But there's a simple travel habit that could be worth adopting:

Leave your luggage somewhere away from the bed while you inspect the room.

One commonly suggested spot is the bathtub.

It may sound strange, but there's a practical reason behind the idea—especially when you're trying to reduce the chance of bringing bed bugs home.

Why the Bathtub?

Bed bugs are small insects that can hide in surprisingly narrow spaces. They may be found around mattress seams, bed frames, headboards, upholstered furniture, and other areas close to where people sleep.

Your suitcase can potentially provide another place for them to hide or hitch a ride.

A bathtub offers a temporary hard, smooth surface away from the bed and upholstered furniture.

The goal isn't to make your suitcase completely safe from bed bugs.

Instead, it's simply to give you time to inspect the room before you start unpacking.

Don't Put Your Suitcase on the Bed Immediately

The bed might seem like the most convenient place to put your luggage, but it's better to avoid doing that before you've checked the sleeping area.

A suitcase placed directly on or next to the bed can potentially come into contact with insects or other pests hiding nearby.

Instead, keep your luggage closed and temporarily place it somewhere separate while you look around.

What Should You Look For?

You don't need to spend an hour searching every corner of the room.

Start with the areas closest to the bed.

Look carefully at:

• Mattress seams
• Mattress corners
• Bed frame
• Headboard
• Areas around the bed
• Nearby upholstered furniture
• Cracks and crevices

You're looking for possible signs such as:

• Live insects
• Small dark spots
• Shed skins
• Tiny eggs or eggshells
• Unexplained blood spots on bedding

Keep in mind that not every dark mark or stain means bed bugs are present. Some signs can have completely ordinary explanations.

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

Adult bed bugs are generally small, flat, and oval-shaped.

Their appearance can also change after feeding, so identifying them isn't always as straightforward as people expect.

That's why it's better to look for multiple signs rather than relying on a single suspicious mark.

What If You Find Something Suspicious?

The most important thing is:

Don't start unpacking.

Keep your luggage closed and contact the hotel's front desk or management.

Explain what you've found and ask about changing rooms.

If a room is suspected of having bed bugs, simply moving to a room immediately next door may not be ideal. Ask hotel staff about the appropriate alternative.

If possible, take photographs of anything suspicious. This can help document what you observed.

Is a Hotel Luggage Rack Safe?

A luggage rack can be a convenient alternative to the bathtub, especially after you've inspected it.

Before placing your suitcase on one, quickly check:

• The straps
• Joints
• Folds
• Underside
• Areas where the rack connects

If everything looks normal, keeping your suitcase closed and elevated can be a sensible approach.

The Bathtub Doesn't Kill Bed Bugs

This is an important distinction.

Putting your luggage in the bathtub doesn't guarantee that bed bugs can't reach it, and it certainly doesn't kill them.

The bathtub is simply a temporary holding location while you're checking the room.

Think of it as a precaution—not a pest-control method.

What About Your Clothes?

Try to avoid spreading clothing throughout the room.

Keep clean clothes inside your suitcase when possible, and keep dirty laundry contained separately.

A washable laundry bag or sealed bag can be useful for keeping worn clothing organized during your trip.

A Simple Hotel Arrival Routine

You can make the process very easy.

Step 1: Enter the Room

Keep your suitcase closed.

Step 2: Put Your Luggage Aside

Place it temporarily in the bathtub or another suitable hard surface away from the bed.

Step 3: Inspect the Sleeping Area

Check the mattress seams, bed frame, headboard, and nearby furniture.

Step 4: Look for Warning Signs

Watch for insects, shed skins, eggs, or suspicious spotting.

Step 5: Unpack Carefully

If everything looks normal, move your luggage to an appropriate location and unpack.

The entire inspection can take only a few minutes.

What Should You Do When You Return Home?

Your precautions shouldn't necessarily end when the vacation does.

When you get home, avoid immediately putting your suitcase on your bed.

Instead, consider unpacking in an area where you can easily inspect the luggage.

Pay particular attention to:

• Zippers
• Seams
• Pockets
• Wheels
• Folds
• Exterior compartments

Wash clothing according to its care instructions.

For items that can safely tolerate high heat, using a clothes dryer can be an effective part of a bed-bug prevention routine because heat can kill bed bugs.

Common Mistakes Travelers Make

1. Putting Luggage on the Bed

It's convenient, but it's better to inspect the room first.

2. Leaving Clothes on the Floor

Keep clothing contained or elevated whenever practical.

3. Leaving the Suitcase Open

Keeping your luggage closed when you're not using it limits unnecessary exposure.

4. Assuming a Clean Room Can't Have Bed Bugs

Bed bugs aren't necessarily a sign of poor cleanliness. Even well-maintained accommodations can experience infestations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does putting luggage in the bathtub prevent bed bugs?

No. It simply keeps your suitcase temporarily away from the bed while you inspect the room.

Is the bathtub better than the floor?

For a short inspection period, a bathtub provides a smooth, hard surface away from the sleeping area. The key principle is to avoid immediately placing luggage on beds or upholstered furniture.

Do I have to use the bathtub?

Not at all. An inspected luggage rack or another suitable hard surface can also work.

What should I do if I find a bed bug?

Don't unpack. Contact hotel management immediately, document what you found if possible, and ask about changing rooms.

Can bed bugs come home in luggage?

Yes. Bed bugs can hitchhike in luggage, clothing, and other belongings. That's why a few simple precautions during and after travel can be worthwhile.

A Small Habit That Could Save You a Big Headache

Putting your suitcase in the bathtub may seem unusual, but the idea is actually quite simple.

You're not using the bathtub as a magical bed-bug barrier. You're simply keeping your luggage away from the bed while you inspect the room.

So the next time you check into a hotel, resist the temptation to throw your suitcase onto the bed immediately.

Leave it closed and out of the way, take a few minutes to inspect the sleeping area, and then unpack once you're comfortable with the room.

It's a small precaution that costs nothing—and it could help prevent an unwanted souvenir from your trip.