When it comes to travel, whether for work or leisure, making the journey easier and more comfortable is always a priority. Frequent travelers like flight attendants and pilots spend countless hours on planes and in hotels, and they’ve picked up plenty of helpful tricks along the way. One simple tip, shared by pilot Ron Wagner, can make a big difference in how you rest in unfamiliar places. His advice? Always leave the bathroom light on when you stay in a motel or hotel room. It may seem trivial, but this small habit can save you from sleep disorientation and confusion in the middle of the night.
Wagner explains that travelers often experience sleep disorientation, especially if they move from city to city, sleeping in different places each night. Sleep disorientation occurs when you wake up and have no idea where you are. It’s a disconcerting feeling and can lead to moments of panic or confusion. Wagner posted his personal experience on Quora, where he described waking up in total darkness, unsure of his location. He shared that he lay there with his eyes wide open, desperately searching for something familiar to help him get his bearings, but he saw nothing but blackness. He couldn’t recall the city he was in, had no idea where the walls were, and wasn’t sure which way to go to find the bathroom or even get out of bed.
To avoid this unsettling situation, Wagner developed a simple travel hack. Before going to bed, he turns on the bathroom light and leaves the door slightly cracked. This allows just enough light to seep into the room, providing a faint glow that helps orient him if he wakes up disoriented. He clarifies that it doesn’t have to be the bathroom light specifically—any soft light will do. The key is to have a small sliver of light somewhere in the room to offer guidance if you wake up unsure of your surroundings. Wagner mentions that if a room has curtains that don’t fully block out outside light, you might not need this trick. But in completely dark rooms, it makes a world of difference. Even with this method, he admits there were times he still woke up momentarily confused, but having that faint light made it much easier to figure out where he was.
While sleep disorientation isn’t an official medical diagnosis, Verywell Health points out a related phenomenon known as confusional arousal. This condition happens when a person transitions from deep sleep to wakefulness but parts of the brain stay asleep. It affects about 20% of both adults and children. During these episodes, different regions of the brain struggle to communicate, leaving someone confused and disoriented. Symptoms can include confusion, staring blankly, slurred or unclear speech, and even brief aggression. While these moments can feel frightening, they typically only last a few minutes.
Wagner’s advice isn’t the only helpful travel tip floating around. Frequent flyers and airline crew members have plenty of other recommendations for smoother, less stressful trips. For example, preserving your valuables is a top priority. Never pack items you can’t afford to lose in your checked luggage. Important documents, electronics, and sentimental valuables should always stay in your carry-on bag, where you can keep an eye on them.
Having a financial backup plan is another must. Unexpected situations like flight delays or canceled reservations can leave you needing to book a last-minute hotel or buy food at odd hours. Keeping a few hundred dollars tucked away gives you peace of mind and flexibility when things don’t go as planned.
Bringing a small power strip might seem like overkill, but it can be a lifesaver in airports and hotels where outlets are in high demand. With a power strip, you can share an outlet with fellow travelers and still charge all your devices without fighting for plug space.
Another useful habit is writing down key information. Technology isn’t always reliable, and you might not have Wi-Fi or cell service when you need it most. Writing down hotel addresses, reservation details, or directions ensures you have access to the information no matter what. Some travelers even grab a few business cards from their hotel’s front desk to hand out to taxi drivers or keep as a backup.
Finally, packing efficiently can make travel much easier. Many flight attendants recommend packing light and using the “fold and roll” method employed by the military. Fold smaller items like socks and underwear, then roll them inside larger pieces like pants and sweaters. This technique saves space and keeps your luggage organized.
These simple strategies—from leaving a bathroom light on to packing smarter—can make a world of difference when you’re on the road. Traveling doesn’t have to be stressful, and a few thoughtful habits can ensure you stay comfortable, safe, and oriented no matter where you lay your head at night.
