After a long journey, checking into your hotel room might be the moment you’ve been looking forward to the most. However, before you flop onto the bed or unroll your suitcase onto the stylishly arranged sofa, there’s an essential step you shouldn’t skip—placing your luggage in the bathroom. This simple act might save you a lot of hassle later on.
Many travelers understandably feel weary after arriving at their destination and tend to place their luggage in seemingly convenient spots like the bed or wardrobe without a second thought. But according to experts, this can be a mistake, especially if you’re keen to avoid unwanted visitors like bedbugs.
Renowned platforms in travel advice, such as Mental Floss and Apartment Therapy, suggest a surprising yet effective preventive measure—placing your luggage in the bathroom or specifically in the bathtub. Now, you might wonder, why the bathroom? Well, bedbugs rarely frequent the porcelain and tiled areas typical of bathrooms, unlike the soft, fabric-laden beds and chairs where they love to hide.
Bedbugs are notorious for nesting in cozy and warm textile zones like mattresses, sofa seams, and even those plushy carpet corners. So, by putting your suitcase in the bathroom upon arrival, you create an initial barrier against these stubborn pests transferring onto your belongings.
It’s also wise to give the rest of the room a quick once-over for any tell-tale signs of unwanted critters. Look closely at the mattress seams, right where the bed frame meets the bed head, and even the corners of wardrobes and dresser drawers. If you spot any uninviting evidence, ranging from small blood spots to droppings or eggs, don’t shrug it off—alerting the hotel staff should be your next move. Immediate action will ensure you’re moved to a bug-free space.
As an extra precaution, some travelers also choose to encase their luggage in plastic bags, which not only blocks any wayward travelers (the life forms, not fellow guests) but also shields your belongings from dust.
By adopting this straightforward practice, you not only protect your belongings but also ensure that the rest of your trip remains as bug-free and comfortable as possible.
