I’m not a germaphobe, but I sometimes feel icky about some hotel beds. Some homestays and vacation rentals can also have iffy hygiene. While sleeping at a place with questionable cleanliness, fully clothed just to be safe, it struck me; why can’t I just carry my own sheets and pillowcase? 

Can you travel with your own bedding? You certainly can. It will make your luggage bulkier and heavier, but for some people, that’s a small price to pay for peace of mind. 

Why Travel With Your Own Bedding?

• You are concerned about the cleanliness and hygiene of hotel beds. This is especially the case if you often choose budget accommodation. 
• You have sensitive skin and you don't want to risk sleeping on potentially dirty sheets. Even bedding that looks clean can be hiding dirt, dead skin cells, oils and bacteria. 
• You can only sleep well when using specific bedding like silk sheets or a memory foam pillow. 
• You are traveling with a baby or child and you need to make sure they sleep on clean bedding. We actually have sheets just for babies. They provide the best protection for your little one's delicate skin.

The main challenge with traveling with your bedding is that it makes your luggage bulkier and heavier. Here on the HercTalk blog, we are strong proponents of light and efficient packing. So trudging along with a suitcase filled with sheets is not our idea of fun travel. 

But sometimes the sacrifice is worth it. We recommend only taking the bedding you need, and not your entire bed. 

If it is hygiene or skin sensitivity you are worried about, a couple of sheets (a top and bottom one) plus a pillowcase are enough. If you can’t sleep without your pillow, then just carry that. 

If you prefer specific bedding, it’s a good idea to call ahead to check if they have it at the hotel or vacation rental. Some hosts and hotels can accommodate your needs and get you the type of sheets or pillow you want, thus saving you the trouble of carrying your own.     

What Kind of Bedding Can You Carry?

You can carry whatever bedding you want. It depends on how much space you have in your luggage. You won’t have trouble getting your bedding through check-in. If you have a small pillow, you can put it in your carry-on. 

For larger items like sheets or a large pillow, put them in your checked luggage. Other items you can carry include:  

• A thin mattress topper if you prefer your mattress a bit soft. You can also carry a cooling topper if you are a hot sleeper.  
• A pillowcase. This is a small addition to your luggage and it will protect your face from dirt and germs, especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin. We highly recommend our anti-acne Zuri pillowcase. 
• A mattress protector. 
• You can also get disposable sheets if you don't want to carry them back home, though they are not as comfortable as regular sheets. 
• A duvet cover to protect yourself against any allergens or dirt the hotel’s duvet may be hiding. It’s certainly easier to pack a duvet cover rather than a bulky duvet. 
• If you don't want to carry lots of different bedding, you can just pack a sleeping bag. 
• If you are a hot sleeper, sweat a lot at night, have sensitive skin or you prefer extra-soft sheets, we recommend the HercLeon Jax sheets. They are not only soft, breathable and moisture wicking, they are antibacterial. They protect your skin from acne and other problems.  

As you book your accommodation, we recommend letting them know that you will be coming with your own sheets, pillow or whatever bedding you choose. That way, they will not think you’ve taken their sheets when you check out. 

Also, pack your bedding separately in a packing cube or bag instead of mixing it with the rest of your clothes and items. This keeps your luggage well organized and protects your bedding from getting dirty or stained. 

If you travel often, it’s a good idea to buy bedding specifically for travel. Keep it clean so it’s ready to pack any time.