Travel Sleep Mistakes I Made (So You Don’t Have To)

I just got back from an amazing trip out west with my family. We hiked, stargazed, and ate way too much delicious food. But as much as I loved it, I also made a few big sleep mistakes. 😴

Since I know I’m not the only one who wants to make the most of family trips without dragging through them exhausted, I thought I’d share what I learned—and what I’ll do differently next time.

Mistake #1: Relying on the hotel fan

The first hotel was a dream—it even had a built-in white noise machine. Jackpot! 🎉 Unfortunately, the rest of the trip wasn’t so kind. For three nights, we dealt with an air conditioning system that clicked on and off all night long. Each time it cycled, it woke us up… no matter which of the 10 different settings my husband (an engineer!) tried.

👉 Next time: I’m not leaving this up to chance. I’ll be packing a small portable white noise machine (or even a travel fan) so we have a consistent sleep environment every night.

Mistake #2: Not preparing for the time change

I’m one of those lucky people who can usually adapt to a new time zone almost immediately (I think it’s the excitement). But the rest of my family? Not so much. My husband was ready for bed at 6 pm the first night, and my parents never fully adjusted to the 3-hour time difference during the trip.

👉 Next time: I’ll recommend shifting schedules by about an hour a night for a few days leading up to the trip. That way, everyone’s circadian rhythm is already aligned with west coast time, and we won’t miss out on fun.

Mistake #3: Not agreeing on the sleep temperature

This one’s funny now, but it wasn’t at the time. My husband and I shared hotel rooms with my parents so we could splurge on nicer places. Great in theory—until the thermostat war began. 😅

I sleep best at 69°, but my parents like it toasty at 72°. You wouldn’t think 3 degrees could matter that much, but it did. We’d wake up sweating, turn it down… then they’d wake up cold and sneak it back up. Repeat.

👉 Next time: If you’re sharing rooms, have the “sleep temperature” conversation upfront. Depending on your priorities (ours were being close to beautiful scenery), it might be worth getting separate rooms—or at least arranging who sleeps closest to the fan or AC.

Final Thoughts

Vacations aren’t about perfect sleep—they’re about making memories. But a little prep work can go a long way in minimizing those middle-of-the-night wake-ups or cranky afternoons. Whether it’s packing a white noise machine, easing into a new time zone, or agreeing on a comfy room temperature, small adjustments can help everyone feel more rested and ready to enjoy the adventure. After all, the goal isn’t flawless sleep—it’s making sure you have the energy to soak in every moment. 🌙✨