I've just come back from a trip interstate where DD "had" to share a room with DH and I. After the first night with no one getting any sleep I moved the portacot into the lounge room and she slept a lot better. I simply put her on her side facing the wall and something over the other side to help make it a little darker. I didn't turn off the TV if it was on or the lights but did turn any noise down. She slept wonderfully (although she did have an extra wake up each night but that had more to do with the thin mattress in the cot). I agree with getting her used to sleeping in a noiser environment than normal about a month prior. Just be prepared to be flexible when you're away. I found the biggest hrudle was the new environment and DD getting used to that.... and the fact that her grandparents wanted to hold her all the time! Have a great trip!