What to do if you can't sleep well while traveling abroad? 8 tips to help you sleep as well as possible in a foreign place

By Rita

Finally arrived at the hotel, dropped off your suitcase, and thought you'd crash early after a long journey before heading out to eat — but you just can't fall asleep at all? Having trouble sleeping due to a different bed or pillow, or simply because you're in an unfamiliar environment, is something many people have experienced. Is there a good way to solve this? Please refer to the8 tips to help you sleep well in a foreign place".

▲Resting at a hotel (Photo / Darcey / Illustration)

1. Check online reviews before booking a hotel
First, see if anyone has reported bad experiences in specific rooms or floors. When you check in, let the front desk know you have trouble sleeping, and ask if you can be placed in a room somewhere in the middle, since rooms near the edges may be affected by stairs, street vendors downstairs, or elevator noise.

2. If there’s still room in your suitcase, bring items that help you sleep
Such as pillows, slippers, etc.

3. Check the function of curtains and blinds as soon as you enter the room
Make sure they effectively block out external light. Before going out at night, lower the room temperature a few degrees — it’ll help you sleep better when you return.

4. If any noise is disturbing your sleep, get up and deal with it immediately
Many people lie in bed thinking about it for ages, getting more and more frustrated. Call the front desk and ask hotel staff to handle it right away. The worst-case scenario is just changing rooms.

5. Beds are for sleeping
Don’t hide under the duvet to do work, or eat in bed.

6. If you arrive late at night, unpack and go straight to sleep
Set your alarm, plug in your phone, and stop scrolling through Facebook. Traveling is meant to be more relaxing than usual — make the most of your rest time, or take a nice hot bath to help you wind down.

7. Put a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door
There are many situations where wrong-room meal deliveries or accidental doorbell rings can disturb your sleep.

8. Essential items
Bring out your eye mask and earplugs, or download the “White Noise” app, which provides natural sounds like wind or rain to help you fall asleep.

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