New research reveals first thing Aussies do when they check into hotel rooms
Australian travelers admit that one of the first things they do when they arrive at a hotel room is check behind curtains, under beds and close wardrobe doors before getting enough rest to sleep.
This surprising habit has been revealed in new research commissioned by Holiday Inn Express, which reveals what Australians are actually doing when checking into hotels.
While most people prefer to settle down as soon as they arrive, about a quarter immediately move to their side of the bed, even when traveling alone.
Some Gen Z and Millennial guests hop into bed to “test the jump,” while others opt for an extra-long shower. 24 percent of Gen Z travelers admit they enjoy spending time underwater because they don’t have to foot the bill.
But when the lights go out, 87 per cent of Australians need help falling asleep, with a third saying they need a wind-down routine before bed.
Background noise from TV, music or white noise helps about 26 percent of travelers fall asleep, while 18 percent pack comfort items like their own blanket, eye mask or pillow.
The research found that Gen Z travelers share some of the weirdest habits; 24 percent check they are alone in their hotel room before resting, 35 percent meditate and 21 percent have imaginary discussions in their head.
Others prefer to imagine what they will eat from the buffet for breakfast.
Positive psychology expert Tim Sharp said stepping into unfamiliar environments while traveling can create some discomfort, even if you’re excited to be there.
“These little rituals—whether it’s bringing your own pillow, making familiar noises, or arranging the room a certain way—help recreate a sense of familiarity and control,” she said.
“And that’s what allows us to properly switch off, relax, and ultimately feel happier.”
Dr Sharp said getting a good night’s sleep was everything when it came to health and wellbeing, and it was equally important to prioritize sleep in the way people focused on diet and exercise.
While good bedtime routines are different for everyone, she said it’s important to develop a pre-sleep routine to decompress from the day.
“It’s really any habit that helps you relax, calm down, give your mind some rest and cope with any stress in life,” he said.
“What you do first thing in the morning is also important for sleep.
“Ideally, we want to get up first thing in the morning and get some light exercise or some sunlight, and that actually follows what happens to us later that day and night.”
Dr Sharp said while bedtime routines might seem quaint when traveling, it was important to do something to make people feel relaxed and sleep better.
“When we’re at home we usually have the normal comforts, it’s part of our lives, but when we’re traveling and we’re in a hotel room we have to create those a little more consciously,” he said.
“It may seem quaint in some ways, but I think it’s pretty impressive that people are doing these things to help them sleep better and then hopefully enjoy their business trip or vacation.”
The research also found that 71 percent of travelers experience racing thoughts such as tomorrow’s to-do list, work stress, money worries and even the cost of breakfast.
Dean Jones, vice president of commercial, East Asia and Pacific, IHG Hotels and Resorts, said the findings highlight how important comfort and giving travelers less thought has become when staying in hotels.
“What this research shows is that travelers create their own comfort rituals while away and seek out places that support this,” he said.
“We know that even small touches can make a big difference in the speed at which people settle in and shut down properly, whether it’s a great night’s sleep, a dark, quiet room, or a simple, reliable morning routine.”
