Checking into a hotel often starts with excitement — you set down your suitcase, look around, and prepare to relax. Yet travel and pest-control experts warn that your first move may also be risky. Surprisingly, the safest temporary place for luggage isn’t the floor or the luggage rack — it’s the bathtub.
The reason involves one persistent travel threat: bedbugs. Even in clean, reputable hotels, these tiny pests can hide in mattresses, bed frames, upholstered furniture, and carpets. A suitcase left on a bed or floor can quickly become a bedbug carrier. Bathrooms, however, are among the least attractive places for bedbugs. Smooth, slick surfaces like porcelain are difficult for them to climb, making the tub a secure spot while you inspect the room.
Entomologist Katelyn Kesheimer recommends placing luggage in the bathroom first. She notes that bathrooms have fewer hiding spots and are usually cleaned more thoroughly than bedrooms. Experts also advise checking for bedbug signs, keeping clothes sealed in plastic bags, and storing smaller items in hard containers. Though unusual, using the bathtub for luggage is a simple precaution that can prevent infestations and protect your peace of mind during travel.
