There's no place like home, or so the saying goes.
Even on vacation in luxury five-star hotels, it can be difficult to feel comfortable in a space that isn't really your own.
However, there are some things you can do to help make your next hotel stay extra special.
1.
Incorporate smells you like to use in your home.
Next time you pack, be sure to throw in your favorite scent, whether it's a candle or a room spray you typically use in your home.
Travel candles with lids and even some of the plug-in devices with oils can be very convenient, adding a cozy, familiar scent to your room.
2.
Buy some fresh flowers.
Visit a local florist or farmer's market for some freshly cut flower arrangements.
Sometimes, if you aren't staying in a suite with dishes or vases, the hotel's concierge can provide you with an appropriate container.
If you decide to buy your own vase, you might consider leaving it for the next guest to use so they too can have the feel of home.
3.
Make a playlist.
Bring along your favorite MP3 player or your phone and create a playlist of songs that remind you of friends and family back home.
If you require speakers, some hotels offer iDocks or alarm clocks with auxiliary cables.
Songs can help to set the mood of a personal atmosphere and break the silence, especially for those traveling solo on business.
4.
Put personal items on your nightstand.
Pack a few items that you'd like to have on your nightstand or bedside table, such as pictures of family, jewelry boxes, or trinkets that you adore.
This can take away from the generic feeling of furnishings provided by most hotels.
5.
Learn the names of the staff.
Ask the hotel's staff their names when they're helping you out during your stay.
It will give you a sense of belonging and safety, making you feel as if you're with friends instead of strangers.
This works particularly well for extended stays when you'll run into many of the same staffers again and again.
6.
Be a return customer.
Find a hotel you really enjoy and receive excellent service from, and stay there each time you visit that city.
This is key for business travelers, because chances are you'll return on a regular basis.
You might even look forward to seeing familiar faces and reserve the same room time and again, adding to the familiar feel and comfort each time you return.
While travel is necessary in the work world, hotels don't have to be a cold, unfamiliar place to be.
Personal touches are key for a good night's sleep and a productive, restful stay.