How to Remove Humidity in Hotel Rooms: Simple Hacks for TROPICAL Travelers
If you’ve ever stepped off a plane in a tropical destination or opened that cruise ship balcony door, you know that feeling—a wave of thick, sticky air hits you immediately. It seems you can’t get your clothes dry no matter what you do. We’ve been there more times than we can count, and trust us, figuring out how to stay cool, dry, and comfortable in humid weather can make or break your trip.
This humidity can cause clothes to feel damp, shoes to develop odor, and even encourage mold growth in luggage. That’s why having a humidity-proof travel plan is essential. There are some solutions that we’ve found.
Why Is It So Humid—Even Indoors?
Understanding why tropical destinations feel sticky—even indoors—can help you solve the problem. Warm air holds more moisture, and locations near the ocean experience constant evaporation and condensation cycles. Think back to when you shower at home and step out to find your mirror all fogged up. That’s increased humidity that you’ve put into your room.
Even with the best air conditioning, hotel rooms and cruise ship cabins can’t effectively remove all the water vapor floating around in the rooms.
Pro Tip: To maintain a comfortable and dry cabin environment on a cruise ship, it’s best to keep your balcony door closed, as opening it can lead to increased humidity and disrupt the air conditioning system.
Ways To Lower Humidity In The Room
When it comes to tropical climates, packing the right hot-weather travel outfits can make all the difference.
- Breathable Fabrics: Stick to moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabrics like linen, cotton, and bamboo. For active days, wear performance fabrics designed for sweat-wicking and heat regulation.
- Loose-Fitting Clothing: Flowy dresses, lightweight shirts, and relaxed-fit pants promote airflow and reduce sweat buildup.
- Light Colors Over Dark: White, beige, and pastels reflect heat, while dark colors absorb the sun’s rays and make you hotter.
- Quick-Dry Activewear: If you plan on hiking, sightseeing, or engaging in outdoor activities, wear moisture-wicking shirts, shorts, and leggings.
Pro Tip: Avoid denim and synthetic fabrics like polyester, which trap heat and make you sweat more.
Products To Keep Clothes Dry in Humid Climates
Even if you pack the right clothing, humid air can still leave your outfits feeling damp. We’ve found a few things that we routinely take when traveling to the Caribbean, and even to the U.S. beaches that work well.
Dry Packs & Silica Gel: These work wonders! Place silica gel packets, or moisture-absorbing dry packs inside your suitcase or cabin/room drawers to prevent clothes from feeling damp. These have worked great on our trips to Jamaica and Mexico. We’ve also heard from the travel community that they work amazingly in cruise ship cabins too.
Our favorite has been DampRid. These will easily fit in your suitcase, but they do have a little weight to them, so add them to your husband’s suitcase so you can still keep those 15 pairs of shoes in yours.
Remove from packaging, shake gently to activate fragrance (also fragrance-free option), and hang with enough space for air circulation. Discard in trash when liquid reaches the replacement line.
YES! You Can pack moisture absorbers in your carry-on luggage, but TSA encourages placing them in checked bags for convenience. You can even open one up and place it in your checked bag to let it start working as you head to your tropical destination. It’s non-combustable material.
Another option if you have a room with a microwave is the DryTote reusable moisture absorber. Throw one of these in your beach bag to more quickly dry things out! When the color changes, you throw it in the microwave to remove the moisture and then use it again.
If you have a microwave in the room, you can also try these reusable moisture-absorbing packs. They will even turn colors to let you know when it's time to give them a "cook" to reuse them.
Pack a Portable Dehumidifier: This works better if you’re driving to your beach destinations. However, if you’re staying in a humid hotel room during the summer a small, rechargeable dehumidifier can help remove excess moisture from the air.
If you’re wanting to pack light, then a smaller option might be best. These small dehumidifiers are impressive and still suck quite a bit of moisture from the room.
In a closed small room with a humid environment of 86°F and 80% RH, it can collect a max of 16oz(450ml) of water in 24 hours.
If you have plenty of space in your car for a bigger dehumidifier, this is the one we use at our home as well during the warm, humid summer months. It is very quiet and works with your app to let you know when it’s getting full. You can also set a timer to turn it on/off when you need to or use voice commands with your Alexa or Google smart home devices.
1,500 square foot dehumidifier removes up to 22 pints of moisture per day with an adjustable humidity setting. Programable and has smart home app compatible.
How to Keep Shoes Dry & Odor-Free in Humid Weather
One of the biggest challenges in hot and humid climates is keeping your shoes dry and fresh. Here’s how to avoid soggy, smelly footwear:
- Choose the Right Footwear: Wear quick-dry sandals, mesh sneakers, or water-resistant shoes that allow airflow.
- Use Moisture-Wicking Socks: Opt for merino wool or synthetic-blend socks that dry quickly and prevent blisters.
- Bring Extra Insoles: Swap out damp insoles for a fresh, dry pair.
- Use Anti-Moisture Powders: Sprinkle foot powder or baking soda inside shoes to absorb sweat and reduce odor.
- Stuff Shoes with Newspaper: If your shoes get damp, crumple newspaper inside them overnight to absorb moisture.
Additional Tips for Staying Comfortable in Humidity
In addition to humidity-proof packing tips, these travel hacks will help you stay cool:
- Take Short, Cool Showers: A quick rinse with cool water can lower your body temperature and reduce sweating. Avoid long showers in hotel rooms as it adds even MORE water into the space.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps regulate body temperature and prevent heat exhaustion.
- Carry a Portable Fan: A USB-powered handheld fan provides instant relief in hot, sticky weather.
- Use Cooling Towels: Soak a chilled cooling towel in water and drape it around your neck for instant refreshment.
- Apply Antiperspirant in Key Areas: Besides your underarms, apply antiperspirant to areas prone to sweat, like the back of your knees and inner thighs.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re enjoying a Caribbean cruise, exploring Bali, or vacationing in Miami, humid weather doesn’t have to ruin your trip. By packing the right breathable fabrics, using moisture-control techniques, and wearing the best tropical travel outfits, you can stay fresh, cool, and comfortable in even the most humid climates.
Bookmark this guide for your next hot-weather getaway, and enjoy your travels without the sticky discomfort of humidity!