Exploring a new hotel room is always exciting, but before you settle in, travel experts recommend placing your luggage in the bathtub. While it may seem unusual, this simple habit can help protect you from an unwelcome souvenir: bedbugs.
Many travelers instinctively drop their suitcase on the bed, floor, or luggage rack. However, these areas are prime hiding spots for bedbugs, which thrive in warm, soft places close to where humans sleep. Hotels, regardless of cleanliness or star rating, can unknowingly harbor these pests due to high guest turnover. Bedbugs are skilled hitchhikers and can crawl into luggage overnight, traveling home with you.
The bathtub, by contrast, is one of the safest places in a hotel room. Its smooth, hard surface makes it difficult for bedbugs to climb, and bathrooms are typically cleaned more thoroughly than bedrooms. Entomologists often recommend leaving luggage in the tub while inspecting the room for signs of infestation.
By keeping your suitcase away from beds, carpets, and upholstered furniture, you greatly reduce the risk of contamination. It may feel odd, but letting your luggage rest in the tub can save you weeks of stress and costly pest control after your trip.
