Why Experienced Travelers Leave the Bathroom Light On in Hotels

Written by Camilla Jessen

Nov.05 - 2024 7:33 PM CET

Lifestyle
Photo: Pixabay
Photo: Pixabay
It may sound strange, but leaving the bathroom light on during your hotel stay could be the ultimate travel trick. Here’s why it’s worth considering.

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Sleeping in an unfamiliar hotel room can sometimes feel unsettling, and even the simplest tip can make a big difference.

Leaving a bathroom light on at night may sound odd, but frequent travelers swear by it.

Here’s how this small trick can make your hotel stay safer, more comfortable, and even bug-free.

1. Keeping Pests at Bay

According to Newsner, hotel rooms with outside access sometimes attract unwelcome guests of the insect variety.

Bugs, especially cockroaches, are known to avoid light, so leaving the bathroom light on can help discourage them from venturing into your space.

As one Quora user put it, “Lights keep cockroaches away but can attract other insects,” so while it’s not foolproof, a bit of light can help minimize unwelcome encounters.

2. Preventing Late-Night Stumbles

In an unfamiliar setting, even the most graceful guest can end up stumbling over a suitcase or bumping into a bedside table in the dark.

A soft glow from the bathroom can act as a guide, letting you see enough to move around without fully waking you.

One traveler shared that her “clumsy husband” has made this part of their routine to avoid walking into furniture.

3. Calming Anxieties

For some travelers, dark hotel rooms can feel uneasy or disorienting.

A small strip of light from the bathroom adds a sense of security, making it easier to relax and drift off to sleep.

One tip is to leave the bathroom door slightly ajar; it gives just enough light for comfort without disrupting sleep.

4. A Simple Safety Hack

In a hotel, where you’re less familiar with the layout, a little bit of bathroom light can also be helpful in case of emergency.

Should you need to leave quickly, that dim light can help you navigate safely and calmly.

Next time you check into a hotel, consider leaving that bathroom light on. It’s a simple trick that can make all the difference for a safe, comfortable night’s sleep.