An unlikely ergonomic luxury: sound machine!
Free Babysitting
When you live overseas and have 2 small children and a grandparent comes to visit, what must happen? An overnight trip sans kids, that’s what! Thus, when my mom came to visit us a few weeks ago, so my husband and I decided to take advantage of free, familial babysitting and head to Edinburgh, which is only a 2-hour train ride for us. We aren’t made of money {as my husband jokes, he’s not going to be the kind of doctor that helps people}, so we also booked an inexpensive hotel room and planned some great free sight-seeing and dining without kids.
I was really excited about adult time, not because I don’t absolutely adore my children, but because traveling with kids is a totally different experience than without them. We didn’t have to pack kid snacks, load up backpacks with tons of toys and DVDs, plan for nap times and bed times, or even kid-friendly restaurants. We got to go where we wanted, when we wanted, and relish in the thought that our children were far from miserable without us.
Where’s My Sound Machine?!
Did I mention we were on a budget? Well, the “inexpensive” hotel room was well-priced for a reason: possibly the thinnest walls known to mankind. Now I understand that my pregnant need for a nap at 3pm after jet-setting all day is not a normal thing- thus, when I kept waking up to children running up and down the halls from 3 to 5pm. Fair enough. {Though I did wonder where their parents were?!}
However, when people were still slamming doors and chatting in the hallways at 11 pm, I did not feel as gracious. I had brought ear plugs, thinking that I would not need a sound machine since my own kids would not be stomping up and down two flights of stairs. I’m not sure why I thought my kids were the only people who make noise when I’m trying to sleep.
However, in all honesty, all hotel patrons have the right to come and go as they please. That’s why I made a mental note to always bring my portable sound machine with me. Always. It’s tiny, lightweight, and so effective against external noises like doors and footsteps. Being able to sleep at a hotel is crucial- whether you’re on vacation or business, a good night of sleep is a non-negotiable. Also, go ahead and ask for a room that isn’t on the street side, next to the elevator or snack machine, or a room that every other guest has to walk by to get to theirs.
Sleeping in an unfamiliar place can be challenging, especially if it’s a noisy hotel. Be prepared and pack a portable sound machine- you won’t regret it.