1 In Four People Do This Crazy Thing Before A Great Vacation

A great vacation is easy.

Do you dread returning to a messy home after a fun trip? Does a scuff on your favorite suitcase drive you crazy? You’re not alone! A recent survey of 2,000 U.S. travelers revealed the top cleaning habits of people gearing up for the busy summer travel season.

Cleaning before a trip is crucial. Over 75% of respondents in this survey said they prefer to tidy up before heading out. In fact, the average person starts preparing for their trip more than two weeks in advance.

Two weeks?

When it comes to pre-trip cleaning, the focus is on laundry (77%), dishes (66%), the bathroom (58%), and sweeping and mopping (56%).

This study, commissioned by Mr. Clean for the launch of their new Ultra line of Magic Erasers and conducted by Talker Research, found that 66% of people are so excited about their upcoming travels that it motivates them to clean.

While the excitement of a trip can be a great motivator, it can also be a stressor. Over half (51%) of the respondents said they "dread" the thought of coming home to clean.

This is true. I clean before I leave. Otherwise you're depressed vacation is over AND your house looks like a war zone.

“Cleaning before a vacation helps me relax and enjoy it more, knowing I can return to a clean home,” said Lydia Joo, brand director at Mr. Clean. “But we’re busy, especially before a vacation, so having a multi-purpose cleaner that can easily tackle tough messes is key.”

Travelers also take time to clean their most-used travel items like luggage (40%). On average, respondents take their luggage on seven trips, and 26% had cleaned their luggage in the past week alone. Many feel embarrassed on vacation because of old or worn-out items, including clothes (20%), shoes (19%), and luggage (18%).

I have never cleaned my luggage. People do this?

To avoid this, 55% of travelers said it’s a “high priority” to check these items before their trip.

Although respondents make sure to clean their luggage (40%) and travel bags (39%) before their trip, even more travelers clean them when they return home. They focus on luggage (47%) and other travel accessories (21%) to be ready for future trips.

A clean suitcase is important for a great vacation to 79% of travelers, but 27% said it’s the “most difficult item” to clean.

“Cleaning luggage can be a challenge, and we all know the disappointment of retrieving a scuffed and dirty bag from the airport carousel,” said Maria Striemer, Global Home Care P&G Senior Scientific Communications Manager. “I recommend using a versatile cleaning tool like the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to remove scuffs, dirt, grease, and grime from your luggage, restoring it to pristine condition.”

Here’s what respondents clean before traveling:

So, if you’re gearing up for a trip, take a page from these travelers’ book. Clean your home and your travel gear. You’ll leave with peace of mind and come back to a tidy home.

Three New England Airbnb rentals top the best in the United States. And we couldn't be prouder! (Also, we're not surprised. We have some serious coastal bragging rights.)

Conde Nast Traveler recently ranked the Best Airbnbs Beach Houses in the United States. New England is home to three.

The website found "22 of the best beach houses in America that offer everything you need for a perfect summer vacation—or any other season for that matter."

Conde Nast weighed the pics on ratings, response rates and Superhost status.

"All this means that you’re virtually guaranteed to get what you see online, and have smooth communication with the host," cntraveler.com reported.

As you know, Airbnb swooped into New England like a boss, shaking up the hotel scene big time. Cozy cabins, quaint cottages, and historic homes popped up on your screen, all ready for a stay.

The cookie-cuter hotel rooms became a thing of the past. Now your neighbor's beachside cottage was up for grabs.

Tourists ditched the traditional hotels for a taste of local life. They wanted more than just a bed; they wanted an experience. And Airbnb delivered, offering unique stays that screamed personality.

Suddenly, every spare room became a potential goldmine. It was like a game of Monopoly, but with real houses.

Why settle for an expensive, small hotel room when you could snag an ocean-view Airbnb. Waking up to the sound of waves crashing, with the salty breeze right there. You can split the cost with more than one person. You can do laundry without breaking the bank. There's no kids running around in the hallway outside your door at 6 a.m. And no wild parties keeping you up at night (unless it's your own!)

Plus, you'll have all the comforts of home, from a fully stocked kitchen to quirky decor.

Conde Nast says this one bedroom, one bathroom cottage is "prime Cape real estate: Colonial Acres Beach, where you can lay in the sun or dive into the ocean, is just steps from the shared patio. And don’t worry about having to bring your own beach chairs or umbrellas—the host has them on hand."
And according to the listing, "Take in endless views of the ocean walking up to this quaint cottage. Here, the pace is leisurely – sip coffee on the deck, watch the sunrise, and swim in the warm waters of Nantucket Sound just outside." It starts at $165 a night.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/25421494

Wait, what? A cottage near Taylor Swift? (The singer has a place in Westerly. Currently not listed on Airbnb. But this one is! According to Conde Nast, it's " favorite of Traveler senior commerce editor Madison Flager. The cozy coastal home is just a short drive to the beach and downtown Westerly, giving guests the opportunity to explore more than just the sandy shores. The front porch is a fantastic spot to sip coffee in the morning or take in the evening sea air before heading out to dinner."

It's two beds, two and a half baths and starts at $280 a night.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/46709470

Conde Nast says "this cozy cape house makes the perfect home base for spending a night or longer in the area. Its inviting salmon pink doors, charming glossy black shutters, and cozy knotty pine beams and ceilings feel like they were swiped straight out the pages of your beach read and brought to life by a New England fairy godmother. " It's three bedrooms, two baths and has a kitchen equipped for a pro. They're also located at the end of a quiet road with large yard and surrounded by woods. It's a mile from Dock Square and the beaches. 

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/31039419