These little packets are full of useful information but most of us ignore them and toss them out of the way. Information on emergency services, laundry and local eating options are always covered. Since we are staying somewhere we are not familiar with it would make sense to locate the emergency exits. Especially if we are not staying on the ground floor! The maps provided of the hotel grounds is a great way to orientate yourself to your surroundings. If you are staying in a new state, most of these information packets contain local emergency threats. In tornado areas they tell you where the shelters are, same for hurricane areas or if you are staying in California they just tell you to hold on for the ride!
By now you probably need to get up and move around from sitting during the trip. Take the time to walk around the hotel and see what there is to see. Find the nearest fire exit, see if there is a fire extinguisher near your room, find the soda machines and the ice machine. If the hotel has a store see what items they carry. Check the brochures in the lobby and see if there is a map of the immediate area you can have and ask the people at the front desk what good restaurants are within walking distance. Ask them what other stores are within walking distance from the hotel and see if they offer a shuttle to any local areas. If you forgot your phone charger or toothbrush ask the front desk before you go and spend money. Some hotels will let you borrow a charger or even provide you with a small hygiene kit. Walk around the outside of the hotel grounds and see what is around you. Can not hurt to become familiar with the area and it would be better to have an idea of what is around prior to the smoke alarm going off at three in the morning.
During your stay take advantage of the stuff you paid for. If you do not use them collect the soap, shampoo and other items in your room. Toss them into your bag the maid should replace them the next day. Take them home with you, now you have stuff to give any guest when they stay over. The coffee and teas in the room are for your use collect them if your not going to use them. Now you have some more stuff for any guest who come over. You are paying for the stuff if you use it or not.
If the hotel offers a free breakfast take advantage of it! Again you are paying for it in the cost of the room. Eat till your full and encourage the kids to do the same. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Do not make a nuisance of yourself but grab a banana for later and maybe another packet or two of tea. If you have a fridge in your room maybe bring one carton of milk or juice back to your room for later. See if there are any little packets of salt and pepper, if so grab a couple of those. You now have a little starter kit if something bad happens.
Enjoy your stay!
When it is time to go remember to prepare for security. Empty out your carry on, put all the stuff you collected into your checked baggage. If during your stay you bought to much stuff to move effectively through the airport consider mailing some stuff home. Almost all hotels can help you send stuff home and in most cases sending the stuff home is cheaper than paying for the extra bag or weight!
Just a few ideas for your next trip. The stuff you bring home from the hotel can now be put into a bucket or some other container and be part of your personal emergency kit. As always,
Stay safe!!!
