I’m a germaphobe (although you’d never guess it when I become a bathroom bartender (which of course, I’m an expert in) at sporting events and concerts – but alcohol kills the germs, OK? At least that’s what I tell myself to save money).
When I am traveling on a low-budget, staying at a one star hotel or residing in a cabin owned by complete strangers that rent it out on a regular basis, I come fully equipped with my Bed in a Bag. It’s a rip off of a sleeping bag but it’s made out of sheets. There’s even room for my pillow! And I cover up with my blanket from home. Psycho? Yes.
Do I look ridiculous? Absolutely. Do I sleep easier, knowing the bed bugs won’t bite? Absolutely!
I always pack my flip-flops for less than perfectly cleaned showers and slippers to wear around the hotel room. But when forced to make an unexpected stop while traveling at midnight, I’m forced to compromise. I put a plastic bag down in the shower to stand on (because I might get someone elses’ left over hair from the shower curtain on my feet – THE HORROR!) and use my socks as my slippers as soon as I get out of the shower. I don’t put them on, as it’s easier to scoot around the tile.
Classy makeshift slippers.
A traveling companion always helps when you’re having to touch all kinds of things you dare not (doorknobs, remote control, the comforter on the bed). Luckily for me, I often travel with my dad and he acts as my official gross hotel knob toucher.
When the light was shining too brightly at 1am on a recent trip to Iowa, I asked if he could shut the lamp off in the corner (a gal needs her beauty sleep, ya dig?). Luckily (or lazily) for him, he has long arms and was able to perform this task while seated.
Going…
Going…
Off!
Thank God for Dads!
As you can probably tell, I typically do not stay the Ritz Carlton, forcing me to become a raging lunatic over germs. Am I missing any tricks and secretly acquiring stranger germs?
Tell me before I get someone else’s cold from last week!
CBXB
Cowboys and Crossbones 
Ha, I do the same “sleeping in the sheet” thing on the road, I thought I was the only one 🙂
No my friend you are definitely not alone! I am your bed in a bag partner in crime!
I think its very sound advice and I’m with you Dad’s come in handy!
I knew we thought alike!
Love the bed in a bag!! Hilarious!!
It’s hilarious and embarrassing all at the same time! But a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do!
My bf is a germaphobe too. I told him about the bed in a bag!
He should really invest! Although, maybe that won’t mean fun times for you while traveling…maybe they make one that holds two people!
OMG. I know you told me about that bag, but I’m def getting it, plus I will bring a box of chlorox wipes for the toilet, doorknobs, tv remote–you get the picture. I’m still cringing at the things I touched. Ick ick ice
Did you read the genius comment about bringing a ziploc bag for the remote?! If you’re craft enough (I can’t sew), another reader suggested making your own Bed in a Bag! But it’s not too expensive to buy, either.
I’ve done the remote in a ziplock before, I do it at home when one of us is sick. very good ideas, maybe it should be a continuing series!
Great post and you aren’t psycho you’re right ! I’ve nominated you for ” The Shine On Award, you can find for all details at my blog, have a lovely evening ! Xoxo
Oh snap! Thank you so much! I love shiny awards. 🙂
My aunt always bleached out the tub and sink before using them! I personally avoid the comforter at all costs – they usually don’t wash them each time! (SOOO GROSS)
The comforter is my worst nightmare. I never thought about bleach…may have to incorporate into my routine!
Ha, I’m a little crazy too about germs. Cool tricks! I usually travel with travel size of Lysol, Clorox, or any cleaning products to spray everything. I get them a Bed Bath & Beyond.
I was just going to say I never knew there were travel sized cleaning products until you mentioned BB&B. I’m SO going there before my next trip!
Great, I hope you find everything 🙂