Why You Should Always Put Your Luggage in the Hotel Bathtub

"But before you flop down on the bed or open up your suitcase to grab some fresh clothes, there's one thing you should do first, and that's put your luggage in the hotel room's bathtub or shower. No, it's not because suitcases are covered in germs and you should be mindful about where you put them (although that's another consideration). Rather, it's to keep your luggage away from any fabric surfaces, like bedding or carpets, where bed bugs-the bane of all travelers-may be hiding."

""This way, my belongings are far enough away from any furniture where bed bugs usually reside-and I significantly lower my chances of bringing them home." She also recommends leaving a note for housekeeping on top of the suitcase, asking them to leave the bag in the tub: "I've occasionally had my bags moved and placed on luggage racks-which can also be home to bed bugs-so the note ensures my luggage stays where I left it.""

Sequester luggage in the bathroom bathtub or shower immediately upon entering a hotel room to keep bags off beds, carpets, and luggage racks where bed bugs often hide. Placing bags in the tub or entryway reduces contact with fabric surfaces that harbor pests and lowers the risk of transporting infestations home. Leave a visible note for housekeeping to keep the bag in the tub, since staff sometimes move luggage onto racks. Choose the bathtub because it is frequently cleaned and can be washed down, offering a contained, washable surface away from furniture and carpet.

Read at Travel + Leisure