Packing for a holiday often involves meticulous lists and careful consideration, but even the most experienced travellers can overlook the simple, game-changing items that don't come from a fancy travel shop—they come from your local supermarket.
Forget overpriced mini-bars and questionable hotel cleanliness. The savvy traveller's secret weapon is a quick detour down the supermarket aisles for six incredibly effective, budget-friendly items that promise comfort, hygiene, and peace of mind.
1. The Ultimate Hygiene Guardian: Antibacterial Surface Wipes
While hotel staff work hard to clean rooms, remote controls, light switches, and door handles are often overlooked. A quick wipe-down with antibacterial surface wipes upon arrival instantly eliminates germs, allowing you to relax completely from the moment you check in. It’s a simple step for a significantly cleaner environment.
2. Your Personal Coffee Sanctuary: A Trusty Travel Mug
Bid farewell to disappointing, lukewarm coffee from tiny hotel cups. Bringing your own insulated travel mug means you can enjoy your morning brew exactly how you like it, piping hot for hours. It’s also perfect for taking tea or coffee on the go during day trips.
3. The Bedding Upgrade: A Fitted Sheet From Home
For those with sensitive skin or simply a desire for guaranteed freshness, packing a fitted single sheet is a genius move. Placing it over the hotel mattress and under the provided sheets creates a familiar, clean barrier between you and the bed, ensuring a perfect night's sleep.
4. Conquer Unwanted Scents: A Small Air Freshener or Candle
Hotel rooms can sometimes have a musty or stale odour. A small, travel-friendly air freshener spray or a safely contained reed diffuser can work wonders to make your temporary space smell like your own, creating a more welcoming and pleasant atmosphere.
5. Seal in Freshness: Food Bags and Cling Film
This duo is the unsung hero of travel. Use food bags to store wet swimwear, isolate dirty shoes, or keep toiletries from leaking. Cling film is perfect for covering remote controls (for an extra hygiene layer), sealing half-eaten snacks, or even wrapping glass items in your suitcase.
6. The Comfort of Home: Your Favourite Tea Bags and Snacks
Hotel tea can be hit or miss, and hotel minibars are notoriously expensive. Packing a small supply of your favourite tea bags, coffee sachets, and healthy snacks means you’re never at the mercy of limited (or costly) options. It’s a small taste of home that provides immense comfort.
These six simple, inexpensive items require minimal space in your luggage but deliver maximum impact on your comfort and enjoyment. By thinking like a savvy traveller and utilising the humble supermarket, you can elevate any hotel stay from standard to exceptional.
