The first thing Australians do in their hotel room revealed

Australian travelers admit that one of the first things they do upon arriving in their hotel room is to check behind the curtains, under the bed and close the wardrobe door before relaxing enough to sleep.

This surprising habit has been revealed in a new study commissioned by Holiday Inn Express, which reveals what Australians actually do when they check into a hotel.

Most people prefer to settle in as soon as they arrive, but around a quarter claim their side of the bed right away, even if they’re traveling alone.

Some Gen Z and Millennial travelers hop on the bed to “try the bounce,” while others opt for extra-long showers. 24 percent of Gen Z travelers admit they enjoy lingering underwater because they’re not paying for it.

But when the lights go out, 87% of Australians rely on someone to help them fall asleep, and a third say they need a relaxing routine before bed.

About 26 percent of travelers find ambient noise like TV, music, or white noise to help them fall asleep, and 18 percent bring their own comfort items like a blanket, eye mask, or pillow.

The study found that Gen Z travelers share the weirdest habits, with 24% making sure they’re alone in their hotel room before relaxing, 35% meditating, and 21% having imaginary arguments in their heads.

Some people like to dream about what they will eat at the breakfast buffet.

Positive psychology expert Tim Sharp said stepping into an unfamiliar environment while traveling can cause some level of discomfort, even if you’re excited to be there.

“Small rituals like bringing your own pillow, playing familiar sounds, and setting up your room a certain way can help recreate a sense of familiarity and control,” he says.

“This allows us to properly switch off, relax and ultimately feel happier.”

Dr. Sharp said that when it comes to health and well-being, getting good quality sleep is everything, and it’s just as important that people prioritize sleep in the same way they focus on diet and exercise.

While a good bedtime routine is different for everyone, he said it’s important to establish a bedtime routine that helps you wind down from the day.

“Any habit that helps you relax, calm your mind, calm your mind, and cope with life’s stresses is a good idea,” he says.

“What you do first thing in the morning is also important for your sleep.

“Ideally, you want to wake up first thing in the morning and do some light exercise and get some sunlight, so that what actually happens to us that day and night happens.”

Dr. Sharp said that even though a bedtime routine may seem strange when traveling, it’s important to do something that makes people feel comfortable and help them sleep better.

“When you’re at home, you have the normal comforts that are part of our lives, but when you’re traveling or in a hotel room, you have to create comfort a little more consciously,” he said.

“In some ways it may seem outlandish, but I think it’s pretty impressive in some ways that people are doing these things to improve their sleep and hopefully enjoy their business trips and vacations.”

The study also found that 71% of travelers have found themselves thinking about everything from 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 at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said the findings highlighted how important comfort is something travelers don’t think about too much when staying in a hotel.

“What this research shows is that travelers are creating their own comforting rituals while on the go, and they’re looking for places that support them,” he says.

“We know that even small touches, like a great night’s sleep, a dark, quiet room, and a simple, reliable morning routine, can make a big difference in how quickly people calm down and switch off properly.”