This is a sponsored post written for ZzzQuil. I was compensated for this post Vicks as part of the Vicks Ambassador Network but all opinions are my own.
I’ve done my fair share of traveling over the years and I’ve had both good and bad experiences. Although I don’t get to decide who my neighbors will be when I stay overnight at a hotel or how close I am to a stairwell or elevator, if I plan ahead I can usually get a good night’s sleep while traveling.
When I travel for business, most times I travel alone. Any other time I’m usually traveling with my family. Both scenarios present its own set of struggles, but both can usually be fixed when I’ve packed the right products.
Whether I’m traveling with my family or I’m traveling alone, sleep is important. I need to be well rested so that I can be the best me possible. Sometimes being able to get a good night’s sleep while traveling can be difficult. But if you are armed with the right tools, a good nights sleep away from home is possible.
5 Tips to Get a Good Night’s Sleep While Traveling
Lavender spray: I know this sounds a little weird, but it has worked wonders for me. You could even use lavender essential oil. I use the spray simply because it stays in my suitcase and I don’t have to worry about packing it. Just a few light sprays on the pillow and sheets usually makes me relaxed enough to be able to fall asleep.
Fuzzy socks: Another that sounds silly, I know. But I’m always cold. I keep my house at 78 degrees and you can usually find me bundled up on the couch with a huge blanket and a small, portable heater going at my feet. I love fuzzy socks because they help to keep my feet cozy and warm, especially when I’m traveling and can’t bring my portable heater.
White noise app: I don’t always use a white noise app, but when I’m staying at a busy hotel in a busy location (like Times Square), I find that it comes in handy. It helps to drown out the city noise and provides a more constant noise that blocks outside distractions.
Book: I always travel with my old school Kindle. Most times, simply calming down enough to read a book can be enough to make me sleepy. The key here is to not use something with a backlit screen, like an iPad. The light from the screen can have the opposite effect. I have a case for my Kindle that has an attached light that you pull out so that it illuminates the screen.
Sleep aid: And when all else fails and I’ve exhausted all other options, I always have my ZzzQuil on standby. For someone who deals with the inability to shut off my brain enough to relax and fall asleep, having a sleep aid that isn’t habit forming can be the difference between a bad travel experience and a good one. I don’t do well when I don’t get a good night’s sleep while traveling, so I like having something that I can take only when I need it.
I find that when I’m traveling with my family that it’s much harder for me to relax and fall asleep. My mommy brain goes crazy and I find myself laying in bed making sure I’ve crossed all my t’s and dotted all my i’s. Traveling alone is much different than traveling with my family. Instead of just worrying about one person, I’m worrying about five. It’s usually those nights when I’m so thankful that I have something that helps me drift off to sleep easily.
When I travel, I like to make it a grand adventure. Like boating down the Canal du Midi in France.
Or swimming and dancing with the dolphins in Cozumel.
Those kind of adventures require me to get a good night’s sleep while traveling. How do you ensure you get a good night’s sleep while traveling? Share on social media by using the #TravelTipZzz hashag!
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Stephanie C. says
I so agree with the lavender spray – it definitely helps me to fall asleep when I feel restless. Great tips!
Robin Masshole mommy says
I always make sure I have some melatonin with me when I travel. I always have trouble sleeping in a bed that’s not my own.
The Cubicle Chick says
These are great tips! I also use a white noise app and it does wonders 🙂
jamie says
I hate sleeping poorly on vacation, I think I will grab a bottle for my upcoming trip. I wonder if I can carry it on the plane?
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
Thank you so much for sharing this! We love to travel, but I sometimes have a terrible time sleeping. I’ll have to give that white noise app a try. If that doesn’t do it for me, I’ll give the sleep aid a whirl.
Catherine S says
Thanks for the great tips. I always seem to have a hard time sleeping away from home. I always miss my soft bed.
Lexie Lane says
Great tips but I think a sleep aide would definitely work best for me! I have problems on the first 2 nights anywhere!
Shop with Me Mama (Kim) says
Yes, fuzzy socks! I ALWAYS have to have them! These are great tips! I never seem to sleep very well while on vacation!
Heather says
I am with you on all these things except I haven’t had the privilege to travel alone very often over the last six years. I really can’t wait to do that one day!
Liz Mays says
My kids swear by white noise apps for living in apartments. I could probably try that out on a plane or in a hotel with thin walls.
Marcie W. says
I am currently in a hotel room so to say this post comes at the perfect time is an understatement. I even packed a pair of fuzzy socks!
Jasmine says
Love zzzquil! I always take it when I have trouble sleeping and it works like a charm
Pam says
I love warm fuzzy socks. I can’t sleep if I’m cold!
Sara P. (@SensiblySara) says
Thankfully, I don’t have much trouble falling asleep. When I travel, I wear myself out so I fall right into bed and asleep!
Veronica says
I sleep pretty good once I get to bed. Problem is I stay up late working almost every night 🙁
Debra says
These are such good tips! I always struggle to sleep when we are out and about!
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says
I also have difficulty sleeping on the road! I get uncomfortable when I’m in a foreign location and can’t do my home nighttime routine!
Rosey says
I love the dolphin picture!! I agree a good book helps with sleep while traveling.
Jeanine says
I nevr get a decent sleep when traveling, which is why I’m glad I don’t travel often. These are great tips, I will have to utilize if I travel again soon!
Jennifer H says
Traveling can definitely put your sleep routine off. I love using my oils, like Lavender for help sleeping. These are great tips!
Stephanie of The TipToe Fairy says
I’ve found reading a book is definitely a great way for me to follow asleep when traveling.
Mellisa says
THANK you for these tips! I have such a hard time sleeping while I am traveling.
Angela says
I travel quite a bit and unfortunately do not sleep well when I travel, especially when staying in hotels. I’m hitting the road tomorrow and might just have to grab some zzzquil before I go. Thanks for the tips.
Michelle says
Love these tips as I always have trouble getting to sleep when it’s not in my own bed. I do find settling down with a real book helps a lot.
nicole escat says
Nice Thanks for tips. its really help to our trip and because i want to sleep on flights.
Celeste says
Love these tips I always bring my own pillow with me wherever I go so I have a t least a peice from home.
Danielle K says
I definitely have a hard time sleeping when I’m away from home. I’ll have to try some of these tips – I’m sure they’d be pretty helpful for me.
Rachee says
I am traveling this week and will be grabbing my fuzziest socks! I can never get the temp right when I am in a hotel room. I will also be taking some of the lavender I have. I love the idea of enjoying that scent while I am out.
Christie says
All of the time changes and flights mess with my internal clock. Having a sure way to get sleep while traveling is definitely important
Brandy says
This is fantastic! I recently stayed in a suite and had such a hard time settling down to sleep. Once I finally did sleep, I did not sleep well. Too many sounds around me, different bed, etc it was difficult.
Ann Bacciaglia says
I love the smell of lavender. I will have to try the spray for the trip i am going on this week.
Kate K (My Mommy Brain) says
I have the worst time sleeping, anywhere. Doesn’t matter if I’m home or traveling!
Shell Feis says
I don’t usually have trouble falling asleep in hotels once I actually try to go to sleep, but I find myself too excited by all the new stuff to even want to sleep! Especially on press trips- I love those couple of hours between the events of the day and going to sleep since it’s the only time in awhile {like, months or even YEARS} where I haven’t had to worry about anyone but myself!!
Ellen ThatChicMom says
I need htat white noise app, great tip! A book is my favorite when I travel too!
Toni | BoulderLocavore says
These are all great sleep tips. Lavender is a great option. I need these tips at home as much as when I travel!
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly says
Do they make zzquil by the VAT? I am a lifelong insomniac, I don’t sleep at home or away! 🙁
melisasource says
Lavender spray definitely works wonders. So does zzquil! These are some great tips for travel!