How to Turn Your Hotel Room into Your Own Personal Spa

Jamie Ditaranto is a traveler in a love triangle with writing and photography. Follow the drama on Twitter @jamieditaranto and Instagram @jamieditaranto.

Ditaranto joined SmarterTravel in 2015. She loves ecotourism, cities with history, and discovering local hangouts. Though she likes all the continents equally, she holds a special place in her heart for rainy little islands.

Her work has also appeared online at USA Today, Huffington Post, Business Insider, and other publications. You can check out her photography on her website.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "My instant camera comes in handy for giving instant gifts to new friends."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Befriending penguins in Antarctica."

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Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "On short flights, the window. For long flights, the aisle."

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When you need a vacation from your vacation, a visit to the spa is the perfect way to unwind and let yourself be pampered. Unfortunately, spa treatments and day passes can be pricey, and when you’re traveling on a tight budget, you might not always be able to afford the splurge. But that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to relax. With a DIY attitude and these low-cost and easy-to-pack hotel spa products, here’s how you can turn your room into your own personal spa.

Epsom Salts

After a long flight, there’s nothing like a hot soak in the tub to relax those stiff muscles. For even more indulgence, enlist the help of Epsom salts. In water, Epsom salts break down into magnesium and sulfate, which make the water feel silkier and more luxurious. Usually they’re sold in large amounts, but you can purchase a Bath Salt Variety Pack that’s easy to throw into your toiletry kit before taking off for a trip. Bath bombs are also great for traveling if you’re looking for something more fun. These are available in different colors and sometimes include dried flower petals or glitter for a soak that feels a little extra special.

Follow along to turn your home (or hotel room) into your own personal spa. Want more expert tips and vacation inspiration? Subscribe to SmarterTravel on YouTube!

Shower Tabs

If your hotel room doesn’t have a bathtub, you can still take a luxurious shower with these Shower Steamers from Sky Organics. Just pop one of these essential oil-infused tablets into the stall, and the pleasant aromas will take your shower to the next level. If you’re feeling congested, opt for the eucalyptus mint to help clear out your sinuses.

Essential Oils

If you’ve used essential oils before, you’ll know that they’re pretty powerful. Because they’re so potent, the packages are usually very small, making them perfect for travel. Different oils have different benefits, but you can invest in a variety like the Anjou Essential Oils Set to figure out which ones you like best. Drop some in the tub, or rub some on your hands and give yourself a little massage. These also come in handy if you forget to pack deodorant or need to freshen up some dirty clothes.

Infuser Water Bottle

What’s a trip to the spa without fruit-infused water to sip? Pack a lightweight plastic water bottle that comes with a built-in infuser. Grab some fruit from a nearby shop (or order some from room service), and you’ll be feeling like a million bucks in no time.

Portable Aroma Diffuser

Essential oil diffusers are a great way to get the whole room smelling like a real spa, but the at-home versions can be pretty bulky. I really like the AromaAllure Waterless Mini Oil Diffuser for its small, travel-friendly size. You can even use it in your car.

Massage Balls

Give yourself a DIY massage with a small massage tool like these massage balls. They’re great for working out knots while lying on your back or even in your seat on a long flight. They come in plenty of varieties like this peanut-shaped roller or this simple spiky ball. They’re super cheap, so you can buy a couple and test a bunch and see which works best for you.

Lotions for Everything

The Burt’s Bees Fabulous Mini Travel Set is a perfect kit that has everything—hand repair cream, day lotion, cream cleanser, body lotion, and foot cream. With this full suite of lotions, you can give your face and body a nice refresh after a long travel day.

Face Masks

If your face needs a refresh during your travels, single-use face masks are light, easy to pack, and a great way to add that extra element of luxury. You can shop around for ones you know you’ll like or invest in a multi-pack so you can keep them in stock in your travel toiletry bag.

Head Wraps

Nothing will make you feel like you’re actually at the spa like a head wrap. These keep your hair out of your face when you’re doing a face treatment or applying makeup. I like this terry cloth headband because it’s easy to pack and adjustable. It’s so soft you can even use it as an eye mask.

Acupuncture Mats

If you’ve had acupuncture before and loved it, you have to travel with one of these roll-up mats like the Yvonne Acupressure Mat. Acupuncture mats are designed with small plastic spikes; when you lie on the mat, the pressure is dispersed along your back, helping to release muscle tension. They’re lightweight and easy to use in your hotel room.

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Jamie Ditaranto is a writer and photographer always looking for her next adventure. Follow her on Instagram @jamieditaranto.

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