Business travel is part of my career, so consequently I spend about 20% of my nights sleeping in your basic business traveler’s hotel; high marks for all the necessities for road warriors, but generally not topping the charts on the luxury scale. As a rule, my highly functional hotel rooms generally smell like just that…..institutionally clean, but not exactly a spa retreat.
Fortunately, I have a travel hack for turning my hotel room into a restful resort; or at least smelling like one! My secret is lavender essential oil. Lavender is known for its calming effect and is used in many high-end spa products. It is also a natural sleep aid which is especially helpful with business travel when nights are short, and stress is high.
The first thing I do after checking into my hotel room is I carefully place 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil on every light bulb in the room (desk, side table and floor lamps). The warmth of the bulb acts as a diffuser and within a short time the room smells like a luxurious retreat. If the hotel has an AC unit in the window, I will add a couple of drops of essential oil to the air filter, as well.
After settling in, I will give the bathroom a spa makeover by placing a couple of drops of essential oil on the shower wall (do NOT put on the bottom of a tub or shower floor as it could cause you to slip and fall). The hot water from the shower will infuse the fragrance of lavender through the entire room to help me relax and unwind. If at that point, I’m not completely relaxed (not likely) I sprinkle a few drops of lavender oil on my pillow. Then I’m on the fast track to dreamland.
Anything that is going to be included in my Less is More Travel playbook has to be something that is multi-tasking and lavender essential oil makes this list. Besides its relaxing properties, Lavender essential oil is also known as a sleep aid, has anti-bacterial properties and is good for your skin. The bonus is the oil is highly concentrated and comes in small bottles that make them TSA 3:1:1 qualified and easy to pack. I have stayed in hotels that actually provide small bottles of lavender linen spray, but I always pack my own to ensure my nights are as restful and rejuvenating as possible.
Lavender is a common essential oil and is readily available at most health food stores and retailers that sell health and beauty products. The two brands I use most are the NOW brand lavender oil and Doterra’s Lavender oil.
Wander relaxed and
Wander lightly!
Less is More Travel 