Traveling—whether for work or pleasure—can often be tiring, so discovering ways to make the experience smoother and more comfortable is always a plus.
Frequent travelers frequently benefit from practical advice shared by airline professionals such as pilots and flight attendants.
Recently, one pilot shared a straightforward but effective travel tip aimed at those who find themselves waking up confused in unfamiliar hotel rooms, offering a smart way to stay oriented and sleep better while away from home.
Travel tips can significantly ease life on the road, which is great news for those who travel often for business or leisure.
Pilots and flight attendants, who spend many hours flying and staying in hotels, often share their best advice on social media. For instance, a pilot recently revealed a clever trick he uses to improve sleep quality while traveling.
A Pilot’s Useful Tip
Ron Wagner, a pilot, shared on Quora a helpful suggestion for travelers who experience sleep disorientation. This common issue affects people who often sleep in new or unfamiliar places, sometimes waking up confused or unsure of their environment. Wagner explained a method he uses to avoid this.
The Simple Hack
Wagner recommends leaving the bathroom light on when staying in hotels or unknown accommodations. Having a small light source helps you orient yourself if you wake up during the night, reducing confusion or anxiety.
The Reason It Works
Wagner recounted his experience: “The room was completely dark, and I had to get up to use the bathroom. I lay awake, eyes open, searching for something familiar. But nothing was visible — total darkness. I couldn’t recall which city I was in or how to safely get up. I didn’t know where the walls or lamp were or how to find the bathroom.”
He continues, “My trick is to leave the bathroom light on and keep the door slightly ajar. The light shining through gives enough visibility to regain my bearings.” He adds that it doesn’t have to be the bathroom light specifically — any small source of light is helpful.
Another Suggestion
“If your curtains don’t block all the light, you might not need to use this hack. The key is to have just a bit of light to help recognize your surroundings,” Wagner notes. “Even so, I sometimes wake up wondering which city I’m in, but a little light is enough to remind me.”
About Sleep Disorientation
Though “sleep disorientation” is not an official medical term, Very Well Health describes a related condition called confusional arousal. Around 20% of both adults and children experience this during the transition from deep sleep to wakefulness. It is thought to occur because different brain regions don’t fully synchronize, causing some parts to remain asleep while others wake.
Symptoms to Recognize
These can include:
Feeling confused or disoriented
Acting aggressively
Staring blankly and unresponsive
Appearing to look “through” someone
Speaking unclearly or confusedly
Though alarming, such episodes usually last only about 10 minutes.
Sharing Tips on Quora
Wagner shared his travel tip on Quora, a platform where people exchange knowledge. While not all information there is verified, his experience as a pilot adds credibility. Other airline workers also share useful tips ranging from how to have smooth flights to effective packing strategies. Here are some additional travel hacks to ease your journey:
Extra Travel Tips:
Keep Valuables On You
Never place essential items like passports or sentimental belongings in checked baggage, as bags can be lost or mishandled. Always keep valuables close.
Have Backup Funds
Travel plans can change suddenly, so keep extra money handy for unexpected expenses like last-minute hotel stays or meals during delays.
Bring a Power Strip
Though it may seem bulky, a small power strip can be invaluable in crowded airports with limited outlets. It lets you charge multiple devices and share outlets with fellow travelers.
Write Down Important Addresses
Keep a physical copy of your hotel or destination addresses. This can be more reliable than your phone, especially when internet access is unavailable.
Packing Tip
Female flight attendants suggest traveling light and rolling clothes to save space. The military “fold and roll” technique involves folding smaller items like socks and underwear and rolling them inside larger garments.
By using practical travel advice like these, travelers can reduce stress and make their trips more comfortable. From tips to prevent waking up confused to smart packing and protecting valuables, these insights—especially from experienced pilots and flight attendants—help make journeys smoother. Applying these simple hacks lets frequent travelers better handle unfamiliar surroundings, stay organized, and enjoy their trips with greater ease.