Savvy Strategies to Survive Staying with Family Over the Holidays

Relegated to a futon, air mattress, or pull-out couch during your visit? There are a few things you can do to make your sleeping arrangement more comfortable. Air mattresses tend to get colder than real beds (the air inside cools overnight, making you feel chilly). Pad it with extra blankets, or use a sleep sack, which is easy to pack and provides ample warmth.

If possible, position the air mattress against the wall so that your pillows don’t fall off while you sleep. Additionally, place a blanket or yoga mat underneath the mattress to reduce noise when you move around. Packing an inflatable sleeping pad is an easy solution to make futons or rock-hard mattresses more comfortable.

Even if you’re staying in a great guest room, most normal bedrooms don’t come with blackout curtains like those you’ll find at hotels, so be sure to pack an eye mask that will block out light to help you sleep past dawn.

Earplugs are also essential if you’re a light sleeper (or if you tend to go to bed earlier/get up later than other people in the house). We recommend Earpeace, specially designed earplugs for sleeping. Or bring a travel-sized white noise machine if you really want to drown out the world.

Getting stressed? Take a deep breath to help relax. If you’re staying in an environment you’re not used to (for example, sharing a house with smokers or pets when you’re allergic), bring a tiny travel air purifier for your room. This can make a significant difference and help you breathe more easily.

If a big group is staying at your family’s house, the Wi-Fi may get overwhelmed quickly. If staying online is essential, consider bringing a Wi-Fi hotspot to avoid the frustration of slow internet. A travel-sized power strip can also save the day if everyone is fighting over one outlet to charge gadgets.

There’s a reason the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot is so popular. Whether you head out in the morning for a quick run or get a day pass to a local gym, working out can give you an excuse to leave the house for a bit. Exercise is also a proven stress reducer and mood enhancer, and will make you feel less guilty about eating home-cooked food.

Chances are, you won’t have a private bathroom while staying with family, so don’t leave your toiletries scattered all over the sink and shower. This innovative bag is a great solution, as it allows you to lay out all your toiletries on a flat surface for use; when you’re done, simply fold it up and take it back to your room.

Unlike at a hotel, you don’t get control over the thermostat when staying with family. If you know the house will be cold, pack extra layers of clothing. In shoe-free houses, travel slippers can keep you comfortable.
House too hot? A portable fan can be a lifesaver, and also act as a white noise machine at night.

You probably don’t think twice about what you pack for sleepwear at a hotel, but you might want something a little more modest if you’re staying in someone’s home. Don’t forget to pack pajamas and a robe you won’t be embarrassed to be seen in for those middle-of-the-night bathroom trips.

Try to make your visit as easy as possible for the host. Just because it’s your family doesn’t mean they’re responsible for cleaning up after you and cooking every meal. Show up with a restaurant gift card to let them know a few meals are on you, or offer to go grocery shopping and cook for everyone while you’re there.

Your presence is not your present. Be sure to show your appreciation to your host for accommodating you. A thank-you note or gift is always a nice gesture.

Some good host gift ideas include a bottle of wine and a wine chiller, a gift basket full of tasty treats, an easy-to-care-for plant, or a framed family photo.