Dehydration while traveling is  always a concern. The recirculated air aboard the planes always makes me feel parched and if your destination is at altitude for a skiing vacation or even just a trip to the mountains, often the first thing you want is water when you arrive at your hotel room. Those bottles of water sitting on the counter in your room can cost you ten dollars – or more. Let’s talk about some ways to stay hydrated on the cheap.

Ask first

I usually call the front desk to find out if the bottles of water in the room are complimentary or part of a mini bar charge. Depending on where you are staying, the best-case scenario is the water is free, the worst case is that there is a “anything in the minibar” charge which can be very steep. The place that seems to charge the most is Las Vegas. This feels predatory, rooms already cost a fortune and when you are staying in a desert they should include a bottle of water with your room.

Membership Matters

I always sign up for the frequent stay membership programs before staying in a new hotel chain. Sometimes this will net you nothing at all and other times it can get you a couple bottles of water and even a cool snack bag.

Ask at the front desk

When checking in to you room, I always ask if they have complimentary waters at the front Often they are happy to give you a couple bottles of water to bring up to the room with you. Yes, juggling the guide dog or cane, suitcases and bottles of water can be a hassle, but is it better than ten dollars a bottle? You bet.

Shop Local

If there are no waters available at the front desk, ask where the nearest convenience store is located.  Often you can find a small convenience store nearby where you can get some waters and even snacks for your room – completely avoiding the high prices at the hotel.

No Labels

In the past I have grabbed the water off the counter without thinking and had the ten dollar charge applied to my bill at the end. All I had to do was point out that there were no braille labels explaining there would be an additional charge for the water. The staff was happy to remove the charge. Is this a cheat? Yes. Should they be charging ten dollars for water? No.

Final Thoughts

How do you stay hydrated when you travel? Do you have a ten dollar water bottle story to share? Let me know via my socials below or on the contact page here on Blind Travels.

Safe Travels, Fellow Wanderer!