney Park Discount
• Dutch Wonderland Discount
• Idlewild Discount
• Kennywood Discount
• Sesame Place Philadelphia Discount
• George H.W. Bush Presidential Library Discount
• LBJ Presidential Library Discount
• San Antonio Zoo Discount
• SeaWorld San Antonio Discount
• Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Waterpark Discount
• Busch Gardens Williamsburg Discount
• Kings Dominion Discount
• Noah’s Ark Waterpark Discount
• Canada’s Wonderland Discount

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. AnyTots.com has made every effort to confirm the information in this article and we try our best to update as often as possible but things can often change so we urge you to confirm every event detail like date, time, location, ticket price from the host of the event or attraction, and actual savings calculation in case of an error on our part. AnyTots does not sell any tickets but only lists reliable sources where you can buy discounted tickets, make sure to check the refund or exchange policy before buying tickets through them .   AnyTots is in no way responsible for any injuries or damages you sustain while visiting an attraction or event posted on our website and you assume the sole risk of relying on any of the information in our post.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - KAT

For over a decade, Kathleen has been chronicling her family's travel adventures to assist travelers in planning their vacations while staying on budget through firsthand experience and insider tips. She also shares recipes and free printables. For inquiries, reach out to [email protected].

What to Pack for a Hotel Stay (13 genius ideas)

By: Author Aly Smalls

Posted on August 14, 2023

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If you always have trouble sleeping in a hotel room due to noise or just being uncomfortable in a different environment, a few key items can make your stay so much more comfortable. 

Whether you’re staying for one night or an extended time, here are 13 things to pack for a hotel that will make your stay so much more comfortable and feel like you’re at home.

After hundreds of nights in hotel rooms over the last couple of years, I’ve put together a list of items I always pack for hotel stays. 

As an added bonus, many of these items are also perfect for your cruise cabin!

This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase I may make a small commission. I only share information about things I know, love and trust!

Let’s face it, the toilet paper at most hotels is usually cheap one-ply. 

There’s nothing worse than being irritated ‘down there; from low quality toilet paper. 

I like these adult wipes called Dude Wipes for feeling clean, smooth and refreshed. 

Slippers or Slides

The number one item I always pack for a hotel stay is a pair of slippers. 

I hate going barefoot or even walking around in socks in hotel rooms, because the carpets are never as clean as you think they are. 

And sometimes (especially in Mexico ), the floors are cold, hard tile. 

A pair of slippers with a rubber sole and memory foam, like these ones , are the ultimate hotel room hack.

They’re washable too. 

Or try these men’s memory foam slippers .

Black Electrical Tape

I always carry a roll of black electrical tape in my travel bag. 

This is to cover up those annoying indicator lights that are so bright (and you don’t notice until you turn all the lights off). 

There always seems to be a light on the TV, clock, smoke detector or certain power outlets. 

My latest issue was with an air conditioning unit – I couldn’t turn off the main light, and I couldn’t unplug the unit! 

Black electrical tape works as a black out, and is easy to remove without leaving and residue behind.

Contoured Light-Blocking Sleep Mask

A blackout sleep mask is a must for hotel travelers. 

Sometimes the curtains aren’t fully blackout, or sometimes there’s a gap that lets light in. 

I use this highly rated sleep mask which is no ordinary mask. 

It’s memory foam and has raised edges for the eyes, so it doesn’t squish your eyelashes and seals perfectly for total blackout.

Travel Vanity Tray

A small vanity tray is one of my favorite travel accessories for a hotel. 

It keeps my small personal items organized on my hotel nightstand (and also reminds housekeeping not to throw anything away). 

This vanity tray is light and unsnaps to pack flat and takes up virtually no space. 

It’s great for rings, jewelry, watches, notes, earbuds, chapstick, receipts, earplugs, keys, etc.!

White Noise Machine

A small white noise machine is the most underrated item to bring with you when staying at a hotel. 

I don’t know about you, but I can never sleep right when there are odd noises or a lack of noise in my hotel room. 

But when you have something like a white noise machine, not only does it provide comforting background noise, it can help block out other weird noises. 

This white noise machine is light, compact and doubles as a nightlight.

If you like complete silence, a good set of ear plugs is essential for a good night’s sleep in a hotel room. 

There’s nothing worse than laying down for the night only to find the walls are paper thin. 

Especially if you get stuck in a room right by the elevator or backing onto a busy street. 

This new style of ear plugs from Loop are completely sound blocking and very comfortable compared to foam ear plugs. 

Tip: order a bright color in case you drop one!

Extra Long Phone Charger Cords

I hate it when my hotel room doesn’t have enough electrical outlets, or they’re just in the wrong spot. 

For instance, sometimes there’s only one outlet on one side of the bed. 

Or, the outlet is in the middle of the wall behind the bed (making it completely unreachable). 

Now I always bring a phone charger cord that’s at least 10 feet long , but you can also find ones that are 25 feet long !

Here’s the best rated 10 foot cord for iPhones . 

Here’s the best rated 10 foot cord for Androids (USB, USB-C) . 

This way you’ll always be able to use your phone anywhere in the room, no matter where the outlets are located.

Outlet Extender/Power Strip

If you’ve stayed in enough hotels, you know that there’s never enough outlets to go around. 

If you’ve got 2 phones, cameras, laptops, hair accessories, tablets, etc, you’ll want to bring an electrical outlet extender or small power strip.

This one has a low profile flat plug (perfect for hard to reach areas), comes with 3 USB ports and three outlets.

Night Light

Bringing your own nightlight to a hotel (or even an airbnb) is so helpful for navigating a new space and somewhere unfamiliar (especially for the elderly). 

These nightlights are slim, lightweight and easy to pack.

Collapsible Kettle

If you’re a coffee or tea drinker, a kettle is an absolute must. 

Even if there is a coffee maker in the room, those things are never sanitized. 

I think we’ve all heard horror stories of what some guests use them for. 

I think the worst I’ve heard is washing socks and underwear in them. 

For that reason, I usually travel with my collapsible kettle , especially if I have an extended stay. 

These are also a lifesaver if you’re traveling to Las Vegas , as most hotel rooms do not have coffee makers, and buying coffee in Vegas is outrageously expensive (not to mention the long lineups).

Read more about the genius items I always pack for Las Vegas here .

Liquid IV/Electrolytes

If you’ve traveled by plane or long distance by car, you know that it’s very dehydrating. A quick little hack I love is it pack some powdered electrolytes like Liquid IV.  

They help rehydrate and re energize you after a long day of travel. 

Also great for hangovers or when you travel to places like Las Vegas .

Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are the perfect packing hack for when you’re moving hotels every 1 to 2 days.

They help keep things organized and easy to access, without having to make a mess of everything that’s in your luggage.

I personally use this 8 piece set of packing cubes , because they have several different sizes, and also have a compression feature.

I like to keep different types of outfits in separate cubes, so they’re easy to grab and go.

I’ve also heard that packing cubes are essential for staying organized on your cruise, since the cabins are so small with limited storage and closet space.

More Genius Packing Advice:

26 Essential Travel Items That Are a Complete Game Changer

14 Brilliant Travel Hacks for Packing Toiletries

The Ultimate Cabo Packing List (Everything Fits in Your Carry On)

20 Things You Should Pack for an All Inclusive Vacation

Day Hike Packing List | 13 Essentials for Hiking (how to avoid extra bulk)

The Only Road Trip Packing List You Need: 16 Items to Bring

Ultimate Hotel Guide : Essential Tips for Staying in a Hotel

Last Updated on January 8, 2024 by Christine Kaaloa

Sometimes, staying in hotels can give me a little  anxiety. While travelers appreciate the pampering and the privacy their own hotel room, some travelers experience stress about where to book their accommodations and hotel etiquette. To take the stress out of the hotel experience, I want to share tips for staying in hotels.

Table of Contents: Ultimate Hotel Guide : Essential Tips for Staying in a Hotel

• 1 Essential Tips for Staying in Hotels (video)
• 2.1 1. How do you choose your hotel?
• 2.2 2. What is your security tip for staying at a hotel you feel unsafe in?
• 2.3 3. Do you use a doorstop?
• 2.4 4. Do you leave your stuff in your room?
• 2.5 5. Are hotel room safes safe?
• 2.6 6. What’s a good time to be off the streets?
• 2.7 7. Tipping Etiquette in Hotels
• 2.9 8. What if you don’t have the budget to tip every single day, but you feel pressured.
• 3.1 If you were writing a travel guide to staying at hotels, what would some of your tips be?

Essential Tips for Staying in Hotels (video)

Here’s important tips for staying in hotels, so you can enjoy your future stay without the stress!

Travel Guide to Staying in Hotels

Ultimate Hotel Guide: Tips for Staying in a Hotel

1. how do you choose your hotel.

•  Location, location, location.. stay in the city.

Like many travelers, I like to navigate the city quickly and easily. I don’t want to stay somewhere far outside of the city, where I have to take taxis to get into the city. Aside from convenience, I often stay out late filming and staying away from public transportation means costly dollars spent.  Instead, I like to be located in the city. I like to walk out on the street and the town is right there.

• Research hotel reviews.

Always check hotel reviews and the hotel website. Happy or angry customers will certainly have their opinion and this is helpful.   Booking.com is my favorite hotel search engine as they do not charge a cancellation fee, so you can reserve multiple hotels and then cancel them before your cancellation window expires. They charge a little more for that flexible service but you have the option to use it or not and they make the price comparisons transparent.

Tip: The no cancellation fee aspect is handy when you need to provide proof of a hotel stay when you are still deciding or hoping to make your final decision after you arrive at your destination.

Read: 46 ways to travel for cheap

• Convenience to public transportation and sightseeing landmarks.  

Having a metro station or bus stop located five minutes away is ideal to me. When I arrive after a long flight or bus ride, I just want to go straight to my hotel. The last thing I want is to be walking around the city for an hour, dragging my luggage around.

2. What is your security tip for staying at a hotel you feel unsafe in?

Obviously, I would not book a hotel I do not feel safe in. But let’s say I book a hotel whose security is questionable. If my room has a chain lock on the door,  I’ll use that when I’m hanging out in my room or sleeping.

Definitely check the hotel reviews of the hotel you book to see if anyone has had unsafe experiences and how they handled it.

3. Do you use a doorstop?

I  take a doorstop with me for guesthouses. For most of the hotels that I’ve stayed at, I’ve not needed to use a doorstop however.

4. Do you leave your stuff in your room?

Do you unpack your clothes, keep it away or toothbrush or other item so that it wouldn’t get stolen? Once the cleaners get an idea that you’re staying alone will they steal from you? Should I fake that someone else is staying with me by having an extra pair of shoes maybe men’s shoes. What if my suitcase gets stolen with all my clothes, what should I do?

• A thieving maid is more the exception than the rule.

Having worked in the hospitality industry for a brief stint, I know that workers are very dedicated to the work that they do and they try their best to create a good experience for people. Nobody wants to lose their job. Nobody wants to be accused of stealing.

• Do not leave your valuables lying out.

I will not leave any valuables hanging out. Money and valuables like your laptop or YouTube camera equipment are best packed in your bag before you leave your room. If you are staying in a hostel , store them in your locker.

• Take valuables with you.

If I’m staying at guesthouses or hostels, where I feel like the doors feel a little flimsy and easy to open or the hostel locker doesn’t feel stable… I will take all my valuables with me (that includes my laptop!). I will pack it in my daypack and take that around with me sightseeing. Some travelers like to leave their valuables in their hotel vault. I recommend that only if you can remember that you’ve hidden it there.

Read my essential tips for staying at a hostel

 • DO put your  “Do not disturb” sign on your door.

When I used to worked as traveling camera crew , I stayed in hotel rooms from days to a month. As I had a lot of expensive equipment in my room, I didn’t want the maid to tamper, clean or organize. I also I didn’t want to pack everything up my belongings every day, before I left for a shoot. So I put out the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign.

• Always do a once over of your room before checking out.

I always go through all the closets, drawers and look under and on my bed to make sure I don’t leave any personal items behind.

5. Are hotel room safes safe?

Using the hotel room safe is a matter of personal preference. I personally do not like using hotel safes, so I would not know how safe it is but other travelers swear by them. I like to keep my stuff organized and in very visible sight so they are accounted for. I don’t like to put things in spaces where it can be concealed and I can forget them!

If I’m running late for my plane, but I forget that I’ve left stuff like my passport, in the safe… it means I’m definitely making a trip to go back.

6. What’s a good time to be off the streets?

If you feel like you know the place is sketchy or you don’t feel confident traveling at night ,  a good time to be off the streets is 7 pm-9 pm. If you’re comfortable then maybe 10 pm.  There are other travelers, who will suggest not going out at night. I personally don’t return to my hotel until it’s midnight because filming YouTube travel videos is my job!

As a solo traveler , if you want the freedom to move around as you wish, you need to be proactive and on your toes. Practice travel street smarts often. I dress down, don’t walk in dark alleys and have my guard on high alert. I pay attention to my surroundings, especially if they’re foreign.

Read Important Safety Tips for Solo Travelers… it could save your life!

There are many things to enjoy at night even if you are a solo traveler. To completely remove evening activities from your itinerary is removing a part of the culture and lifestyle of that city. When I was in India , I was in Darjeeling the streets are lit and people roam the streets as if it were a street festival. Shops are open and tourists are buying souvenirs. Families are going out for dinner. It’s really up to your comfort level.

7. Tipping Etiquette in Hotels

I feel tipping should be a personal preference, based on budget and cultural etiquette.  In the U.S., tips are expected . Americans believe in tipping in hotels, cafes, restaurants, deliveries, apartment doormen, a lot of places!  It’s a social etiquette and practice that turned grossly into an expectation and horrible societal practice enforced by bad employment practices.

Generally, being American, I tip on a sliding scale depending upon the country’s dollar value. I know that house cleaning work is effort and it’s not fun to clean after piggy travelers.  Sometimes, when maids see they’re being appreciated, they give a little extra effort or leave extra toiletries.  Some travelers tip daily, whenever they request their room cleaned, while others tip a lump sum at the end of their stay.

If I’m going to Las Vegas, I  tip about a dollar a day to the hotel maid; if it’s a nice hotel and there’s a lot of pampering or extras they bring, I might tip a little more.  But a hotel in Cambodia , I might tip what’s considered a dollar in their currency.

There are no tipping countries, like Japan where tipping is considered offensive or is already included in the final bill and is not expected.  Asians coming from Asia, will stay at American hotels and don’t tip. Australians might be taken aback by the idea, as companies pay a high minimum wage. In the end, it’s up to you as to how you enjoy the hospitality staff and how generous you feel.

8. What if you don’t have the budget to tip every single day, but you feel pressured.

I put out the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on my door and I don’t let the cleaner clean my room.  I also believe in being an eco-friendly traveler and avoiding waste. I don’t need fresh towels, my bed to be fluffed or new toiletries and soap every day.  That Do not disturb sign is the one fix for everything.  A safe room, no excessive waste and I don’t have to tip every day.

Read my ecofriendly tips for travelers

Watch my hotel routine.

This is the standard hotel routine I go through when encountering a new hotel room. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a budget guesthouse or a luxury hotel.

If you were writing a travel guide to staying at hotels, what would some of your tips be?

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Vacation Packing List

This Vacation Packing List includes all the travel essentials you need to get the most out of a week-long trip.

The Ultimate Packing List for Vacation

Packing list tool.

Our packing list tool allows you to customize this list to your exact needs. You can add specific products directly from our website, adjust quantity, and keep an eye on total weight and price. Sign up for a free account or Join Pro for additional features & deals.

Everyone relaxes a little differently. Sometimes you spend the whole day taking it easy, only moving from your lounge chair long enough to refill your cup with a fruity drink (you know the kind we’re talking about—half a coconut and a bendy straw). Other days, you feel the urge to venture off and experience local life, whether you’re making your way to a nearby waterfall or window shopping in a quaint downtown. Maybe it’s a mix of both, and you rotate between relaxing in a hammock and snorkeling just offshore.

Regardless of how you chill, this vacation packing list covers everything you need for a week of R&R. Though we focus on travel essentials designed for warm-weather destinations, this gear covers more than just the tropical bases. We’re talking comfy clothing, exciting travel accessories, and everything in between to help you decompress in style.

Spend time away from your hotel or Airbnb and go on a cave tour, search for seashells, or explore a museum. Then, come back for a night of enjoying warm breezes on a restaurant patio or light a beachside bonfire. Whether you’re an ultra-planner with dedicated days for each activity or a go-with-the-flow type, we’ve got you covered.

Our team has researched and tested each item on this vacation packing list. We checked for durability, breathability, packability, and just about every other -bility you can think of. We even spent the day at the beach to ensure the water essentials are up to snuff. It’s hard work, we know, but someone has to do it.

The sections are split into unisex items (productivity & tech and miscellaneous) or men’s and women’s (bags & organizers, clothing & accessories, and toiletries & personal care). However, that doesn’t mean you need to follow the binary. After all, you’ll be the one on vacation, so you should pack what’s best for you. Check out our guides , reviews , and other packing lists to explore more options and find exactly what you need.

After all, vacations are about staying stress-free, and by creating a packing and travel checklist like this one, you’ll be ready to relax at the drop of a (sun)hat. So, without further ado, let’s dive in.

Vacation Packing List Video

• Men's Focused
• Women's Focused

Standalone Bags & Organizers

In this section, we cover the bags used to carry everything on this list. We recommend choosing a pack with enough space for your creature comforts, though you can always go smaller if you want to keep it light.

Every item on this vacation packing list fits inside the main travel pack so that you can one-bag it all the way to paradise. Well, two-bag if you count the sling. So, whether you’re catching your flight, hauling entertainment to the pool, or touring the local sights, you have all the space you need for your travel essentials.

The Topo Designs Global Travel Bag covers all the bases, from a supportive carry with its stowaway hip belt to gear organization with its built-in pockets. There’s a place for everything without needing a million cubes and pouches. You heard that right—a zip panel separates the main bucket storage from the rest of the bag, so you don’t even need packing cubes to keep your clothing from unraveling. Most importantly, there’s enough space for a week’s worth of travel gear, even if you don’t go ultra-minimalist. You can opt for the smaller 30-liter size if you want to pack light, but we like the 40-liter version because there’s more than enough room for everything you need, plus a little extra. You are going on vacation, after all, so you may as well make the most out of your trip. Either way, choose between Topo Designs’ notoriously fun and punchy colorways so everyone at the airport knows you’re off to somewhere fun.

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The Moment MTW Mini Fanny Sling's design is simple, effective, and so lightweight that you hardly even remember you have it on. Plus, it comes in eye-catching colorways that easily accent your daily looks. We like to wear it across the chest; however, it also works as a hip pack if that's more your style. Though it's on the smaller side, this 1-liter sling is a great dump pocket for your everyday items like a wallet, battery bank, or even a camera. There's minimal internal organization, with only a single slip pocket at the back to hold a smartphone or similarly sized item. After all, you won't need to carry much with you on a day of relaxing beyond your chill attitude and a couple of essentials.

Your travel bag is great for getting you to your destination, though it looks pretty out of place at the beach. We dig Nanobag Reusable bags for their versatility and ultra-small form-factor. They take up virtually no space until you need them. The diamond ripstop is exceptionally lightweight but can hold up to 66 pounds, so it’s more than capable of hauling your pool towel, speaker, e-reader, and a drink or two. It dries fairly quickly when wet and is super easy to clean with a quick flip inside out if you accidentally get sand inside. Though it comes in a few different styles, we like the 19-liter Crossbody Sling because it feels the most secure. You won’t have to worry about it falling off when both of your hands are full of ice cream cones.

The Bellroy Slim Sleeve’s thin profile is surprisingly spacious and feels right at home in a pants pocket. It's not exactly a minimalist wallet , as there are two quick-access sliders for things like your credit card or hotel key and a pull-tab pocket for extra cards. Though there’s no cash sleeve, it does have enough space to fit half-folded US dollars or larger tri-folded international currencies. There are over a half-dozen leather colorways, a handful of leather-free options, and a few premium leather models with a refined style if you want to go the extra mile for your everyday carry.

We appreciate wallets with thin profiles that still have plenty of storage, and the Bellroy Card Pocket delivers. There are 3 storage spaces to choose from, with enough room to hold a few cards, some cash, and even coins. We like the zippered design for its added security, though it can be a bit sticky to open. That said, it’s small enough to slip into a pocket or sling, so you’ll never be without a few dollars to buy an ice cream cone. Choose between a few chic leather colorways and embrace your vacation style.

If you’re doing your relaxation internationally, the Bellroy Travel Wallet’s low-profile slim form factor fits all your daily essentials and two passports. Size is a huge factor here, as it won’t bulk up your pockets at the airport or while exploring the local downtown. If you’re not traveling internationally, you can leave this behind.

Clothing & Accessories

It’s time to embrace your vacation personality. Whether you’re into tropical patterns or prefer to keep things simple with solid t-shirts, we’ve got something for you. In fact, everything on this vacation packing list is designed for warmer weather.

Fabrics like linen, bamboo, and cotton are in no short supply, as they’re lightweight, breathable, and—most importantly—super comfortable. However, since they’re prone to wrinkles, it’s worth perfecting your packing technique. For a detailed walk-through on how we keep our clothing crisp, check out the How We Pack It video in Pack Hacker Pro .

We’ve also chosen light, neutral colorways that reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it, which helps keep you cool in the hot sun. Plus, neutral colors are fairly easy to turn into a capsule wardrobe—just be sure to match tones of saturated colors like blue and brown to avoid clashing. Once you pick your color palette, add flair in the form of individual pieces that accentuate your personality. We’re talking patterned button-ups that look right at home at the cabana.

Let’s get comfy.

When traveling to a warmer place, your entire outfit should be tailored to the climate, from your hat to your underwear. The David Archy Comfy Bamboo Rayon Boxer Briefs are crafted from a soft bamboo material that’s lightweight and wicks away moisture when a leisurely walk down the boardwalk turns into a hike off the beaten path.

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While we don’t have beef with underwire per se, there’s something bralette-like about Aerie’s Real Chill Wireless Lightly Lined Bra that’s hard to beat when you’re in relaxation mode. It has enough support without feeling stiff against your body, which, let’s be honest, is the worst part about a bra. It provides more coverage and support than a bralette can give, though the material is thicker and can therefore get a little warm if you’re in the tropics.

Comfort is the name of the game on this vacation packing list, and the Aerie Real Free Padded Bralette delivers whether you’re sleeping or going on an evening walk. It’s shaped like a regular bra and has enough support to keep you comfortable while you lounge. Plus, the wide straps and soft, lightweight material won’t feel heavy on your body or dig into your shoulders. We like that the cups are removable, though they’re so thin you’ll hardly even notice they’re there.

It can be hard to avoid panty lines on a regular day, so why worry about them when you’re decompressing? Aerie’s No Show Underwear features a seamless design that won’t show through lightweight or light-colored fabrics. We’ve chosen a mix of bikini and thong cuts to cover us for any look. Though we’ve only packed three pairs and opted to give them a quick wash between wears, these are so lightweight that you could probably bring 20 and still have room to spare.

Even on a tropical vacation, you’ll need to wear closed shoes now and then. Bombas Cushioned No Show Socks ensure that your feet stay comfortable and dry until they’re back in the sand where they belong. Their cotton construction is breathable even on the warmest days, and the low-cut design won’t show with most shoes. Though they aren’t super odor-resistant, we’ve only packed three pairs since we’ll mostly be wearing sandals. You can still get a couple of days in before they need a wash, or you can always bring extras.

The Outlier Ramielust Cut One T-Shirt is made with a fabric called ramie, which is crafted from nettles and performs similar to linen. It’s lightweight and airy to keep you cool on humid days and is a great base layer for almost any weather. Its breathability also makes it somewhat see-through, though it’s mostly only visible if the shirt color you choose contrasts with your skin tone.

Versatile clothing is important for any trip, especially when your journeys take you into climates you’re not used to. The Fair Harbor Kismet Solid Tee is a t-shirt crafted from 50% cotton and 50% polyester. The cotton is breathable, so you stay cool while the polyester wicks away moisture that might make you uncomfortable. We’ve gone with plain white because it pairs well with any pants, shorts, or bathing suit, no matter the pattern or color.

Nothing screams vacation like a patterned button-up, and the Howler Brothers Mansfield Shirt delivers. It adds a sense of flair and fun to your wardrobe as an accent piece and even has a microfiber attachment on the hem to keep your sunglasses clean. We recommend looking for a pattern with colors that complement the rest of the clothing on your vacation packing list so that you can wear it any time, anywhere.

During a long day in the sun and surf, cool breezes off the water aren’t uncommon. The Patagonia Regenerative Organic Certified Cotton Lightweight Henley (that’s a mouthful) is a casual long-sleeved shirt that will keep you warm in the evening and looks at home just about anywhere. Though we like the casual look of the buttons, they can show through if layered with a lightweight sweatshirt. However, the breathable materials make it a great addition to any warm-weather loadout.

Even on the most laid-back trip, it’s important to have a piece that doesn’t look out of place at a fancier affair. The Everlane Linen Standard Fit Shirt is a breathable long-sleeved top that looks just as comfortable poolside as it does at a classy restaurant. Just be sure to pack it properly, as linen is prone to wrinkles and may still require some steaming or ironing once you get to your destination.

The transition from a hot beach to an air-conditioned restaurant can be a bit jarring. The Free Fly Bamboo Slub Hoodie is lightweight enough to be carried in your bag all day and acts as a comfortable layer when you need some extra warmth. The breathable material makes it a great option for varying temperatures, whether on the airplane or at the poolside bar; however, it is prone to wrinkling, so be sure to roll it up nicely.

The Outlier New Way Shorts look like your favorite pair of chinos but are crafted from a stretchy material that gives them a performance edge in warmer climates. They have a drawstring, so you won’t need a belt, and they can even be worn as swim shorts if your bathing suit hasn’t dried yet.

Sometimes you need durability in addition to comfort. The Patagonia Men’s Stand Up Shorts are tough enough to handle a day excursion hiking up a mountain as much as a relaxing afternoon under a cabana. The double-fabric seat and large back pockets are great if you want to go hands-free on your adventure. They’re not the most packable due to the thick organic cotton material, but we dig the loose, casual look.

The Cozy Earth Men's Ultra-Soft Bamboo Jogger Shorts are comfortable enough to sleep in but don’t look out of place at the breakfast buffet or on a late-night walk before going to bed. They’re crafted from super-soft materials, so comfort is top dog no matter where you wear them. Plus, the bamboo helps wick away moisture during sleep—feel free to open those windows and enjoy the warm breeze.

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One of the most essential pieces of gear for a vacation packing list is a bathing suit. The Wellen Lined Swim Trunks pair vintage styling with subtle (yet fun) pattern options. The quick-dry poly blend and extra pockets make this a great beach or pool companion all trip long. We find the suit to be a perfect balance between loose and tight-fitting, ensuring that comfort is king.

The Madewell Athletic Slim Chino Pants have a relaxed fit and feature stretchy and breathable materials for a casual look on warm days. It’s made with COOLMAX, a cotton and polyester blend that’s lightweight and woven for better airflow. The loose fit looks good just about anywhere you might end up on vacation, so these are great as everyday pants.

The lululemon ABC Pant looks like your favorite pair of chinos, though its breathability and stretch are a step ahead of the game. It’s great for hot and humid days, wicking away moisture and stretching with your body as you drink one-too-many daiquiris. Plus, there are over a dozen colorways, so you can find something to wear for all occasions.

Whether you’re going to the arctic or the everglades, your pants need support. The Arcade Ranger Belt is a Pack Hacker favorite and slides perfectly into a vacation pack out. The material is stretchy, not restrictive, so you’ll be comfortable whether you’re exploring local towns or sitting on a patio all night. Plus, it has a TSA-safe buckle, so you don’t need to worry about taking it off at the airport security checkpoint.

These Cotton-Linen High-Rise Pants from Madewell are a happy medium of comfort and style. The material is lightweight and keeps you cool on warm days, and there’s a fair amount of stretch both in the legs and the waistband. We’re big fans of the relaxed fit—it’s almost like wearing more stylish sweatpants. Plus, the neutral colorways are easy to pair with just about any top.

Though they’re called joggers, we all know these comfy pants are just as happy lounging on a patio set. The elastic waistband adds comfort for sleeping while the included drawstring stays out of your way unless you want some additional cinching at the waist for a more stylish look. Plus, the FlashDry-XD material is stretchy, breathable, and dries quickly if you find yourself caught in a surprise rainstorm. Not that it ever rains when you’re on vacation, obviously.

The best leggings feel like a second skin, and the Pack Out Tights from Patagonia are comfortable, stretchy, and soft enough to do just that. They feature two side pockets for holding your phone while you run to the breakfast bar for another waffle and a zippered pocket large enough to hold your ID or credit card if you venture off in search of a specialty morning coffee.

Versatility in your clothing is key, and the Athleta Brooklyn Short’s simple design and soft material are great whether you’re poolside lounging or taking a short hike to a nearby waterfall. Plus, they even work as pajamas—yes, they’re that comfortable. Other features like the ribbed waistband, quick-drying fabric, and UPF 50+ protection make these shorts great for travel.

Some days are so hot that even shorts aren’t enough to keep you cool. On those days (and any other day, if we’re honest), we reach for the Abercrombie & Fitch Linen-Blend Pull-On Shorts. With 55% linen and 45% Viscose—a type of rayon that’s breathable, soft, and absorbs moisture—you’re set for both extra-sunny days and breezy nights. They come in a range of colors from neutral to neon and patterns from floral to plaid, so you can wear them as a staple solid or opt for a design to add flair like us.

Even if you won’t be doing any yoga on your vacation, the lululemon Align Tank Top’s soft, stretchy material makes days of walking around town more comfortable. Its cropped, fitted style looks great on its own, though it also works well as a base layer on a chilly day under a long sleeve shirt or button-up. It even comes in a few bold colorways, though we kept it neutral for easier pairing. We like the built-in bra, and the cups are removable if you prefer to go without.

Patagonia’s Trail Harbor Tank Top’s simple design and blend of hemp and cotton is the perfect combination to wear with…well…anything. The materials keep you cool as temperatures rise throughout the day while the scoop neck, wide shoulder straps, and hip-length design is easy to tuck in or leave out depending on the waistline of your pants.

When we say the Cozy Earth Stretch-Knit Bamboo Lounge Tee is soft, we mean it. Though we like to wear it to bed or while lounging around because of its breathable, moisture-wicking bamboo material and flowy look, it doesn’t look out of place tucked into a nice pair of pants for a night out. And, if you happen to find yourself with a gnarly sunburn on your chest, shoulders, and/or back, it’s soft enough to be comfortable on your sensitive skin. Not that it ever happened to us, of course.

What do we want? Flowy tops! When do we want them? Pretty much always, but especially on vacation! The Cates T-Shirt from lululemon is made with 94% Pima Cotton for breathability and 6% Lycra elastane for stretch and to help keep its boxy shape. This top is great for lazy mornings and pairs well with high-rise pants or shorts but is long enough to go with low-rise, too.

Not only does The Linen Workwear Shirt from Everlane keep you cool, it has a casual look that can be dressed up or down depending on where the day takes you. Tuck it in for a more dialed-in dinner style or leave it unbuttoned and layer it over a tank top to keep your shoulders protected on a sunny day. However, because it’s made with 100% linen, it wrinkles pretty easily and may require some TLC once you arrive at your destination.

The Scoop Swim Top from Cuup has an innovative underwire that’s flexible enough to bend, meaning you get extra support in your swimsuit without losing packability. Plus, the ECONYL nylon resists fading in chlorine and salt water or after contact with sunscreens and oils. The lack of padding may not be for everyone, though the ability to granularly adjust the fit and inclusive cup sizes are great for practically any body type.

If you’re going to be spending a lot of time in the water, the ECONYL nylon fabric of Cuup’s Highwaist Swim Bottom is a must. It resists fading whether you’re heading to the beach or the pool, and it even fights against sunscreen and oils. Its thin, too, so it packs down small like a pair of underwear in your bag. We like the cheeky high waisted cut because of its unique fit, though they also have bikini, brief, and a fuller coverage high waist options available at the time of publishing.

Whether you’re wearing it to dinner or as a bathing suit cover-up, the Athleta Newport Wrap Dress has a flowy fit that’s comfortable enough to wear all day long. The material is lightweight, stretchy, and thin without being see-through. Plus, it wicks away moisture and easily fights wrinkles. We also like that it has cap sleeves for a little added shoulder protection.

The Abercrombie & Fitch Halter Linen-Blend Mini Dress is a saucy little number that looks good whether you’re on a boardwalk patio for lunch or jumping between local nightlife hangs. The light color keeps you cool while the linen and Viscose blend of fabric adds breathability and stretch. This means that you’ll not only feel better in warm temps, but you’ll also be comfortable as this slim-fit dress moves with your body. Just be sure to hang it up when you get to your accommodations, as the fabric is prone to wrinkles.

This Bamboo Lightweight Long Sleeve from Free Fly is made with—you guessed it—lightweight bamboo material. What does that mean? You won’t be left overheating if you decide to throw it on before the sun fully sets, and you’ll even get the added benefit of UPF 40+ protection. We like this top for lounging around at night or on breezy mornings, though its soft colorways are great for any time of day.

The Organic Cotton Dreamsoft Travel Scarf from Zestt is a scarf, shawl, and blanket all in one—a triple threat. The soft cotton adds just enough warmth when you need it. Drape it over your shoulders on an evening walk around the city or when it gets breezy. We went with a solid color so it’s easier to match, though there are also color-blocked designs if you want to add some variety.

With sunny days ahead, you’ll need a set of sunglasses to see the ball in an intense beach volleyball game. The Sunski Avila sunglasses are lightweight enough to keep on your person at all times, and they don’t feel heavy on your face after a day in the sun. Plus, they provide polarization and protection from UVA, UVB, and UV400 wavelengths. There are tons of styles and colors to choose from, so you can show off your personality all day, every day.

A sunglasses case will ensure nothing breaks in transit, whether between the hotel and the beach or your home and the airport. Though we don’t have a specific recommendation, we prefer a hard case to ensure they don’t get crushed in our bag. However, keep in mind that they’re often bulkier than a soft case.

A hat is a vacation must to keep the sun out of your eyes and prevent sunburn. The Melin Hydro Hat has the feel of a regular hat but is made with materials that float in water. This means you won't lose it to the deep end if you get thrown in the pool by your travel buddies. After a long day of sun and surf, take it into the shower, give it a quick wash with shampoo, and hook it to the outside of your pack to dry using a carabiner.

What’s a vacation packing list without shoes that feel at home on sand, water, and the trail? This list’s answer is the Tropicfeel Monsoon, a lightweight sneaker that can be put on quickly for a day exploring town, short hikes, and even a dip into the water. It isn’t the most packable shoe we’ve seen, but we dig the fact that it dries quickly and has a drainage hole in the sole for water to dissipate. Who doesn’t want to slide their toes into a waterfall now and then?

The Birkenstock Arizona Essential EVA packs the ruggedness you expect from Birkenstock into a lightweight, waterproof shoe that’s perfect for walks along the beach. After a day in the sand, they clean easily with any water source or the brush of a hand. Plus, they come in tons of bold colorways, so you can make a statement or keep it neutral like us.

Nothing says vacation like a wide brim hat. However, that doesn’t mean they’re the easiest to pack. Thankfully, this FURTALK Beach Hat is flexible enough to pack down into your bag and bounce back after a few hours of travel. Or, hang it on the outside of your bag if you bring along a hat clip. The fit is adjustable via a hook-and-loop closure on the inside head band. Plus, it comes in plenty of shades and ribbon colors, so you can choose the palette that best suits your vacation packing list.

Wide brim hats may scream beach, but they also scream, “Wait, how do I carry this without wearing it?” Instead of shoving your hat into your travel bag and risk impacting its shape, hang it from the outside using the Klipsta. It uses powerful magnets to secure on either side of a brim, meaning you don’t need to worry about poking holes in your hat just to hang it. Though your hat can still slip through if you swing your bag around hard enough, we haven’t had any issues making it through the airport, TSA, or in and out of an overhead bin with the hat attached. You may just need to adjust the hold every now and then.

We’ve opted for a satin scrunchie from Kitsch to keep our hair up. The material dries quicker than a jersey or cotton commonly found in other hair ties, so you can get in and out of the water without hanging on to a wet scrunchie for the rest of the day. Similarly, satin (and scrunchies in general) are less harsh on hair, so they’re great for sleep. We went with black, but there are fun patterns and lighter colors to choose from, too.

We kicked it up a notch on this classic Vans shoe and went with the Old Skool Platform. Its chunky midsole has a trendy look without being so bulky that they’re hard to pack. Plus, the flat bottoms easily slot together in your travel bag; however, we prefer to wear these in transit. Though they’re not the most breathable shoe we’ve worn, we still find them comfortable enough to walk around in all day, even in the heat. We like the white because they have a sleek, trendy look that pairs well with the wide range of colors on the list, though there are plenty of fun colors available.

Embrace the urge to dip your feet in the water without taking off your sandals every time. The Reef Water Vista sandals have TPU straps that won’t hold on to moisture, so you’ll dry off quickly. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and feature a hook-and-loop adjuster to dial in your fit. Plus, the simple style is easy to pair with any outfit on this vacation packing list and will look nice on just about any occasion. However, keep in mind that the adjuster can take a while to dry, unlike the shoes themselves.

The Peak Design Shoe Pouch ensures that sand doesn’t make its way into your travel pack and has enough room for two pairs of shoes. This enables you to go off the beaten path without worrying about how to get a pair of dirty shoes home. Plus, it packs into itself, so you can leave it in your daily bag in case you decide to walk back to your beachside accommodations barefoot but don’t want to carry your shoes the whole way.

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Productivity & Tech

This is great time to relax and unwind, and everything on your vacation packing list should help get you there. Maybe you like to watch movies before bed or wake up and read a few pages of your local newspaper. No matter how you unwind and unplug, we’ve got you covered.

Though we’ve kept tech to a minimum on this list, there’s still plenty to keep you connected to your life back home. As long as you come out on the other side refreshed, we’re happy.

The Topo Designs Accessory Bags are great for keeping like items together, whether you’re using it as a pouch for your daily essentials or to keep your camera and its accessories packed into one convenient place. They come in fun colors that feel at home in a tropical destination and are surprisingly spacious given their flat, simple design.

With a tiny pouch like the Topo Designs Square Bag, you can organize your small gear and keep it close at hand. This little dump pocket is a perfect spot for headphones, chapstick, a small deck of cards, or anything else you want access to during a flight or throughout your day. It even comes with an attached carabiner to hook it to your travel bag or belt loop. You’ll project major dad vibes in the best way.

Sometimes it’s nice to decompress after a long day in the sun. Instead of a laptop, bring along an iPad Air to watch your favorite TV show or movie, chat with friends and family members back home, or play a few brain puzzles to tire your engine out. The M1 chip and enhanced graphics are a step ahead of the iPad’s previous generations, so you’ve got a lot of power in a tiny package. However, we recommend disconnecting your work email for the week—you've earned it!

The TiMOVO Case for iPad Air pairs protection with a ton of bright colorways, making it perfect for a fun vacation. It has a low-profile design that fits into most device pockets. Plus, the front cover folds into a built-in stand so you can watch videos and play games hands-free on the plane or while you decompress before bed. Though the case isn’t sand-proof, its tight fit reduces the number of particles that get inside.

Remove the pressure to get the perfect photo when you’re on a stress-free vacation. The Instax Mini 40 brings new meaning to the term point-and-shoot, offering a fun alternative to taking pictures with your smartphone or camera. Plus, there’s no fuss around editing the photo or selecting the perfect shot. We like to bring two film packs with us, one loaded in the camera and one extra. The film is pretty easy to find, so if you run out, just stop at a local drug or big box store to grab more.

We’ve opted for the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition for its IPX8 rating and glare-free screen that auto-adjusts to your surrounding light. You don’t have to worry about surprise splashes while sitting poolside or fighting for a cabana to avoid the afternoon sun. Plus, the upgraded 32-gigabyte storage ensures you have plenty of room to download another beach read.

We like to wear an Apple Watch because it allows us to put our phone away for the day and still keep an eye on our notifications. That way, we can determine what can be ignored for a little while longer—this is a vacation, after all. Plus, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as blowing your step goals out of the water while you’re exploring a new city.

Though phones are becoming more durable and waterproof, the GoPro Hero10 is a perfect supplement to your smartphone camera when the journey becomes aquatic. It’s waterproof up to 33 feet, shoots 5.3K video, and fits into the palm of your hand. What else could you ask for?

The Handler Floating Hand Grip is a GoPro accessory that makes it easy to take selfies, point the camera at underwater life, and get action shots playing in the ocean–all while protecting your GoPro from sinking if you accidentally drop it.

What’s a vacation without some killer tunes? The Soundcore 3 offers an IPx7 waterproof rating, meaning it can withstand submersion up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. When combined with its robust sound and vibrant colorway options, the Soundcore 3 is the perfect companion for the pool or beach.

The Anker 735 has three available ports for charging every device on the full vacation packing list. It has a skinny form factor and flip-in prongs, which packs away nicely. With a maximum capacity of 65 watts, it quickly gets you the juice you need. Top up more of your entertainment at once, whether you prefer to do it overnight or while getting ready for the day.

Bringing universal cables is an easy way to save space in your bag when you only have a few devices on hand. The Rolling Square inCharge XL looks the same as your typical cable but has swappable adapters, so you can charge up to six different ways. Bring the 1’ version for your battery bank and leave the 6.5’ version back at your accommodations in a hard-to-reach outlet. The included case is a little bulky, so we opted to ditch it and keep it in our tech pouch instead.

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The iFory Watch Charger is about as minimalist as it gets. It acts as a base to charge your Apple Watch, but instead of an attached cable, you can plug in your own USB-C cord. We love its small size and sturdy feel that takes up practically no space in a tech pouch. The less cords you have to manage, the better.

Charge up to three devices at once with the Anker PowerCore III 10K Wireless Portable Charger. Set your headphones case on the wireless top to charge while you listen to tunes and top up your phone and e-reader using the other two available ports. And, with 10,000 milliamp hours at your disposal, you won’t have to worry about losing access to your map while directing friends or family back to the hotel.

Whether you typically bring a full DSLR set-up or simply enjoy capturing casual memories, the iPhone 13 Pro has you covered. While the standard lens is great for most shots, the second two lenses are ideal for group photos and detailed shots of native flowers. Plus, 12 megapixel photos are more than adequate for sharing on social media. If Android phones are your cup of tea, look for one with multiple lenses to ensure you can get the perfect shot!

When you want to keep your carry as minimal as possible, reach for the Jimmycase Wallet. It protects your phone and features a stretchy elastic pocket that can hold up to six cards. Store your ID when you head to the nearest patio for a drink or bring extra cash to buy a lemonade on the pier. Plus, there are a ton of fun patterns and colors to choose from.

Protect your phone, charging cables, and power bank from sand and surf with the Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Travel Pouch. Its IP67 waterproof design acts as a barrier between your tech and sand or spilled margaritas. In the meantime, use it as a tech pouch within your travel bag to stay organized. Plus, you can even attach a strap or weave paracord through the side loops to create a makeshift sling and go hands-free.

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Whether you’re looking for some peace at the airport or a cabana overrun by Spring Breakers, Apple Airpods Pro have noise-canceling technology that allows you to find your beach no matter where you are. Plus, they fit into the palm of your hand, your pocket, or your sling with ease.

If you’re traveling internationally, it’s essential to be prepared to charge your phone, tablet, or eReader once you arrive. The Kikkerland Travel Adapter has you covered in more than 150 countries so that you can juice up your devices around the globe. It’s important to note that the Kikkerland adapts the outlet—it doesn’t convert power—so be sure to double-check the specifications of the country you’ll be traveling to. If you’re staying local, you can leave this adapter behind.

You never know where you’ll find inspiration worth jotting down. The Pokka Pens Classic Pen is lightweight enough to fit just about anywhere and has a ton of colorways to match the mood of wherever you’re heading. Though it’s not the most premium pen we’ve tested, it’s a great option for writing in your journal while enjoying the sound of crashing waves.

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The Baronfig Confidant Hardcover Notebook is perfect place to store your thoughts and experiences, doodles, and a few games of tic-tac-toe while on the go. It comes in dot grid, ruled, and blank page formats, so there’s something that will feel natural for everyone. We went with the Flagship size so we have enough room for new Pack Hacker ideas, though you can opt for the Pocket size if you want something smaller.

Toiletries & Personal Care

Looking to check out that five-star restaurant everyone’s been raving about? What about when it’s time to spend the day sun-bathing as you nurse a cold drink? No matter where you’re headed, you’ll need your toiletries to get ready for it.

Before you start adding everything and the kitchen sink to your vacation packing list, first check with your accommodations. Most will provide things like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Some even go so far as to provide makeup wipes (if you need them)! By checking what’s available first, you’ll save space in your bag for other (more fun) things—we’re looking at you, Miscellaneous section.

The Aer Travel Kit 2’s ability to organize bulky and tiny toiletries alike makes it a great pick if you have more to carry. The deep bucket shape secures larger bottles of lotion in place while the zippered pockets keeps your tweezers and makeup brushes from getting lost in the shuffle. Plus, there’s even a built-in hook for hanging, so you can give yourself a little extra counter space while you’re getting ready for the day.

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The Gillette Venus Intimate Grooming Razor has a super flexible head that makes it easy to touch up a hard-to-reach bikini line. There’s a built-in bar that reduces the amount of contact it makes with your skin, which means there’s less of a chance for irritation. Plus, there’s even a precision trimmer on the back of the blades to really clean things up.

You can’t always plan a vacation around your cycle, but that doesn’t mean you need to pack a bunch of sanitary items just in case. We like the MeLuna Menstrual Cup for its convenience if your cycle starts early or runs late. They have sizes and shapes to accommodate just about anyone, so you can find a fit that feels right.

After a long day of body-surfing in the waves, your hair will need a bit of detangling. The Michel Mercier Travel Hair Brush is compact and features a cap that protects the bristles when you toss it in your sling or beach bag. Though it works great for getting knots out, the bristles are pretty hard on the end, so take care in how you brush if you have a sensitive or sunburnt scalp.

The lightweight coverage of Fenty Beauty’s Eaze Drop feels breathable in warm weather and adds just enough coverage to lightly even out pigmentation. You’re on vacation, after all—looking great with minimal effort is the name of the game. Plus, it comes in tons of skin tones, so there’s something for everyone.

Even on vacation, it’s nice to put a little makeup on. What’s not-so-nice is getting to the beach only to realize that you’re at risk of raccoon eyes if you go underwater. The Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara from Too Faced comes in a travel size container and stays on even when you decide to show off your best swan-dive at the pool.

With the Milani All-Inclusive Eye, Cheek & Face Palette, you have everything you need to get ready for a day in or night out. Go glittery with your eyeshadow or keep it basic with a little blush. There’s even a bit of highlighter and bronzer when it’s time to contour. Though you can’t choose the individual shades, there are a few different palette combinations to match your makeup style and preference.

Whether you want to wear makeup every day or just on special occasions, the Daily Essentials Total Face Kit from EcoTools gives you more options with less bulk. Use the large handle for the blush and buffer brushes and the small handle for the crease, concealer, and spoolie heads. Swap between them as needed and go through your routine with ease. Plus, you can add more interchangeable heads, as each type is compatible with either the small or large handle.

It’s nice to go to bed with a fresh face. At the end of the day, the Clean 10 Cleansing Balm from JUNO & Co. makes quick work of taking off dirt, SPF buildup, and yes, even waterproof mascara. A little bit goes a long way! Rub it between your fingers to create an oil, massage it into your skin, and wash your face just like you usually would. If you’re feeling adventurous, double-cleanse and follow up with a regular face wash. Your skin will thank you.

We like to keep things simple while on vacation, even with our toiletries. The Bellroy Dopp Kit has basic organization for carrying just what you need and nothing more. It has a flexible structure that’s easy to pack full of travel bottles, and it even has a dedicated shelf for your toothbrush. Bring it along to the beach or leave it on the bathroom counter until you’re getting ready for bed. Either way, it’s easy to find exactly what you need.

If you expect to be in and out of the water throughout the day, having a comb on hand is a great way to ensure that your hair always looks dapper. The Chicago Comb Co. Model No. 2 Carbon Fiber is ultra-lightweight, fits into your pocket and is durable enough to take the bumps and knocks of travel.

In addition to the Braun Electric Razor’s sleek design, it operates relatively silently with two double-A batteries. We like the twist cap that acts as both a protective cover in transit and a longer handle when it’s in use. Plus, it won’t turn on while the cover is closed, so the rest of your toiletries are safe. We’re sticking with easy beard maintenance on this vacation packing list, though you can bring a razor if you want a closer shave.

You might think your daily deodorant is perfect for a beach vacation, though standard roll-on deodorants are at risk of melting in hot weather or getting flagged at TSA. The Vasarii nakd. Thai Crystal Deodorant Stone comes in a sturdy, travel-size case and won’t melt in the sun, so you won’t have any issues with airport security. Get it wet before applying for the best results.

Though it comes with its own clear pouch, Eagle Creek’s Silicone Bottle Set fits snug in practically any Dopp kit. Between the four included bottles, we’ve split our SPF protection, regular lotion, aloe for soothing skin after long days in the sun, and toothpaste for, you know, your teeth. If you want to bring face wash, swap out the sunscreen and buy a big bottle at your destination instead. No matter what you pack, the thin, compact design of these bottles is ideal for your liquid essentials.

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Here at Pack Hacker, we like to keep everything organized, including our medications. The humangear GoTubb is small, lightweight, and has enough room to stow medication for your trip. We like to keep ibuprofen here just in case we need it, and you can even leave the pills in there when you return home until your next trip.

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A vacation packing list calls for sun, surf, and sugary snacks. The Philips One Battery Toothbrush by Sonicare meets our travel toothbrush size expectations and has the vibrations we’re used to from our regular model at home. Nobody likes messing up their daily hygiene routines, and staying ahead of your brushing can save you a toothache later.

Walking barefoot on the beach is one of the best feelings in the world; however, the occasional splinter is possible while traveling along the boardwalk. The Tweezerman Slant Tweezer has a minimal design that works well at removing everything from wood pieces to errant eyebrow hairs.

Nobody likes a hangnail, especially on vacation! The Victorinox Swiss Army Nail Clippers are a super packable set of clippers that ensure you won’t ever have to wait to get rid of a pesky hangnail again. Plus, they're TSA-friendly.

Though most hotels and Airbnbs provide beach towels, it’s always good to have a spare for spontaneous trips to the water. With over a dozen designs to choose from, the Nomadix Ultralight Towel adds flair to your relaxation without taking up too much space in your beach bag. It’s made with MicroSuede, which is a type of microfiber designed to absorb water and dry quickly. The included carrying case is a little large, so we prefer to roll it up and stow it in our pack on its own.

We always keep a tube of lip balm with us, especially on a beach vacation, to ensure our lips don’t get chapped due to humidity changes, sun exposure, and salt water. We recommend choosing a version that includes SPF protection. That way, you have an extra layer of safety from the sun’s rays.

Whether you need to contain something inside or outside the bag, a Ziploc bag does the trick. We’re bringing a quart size to get our liquids through TSA and a gallon size just in case we go for one last dip before our flight and need to lug home a wet bathing suit. We like to use a VELCRO cable tie to keep them rolled up and stowed in our toiletry bag or travel pack.

Miscellaneous

The items in this section are here to amp things up. We’re talking games, relaxation enhancers, and travel essentials that will make your life easier.

Though some of these aren’t necessities, they’ll help you get the most out of your vacation. Sometimes day 4 of sitting on the beach can get a little old, and this gear will ensure you’re having a good time as you relax.

On days when you want to go straight from the beach to dinner, store your wet bathing suit in Matador’s Droplet Water-Resistant Stuff Sack so it’s separate from the rest of your dry gear. It has 2.5 liters of storage space when expanded and packs down into a silicone container small enough to fit on your key ring. However, it’s not waterproof, so moisture can still seep out of the top cinch closure. It’s important to keep it upright when possible.

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Card games are a great way to pass the time, whether you’re waiting for a storm to pass or just looking for a way to spend a few hours without screen time. Though they’re only slightly smaller than a regular deck of cards, every inch counts when you’re traveling with one bag. They’re durable enough to be used anywhere, though be gentle with the case, as it’s similar to a standard deck of cards and can be easily crushed.

Simply put, the Waboba’s name is a shortened version of what it is: a WAter BOuncing BAll. It fits into the palm of your hand and skips across water with ease, offering endless opportunities for fun at the beach or pool. The gel core doesn’t get saturated with water, so you can play with it for hours. However, it can skip a long way, so be careful how hard you throw it!

A hammock is a perfect place to unwind after a long day of exploring a new destination. The Kammok Roo Single UL Camping Hammock makes that possible without adding weight to your pack. It weighs less than 6 ounces and packs into itself, so it’s easy to stow away until you need it. However, it takes a few tries to get used to the repacking process, so practice makes perfect.

An ultralight hammock is nothing without a set of ultralight hammock straps to pair with it. The Kammok Python 10 UL Hammock straps compress easily and slot nicely into your pack. Despite their small size, they can hold up to 300 pounds. They come with an included carrying case, though rolling the straps to fit inside can take some getting used to.

One of the best things about a tropical vacation is enjoying the sunset from the beach, though sand can deter you from sitting on the ground in your dinner clothes. The Matador Pocket Blanket 3.0 fits in your pocket for easy storage and has enough coverage for up to three people to sit. However, we’ve found it’s best suited for two. Plus, with the included stakes on each corner, you won’t have to worry about it blowing away.

Though the Purist Collective Mover looks like your everyday insulated water bottle, its unique design gives it an edge. On the inside is a thin layer of glass that protects your drink from developing that metallic-y taste you sometimes get when it’s left in a stainless steel bottle too long. This means that your ice-cold lemonade will stay fresh even if it takes you a few hours to finish it. We also like the sleek matte exterior, though it can scuff.

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Tropical climates usually mean sun and surf, but it’s worth being prepared for inclement weather. We chose the DAVEK MINI umbrella for its compact size and lightweight construction. It’s so small that you won’t regret lugging it around town even if you don’t end up needing it. Plus, it comes in a ton of bold colorways, so there’s something for everyone.

The Loop Quiet Noise Reduction Earplugs help you enjoy a few hours of peace and quiet after a night on the town. They dampen outside noises so you can easily get a few more hours of shut-eye. Choose between four different silicone ear tip sizes to find the right fit for you. Plus, they come with a small carrying case, so you’ll always know where they are when you need them.

The Orbitkey Key Organiser is a minimalist key ring that holds a handful of the keys you need, like your house key for your place back home or the Airbnb you're staying at for the week. Leave it inside your travel pack or throw it in your pocket when you head out for the day.

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Carabiners are always useful, but The James Brand Mehlville takes function to a new level. It’s separated into two sections, so you can secure small items like your keys on one side and attach them to your everyday bag with the other. Plus, it has a built-in bottle opener to crack open a cold one on the beach or poolside.

Whether you plan to take a few day-long excursions or don’t plan to leave the pool for more than an hour, it’s always best to be prepared with first aid. We like to purchase a standard premade kit and empty the contents into a small, thin pouch that’s easier to store. That way, we can look cool while we tend to a blister from walking around town all day!

Eating a frozen snack from a cart vendor is a great way to cool off; however, it can be a little tricky if your hands are covered in sand. Hand wipes are the perfect way to clean up before eating to ensure no sand or saltwater makes its way into your mouth. We like disinfectant wipes both for our hands and sanitizing public bathrooms or changing surfaces before using them.

See How We Pack It

Time to Chill!

So, there you have it! A vacation packing list designed to help you relax in style and, most importantly, comfort. If you’re curious about how to pack for more than just your vacation, check out our other packing lists and guides to help you get started. We cover everything you need, from traveling as a digital nomad to choosing the best travel backpack.

Whether you’re hitting up international beaches or staying within your home country’s borders, we hope this vacation packing list takes the stress out of packing so you can relax before your trip even starts.

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The Ultimate Packing List

Christine Sarkis

Ashley Rossi

There's a 95 percent chance Senior Editor Christine Sarkis is thinking about travel right now. Follow her on Instagram @postcartography and Twitter @ChristineSarkis .

Christine Sarkis is an SATW-award-winning journalist and executive editor at SmarterTravel. Her stories have also appeared on USA Today, Conde Nast Traveler, Huffington Post, and Business Insider. Her advice has been featured in dozens of print and online publications including The New York Times , Conde Nast Traveler , and People magazine. She has also shared travel tips on television and radio shows including Good Morning America, Marketplace, and Here & Now. Her work has been published in the anthologies Spain from a Backpack and The Best Women's Travel Writing 2008 . She is currently working on a travel memoir.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : The Trtl Pillow . It's easy to pack and comfortable, and makes it so I can actually sleep on flights.

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : Seeing the Aurora Borealis from the comfort of somewhere warm, like a glass igloo or hot spring.

Travel Motto : Curiosity is an amazing compass.

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : Aisle all the way.

Email Christine Sarkis at [email protected] .

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.

After interning at SmarterTravel, Ashley joined the team full time in 2015. She's lived on three continents, but still never knows where her next adventure will take her. She's always searching for upcoming destination hotspots, secluded retreats, and hidden gems to share with the world.

Ashley's stories have been featured online on USA Today, Business Insider, TripAdvisor, Huffington Post, Jetsetter, and Yahoo! Travel, as well as other publications.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "A reusable filtered water bottle—it saves you money, keeps you hydrated, and eliminates waste—win-win."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : "A week in a bamboo beach hut on India's Andaman Islands."

Travel Motto : "Travel light, often, and in good company."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Window—best view in the house."

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Packing mishaps range from inconvenient (heading to the Caribbean without a swimsuit) to disastrous (discovering you left the country without your wallet), but most are preventable. We’ve created this ultimate packing list to help you pack well every time.

The Ultimate Packing Checklist

To see the ultimate packing list, scroll down the page or click here for an editable PDF version that you can save or print out. To customize the list, simply download or print it, then edit for your specific needs. You can also download the editable, mobile-friendly checklist here .

Clothes to Pack

• Dress Shirts
• Casual Shirts
• Sweatshirts
• Laundry Kit
• Leisure Shoes
• Hiking Boots
• Dress Shoes
• Collapsible Tote

Shop Our Clothing Packing List

Toiletries to Pack

• Dental Floss
• Conditioner
• Styling Tools
• Facial Cleanser
• Face Lotion
• Moisturizer
• Contact Lenses
• Contact Solution
• Shaving Supplies
• Makeup Remover
• Menstrual Products
• Birth Control/Medication
• Nail Clippers
• Hand Sanitizer
• First-Aid Ointment
• Insect Repellent
• Pain Relievers

Shop Our Toiletries Packing List

Miscellaneous Items

• Laptop/Tablet
• Film/Memory Card
• List of Medications
• Banking Contacts/Information
• Electronic Chargers
• Emergency Contacts
• Copy of Passport
• Plug Adapter

Shop Our Miscellaneous Items List

What to Pack in Your Carry-on

• Books or E-Books
• Travel Blanket
• Travel Pillow
• Disinfecting Wipes
• Change of Clothes
• Empty Water Bottle
• In-Flight Medications
• Passport/Visa/ID
• Credit/ATM cards
• Insurance Cards
• Maps/Directions

Shop Our Carry-On Essentials List

Packing Tips for Clothes and Other Items

When packing for a vacation the most important things to keep in mind are the length of your trip, the weather, and any non-standard clothing or gear you might need.

Your first step when packing is to decide if you’ll be checking a bag or only taking a carry-on and then curate the amount of clothing you’ll need based on that decision. Typically, you should avoid checking a bag in situations where you have a layover since the likelihood of your bag going missing goes up with every connection . You might also want to avoid checking a bag if you absolutely need items in your bag on arrival—for example, if you’re going on a cruise.

If you’re packing more minimally, focus on packing layering clothes in more neutral colors. That’s not because we don’t like fun colors and patterns; it just means that neutral-colored clothing is more versatile, so you can wear these items more than once when you’re tight on space.

How to Pack in Just a Personal Item Sized Bag

Also invest in clothing that does double duty, like multi-use wraps , crushable hats , self-cooling and heating fabrics like merino wool layers , bug-repellent clothing , wrinkle-resistant shirts, quick-drying activewear and undergarments, casual sneakers, UPF-proof clothing , and compressible jackets … just to name a few. Look toward popular athleisure brands like Lululemon , prAna , and Athleta for comfortable yet stylish travel clothing.

When curating your packing list, you should keep in mind the length of your trip and decide on quantities from there. For a shorter trip (three to five days), you can probably manage with the following: one pair of underwear and socks per day, one pair of pajamas, one to two dressier outfits, one to two activewear or athleisure outfits, one to two casual outfits, and one to two pairs of shoes. For a longer trip (over a week), you can manage with one pair of underwear and socks per day, two pairs of pajamas, three dressier outfits, three to four casual outfits, two pairs of shoes, and two activewear or athleisure outfits.

And if you’re able to do laundry on your vacation, you can probably manage with even fewer items. Just don’t forget to pack a travel laundry kit .

Scrubba Untouched Review

Also make sure to bring along accessories like a money belt, scarf or sarong (can be used for things like an airplane blanket , coverup at the beach, or to throw over your dress on a cool evening), and a collapsible tote or day bag for any extra items you might acquire on your travels. If traveling to a city or destination that is prone to pickpocketing, make sure to pack some pickpocket-proof clothing and gear .

Depending on the type of trip you’re going on, you may need to invest in some special travel gear. We’ve tested out everything from waterproof baby carriers to interchangeable heels , so you can trust our recommendations. If you’re headed out on an organized group tour , you’ll most likely get a packing list from the tour provider, which should make your trip planning easier. If not, do your research online (one tip is to look at locations on Instagram and see what people are wearing) and consult this story for other handy lists of tips.

For more active trips, make sure you have a sturdy pair of hiking boots, quick-drying clothing, a day pack, snacks, and any necessary equipment. Check out our specific packing lists for hiking trips and camping trips .

The 5 Most Crowded National Parks (and Where to Go Instead)

Another type of trip that you may need to pack slightly specific items for is a cruise . Make sure you pack non-standard items like seasickness remedies, formal wear, dress shoes, and your bathing suit. Beach vacations also require different items like water shoes, towels, sunscreen, and maybe even snorkel gear. Luckily for you, we also have a specific cruise packing list and a beach vacation packing list .

Lastly, you need to consider the weather. For warm-weather destinations like jungles and Caribbean islands, you can obviously skip the coats and gloves, but if you’re headed out on a ski vacation then you’ll need a whole slew of things like goggles, a neck gaiter, snow boots, and more. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a specific Caribbean vacation packing list , a Mexico vacation packing list , and even a ski trip packing list .

The Best Ski Hotels in the US

To help keep things organized, we love using packing cubes and/or compression sacks. They’re especially useful for when you’re traveling to multiple destinations in one trip.

Wondering how to pack all of your items? Enter the great debate of the rolling vs. folding method! While this is definitely a personal preference, we put two editors to the test to find out which method is in fact, more space-saving. Watch the video below to see the answer.

How to Pack Toiletries and Medications

Whether it’s important medication or your favorite lipstick, forgetting any type of toiletry can range from being mildly inconvenient to becoming a serious problem. For toiletries, make sure to pack your essentials, like medication, contacts, and any other items that you might not be able to purchase or replace during your travels. (Put them in your carry-on bag, not your checked suitcase.) However, if you forget items like a toothbrush or razor, you can typically call the front desk at the hotel for a spare.

We also recommend traveling with some type of a travel first-aid kit , which includes items like tweezers, first-aid ointment, bandages, travel-sized hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Make sure to check TSA guidelines if you’re traveling with medication , as well as the policies and regulations at your destination.

Packing Tips for Everything Else …

Traveling without tech items like your phone, laptop, tablet, or camera can be a major bummer. For those traveling abroad, you’ll also want to remember to pack electronic adapters and converters . Other tech-related items for photographers to pack are a sturdy camera bag , backup batteries, and memory cards, as well as lens cleaner. And don’t forget smartphone essentials like a backup charger, waterproof case if you’re headed out on the water, and a phone stand or tripod for photos.

A travel packing tip we’ve learned the hard way? Travel with a copy of your passport, credit card, and bank contacts, as well as a list of medications and your emergency contacts.

If you are traveling abroad, we have an entire checklist for you, but the most important thing to note here is your passport and visas . Make sure that your passport is up to date, has as least six months of validity, and has enough blank pages for any stamps. Another tip for international travel? Give yourself plenty of time to apply for any visas that you might need and to arrange for a visit to a travel clinic if any special medications or vaccines are needed. You should also familiarize yourself with any remaining COVID-19 travel restrictions at your destination.

There are also some items that you may not think to pack, but should, like an electronic tracker , duct tape , toilet paper, a decoy wallet, or a whistle.

The 10 Best Expandable Suitcases

What to Always Pack in Your Carry-on Bag

In case you’re separated from your checked bag or other items, you should always make sure that you have your ID, wallet, house keys, medications, valuables, camera, phone, laptop, tablet, pen, cash and cards, glasses, and copy of your itinerary with you on the plane.

Other items that you might want to have handy with you include entertainment for your flight, comfort-promoting items like a blanket or pillow, as well as an empty water bottle to fill up post-security (here is a list of our favorites ), a change of clothes (just in case your luggage is lost or delayed), snacks, and gum.

If you’re looking to pack carry-on only, you guessed it: We also have a separate packing list and tips for that, as well as the best bags to use for carry-on only .

What to Pack to Stay Healthy While Traveling

The pandemic has significantly changed the way we travel and, by extension, the items we prioritize in our luggage. While many destinations have loosened or entirely lifted COVID-19 restrictions, some venues and events may still require a mask or proof of vaccination/negative COVID test to enter. Plan ahead to see if any activities on your itinerary have restrictions in place.

Sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer , while always a good idea to have on hand at the airport , have become absolute carry-on musts. Wiping down areas like your tray table, airplane seat armrest, and hotel television remote can spare you from a variety of common travel bugs.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2013. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Ashley Rossi contributed to this story.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Essential Overnight Trip Packing List

It’s far too easy to overpack for short trips. That why you need an  overnight trip packing list.  

With a solid overnight bag list, you’ll be able to keep organized and not forget anything important. 

With just an overnight trip, the temptation to overpack can really strong. Let’s avoid that if we can. 

GET A FREE PRINTABLE VERSION OF THIS PACKING LIST (PLUS 4 MORE!) HERE

Ready for the list? Just keep reading! 

Need help planning your overnight trip? Check out our list of the essential travel planning resources .   

This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  See disclaimer.  

Packing list for your overnight trip 

Use this overnight trip packing list as the basis for creating your own list for each of your trips. Of course, you don’t need to follow this list exactly. It’s designed to be customized. Use it as a starting place. 

The key thing is to keep it simple.

Tip : use an editable digital packing list to easily make changes to your list as you pack.

Clothing 

You only need to pack two outfits at the most : 

• One outfit that’s appropriate for whatever activity or occasion you have during the one evening of your trip. 
• One outfit for anything you have planned the second day.  

For overnight trips,  my preference is to pack only one pair of pants  and then wear home the next day the same pants or even the same outfit that I wore for travel the day before. 

Pajamas —a simple lightweight set of pajama bottoms paired with a T-shirt like this works.  Something like these from Amazon would work well.  

One pair of shoes  for whatever you have planned for your trip. Make sure they work with whatever outfits you are taking. 

• I usually just take one bra with me for overnight trips…the one I wear to travel to my destination.
• 2 pairs of underpants. I always pack a spare pair. 
• Optional: camisole 

Socks —to work without whatever shoes you have packed. 

• Ultra low cut liner socks  like these you can buy on Amazon  are great to wear with flats or even slip-on casual shoes like Vans or TOMS. 
• I love to wear these liners with athletic shoes. 
• Wool socks like these are perfect for outdoor activities in cold weather. 

Jacket or cardigan  to keep warm in case of sudden weather changes, cold event venues or restaurants, etc. 

Optional clothing you could pack for an overnight trip 

If your hotel has a gym and you enjoy working out when you travel make sure to take your  workout clothes  with you. 

Or if you want to check out your hotel’s pool, add a  swimsuit and coverup  to your packing list. 

If you have room, consider packing a pair of flip flops or slippers for wearing around your hotel room or in case you need to make a quick run down the hall for ice. 

• These are my favorite flip flops . I almost never travel without them…unless it’s the dead of winter. 
• These are my absolute favorite slippers .   

Toiletries 

For a trip of just one night, keep skincare, haircare and makeup products to a minimum. 

I always recommend that you just  use your hotel bathroom product amenities  when possible. 

That means you won’t need to pack shampoo, conditioner, soap, or perhaps even a facial cleanser or body lotion. 

Pack a basic toiletries bag with only the essentials: 

• Foundation —get one with SPF in it like this . 
• Concealer — I love this one because it lasts. All. Day. Or try a “foundcealer” like this to save even more space since it’s a foundation and concealer in one. 
• Makeup sponge — this one is a great affordable option . 
• Powder — this talc-free powder travels well. 
• Eyeliner — this retractable pencil makes a great travel companion. 
• Eyebrow pencil — this affordable version of more expensive pencils is one of my favorites. 
• Eyebrow gel —a good brow gel will help you look made up even when you only have a few minutes to get ready. This one is my favorite . 
• Mascara —a tubing mascara like this one is great for travel since it doesn’t smudge. 
• Lip gloss or lipstick —or both. They’re small. 
• Disposable razor  
• Daytime moisturizer with sunscreen — this one is SPF 50 , works well under makeup and doesn’t leave a white cast. 
• Night cream — this is one is my favorite . 
• Toner —I enjoy traveling with a hydrating toner like this one . 
• Cotton rounds — these are perfect for applying toner and whatever else you need. 
• Travel size toothpaste

Miscellaneous essentials 

There are a few other things you might want or need to pack to make sure you have a good trip. 

• Charger for phone and other electronics 
• Umbrella 
• Prescription medications 
• Essential dietary supplements or over-the-counter medications 
• A few first-aid items. You can bring a small selection of things from home or purchase a compact first-aid kit designed for travel . 

Things you can leave at home 

• Multiple outfit options for every possible scenario 
• Extra shoes 
• Large makeup bags 
• Extra electronics (e.g., don’t pack a laptop AND a tablet) 
• Hair dryer. Use the one provided by the hotel. 
• Shampoo, conditioner, and soap. Use the hotel amenities. 
• Multiple jewelry options 

Minimize your overnight bag 

I find that  the danger of overpacking is strongest with short trips . And overnights are no exception. 

Because it’s so easy to overpack for overnight trips, I recommend you  use the smallest bag you can  but still have room to pack the things you genuinely need. 

Using a small bag will help you to avoid the temptation to overpack , because you simply won’t have room. 

A small rolling carry-on bag like this one from Amazon makes a great overnight bag. 

A large tote bag like this popular weekender would also be great for a short one-night trip. 

Get your overnight bag list organized 

Why do you need to get organized for your overnight trip? All you have to do is toss a few things in a bag, right? 

But when heading out on an overnight,  it’s so easy to simultaneously overpack and yet forget important items . 

So, pause for a few minutes to  think about what you really need . What plans have you made for your trip? 

• A nice dinner out? 
• A special event like a concert? 
• Outdoor activities like hiking? 
• Do the accommodations you booked include pool or gym facilities that you want to use? 

Final thoughts on the overnight bag list 

When traveling for just an overnight, try to resist the temptation to overpack. You don’t need multiple outfit options “just in case.” 

But you don’t want to go to the opposite extreme either and not give any thought to what you need to take with you. 

That’s how you forget to pack essentials in your overnight bag. 

The packing list in this post is all you need to make sure you that you pack well for your short trip. 

More articles related to packing for overnight trips 

• Essential travel planning resources  
• Romantic getaways in the South you need to consider  
• Travel essentials for women  

Pin this post!  

Darcy Vierow is a busy professional and travel planning expert with years of experience maximizing travel with limited time and on a less-than-average salary. Her tips have been published by Forbes, MSN.com, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Finance, Aol, Newsbreak and GOBankingRates. Read more about Darcy Vierow .

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You made a good point that it’s important to have a thorough plan first when planning to stay in a vacation home rental. I want to look for a good vacation home rental soon because I want to start planning for my honeymoon. I think that a simple staycation in a villa would be a good option.

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Travel Tips

10 Hotel Tips No One Taught You

No matter how often you’ve stayed in a hotel, these tips will help you get a cleaner, safer, more relaxing stay in your next one.

By Geoffrey Morrison

I’ve lost count how many hotels I’ve stayed in. Hundreds, for sure, and on every continent except Antarctica. From beach-side resorts in St. Kitts to a grand, soaring high-rise in Tokyo, to a castle-adjacent treehouse on the north coast of Scotland, I’ve stayed in some truly lovely places. I’ve also stayed at dilapidated dives in Vegas with rusty faucets and rugs so thin you could see the concrete underneath. The memory of the latter still makes me itch.

Over the years I’ve come up with a set of tips and tricks I use in every hotel, from 5-star to wear-your-shoes-in-the-bathroom-star. They range from a little peace of mind and a reduction of annoyance to maintaining a bit of safety and health while traveling. Starting with …

The remote is gross

What is touched by everyone but rarely cleaned ? A quick swipe with some baby wipes or a damp (not wet) hand towel should help a bit.

20°C is 68°F

Need to set the thermostat in your room anywhere outside the US? Twenty degrees is a good place to start.

Be skeptical of drinking glasses, especially if the hotel lacks a restaurant

Generally, drinking glasses are cleaned after every guest. Generally . If there’s no on-site restaurant, though, how are they cleaned? By hand presumably, but how well? Give them a rinse and a sniff, at least.

Don’t put your luggage on the bed

Bed bugs are gross little vampires. Like mosquitoes, but worse. Putting your luggage on the bed can give them a free ride to your next location … like your house. The luggage rack might not be a good option either, since it’s usually close to the bed. Your best bet is to put your luggage in the bathroom and then give the bed, rack, and chair/sofa a close look . Also, don’t assume that just because hotel is super posh it won’t have bed bugs. They might have more means to get rid of the problem, but it can happen anywhere.

Long cables for your phone, or a travel power strip

As the number of devices needing to charge increases, the number of outlets available in hotel rooms … stays the same. I’ve stayed in new hotels with zero easily-accessible plugs. Mind blowing. Wirecutter , the New York Times company that reviews products, has options for long Micro-USB , Lightning , and USB-C cables so you can plug in and still, hopefully, use your phone from the bed. They also have a pick for a travel power strips so you can plug multiple devices into that one outlet you found behind the bed.

Yes, you can take the little shampoo bottles. No, you can’t take the robe.

Some hotels give the remaining soaps to charities like Clean the World . It’s worth checking if they do, as perhaps that’s a better use of the remaining soap than getting lost in your luggage or forgotten in your home medicine cabinet. Many hotels are moving toward large-bottle dispensers , both as a cost- and Earth-saving measure.

Lock, latch, and put out the do not disturb sign

Housekeeping comes early. Exactly 100 percent of the time I’ve wanted to sleep in and forgot to put out the sign, housekeeping wakes me up. In how many languages do you know how to say “come back later, please?” For me, when woken from a deep slumber, a croaky none.

Enabling the safety latch also lets you open the door to see if it really is management knocking while preventing said knocker from unexpectedly opening the door fully. Exceptionally unlikely, sure, but why take the chance?

Take a picture of the safe code

Even if you just use your birthday or something memorable in the moment, take a picture of the number you program into the safe.

Laundry is expensive

I travel for months at a time. I do laundry about once a week. At an expensive laundromat in Paris I paid 7 euros, or about $10, for a load of all my clothes. While trapped at a hotel in Fiji during a typhoon I paid $10 for each pair of underwear.

You should definitely pack light enough that you’ll need to do laundry on any trip longer than a week. Some hotels, and nearly all hostels, have inexpensive laundry facilities on-site or nearby. The staff will usually help you find a place. There’s always washing in the sink too, which is free if you have the time.

And lastly … Stay in a hostel instead

I’ve spent the majority of nights during my extended travels of the last 5 years in hostels. Hotels can be great, but they’re invariably expensive. Hostels probably aren’t what you think , and can be a great way to save money and meet new people.

Geoffrey Morrison is a freelance writer/photographer covering tech and travel. He’s the editor-at-large for Wirecutter and you can also find his work at CNET . He’s the author of the best-selling sci-fi novel “ Undersea ,” and you can follow him on Instagram or Twitter .

We are an independent publisher. Our reporters create honest, accurate, and objective content to help you make decisions. To support our work, we are paid for providing advertising services. Many, but not all, of the offers and clickable hyperlinks (such as a “Next” button) that appear on this site are from companies that compensate us. The compensation we receive and other factors, such as your location, may impact what ads and links appear on our site, and how, where, and in what order ads and links appear. While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, our site does not include information about every product or service that may be available to you. We strive to keep our information accurate and up-to-date, but some information may not be current. So, your actual offer terms from an advertiser may be different than the offer terms on this site. And the advertised offers may be subject to additional terms and conditions of the advertiser. All information is presented without any warranty or guarantee to you.

This page may include: credit card ads that we may be paid for (“advertiser listing”); and general information about credit card products (“editorial content”). Many, but not all, of the offers and clickable hyperlinks (such as a “Apply Now” button or “Learn More” button) that appear on this site are from companies that compensate us. When you click on that hyperlink or button, you may be directed to the credit card issuer’s website where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer. Each advertiser is responsible for the accuracy and availability of its ad offer details, but we attempt to verify those offer details. We have partnerships with advertisers such as Brex, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Wells Fargo and Discover. We also include editorial content to educate consumers about financial products and services. Some of that content may also contain ads, including links to advertisers’ sites, and we may be paid on those ads or links.

For more information, please see How we make money .

What is considered essential travel?

Signing up for credit cards through partner links earns us a commission. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Here’s our full advertising policy: How we make money .

While it might be tempting to take a quick trip to the beach or attend a friend’s birthday party, given the fact that COVID is still a real threat, you’re likely putting yourself and others at risk through non-essential travel. 

CDC data currently shows the number of cases is trending down since the recent spike in December, but more cases are still being reported each day. At present, there are more than 28 million confirmed cases in the U.S., with over 500,000 deaths. Those numbers alone paint a grim picture, but there are steps that each of us can take to help decrease the spread, and one of them involves how we travel. 

What is essential travel?

Essential travel is traveling for the sake of essential work (i.e., agricultural work), emergencies, medical purposes, government matters, and military matters. If your job requires your services for vital assistance, processes, or products, then your traveling is essential. 

For domestic travel, the CDC recommends checking the state’s health department website for the location you’re headed to for any restrictions and requirements. If for necessary reasons, you have to leave the U.S., you can visit the U.S. Department of State’s website for international advisories.

Ultimately, if you have to commute because of your work or an emergency, then your travel is considered essential.

What is non-essential travel?

Non-essential travel is commuting for the sake of leisure or recreational purposes. If you’re planning to go on vacation, participate in recreational activities, or casually visit family or friends, this is considered non-essential travel. 

Currently, you are free to commute within and outside of the U.S. (restrictions for certain  international locations may be in place). Road trips, flights , and train rides are all viable, and you’re free to visit recreational areas like parks and nature reserves.

Just keep in mind that you’ll be responsible for knowing and following any restrictions that are in place at your destination. 

What are the current restrictions on non-essential travel?

Since President Biden took office in January, many travel restrictions and policies that the former administration relaxed have been reinstated.

For U.S. citizens, the most significant change is that the CDC will no longer allow exceptions for negative coronavirus tests. Anyone coming into the U.S. from an international destination, citizen or not, must present a negative coronavirus test — no if, ands, or buts. 

For non-U.S. citizens, the new restrictions prohibit them from entering the country if they have recently been in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and other parts of Europe, referred to as the Schengen countries. The Schengen area includes 26 countries like Germany, Switzerland and Norway that have minimal border control for those traveling among them. The ban also impacts non-U.S. citizens traveling from Brazil and South Africa. 

And still, the  CDC discourages non-essential travel  to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and requires all passengers who do choose to travel to wear masks on planes, trains, buses and in transportation hubs at all times. 

For commuting within the U.S., check for any restrictions with each state below:

See travel updates for each state

• Alaska 
• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• West Virginia

How to travel safely during COVID-19

If you are planning to commute for essential or non-essential purposes, here are some ways you can protect yourself and others, depending on your mode of transportation:

Travel by public transportation

• Wear a mask.
• Try to maintain social distance from other passengers. If possible, skip a seat if taking a bus.
• Wear sunglasses, safety goggles, or glasses to help shield and protect your eyes since you’ll be in close proximity to others.
• Keep hand sanitizer with you and wash your hands when possible.

Travel by personal vehicle

• Try to limit the number of riders as much as possible.
• Increase circulation within your vehicle by opening windows or turning on the air conditioning in non-recirculation mode.
• Keep the vehicle sanitized with disinfectant sprays and wipes. Be sure to sanitize high-touch areas like seats, seat belts, the steering wheel and gear post.

Travel by airplane

• Try to maintain distance from other passengers ( if possible ).
• Wear sunglasses, safety goggles, or glasses to shield and protect your eyes since you’ll be in a closed space for potentially prolonged periods.
• Keep hand sanitizer with you and wash your hands once you’ve arrived at your destination.

Plus, be sure to read our guide that outlines which airlines are taking the most precautions against COVID-19 .

Bottom line

The best advice right now is to stay home.

No matter how alluring that beach trip is or how much fun your friends say you’re going to have, the only way to absolutely protect yourself and your loved one is to stay home. Any non-essential travel increases your risk and others’ for contracting and transmitting COVID-19. But, if you must go, be sure you adhere to the CDC’s health guidelines which include:

• Practicing social distancing by staying at least 6 feet apart from others.
• Wear a face covering.
• Keep your hands clean by washing and sanitizing with at least 60% alcohol.
• Stay at home if you feel sick.
• Avoid contact with others who are sick.

Featured image by Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock.

Alexandra Maloney

Contributor

Alexandra Maloney is a contributor for Million Mile Secrets where she covers points and miles, credit cards, airlines, hotels, and general travel. She's worked as a writing consultant for the University of Richmond and is a features writer for The Collegian UR.

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What to Pack for a Hotel Stay Alone or With Kids

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What to pack for a hotel room whether you’re traveling alone or with your kids. These items will make your hotel stay so much more comfortable and let you enjoy your trip.

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.

Hotel Packing List for Adults

Simple comforts, toiletries & accessories, staying healthy, entertainment, food & beverage, hotel packing list for families with kids, organization tips.

If you’re staying at at hotel for a solo trip, a business trip, or a couples getaway, your packing list for the hotel is going to be much lighter than if you’re traveling with kids.

Nevertheless, if you want your hotel to feel comfortable for your visit, there are a few things that will make your trip much better.

• 1 Outfit per Day of Trip: Most hotels have laundry services on site, but they are expensive and will slow you down. If you want to save money on your hotel stay while also packing light, plan a capsule wardrobe and use some of the core pieces for more than one outfit.
• 1 – 2 Pairs of Pajamas: Depending on how long your hotel stay will be, 1 pair may be enough for 3 – 5 days, longer you may enjoy a second fresh set to change into.
• 1 – 2 Casual or Lounge Outfits: At the end of a long day it is nice to change into something clean and cozy for relaxing in your hotel room. If you plan to leave your room and hang out in a lounge, be sure to pack something comfortable but presentable.
• 1.5 Pairs of Socks/Underwear per Day: Our family rule is to multiply the number of days you plan to travel times 1.5 and that’s how many pairs of underwear and socks to bring. This gives you enough clean spares just in case.
• Jacket or Sweater: Even if you’re traveling somewhere hot, always bring a jacket or sweater because the air conditioning can be very strong.
• Swimsuit and/or Workout Outfits + Sandals or Sneakers: Check the amenities list at your hotel’s web site and be prepared to take advantage of them. If there’s a pool, you’ll want a swimsuit, a cover-up to wear between your room and the pool (required by most hotels), and a pair of flip flops or sandals. If you want to work out at the gym, you’ll need t-shirts, shorts or leggings, socks and tennis shoes.
• 1 – 2 Pairs of Shoes: Depending on your type of trip, you can probably get away with just one or two pairs of shoes if you’re strategic about your outfits.

I always make room in my luggage for these travel-friendly items:

• 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.

Don’t count on your hotel room having these essential items, you should definitely plan to bring them from home to be safe:

• 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
• Shaving Essentials: Razor, shaving cream, aftershave.
• 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.

Ever since a trip to Disney where my kid got violently sick on vacation , I never travel to a hotel without these items:

• 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.
• Pain Relievers/Fever Reducers: Advil or Tylenol
• Acid Reflux/Heartburn Meds
• Anti-Diarrhea Meds

Most hotel rooms do offer a television with cable access but if you’re used to streaming just want you want to see, when you want to see it, you may prefer to bring your own entertainment from home:

• Laptop & Charger
• Tablet & Charger
• Kindle or eReader Device & Charger
• Paper Book or Magazines
• Headphones or a Travel Bluetooth Speaker for Music, Podcasts, etc.

You’ll probably enjoy dining out for most of your trip, but if you get hungry later in the day or when you first wake up, you’ll discover that the prices for hotel food can be crazy.

To save money on your trip, here are a few of my best suggestions:

• Bring Your Own Wine: Skip the hotel bar and just enjoy a glass in your room for a fraction of the price. Don’t forget the corkscrew or buy a twist-off bottle.
• Eat Breakfast in Your Room: Here are a few simple hotel room breakfast ideas for you.
• Bring Your Own Snacks: The prices in the lobby on crackers or chips are nuts.
• Use the Microwave: If your room comes equipped with them, you can make these meals for a microwave and fridge .

If you’re going to a hotel with your kids, you’ll want to pack all the things I mentioned above but there are a few extras that will make life so much more comfortable in your hotel room.

Traveling with teens? You can use this printable packing list for teen s and let them do the job on their own!

The #1 challenge to traveling with kids is making sure everyone can sleep well on the trip. We ALWAYS add these to our packing list:

• 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

With kids, I’ll bring all the same items I would for myself but also add in kid-friendly formulas as appropriate. I also add:

• 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.

Even if you didn’t plan to follow my advice on packing your own snacks or breakfasts for the hotel, if you’re traveling with kids you’ll want to take a second look at the tips above.

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.

If you want a moment of peace to relax during your hotel stay, it is a really good idea to bring some entertainment for the hotel room for your kids:

• 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 .

Lastly, when staying at a hotel with kids, I always bring these things along:

• 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 .

However, if you’re traveling with kids, have you considered renting a condo instead? You can read about the pro’s and con’s of a condo vs. a hotel here .

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What to Bring to a Hotel: The Ultimate Checklist

Traveling can be both exciting and stressful, especially when it comes to packing. One of the most common questions travelers have is what to bring to a hotel.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: You should bring all the essentials you need for a comfortable stay, including toiletries, clothing, and any necessary travel documents.

In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on what to bring to a hotel to make your trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible. From packing basics to helpful tips, we’ve got you covered.

Essential Items to Pack

When traveling, it is important to pack all the essential items to ensure a comfortable and stress-free stay at a hotel. Some of the most important items to pack include toiletries, clothing, electronics, and travel documents.

It is worth mentioning that most hotels provide basic toiletries such as soap, shampoo, and lotion. However, if you have specific hair or skin care needs, it is recommended to bring your own toiletries. This may include your toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and any other personal hygiene products you use regularly.

When it comes to clothing, it is important to pack according to the destination and season. It is recommended to bring comfortable and versatile clothing that can be worn in different settings. Keep in mind that some hotels have dress codes for their restaurants or other facilities, so it is best to inquire beforehand.

Unfortunately, hotels do not always have laundry facilities available, so it is important to pack enough clothing for the duration of your stay.

Electronics

When packing electronics, remember to bring the necessary chargers and adapters for your devices. Some hotels provide charging stations or even loaner devices, but it is always best to bring your own.

On the other hand, some hotels offer amenities such as flat-screen TVs, alarm clocks, or even sound systems in their rooms. It is worth checking the hotel’s website or contacting them directly to find out what electronics are provided.

Travel Documents

Finally, it is crucial to bring all necessary travel documents such as passports, visas, and IDs. Keep these documents in a safe place such as a hotel safe or a secure bag. It is also recommended to make copies of these documents and keep them in a separate location in case they are lost or stolen.

Tips for Packing Efficiently

When it comes to traveling and staying in a hotel, packing efficiently is key. Not only does it save you time and stress, but it also helps you avoid overpacking and potentially paying extra baggage fees.

Here are some tips for packing efficiently:

• Make a Packing List: Before you start packing, make a list of everything you need to bring with you. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you don’t forget anything important. You can also use your packing list to double check that you have everything before you leave the hotel.
• Roll Your Clothes: Rolling your clothes instead of folding them can save you a lot of space in your suitcase. Not only that, but it can also help prevent wrinkles and keep your clothes looking neat and tidy. Consider investing in packing cubes or compression bags to further maximize your space.
• Use Packing Cubes: Packing cubes are a great way to keep your clothes and other items organized in your suitcase. They come in a variety of sizes and can be used to separate your clothes by type or outfit. They also make it easy to find what you’re looking for without having to dig through your entire suitcase.
• Pack Multipurpose Items: When choosing what to bring with you, try to pack items that can serve multiple purposes. For example, a sarong can be used as a beach cover-up, a scarf, or even a blanket on the plane. This can help you save space and reduce the amount of items you need to bring.

By following these tips, you can pack efficiently for your hotel stay and ensure that you have everything you need without overpacking.

Keep in mind that it’s always a good idea to check the hotel’s website or call ahead to see if they offer any amenities or items you may not need to bring with you, such as towels or hair dryers.

What to Do Before You Leave

Before leaving for a hotel, it is worth mentioning that there are several important things to do to ensure a comfortable and stress-free stay. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Check the Hotel Amenities: It is important to familiarize yourself with the hotel amenities before you leave. This will help you determine what you need to bring with you and what you can leave at home. For example, if the hotel has a fitness center, you may want to pack workout clothes and sneakers. On the other hand, if the hotel provides complimentary toiletries, you can save space in your luggage by leaving your own at home.
• Prepare Your Travel Documents: It is important to make sure you have all the necessary travel documents before leaving for a hotel. This includes your passport or ID, travel itinerary, and any necessary visas or vaccination records. Keep these documents organized and easily accessible in a travel document holder or folder.
• Pack a Day Bag: It is always a good idea to pack a day bag with essentials for your first day at the hotel. This can include a change of clothes, toiletries, medication, and any important documents or electronics. This way, you can have immediate access to the items you need without having to dig through your luggage.
• Leave Room for Souvenirs: If you plan on doing some shopping or bringing back souvenirs from your trip, it is important to leave some room in your luggage. Consider packing a foldable duffle bag or leaving some space in your suitcase to make room for any additional items you may purchase during your trip.

By following these simple steps, travelers can ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay at a hotel. Remember to plan ahead and pack accordingly, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful trip.

What Not to Bring to a Hotel

• Valuable Items: It is worth mentioning that travelers should avoid bringing valuable items such as expensive jewelry, large amounts of cash, or important documents to a hotel. Although most hotels have safes in the rooms, it is better to leave these items at home or in a secure place. In case of theft or loss, it can be difficult to recover them, and it can ruin the whole trip.
• Illegal Items: Keep in mind that bringing illegal items to a hotel can lead to serious legal consequences. It is important to research the local laws and regulations before packing any substances or items that may be prohibited. It is always better to err on the side of caution and avoid any potential troubles.
• Unnecessary Items: On the other hand, travelers should remember not to bring unnecessary items that can take up valuable space and add weight to their luggage. Some examples of items that are often unnecessary include bulky toiletries, extra towels or linens, or large electronic devices. Most hotels provide basic amenities and have charging stations available, so it is not necessary to bring everything from home.

When packing for a hotel stay, it is important to pack light and smart. Bringing only the essential items can make the trip more comfortable and enjoyable.

It is also important to check the hotel’s regulations and policies regarding prohibited items and to follow them accordingly. By being prepared and informed, travelers can have a stress-free and memorable stay at their hotel of choice.

By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to pack all the essentials you need for a comfortable stay at a hotel.

Remember to pack efficiently, prepare your travel documents, and leave room for souvenirs. And most importantly, enjoy your trip!

Sara Thomas is the founder of HotelChantelle.com, a website dedicated to hotel safety products that travelers can use for added security and peace of mind.

After an unsettling hotel stay during a work trip, Sara realized a need for portable products that could secure hotel rooms. She launched HotelChantelle.com to provide devices like hidden camera detectors, portable door locks, and other discreet safety tools for travelers.

With a background in law enforcement, Sara understood the vulnerabilities of hotel rooms and wanted to empower travelers to protect themselves. She heads up a team that tests and reviews innovative security products for travelers to use in hotels globally.

Sara is committed to helping travelers feel relaxed and secure during hotel stays through access to protective gear they can easily take on any trip. The site covers products like personal safety alarms, RFID blocking gear to prevent digital pickpocketing, and items to safeguard personal data and belongings in lodging.

When she's not reviewing new products or running the site, Sara enjoys planning family vacations using the safety tools she sells on HotelChantelle.com. She lives with her husband and kids in Atlanta.

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10 Things You Need to Make a Hotel Room Feel Homey

For extended stays, make a hotel room feel a little more like home with these easy tips.

Related To:

Shop this look.

Photo By: Cassidy Garcia

Travel Diffuser with Your Favorite Oils

A diffuser can take a hotel room from an ordinary space to a relaxing getaway within minutes. Even if the bed isn't as comfy as yours at home, lavender essential oil can help you sleep with its calming and soothing effect.

Buy It: Amazon, $23.99

Fresh Flowers or a Small Plant

Once you arrive at your destination, pick up a bouquet of flowers to instantly add color to your room. If you would rather opt for a small plant, select one that requires minimal care.

Nightlight for Bathroom

Hotel room lights can be harsh and too bright to leave on at night. For the optimal amount of light, bring a night light to leave on in the bathroom.

Buy It: Amazon, $15.99

Soft Slippers

The carpet is likely one of the dirtiest things in your room. By bringing a pair of slippers, your feet will stay cozy and warm and also free from the dirt that may be hiding on the floor.

Special Pillowcase

Bring your own pillowcase to have a piece of your own bed in your hotel. If you'd rather buy a new one, opt for a silk pillowcase — it can be beneficial for your skin and hair.

Buy It: Amazon, $19.99

Living out of your suitcase may be ideal for short trips, but unpacking will allow for wrinkles to fall out of your clothes. Plus, you can get your suitcase out of the way.

Upbeat Playlist

Your favorite music can instantly put you in a feel-good mood and make a hotel room feel like your space.

Your Favorite Tea and Mug

The coffee and tea provided by the hotel are usually, uhm, less than great. With your favorite mug and a hot drink, you'll instantly cozy up in your new space.

Tabletop Fan for Sound and Comfortable Temperature

Hotel rooms usually do not have ceiling fans. To avoid a stuffy room, pack a mini fan for cool air and sound that can help you sleep.

Buy It: Amazon, $18.99

Your Own Shampoo and Soap

While some toiletries may be provided, having your personal favorites adds that extra element of comfort to a hotel room.

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THE 10 BEST Hotels in Moscow 2024

Moscow Hotels

Property types, distance from, neighborhoods, traveler rating, hotel class, popular hotels in moscow right now.

• Best Value Properties ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data, including traveler ratings, confirmed availability from our partners, prices, booking popularity and location, as well as personal user preferences and recently viewed hotels.
• Traveler Ranked Highest rated hotels on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews.
• Distance to city center See properties located closest to the center first with confirmed availability for your dates from our partners

1. Lotte Hotel Moscow

2. Hotel Metropol Moscow

3. Ararat Park Hotel Moscow

4. Palmira Business Club

5. Page 20 Aparthotel

6. Brick Design Hotel

7. Park Inn by Radisson Izmailovo Moscow

8. Mercure Arbat Moscow

9. AZIMUT City Hotel Smolenskaya Moscow

10. Swissotel Krasnye Holmy Moscow

11. Radisson Collection Hotel, Moscow

12. Hotel De Paris

13. Mercure Moscow Paveletskaya

14. Four Seasons Hotel Moscow

15. President Hotel

16. Mercure Moscow Baumanskaya

17. D'Hotel

18. AZIMUT City Hotel Tulskaya Moscow

19. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Moscow - Marina

20. Pokrovka 6 Hotel

21. Radisson Blu Olympiyskiy Hotel, Moscow

22. Boutique Hotel Brighton

23. InterContinental Moscow - Tverskaya, an IHG Hotel

24. Crowne Plaza Moscow - Tretyakovskaya, an IHG hotel

25. Hotel Moscow Krasnoselskaya

26. Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow

27. StandArt Design Hotel

28. AZIMUT City Hotel Olympic Moscow

29. Mamaison All Suites Spa Hotel Pokrovka

30. Hotel Savoy Moscow

Moscow Hotels Information

Hotels near the sights.

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Best Moscow hotels

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Moscow hotels near Red Square

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Search by review score, search by price, search by freebies, good to know, when to book a hotel in moscow, top tips for finding moscow hotel deals.

• If you’re looking for a cheap hotel in Moscow, you should consider visiting during the low season. You'll find cheaper hotels in Moscow in October and January.
• Hotel room prices vary depending on many factors but you’ll most likely find the best hotel deals in Moscow if you stay on a Saturday. The opposite is true for, Wednesday, which is usually the most expensive day.
• How long should you stay? KAYAK users usually book their hotel in Moscow for 3 days.
• Moscow is a vast city. If you would like to be within walking distance of key attractions, look for hotels near Red Square and the Kremlin, such as the Assambleya Nikitskaya Hotel.
• For cheap accommodation in Moscow, consider the Partizanskaya area, which features a good choice of budget hotels near a metro station, including Vega Hotel & Convention Center.
• There are many 5-star luxury hotels in the cultural heart of Moscow. The Four Seasons Hotel Moscow and The St. Regis Moscow Nikolskaya are two excellent examples.
• Stylish boutique hotels are also in abundance in the city centre. Hotels such as the Golden Apple Boutique Hotel and Assambleya Nikitskaya Hotel put you near Red Square and The Kremlin.
• Arbat Street forms the heart of Moscow’s Arbat District, the oldest part of the city, and is home to myriad affordable accommodation, such as Karlov Most Hostel.
• A great area for nightlife is Kitay-Gorod, where an array of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs join a wide selection of hotels to suit all budgets, such as the cheap Good Mood Hostel or boutique Golden Apple Boutique Hotel.

FAQs when booking a hotel in Moscow

Are there good hotels near moscow airport.

There are three major international airports serving Moscow: Sheremetyevo International Airport, Moscow Domodedovo Airport, and Vnukovo International Airport. Several hotels are located within the vicinity of each airport. Good choices include Novotel Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport, Ramada Moscow Domodedovo, and Vnukovo Green Palace Hotel.

Which hotels in Moscow offer especially good views?

A number of luxury hotels in the city centre boast spectacular views. Two excellent choices are the Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow and the Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow, which both offer breathtaking vistas of the Kremlin, Red Square and St. Basil's Cathedral from guest rooms and restaurants.

What hotels in Moscow offer especially good breakfast?

The sophisticated and excellently-rated Villa Kadashi Boutique Hotel situated in the Yakimanka district, across the river from Red Square, offers an excellent continental breakfast with fresh pastries and juice to complement hearty egg and sausage dishes. Meanwhile, Warsaw Hotel, situated a 10-minute walk from Gorky Park, offers a free breakfast buffet.

Which neighbourhoods are close to Moscow’s central station?

Travellers departing for St. Petersburg will be voyaging out of Leningradsky Station in northeast Moscow. The city’s oldest railway terminal, the station is surrounded by a wide selection of accommodation. Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya is a top-rated option with a swimming pool, sauna, and fitness room.

What hotel area is especially good for shopping in Moscow?

Moscow’s Arbat District or Old Arbat features a network of historic streets that are lined with shops selling local souvenirs and handicrafts. There are many hotels in this area, such as the 4-star Mercure Arbat Moscow, and the city centre is only a short metro ride away. Alternatively, GUM is an iconic shopping arcade situated directly on Red Square.

Where to stay in Moscow?

Those looking for a hotel in Moscow on KAYAK tend to search in Tverskoy District , Arbat District and in close proximity to Luzhniki Stadium.

What are the best hotels near Luzhniki Stadium?

If you are looking for a hotel close to Luzhniki Stadium, you should consider staying at Hills Hotel , Luzhniki and ibis Moscow Kievskaya , as they are the most recommended by KAYAK users.

Which freebies do KAYAK users look for when booking a hotel in Moscow?

KAYAK users look for a hotel in Moscow with free breakfast.

How do I find a hotel in central Moscow?

After you launch a hotel search on KAYAK, you can refine your research by neighborhood, which allows you to pick the central Moscow districts. You can also do a search using the city map to choose a specific location, like Moscow city center.

How can I find hotels near me?

Take a look at our extensive hotel map to find the best hotels near you.

Popular in Moscow

• Moscow pet-friendly hotels
• Moscow luxury hotels
• Moscow 5-star hotels

Stays in Moscow

• Hostels in Moscow
• Bed & Breakfasts in Moscow
• Inns in Moscow
• Vacation Rentals in Moscow

Airports in Moscow

• Hotels near Moscow Domodedovo Airport
• Hotels near Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport
• Hotels near Moscow Vnukovo Airport
• Hotels near Moscow Zhukovsky Airport

Landmarks in Moscow

• Hotels near Solovetsky Stone, Moscow
• Hotels near State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow
• Hotels near Red Square, Moscow
• Hotels near GUM Shopping Centre, Moscow
• Hotels near Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow
• Hotels near Moscow Kremlin, Moscow
• Hotels near Alexander Gardens, Moscow
• Hotels near Armoury Chamber, Moscow
• Hotels near Cathedral of the Archangel, Moscow
• Hotels near Lenin's Mausoleum, Moscow
• Hotels near Tchaikovsky Concert Hall, Moscow
• Hotels near New Tretyakov Gallery - Museum of Modern Art, Moscow
• Hotels near Peter the Great Monument, Moscow
• Hotels near Old Arbat, Moscow
• Hotels near Old English Court, Moscow
• Hotels near Ivan the Great's Bell Tower, Moscow
• Hotels near Graveyard of Fallen Monuments, Moscow
• Hotels near State Historical Museum, Moscow
• Hotels near Manezh Square, Moscow
• Hotels near Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Moscow
• Hotels near Pushkin Square, Moscow
• Hotels near Tsar Bell - Tsar Cannon, Moscow
• Hotels near Monument to the Conquerors of Space, Moscow
• Hotels near Minin and Pozharsky Monument, Moscow
• Hotels near Tolstoy Estate, Moscow
• Hotels near Bagration Bridge, Moscow
• Hotels near Yury Dolgoruky Monument, Moscow
• Hotels near Moscow White House, Moscow
• Hotels near Moscow Zoo, Moscow
• Hotels near Hermitage Garden, Moscow
• Hotels near Patriarch's Pond, Moscow
• Hotels near Pushkin House Museum on Arbat, Moscow
• Hotels near St. Basil's Cathedral, Moscow
• Hotels near Ploshchad Revolutsii, Moscow
• Hotels near Expocentre, Moscow
• Hotels near Olimpiyskiy Sports Complex, Moscow
• Hotels near Yeliseyev Grocery Store, Moscow
• Hotels near Exhibition Complex Bunker 42, Moscow
• Hotels near Museum of Cosmonautics, Moscow
• Hotels near Moscow Durov Animal Theatre, Moscow
• Hotels near Obraztsov Puppet Theatre, Moscow
• Hotels near Moscow Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard, Moscow
• Hotels near Diamond Fund, Moscow
• Hotels near Gulag History Museum, Moscow
• Hotels near Atrium Mall, Moscow
• Hotels near Moscow Sovremennik Theatre, Moscow
• Hotels near Abai Kunanbaev Monument, Moscow
• Hotels near Vysokopetrovsky Monastery, Moscow
• Hotels near Kievskaya Station, Moscow
• Hotels near Dormition Cathedral, Moscow
• Hotels near Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, Moscow

Neighborhoods in Moscow

• Hotels in Arbat District, Moscow
• Hotels in Basmanny District, Moscow
• Hotels in Eastern Administrative Okrug, Moscow
• Hotels in Khamovniki District, Moscow
• Hotels in Krasnoselsky District, Moscow
• Hotels in Meshchansky District, Moscow
• Hotels in North-Eastern Administrative Okrug, Moscow
• Hotels in North-Western Administrative Okrug, Moscow
• Hotels in Northern Administrative Okrug, Moscow
• Hotels in Presnensky District, Moscow
• Hotels in South-Eastern Administrative Okrug, Moscow
• Hotels in South-Western Administrative, Moscow
• Hotels in Southern Administrative Okrug, Moscow
• Hotels in Tagansky District, Moscow
• Hotels in Tverskoy District, Moscow
• Hotels in Western Administrative Okrug, Moscow
• Hotels in Yakimanka District, Moscow
• Hotels in Zamoskvorechye District, Moscow

How I use an Arlo camera to secure my hotel stays

I want to feel just as secure when I travel as I do at home. Choosing the right hotel or Airbnb is only half the job. That's why I've decided to pack a wireless security camera when I travel for extra peace of mind. I'm using a basic Arlo Essential camera connected to a Wi-Fi network, feeding video to the cloud via an Arlo Secure plan that I activate on a monthly basis.

It turns out that it's incredibly easy to set up your own on-the-go wireless security system that way, and I'll explain how to do so below. I will say from the get-go that you can pick any wireless security camera if you have a preference over Arlo . I went for an affordable, easy-to-set-up, familiar option here. And it cost me around $100.

The post How I use an Arlo camera to secure my hotel stays appeared first on BGR .

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

Moscow Vacations

Book a hotel + flight or car together to unlock savings.

• Things to do

I only need accommodations for part of my trip

Your Moscow Vacation

The hassle-free way to experience this interesting city is with a tailor-made Moscow vacation package. Stay in the neighborhood of Tverskoy, which is good for shopping, dining and culture or choose someplace else — our package deals are all about you. You'll want to go sightseeing during your trip to Moscow. Carve out some time for leading attractions such as Red Square , St. Basils Cathedral and Bolshoi Theatre . Whatever your travel plans or the size of your budget, organizing your ultimate tailored Moscow vacation is easy with Expedia.

Where to stay in Moscow

Moscow City Centre

Theaters, museums, and historic sites highlight some notable features of Moscow City Centre. Make a stop by Tomb of the Unknown Soldier or Kremlin Arsenal while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Okhotny Ryad Station or Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Station to get around town.

Central Administrative Okrug

If you're spending time in Central Administrative Okrug, check out sights like Tomb of the Unknown Soldier or Chekhov Art Theater and hop on the metro to see more the city at Okhotny Ryad Station or Teatral'naya Station.

North-Western Administrative Okrug

While you're in North-Western Administrative Okrug, take in top sights like Otkrytiye Arena or Russian Submarine Museum, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Tushinskaya Station or Skhodnenskaya Station.

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Moskovskiy and surrounding area, you can visit Vnukovo Airport Public Museum of Battle and Labor Glory and State Memorial Museum of Bulat Okudzhava.

You might enjoy the cafes while in Tverskoy. Hermitage Garden is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Mayakovskaya Station or Chekhovskaya Station to see more of the city.

Moscow Essential Information

Explore other types of vacation packages.

All Inclusive Vacations

Beach Vacations

Kid Friendly Vacations

Golf Vacations

Luxury Vacations

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Ski Vacations

LGBTQ Friendly Vacations

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Where to go when

Frequently asked questions, discover the most popular places to visit in moscow.

You can learn about the history of Moscow with a trip to Red Square. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed theater scene.

Moscow Kremlin

Visit the most iconic square in Russia, which is bordered by many of the city’s most famous landmarks.

Bolshoi Theatre

A centerpiece of the Russian arts scene, this theater’s magnificent auditorium and top-tier productions will impress even the most jaded theatergoer.

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T&C Hotel Awards 2024: The Best New Hotels on the Planet

We searched, we sifted, we anointed. Et voila: 53 lodges and hotels as pleasing to look at as they are to stay in.

We know it’s never just about looks, in the hotel world as in all else. But beauty sure makes things sweet. So for the seventh T&C Hotel Awards we looked at the pool of contenders—hotels opened or substantially refurbished no earlier than last year—through design-colored glasses: What are the world’s most aesthetically arresting new places? Few travel moments, after all, measure up to arriving at your hotel and falling in love at first sight—the shapes! the colors! the views! the vibe! (Yes, we’re emoting, and why not? Travel at its best does that to you.) There are 53 winners this year, and our methodology appears at the end of every section. Happy browsing and traveling!

The Best New Hotels in Cities

A great city hotel is equal parts cultural salon and private oasis. Meet your new best friends in town.

The Best New Lodges in the Wild

Big nature is the star of lodges in the wilderness. These have something extra.

The Best New High-Design Hotels

These hotels were all, in one way or another, touched by genius. (It's okay to name drop.)

The Best New Hotels on the Beach

Are you a sandcastle connoisseur? Here are the newest seaside spots worthy of your caftan.

The Best New Hotels in the Countryside

Feel a little bit country? The locations of these seven hotels may be rural, but their amenities are not.

The Best New Minimalist Hotels

When less is more, here are some perfectly pared-down places.

Our Method: To compile this list of great-looking new hotels around the world, we followed not whimsy but rules: 1) They had to have opened no earlier than 2023. 2) They had to have been nominated by either T&C’s well traveled editors or our roundtable of 37 globetrotting travel advisors (preferably both). There were 172 nominees, and 53 made it through our vetting process. Bon voyage!

Klara Glowczewska is the Executive Travel Editor of Town & Country , covering topics related to travel specifically (places, itineraries, hotels, trends) and broadly (conservation, culture, adventure), and was previously the Editor in Chief of Conde Nast Traveler magazine. 

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Sonesta Essential Orlando

Welcome to orlando.

Whether you’re in between flights, traveling for business, or visiting Orlando for its world-famous attractions, enjoy a comfortable and relaxing stay at Sonesta Essential Orlando. Located approximately 4 miles from Orlando International Airport (MCO), our hotel offers easy access to top local attractions including The Orlando Water Sports Complex, Orlando Convention Centers Card, SeaWorld® Orlando, and Universal Studios.

After a long day of work or adventure, retreat to your comfortable, pet-friendly room equipped with micro-fridges, microwaves, and free high-speed Wi-Fi. Make the most of our convenient hotel amenities and services such as free airport shuttle, free breakfast and parking, business services, fitness center, and outdoor swimming pool.

With Sonesta Essential, you’re on your way.

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Hotel details.

Discover Sonesta Essential Orlando

Located minutes from MCO airport, Sonesta Essential Orlando offers seamless access to the city’s key landmarks and attractions, including Orlando Convention Centers Card, SeaWorld® Orlando, Universal Studios, and Walt Disney World®. Whether staying for a night or a few days, enjoy a free airport shuttle service, an excellent location, and amenities designed to make you feel well-cared for.

From cozy, pet-friendly guest rooms equipped with micro-fridges, microwaves, and free Wi-Fi, to a 24-hour front desk, free parking and breakfast, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool, our Orlando airport hotel has everything you may need for a comfortable and convenient stay.  

Please note that Sonesta Essential Orlando is a 100% smoke-free property.

Check-in/Checkout Policy

Check-in is at 3:00 PM, while checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Early check-in and late checkouts are possible for additional fees and based on availability. Our friendly staff can help you plan your stay and provide more information about the check-in policy.

To ensure a smooth check-in process, please have a photo ID ready for verification. We will also require a credit card or debit card for incidental charges.

We want to make your stay with us as enjoyable as possible, so please let us know of any special requests you may have at the time of your check-in.

Please note that the minimum age for check-in is 21.

Accessible Hotel Near Orlando Airport

We strive to make your stay as comfortable as possible and to accommodate the needs of our guests with disabilities. Please contact the hotel if you have any special requests.

We offer a range of amenities and services to accommodate the needs of guests with disabilities including:

• Accessible parking spaces and signage (car and van)
• Accessible parking space that is 96-inches wide with an appropriate access aisle
• An accessible route that allows for approaching and entering the hotel
• An accessible lobby entrance door
• Interior routes to public spaces that do not have abrupt level changes
• An accessible reception desk or accessible folding shelf or reception area
• Room signage: 60-inches to sign center above finished floor
• Accessible table in eating area
• The eating area has self-service shelves and dispensing devices within reach range
• Public restrooms accessible
• Accessible business center
• Physically challenged rooms/facilities available
• Rails in bathroom available
• Wheelchair accessible available
• Safety bar in shower available
• Access ramps
• Accessible doors and doorways (at least 32 inches of clear-width passage)
• Accessible bathrooms and features, including shower/tub
• Accessible room controls (e.g. HVAC and lighting)
• Accessible clear floor space
• Closed-caption televisions
• Visual notification devices for door knocks
• Visual notification devices for telephones
• Telephones have volume control
• Visual fire alarms
• Visual smoke alarms

Pet-Friendly Orlando Hotel Near MCO Airport

We love your furry friends as much as you do.

Sonesta is proud to invite your cuddly companions and provide special amenities like bowls, waterproof mats, and treats at check-in.

We’ll greet your pet with an arrival letter outlining our local recommendations for a "pawsome" stay.

Sonesta Essential Orlando is a pet-friendly hotel and welcomes well-mannered cats and dogs weighing under 80 pounds each, with no breed restrictions. Up to two pets are permitted per room.

The fee is $30 per pet, per night.

Discover our Pets Are Welcome at Sonesta (PAWS) policy.

Amenities & Features

Comfort and convenience await at Sonesta Essential Orlando. Enjoy a range of convenient hotel amenities and features.

Outdoor Pool

Take a refreshing dip or soak up the Florida sun by our outdoor pool.

Fitness Center

Stay on top of your workout routine at our well-equipped fitness center.

Complimentary Breakfast

Energize for the day with our complimentary buffet breakfast.

Laundry Facilities

Enjoy a clean getaway with our convenient on-site laundry facilities.

Stay connected during your stay with our free Wi-Fi service.

Cash Machine (ATM)

Conveniently withdraw cash at any hour with our on-site ATM service.

Business Center

Make the most of our business center with printing, faxing, and copying services.

In-Room Amenities 

Sonesta Essential Orlando guest rooms feature cozy king or queen beds with plush linens and amenities including:

• Cable television
• Free long-distance access
• Coffee/tea maker
• Desk/work area with a large desk surface
• Ironing amenities
• Refrigerator
• Cribs available
• Rollaway beds available

Please note that amenities may vary by room. More details can be found during room selection.

Orlando Airport Hotel with Free Parking

At Sonesta Essential Orlando, we're delighted to provide convenient parking options.

Complimentary Parking

All hotel guests can enjoy complimentary on-site parking during their stay.

Park ‘N Fly

Take advantage of our Park 'N Fly offer and leave your vehicle with us while you're away. Contact the hotel for more information.

Orlando Airport Hotel with Free Shuttle

Enjoy seamless access to and from Orlando International Airport (MCO) with our hotel’s complimentary shuttle service.

The MCO airport shuttle service is available from 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Contact our friendly staff for more information.

Dining & Free Breakfast at Our Orlando Airport Hotel

Free breakfast.

Start your day with a complimentary breakfast served from 6:30AM to 9:30AM.

Local Restaurants for Eat-In, Takeout, or Delivery

Find a range of eat-in, take-out, and food delivery options in the vicinity of Sonesta Essential Orlando. For personalized recommendations, please contact our knowledgeable staff.

Attractions Near Our Orlando Airport Hotel

Explore everything the city has to offer from Sonesta Essential Orlando. Our hotel places you within easy reach of a variety of local landmarks and attractions.

Hotel Near Orlando Airport

Whether you're in between flights or flying into Orlando, stay within quick and easy reach of Orlando International Airport (MCO).

Sonesta Essential Orlando is located 4 miles from MCO airport.

Hotel Near Disney World® Orlando

Embark on an enchanting adventure at Walt Disney World®! Explore world-famous theme parks like Magic Kingdom® and EPCOT®. Meet beloved characters, experience thrilling rides, and indulge in delicious dining.

Sonesta Essential Orlando is located 13 miles from Walt Disney World®.

Hotel Near SeaWorld® Orlando

Dive into aquatic wonders at SeaWorld® Orlando! Discover thrilling marine adventures and captivating entertainment in this vibrant complex. Visit its iconic parks like SeaWorld®, Aquatica®, and Discovery Cove®, where you can interact with marine life, experience exhilarating rides, and enjoy immersive shows.

Sonesta Essential Orlando is located 9 miles from SeaWorld® Orlando.

Hotel Near Universal Studios

Experience the excitement of Universal Studios Orlando! Discover thrilling rides, immersive attractions, and blockbuster entertainment in this dynamic complex. Explore Universal Studios Florida™, Universal's Islands of Adventure™, and Universal's Volcano Bay™ for an unforgettable adventure.

Sonesta Essential Orlando is located less than 9 miles from Universal Studios.

Hotel Near The Orlando Watersports Complex

Discover adrenaline at The Orlando Watersports Complex! Enjoy thrilling water activities and adventures at this dynamic destination including wakeboarding and paddleboarding. Whether beginner or expert, there's something for everyone.

Sonesta Essential Orlando is located less than 3 miles from The Orlando Watersports Complex.

Hotel Near Orlando Gatorland

Experience Florida's wild side at Orlando Gatorland! Hold baby alligators, zip-line over gator-infested waters, and witness thrilling shows. Get up close with nature's giants in a safe, family-friendly adventure.

Sonesta Essential Orlando is located 9 miles from Orlando Gatorland.

Easy Access to Port Canaveral

Discover Port Canaveral's vibrant maritime scene, bustling with cruises, cargo operations, and naval activities. Unwind on its sunny shores and enjoy various water-based activities for a fulfilling coastal experience.

Sonesta Essential Orlando is less than 58 miles and a direct, easy drive from Port Canaveral.

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The most useful travel accessories for hotels

Hotel travel accessories save you effort and luggage space to make your holiday more convenient. Use these clever travel gadgets for a great hotel stay 🙂

• Post date April 7, 2019
• Post categories In Trip Planning

When you go on holiday, hotel travel accessories can make your stay away from home much more comfortable.

If you travel frequently and stay at hotels, you probably know that no matter how good the hotel is, it usually won’t cater for everyone’s needs.

That’s where some clever and uniquely designed travel accessories are super useful.

There are plenty of travel gadgets and accessories around, but in this post I’m going to look at the ones that are especially useful at hotels.

I’ve reviewed some of the best and most useful hotel travel accessories and the highlights are below.

Pick and choose the ones that you need for a better hotel experience.

As you’ll see below, these accessories are very affordable and well worth the investment for your comfort and peace of mind on your vacation.

I’ve also focused on travel gadgets and accessories that are compact and portable.

They’ll be great if you want to travel light and save space in your carry on luggage.

I’ve also written another guide about the best travel gadgets for backpacking trips .

Here’s my selection of the best hotel travel accessories :

Foldable toiletry bag organiser – an essential hotel travel accessory.

A foldable toiletry bag with internal pockets and dividers lets you organise all your toiletries and access them easily when you get to your hotel room.

It’s an accessory I’ve been using for years, because it’s so convenient.

Unfold your toiletry bag and hang it on the towel rack or bathroom door in your hotel room. It gives you easy access to all of your toiletries.

Sea to Summit make a durable hanging toiletry bag with internal zipped pockets that’s a super practical accessory to add to your carry on.

Compact and lightweight, this is a perfect toiletry bag if you want to travel light and stay organised.

These bags are made to carry the weight and last for years.

You can also get a packing system that already includes a hanging toiletry bag. It’s more convenient and might save you some money. I use The Journey that comes with its own toiletry bag.

Power cube with usb chargers – charge all your devices in your hotel room

The next accessory is especially handy when you don’t know how many outlets you’ll find in your room.

If you’re anything like me, you have quite a few devices to charge when you travel.

A multi-charger is a compact solution that can charge several devices at the same time.

Ideally, you want to save space in your carry-on when you travel and a cube charging station takes up less space than a long power strip.

It’s also more convenient when it has USB charging ports alongside AC outlets.

The BESTEK Compact Power Strip Travel Cube does all the above and can charge up to 7 devices.

This makes it an essential gadget for digital nomads and business travellers.

It’s portable, lightweight and suitable for use anywhere in the world.

Door stop security alarm – a travel gadget for a safer hotel stay

If you don’t feel entirely safe in your hotel room, knowing the door can be unlocked by staff or someone else, there’s a gadget that will give you some peace of mind.

The SE Door Stop Alarm is a small, battery-powered gadget that you can slip underneath your hotel room door.

If anyone tries to open the door, it will trigger the alarm.

The loud sound will most likely scare the intruder off.

The wedge will make it harder to open the door and that will give you time to decide what to do next.

It’s a small and inexpensive tool that you can easily put in your carry-on and perhaps also use back home after your trip.

Packable hanging travel shelves – convenient and compact hotel travel accessories

This hotel travel accessory helps you stay organised and makes packing and unpacking so much simpler.

Pack your clothes neatly in the shelves . When you arrive at your hotel room, open your suitcase, pull out the shelves, expand them and hang them in the hotel room closet.

That’s it – you now have access to all the clothes you packed in a matter of seconds. Basically, you don’t need to unpack.

It’s a clever luggage accessory that saves time and hassle.

When you’re about to leave, pack everything in the same way. If you have dirty laundry there’s a compartment for that, as well as for an extra pair of shoes.

A travel multi tool with many surprising uses

Can you guess what this is? 😉

This small travel gadget has a surprising range of uses.

The Steam Clip is a super helpful multi tool for travel that was successfully crowd funded on Indiegogo .

It’s a lightweight, innovative, inexpensive travel gadget that any traveller can find useful.

It’s original use is really simple and clever:

When you travel light, you don’t want to carry an iron with you. Also, you probably don’t want to spend your vacation time ironing… But you do want your clothes to look good.

What do you do when you unpack your suitcase and your shirts are full of wrinkles?

Use the Steam Clip to hang them in the hotel shower, take a shower as you normally would, and let the steam get rid of those wrinkles.

This inexpensive little gadget will take up minimal space in your luggage and it works in all types of showers and hangers.

I mentioned it was a multi tool, because the Steam Clip also does a few other things. You can use it as a:

– Smartphone stand – Great for watching movies on your phone during flights or in your hotel room.

– Thread / tag cutter – This is especially useful when you travel and can’t carry scissors with you in your carry on.

– Hanger to keep purse or jacket off the dirty floor in public toilets, restaurants and the like.

– Bottle opener – Can always come in handy.

Watch this video to see all the ways you can use the Steam Clip (it also comes with a leaflet with detailed instructions):

Save this guide to travel accessories on Pinterest

I was sent a sample of the Steam Clip and The Journey for review. All opinions are my own.

• Tags Minimalist Packing , Packing , Packing Light , Travel Accessories , Travel Accommodation , Travel Gadgets , Travel Gear

Nice post and very useful! I remember that Henderson (Henderson the Rain King, Saul Bellow) would go on his travels around the world with a toothbrush and a credit card that he kept under his hat! He would not be able to manage – in these days – without a small multi-charging… Thank you for your bright tips.

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Your Next Vacation Awaits!

Welcome to essential stays smokies and panama city beach, featured properties.

Essential Stays Smokies

Updated 3BR/2.5 BA Semi-Secluded Cabin! Hot Tub! Games!

from $175 /night

Essential Stays PCB

3B/BA Townhouse w/ Community Pool Access! Across from the Beach!

from $190 /night

About Your Host

Meet Lisa Jones

Hello, I am grateful to be your host. I’m an avid traveler who enjoys staying in airbnb’s and experiencing life outdoors. I’m here to provide you and your loved ones a lovely experience in the hopes that you make lasting memories in our home.

Frequently Asked Questions

When you book with online platforms, you will pay an additional booking fee. Booking with us directly avoids associated fees. 

Use the form on the home page to book. All fees are included in the price. We hold your credit card for an additional $650 security deposit. This is returned if house rules are followed and the home is returned in good condition. A vacation rental agreement is emailed to you within 48 hours of booking. It is sent by our 3rd party system. Booking will be cancelled if not signed within this time frame. 

Check-in is at 4 pm.  Check-out is 10 am. 

All information regarding the home to include address, check in door code and other essential information is sent 2 days prior to check in. 

Pets are not allowed. Unauthorized pets will result in eviction and $250 non declared pet fee which will be charged to you.  

Yes, high speed internet is available free of charge. 

The home has been inspected by fire inspectors. Fire extinguishers are located on each floor. There is a ring doorbell camera located on the exterior of the home only. This has both audio and video recording capability. 

Email: [email protected]

Copyright © 2024 Essential Stays SIte credit

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝟭𝟬 𝗕𝗘𝗦𝗧 Hotels in Moscow, Russia

Moscow Hotels

Property types, distance from, neighbourhoods, traveller rating, hotel class, popular hotels in moscow right now.

• Best Value Properties ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data, including traveller ratings, confirmed availability from our partners, prices, booking popularity and location, as well as personal user preferences and recently viewed hotels.
• Traveller Ranked Highest rated hotels on Tripadvisor, based on traveller reviews.
• Distance to city centre See properties located closest to the centre first with confirmed availability for your dates from our partners

1. Lotte Hotel Moscow

2. Hotel Metropol Moscow

3. Ararat Park Hotel Moscow

4. Palmira Business Club

5. Page 20 Aparthotel

6. Brick Design Hotel

7. Park Inn by Radisson Izmailovo Moscow

8. Mercure Arbat Moscow

9. AZIMUT City Hotel Smolenskaya Moscow

10. Swissotel Krasnye Holmy Moscow

11. Radisson Collection Hotel, Moscow

12. Hotel De Paris

13. Mercure Moscow Paveletskaya

14. Four Seasons Hotel Moscow

15. President Hotel

16. Mercure Moscow Baumanskaya

17. D'Hotel

18. AZIMUT City Hotel Tulskaya Moscow

19. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Moscow - Marina

20. Pokrovka 6 Hotel

21. Radisson Blu Olympiyskiy Hotel, Moscow

22. Boutique Hotel Brighton

23. InterContinental Moscow - Tverskaya, an IHG Hotel

24. Crowne Plaza Moscow - Tretyakovskaya, an IHG hotel

25. Hotel Moscow Krasnoselskaya

26. Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow

27. StandArt Design Hotel

28. AZIMUT City Hotel Olympic Moscow

29. Mamaison All Suites Spa Hotel Pokrovka

30. Hotel Savoy Moscow

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Flight Attendants Reveal What's in Their Travel Toiletry Bags — Beauty Finds Start at $9

Take a rare peek inside the toiletry bags of 10 longtime flight attendants.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Tyler Roeland

When you're getting ready for a trip — particularly if you're trying to pack light — no one knows how to fine-tune a packing list better than a flight attendant . After all, they need to be prepared for the flight and the layovers, delays, and overnight stays that come with the job. Odds are, the items that they pack work just as hard as they do, which is why we turn to them for the best recommendations. And today, we're taking a peek into what's inside of their toiletry bags. 

Whether it’s your first flight or your 500th, you can trust that flight attendants know a thing or two about what you can add to your bag to make your trip even better. Here, you'll find some of the personal care items that they've deemed must-packs for their toiletry bags, ranging from full-coverage sunscreen to ultra-hydrating moisturizers . Caution: You'll most likely want to add these to your cart immediately (or at least, before your next trip).

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion With SPF

Like we mentioned before, cabin crew members rely on multitasking products to streamline their packing lists. So, it's no surprise that Quinn Hanneken , who has been a flight attendant for eight years, uses CeraVe's AM Facial Moisture to save precious toiletry bag space. The two-in-one skincare product doubles as your moisturizer and sunscreen with its ceramide-rich formula and SPF 30 protection. In fact, the moisturizer combines three types of ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide (which possesses excellent redness-reducing and skin tone-balancing benefits). 

Skin Aesthetics Ultra Hydrating Facial Moisturizer 

For Crystal Romo , who has been a flight attendant for five years, her go-to face moisturizer is an Amazon-favorite: the Skin Aesthetics Ultra Hydrating Facial Moisturizer, a K-beauty product that is designed to not only hydrate the skin, but also infuse it with brightening vitamin C, wrinkle-reducing collagen, line-plumping hyaluronic acid, soothing aloe vera, and moisturizing argan oil. “This under-$10 moisturizer is amazing," she raves. "It is super hydrating, comforting, and so inexpensive. Flying around constantly really dries out the skin, and [applying] this moisturizer in the morning or end of day feels like heaven. I have purchased it six times so far."  

Black Girl Magic Sunscreen

Not every sunscreen is made equally, and it's not uncommon for some formulas to leave an unflattering and hard-to-rub-in white cast on darker skin tones. Enter: Black Girl Magic Sunscreen, which comes recommended by Lea McIntyre , who has been a flight attendant for six years. "I use Black Girl Magic Sunscreen because flying at 30,000 feet in the sky gives you an equivalent to about 20 minutes in a UVA tanning bed," she says. Designed with melanin-rich skin in mind, the formula offers robust, long-lasting protection against UVA and UVB rays without a dreaded white cast — all while blanketing the skin in a hydrating blend of jojoba, cacao, and avocado oils. 

Aquaphor Healing Ointment 

“Flying is incredibly dehydrating and my lips (including everything else) get very dried out," flight attendant of seven years Paige Carabello explains. "Aquaphor seems to be the only thing that really helps." Luckily, the healing ointment comes in a travel-friendly tube and can be used from head-to-toe to combat dryness. In addition to her trusty Aquaphor, Carabello also always packs a shower cap and dry shampoo because "you’d be surprised how damaging washing your hair in different hotels can be."

La Roche Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen for Face and Body Sunscreen SPF 100

“My most essential product that I never leave without, my holy grail, is SPF," Candace Keeton , who has been a flight attendant for almost two years, says. She also notes, "Unfortunately, compared to the general public, flight attendants and pilots are more at risk for melanoma and other skin cancers due to UV radiation from sun exposure." So, to keep her face and body protected from the sun's UV rays, she turns to the La Roche Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 100, a two-in-one formula that ensures full-body coverage from UVA/UVB rays while also infusing the skin with antioxidants to help reverse already-present sun damage.

Pacifica Beauty Glow Baby Hydrodew Moisture Gel

Does flying always leave you with an oily complexion? Flight attendant Teeara Ida can relate. In fact, she tells Travel + Leisure, "I used to have oily skin, but once I became a flight attendant, I noticed the altitude began to dry out my skin, causing my skin to need more moisture." Thankfully, she discovered the Pacifica Beauty Glow Baby Hydrodew Moisture Gel, which locks in hydration while giving the skin a radiance-boosting dose of vitamin C, niacinamide, and other brightening and smoothing ingredients. She adds that she'll pair it with the Sweet July Irie Power Face Oil , noting that the combo "gives my skin a glow without the product feeling heavy on the skin." 

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch for Tired Eyes 

Being a passenger on a plane is tiring enough — and we can only imagine how grueling the experience must be for the cabin crew. That's why Jasmine Khadija , who has been a flight attendant for two years, always prioritizes self-care. "After checking into our layovers, it’s important to take care of yourself," she shares. "My routine is: eat, shower, skincare, pack, get ready for the next day, and unwind." Hero Cosmetics' Might Patches for Tired Eyes "are vital" during her skincare phase, and she even quips that they turn "the bags under my eyes from black garbage bags to designer bags" with their brightening, refreshing, and hydrating ingredients. 

It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-in Hair Product

A good hair day isn't always guaranteed when you're staying in a hotel, which is why flight attendant of 10 years Marie Harvis arrives at her destination prepared with her go-to It's a 10 Miracle Leave-in. Whether she's using her own shampoo or the hotel's shampoo, the product "helps keep my hair looking healthier and keep it looking good when I have limited hair tool options on my layovers," she explains, adding that "the [hotel] blow dryers are usually pretty awful, and it really helps to protect it and keep some life in it when I'm rushing to get ready in a new city." The all-in-one product acts as detangler, frizz-fighter, shine-booster, softness-enhancer, color-preserver, heat protectant, split end-delayer, and strand-strengthener — so it's basically like a hair salon in a bottle. 

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream

Flight attendants like Elise Tucker, who has been a cabin crew member for eight years, hope that "hydration, hydration, hydration" will be your main travel beauty takeaway. When it comes to quenching and preventing dryness on the go, she relies on Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream, which is available in a variety of travel-friendly sizes. "Because the air is so dry on the plane, sometimes when I pack my skin with too many skincare products, my makeup will either separate or move on the plane," she explains. "It took a while to find the right products for my skin, especially as I’m getting older. So when I’m flying, I try to keep it as simple as possible." 

This Kiehl's moisturizer is an all-star because it's intended to keep your skin hydrated for up to 72 hours, and it's packed with skin barrier-strengthening ceramides, squalene, and the brand's intensely conditioning glacial glycoprotein that works overtime to lock in hydration. Plus, it leaves the skin looking balanced and brighter, so it takes the place of your serum if you're limited on space.

Goop 15% Glycolic Acid Peel Pack 

After being a flight attendant for 18 years, Julie Ongaro can confidently say that her "absolute pet peeve [when] traveling is my skin drying out." Because she "could not possibly drink enough water with our flight schedule," she turns to Goop's Overnight Glycolic Acid Peel (a travel-friendly, leave-on treatment that reduces the look of pores, fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration while you sleep) to keep her skin "glowing and hydrated" after long travel days. For extra hydration, she follows up with the Goop All-In-One Super Nutrient Face Oil and notes that "after each face wash, I use Biologique Recherche P50 1970 toner , it makes such a difference and then apply your serum and creams after."

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I’ve Been to Miami 20 Times—These Are the Best Places to Stay

By Andrea Navarro

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Looking for the best places to stay in Miami? Whether you're planning a girls trip , eyeing a romantic getaway , or prepping for a babymoon , Miami is a mixtape of neighborhoods, each with its own flavor. From the ocean breeze of South Beach to the chill and secluded vibes of Key Biscayne and the art-filled streets of Wynwood, there's a perfect match for your trip. So, no matter what you're visiting the 305 for, our guide to Magic City will make sure your stay is just as relaxing or as party-filled as you want it to be. Just don't forget your favorite bikini and sunscreen .

Top hotels:

• Best Luxury Hotel in Miami Beach : The Setai Miami Beach
• Best Hotel in Brickell : East Miami
• Best Hotel in Wynwood : Arlo Wynwood Miami
• Best Hotel in Key Biscayne : The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne
• Best Hotel in Coral Gables : The Biltmore Hotel Miami
• Best Hotel in Coconut Grove : Mr. C Coconut Grove
• Best Hotel in South Beach : Loews South Beach

Save when booking your next Miami trip with promo codes from Booking.com , Expedia , Travelocity , and TripAdvisor .

Miami Beach

Photo courtesy of the Setai Miami Beach

If one of your requirements is being beachside, the Setai is a great place to book your stay. Situated in buzzy Miami Beach, it's easily the most luxurious property in the area. There are stunning Art Deco vibes mixed with Asian influence throughout the architecture and decor. It has a gorgeous courtyard perfect for reading and sunbathing and three infinity pools that each have a different temp. Heading to Miami without a car? The Setai's only a few steps away from the sandy beach, where you can rent private chairs and umbrellas. As for the rooms, they're spacious and have oversized windows to let in the Floridian sun, and there are large soaking tubs for late-night bubble baths or a relaxing rainfall shower (seriously, the water pressure is no joke). Hungry? Don't skip the salmon sashimi at Jaya , or if you're looking for a meal with a view, Ocean Grill is a great spot for couples. Looking to unwind after an evening at the clubs? Grab a wellness treatment like the Luminosity of Ice facial, which uses reflexology to help get you back to even.

What it’s ideal for: Folks looking for a high-end beachfront escape with fine dining

South Beach

Photo courtesy of Loews Miami Beach

The ultimate hangout, located steps from the ocean (no car needed!), the Loews Miami Beach is a friendly hotel that offers a great pool scene (you'll want to be there when they roll out the popcorn and snow cone machines), but if you prefer the sand, you can rent pool chairs with umbrellas or splurge on a cabana. Either way, the spots are full service, so you don't have to run to the pool bar to replenish your Miami Vice supply. They also have the Floridian outpost of the NYC-famous Rao's for a truly memorable Italian feast.

What it’s ideal for: Central beach-front location; great for families looking to eat well without having to leave the property

Photo courtesy of EAST Miami

East Miami is located right in the heart of the financial district. This modern and vibrantly decorated property is a stone's throw away from the Brickell City Centre, which has some of the city's best shopping and dining options. This hotel is perfect for business travelers, couples, and young adult vacationers alike. It offers rooms with views of the MIA skyline and a 20,000-square-foot outdoor pool deck, plus a high-energy rooftop bar, Sugar, which has range of tasty Asian dishes like sushi, bao buns, and yakitori. While it's not near the beach, it's only a short drive if hitting the shore is on your itinerary.

What it’s ideal for: A stylish urban retreat and a vibrant nightlife scene

Photo courtesy of Arlo Wynwood

By Fiona Embleton

By Anna Bader

By Emily Tannenbaum

Want to capture Wynwood's vibrant art scene? Head over to the Arlo. This hotel, the first to open in Miami's celebrated art district, mirrors the creativity of the surrounding galleries and boutiques. Each room is designed with an artistic touch, featuring murals by local artists, and the communal spaces encourage interaction with other travelers and guests. Its rooftop bar also has a scenic backdrop for evening drinks and relaxation. And because Wynwood is one of the more walkable districts in the city, you can check out neighboring restaurants and bars on foot.

What it’s ideal for: Surrounding yourself with galleries, boutiques, and dining

Key Biscayne

Photo courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne

For those seeking a more secluded stay in Miami, the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne offers just that, with a luxurious spin. Located on a barrier island just a short drive from downtown Miami, this resort is a tranquil retreat with its pristine beaches, tennis facilities, and a world-class spa. The property features rooms and suites with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean or the tropical gardens, and several different dining options that include the renowned Cantina Beach for authentic Mexican cuisine and Dune Burgers on the Beach for a casual outdoor setting.

What it’s ideal for: A tranquil getaway with pristine beaches and family-friendly activities

Coral Gables

Photo courtesy of the Biltmore Hotel Miami

The Biltmore Hotel Miami is a historic luxury hotel located in the exclusive Coral Gables area, known for its classic Mediterranean architecture and lush landscapes. This iconic hotel boasts one of the largest hotel pools in the country, an 18-hole golf course, and a full-service spa. Dining at the Biltmore is an experience in itself, with several restaurants offering everything from its famous Sunday brunch event to fine dining at the Fontana, and there's a bakery, Posto Dolce, on site for those with a sweet tooth.

What it’s ideal for: Enjoying classic luxury, stunning architecture, and a prestigious golf course

Coconut Grove

Photo courtesy of Mr. C Coconut Grove

Mr. C Coconut Grove brings a touch of modern architecture to the otherwise bohemian vibe of Coconut Grove. This boutique hotel, from the fourth generation of the Cipriani family, offers panoramic views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. The design alone sets it apart from other hotels in the area, with its iconic round windows making it photo-worthy for an Instagram post. The hotel's signature restaurant, Bellini, serves classic Italian dishes with a modern twist, and there's also a Bellini bar, plus beachside access behind the hotel.

What it’s ideal for: Panoramic views of Biscayne Bay and a modern design

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By Jessica Radloff

Eclipse boosts travel as Americans chase rare celestial event

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Reporting by Nathan Gomes, Deborah Sophia and Akash Sriram in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva

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Akash reports on technology companies in the United States, electric vehicle companies, and the space industry. His reporting usually appears in the Autos & Transportation and Technology sections. He has a postgraduate degree in Conflict, Development, and Security from the University of Leeds. Akash's interests include music, football (soccer), and Formula 1.

Paramount could acquire Skydance in $5 bln all-stock deal, WSJ reports

A deal between Paramount Global and Skydance Media could see the media conglomerate acquire the independent studio