Expert's 'ribbon trick' to make sure you don't leave things behind at a hotel
Leaving something behind in a hotel room is any holidaymaker's nightmare.
It's no surprise to find phone chargers are the most common thing travellers leave without.
But a hotelier, who is sick of answering phone calls from guests who have forgotten things, has come up with a "simple" tip to make sure you don't leave things behind.
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It's no surprise to find phone chargers are the most common thing travellers leave without. Getty
Jamie Fraser who owns historic wedding venue Wedderlie House in the Scottish borders, shared his "hack" for forgetful travellers.
"When people are packing to go home, they tend to focus on suitcases and wardrobes, but items placed around the room are the ones most likely to be left behind," he says.
"Chargers by beds, jewellery on bedside tables and toiletries in bathrooms are the most common. The ribbon hack is very simple.
He explains you attach a bright ribbon to smaller personal items as soon as you arrive, or to items you unpack and place around the room.
"When it comes time to leave, those ribbons act as a visual reminder to collect everything before checking out," he says.
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A roll of ribbon could be a handy way to stop you forgetting things. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Jamie says the trick works well in bigger rooms or apartments.
"A ribbon instantly draws your attention when you do a final sweep of the room," he adds.
Jamie said forgotten things are something accommodation owners like him are always getting phone calls about after guests have left.
"While we always try to help, items are not always recoverable," he says.
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Hotel room safes can be a good way to remember items. Getty
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Don't get too ribbon-happy though. Experts say you should not tie it to your suitcase.
They can cause havoc with the bag scanning process.
Some experts suggest using the safe to stash things you don't want to forget, with some advising you put a shoe in there so you will remember to collect the pair.
But it's not foolproof.
Because you might forget to check the safe....
Seasoned traveller Sami Lukis has previously shared her tip to prevent you from forgetting your charger in your hotel room.
"When you first arrive in your hotel room, place your suitcase (or carry-on) on the floor next to the power point where you're going to plug your phone in," she wrote for 9Travel.
"Then wrap the cord of the phone charger around the handle of the suitcase.
"That way, when you're ready to check out and you go to grab your bag, you'll need to unwrap the cable from the handle of your suitcase first – a timely reminder to also unplug the charger and TAKE IT WITH YOU. Genius!"
