Travel experts often suggest placing your suitcase in the hotel bathtub—a tip that sounds unusual at first but serves a practical purpose. Bedbugs tend to hide in warm, soft areas like mattresses, carpets, and upholstered furniture, which means luggage left on those surfaces can easily become a target. Because these insects are small and skilled at hiding, even a short stay in an infested room can lead to a problem that follows you home and becomes expensive to resolve.

A bathtub offers a safer temporary storage spot because of its smooth, nonporous surface, which bedbugs have difficulty climbing. Bathrooms also tend to be cleaned more thoroughly and frequently than other parts of a hotel room, reducing the likelihood of pests being present. Before unpacking, specialists recommend giving the room a quick check—especially the mattress seams, headboard, and nearby furniture—for signs such as rust-colored marks, tiny shells, or the insects themselves.

If placing luggage in the bathtub feels inconvenient, using a metal luggage rack is the next best option. Metal is more difficult for bedbugs to climb compared to wood or fabric, though it should still be inspected before use. Many frequent travelers also keep clothes in sealed bags, which adds an extra layer of protection and prevents insects from settling into pockets or fabric folds.

These small precautions matter because bedbugs are hardy creatures capable of surviving for long stretches without feeding. Taking a few moments to protect your belongings can significantly reduce the risk of bringing unwanted pests home. With simple steps and a bit of awareness, travelers can enjoy peace of mind and a more comfortable stay, no matter where their journey takes them.