We’ve all been there: you’re halfway to the airport, or maybe even back home, when you suddenly realise your phone charger, favourite earrings, or that expensive face cream is still sitting in your hotel room. It’s the classic holiday horror story—one that can turn a relaxing getaway into a frantic game of phone tag with hotel staff (and let’s be honest, the odds of getting your things back are about as good as winning the lotto).
But what if there was a simple, clever way to make sure you never leave anything behind again? Enter the ‘ribbon trick’, a travel trick that’s as easy as it is effective, and it’s making waves among seasoned travellers and hoteliers alike.
Jamie Fraser, owner of the historic Wedderlie House in the Scottish Borders, has seen it all when it comes to guests leaving things behind.
Tired of fielding calls from forgetful travellers, Jamie shared his go-to solution: the ribbon trick.
‘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 shared.
He continued: ‘Chargers by beds, jewellery on bedside tables, and toiletries in bathrooms are the most common. The ribbon hack is very simple.’
How It Works:
Here’s how it works: as soon as you arrive at your hotel, tie a bright, noticeable ribbon to any small personal item you’re likely to unpack and scatter around the room—think phone chargers, jewellery, reading glasses, or toiletries.
The idea behind it is simple. When it’s time to check out, those pops of colour will catch your eye during your final sweep, reminding you to scoop up every last item.
‘A ribbon instantly draws your attention when you do a final sweep of the room,’ Jamie explains. This trick is especially handy in larger rooms, apartments, or when you’re travelling with a group, and things tend to get spread out,’ he said. And, let’s face it, we could all use a little help when we’re rushing to make that early checkout!
A Word of Caution: Don’t Get Too Ribbon-Happy
While the ribbon trick is brilliant for small items, experts warn against tying ribbons to your suitcase. Why? Those colourful tags can cause headaches at airport security and during the bag scanning process. The last thing you want is to hold up the queue or have your bag pulled aside for extra inspection. So, keep the ribbons for your in-room items only!
Other Tried-and-True Tips from Seasoned Travellers
Some travel pros recommend using your hotel room safe to store valuables and essentials you can’t afford to forget. Here’s a quirky twist: put one of your shoes in the safe along with your passport, jewellery, or medication. That way, you literally can’t leave without checking the safe!
Australian travel expert Sami Lukis has her own genius solution for the ever-elusive phone charger. When you arrive, place your suitcase right next to the power point where you’ll be charging your phone. Then, wrap the charger cord around your suitcase handle. When it’s time to leave, you’ll have to unwrap the cord to grab your bag—a built-in reminder to take your charger with you.
Key Takeaways
- A hotelier has shared a simple ‘ribbon hack’ where travellers attach a bright ribbon to small personal items upon arrival, making them easy to spot and less likely to be left behind when packing up.
- The trick is especially useful in larger hotel rooms or apartments, as the ribbons act as a clear visual reminder during the final room check before departure.
- Experts warn against tying ribbons to suitcases, as this can interfere with airport bag scanners, and instead, suggest other methods like using the in-room safe (though it’s not foolproof).
- Another tip from an experienced traveller is to wrap your phone charger cord around your suitcase handle near a power point, so you can’t miss it when checking out.
Have you ever left something behind in a hotel room? Do you have your own foolproof method for making sure you leave with everything you brought? We’d love to hear your stories and tips!
