9 travel essentials that make any hotel room feel like home

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Even the nicest hotel rooms have a tendency to feel a bit generic. And especially at the beginning of a trip, when I’m adjusting to a new time zone and recovering from the dehydrating airplane cabin, I can use all the comforts of home I can get.

I’m also committed to packing light, so bringing an entire bedroom’s worth of items isn’t an option. But these portable items are easy to fit in my carry-on — and they make my room on the road feel much less cookie-cutter.

The Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker lets you get ready (or wind down) with your favorite music — a must for me whether I’m traveling or at home. It’s a significant upgrade from just listening through your phone’s speaker, and it’s waterproof — so you can take it on outdoorsy adventures as well.

Get the Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker at Amazon

Hotel rooms are notorious for having one inconveniently placed outlet — usually nowhere near the bed. A compact power strip turns that single outlet into several, so you can charge your phone, laptop, and the speaker mentioned above from one spot. The Anker 511 USB Power Strip is small enough to disappear in a carry-on and includes both AC outlets and USB ports. (If you're traveling internationally, keep in mind that some devices require a voltage converter, not just an adapter.)

Get the Anker 511 USB Power Strip at Amazon

Some hotel robes are so nice you want to stash them away in your carry-on, while others are downright scratchy and uncomfortable. I’m a big fan of jersey robes like this one from Amorbella. It’s soft, it doesn’t take up much room in your luggage, and it’s breathable enough to work if you’re traveling in warmer months. If you want something that skews more unisex, the Fruit of the Loom Jersey Kimono has great reviews.

Get the Amorbella Lightweight Travel Jersey Robe at Amazon

If you’re lucky enough to have a deep bathtub in your hotel room, you might as well use it. This Mini Must Haves set from the Honest Company includes a lavender-scented bubble bath along with lotion and a shampoo/body wash. I appreciate the 2-in-1 product combo, and lavender is such a relaxing scent if you need to decompress post-airport madness.

Get the Honest Company Babe’s Mini Must Haves Travel Set at Amazon

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A familiar scent can be incredibly calming, whether you’re trying to relax post-flight or enjoying a bath with the above-mentioned products. Voluspa’s Mini Tin Candle is only 4 ounces, so it’s easy to pack, and the scent fills a room more than you’d expect for such a small candle. I like the Santal Vanille and Noble Fir Garland options, but there are many others to choose from.

Get the Voluspa Mini Tin Candle at Amazon

Avoid abrasively bright midnight trips to the bathroom by packing a night light. The L LOHAS Night Light 2-Pack is extremely affordable, and the plugs fold flat to save space in your luggage. You can toggle between two brightness levels, and the light automatically turns on and off throughout the day thanks to a smart sensor.

Get the L LOHAS Night Light 2-Pack at Amazon

There are many benefits to using a silk pillowcase over a hotel’s unpredictable choice of linen. It can help lock in moisture for your plane-ravaged skin, and if you run hot, you’ll appreciate the “cooler” feeling. This 2-pack of Mulberry Silk Pillowcases is available in standard, queen, king, and even body-length sizes. There are tons of color options, too.

Get the Silk Pillowcase 2-Pack at Amazon

If you can't function without a morning caffeine fix, consider packing a pour-over coffee kit. This option from Kuju Coffee is available with three different blends. Depending on where you’re staying, this might even beat what your hotel offers in the lobby.

Get the Kuju Coffee Premium Pour-Over 6-Pack at Amazon

I got the Benevolence Plush Velvet Jewelry Box as a gift, and it’s been a constant travel companion ever since. It’s just 3.75 x 3.75 inches, so it’s very easy to stow in a suitcase or backpack, and it fits a surprising amount of baubles thanks to its many different compartments. I especially appreciate the necklace hooks that help avoid knots and tangles, but it also works well as a watch case or general accessories holder if jewelry's not your thing.

Get the Benevolence Plush Velvet Jewelry Box at Amazon