Best Blackout Blinds for Travel

Feb 13, 2025

Your Guide to Better Sleep on the Go!

Traveling with little ones can feel like a circus sometimes, and let’s be honest, getting them to sleep in unfamiliar places is no easy feat! That’s where the magic of blackout curtains comes in. These handy tools can transform any room into a cozy sleep haven, blocking out those pesky lights that can disrupt your child’s sleep schedule. So, if you’re a parent on the go or a shift worker trying to catch some Z’s during the day, let’s explore the best blackout curtains for travel and how they can make a world of difference in your family’s sleep quality.

Importance of Blackout Curtains for Sleep

We all know how vital sleep is for our little ones (and for us too!). Blackout curtains are essential for creating a dark environment that helps regulate the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. When light seeps in, it can signal to our brains that it’s time to wake up, which is the last thing you want when you’re trying to get your child to sleep in a hotel room or a rental. By blocking out unwanted light, blackout curtains can help your child fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, making your travel experience that much smoother. My daughter Sovella (8) has recently ensured every possible light in a 30-foot perimeter of her room is off. I call it a win and a proud parenting moment!

Portable Blackout Curtain Options

When it comes to travel, portability is key! You want blackout curtains that are easy to set up and take down without leaving a trace. We love the OtterSpace Curtains, which uses a block technology to ensure that no light seeps through at the top & easily makes a space 100% Blackout. For a more quick and compact option {hello weekend warriers} we love this hack I use from my son’s days playing soccer. Compact and works like a charm.

What to Look for in Travel Blackout Curtains

So, what should you look for when choosing blackout curtains for travel? Here are some must-have features:

  • Ease of Installation: Suction cups or fasteners that don’t require drilling are a must for a hassle-free setup.
  • Portability: Look for curtains that come with carrying bags for easy transport.
  • Adjustability: Curtains that can be adjusted or come in modular designs will fit various window sizes.
  • Material Safety: Always opt for curtains made from non-toxic materials, such as those certified by OEKO-TEX or GREENGUARD Gold.

Benefits for Shift Workers and Families

Blackout curtains aren’t just for families on vacation; they’re also a game-changer for shift workers. If you’re trying to sleep during the day, you know how important it is to create a dark environment. Blackout curtains can help you achieve that, allowing you to rest even when the sun is shining bright outside. For families with young children, these curtains can provide a consistent sleep environment, ensuring that your little ones get the rest they need, no matter where they are.

Top Picks for Blackout Curtains

Ready to dive into the best blackout curtains for your travels? Here are our top recommendations:

Traveling doesn’t have to mean sacrificing sleep for you or your little ones. With the right blackout curtains, you can create a dark, restful environment anywhere you go. Whether you choose the Otterspace Blackout Curtains or another portable option, you’ll be setting the stage for better sleep on your adventures. These curtains benefit not only families on the move but also shift workers needing to sleep during the day.

Ready to make your travels more restful? Explore more sleep solutions at Tiny Transitions and ensure your family gets the sleep they deserve!

About The Author: Courtney Zentz, Founder of Tiny Transitions Sleep Consulting, is on a mission to change how the world views sleep and provide accessible sleep coaching resources for all families to build healthy sleep habits in their homes for children and adults of all ages. As an award-winning speaker, author, and Pediatric Sleep Expert, Courtney & her team of sleep consultants work intimately with families worldwide to teach healthy sleep habits to children and adults. She wholeheartedly believes that sleep is the foundation on which a happy home is built. 

Courtney is the resident sleep expert for The Mother of All Baby Showers and Prego Expo events nationwide, a frequent contributor to Forbes, Newsweek, MindBodyGreen, Naturepedic, NBC, Fatherly, Yahoo, Thrive Global, Romper, Parentology, Create & Cultivate, and Bustle, among other media outlets, and provides mentoring and business coaching to other postpartum professionals looking to take their business to the next level.

Courtney resides just outside Philadelphia, PA, with her husband Adam, and two children, Max and Sovella, and has always felt passionate about making sleep & healthy living a priority in her family’s life. Follow along on Instagram 

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