I know what it’s like since I’ve been there before. I checked into a nice little hotel room, set my luggage down next to the bed, and got ready to enjoy my stay. After that, I started reading evaluations of the hotel and came across the word “bedbugs,” which scared me a lot.
I felt sick at the notion of those little bugs creeping inside my suitcase and going home with me. That’s when I found out about the helpful travel tip of putting your bags in the bathtub of your hotel room. At first, it seemed strange, but I promise you that it is a simple way to avoid big problems.
Putting your baggage in the bathtub is a smart way to keep unwanted people out of your hotel room or avoid having to deal with messy rooms.
Bedbugs: The Most Terrible Thing That Could Happen
You know how bothersome and stressful bedbugs can be if you’ve ever had them. Bedbugs can sometimes hide in places you wouldn’t think, such beds, headboards, and even behind the curtains in hotels, especially inexpensive or old ones. These sneaky bugs like to hitch rides on your stuff, especially clothes, bags, and backpacks.
This is where the bathtub comes in. Bedbugs like to hang around in warm places where they can quickly get to people. This is why they desire to stay close to the bed or other furniture in the room. Do they like the bathtub because of its smooth, cold surface? They don’t like being in the bathtub. When you first get to your hotel, place your bags in the bathtub. This will let you look around the room for evidence of bedbugs without worrying about someone stealing your things.
A clean and safe place for your stuff.
It’s reassuring to know that your luggage is in a cleaner, safer area, even if you don’t care about bedbugs. Let’s be honest: hotel rooms don’t always get the attention they need. What about the floors and carpets? They might look clean, but think about how many shoes, bags, and spills they’ve had to deal with.
You don’t want your luggage to get soiled, especially if you plan to place it on the bed later.
The bathroom, especially the tub, is usually one of the cleanest places in the house. Housekeeping normally cleans the rooms between guests, so it’s better to store your bags on a floor that might be getting dirty, bacteria, or even old food crumbs. Putting your bags in the tub gives you extra protection from any messes that could be hiding.
A Little More Safety
Putting your baggage in the bathtub is a good idea for two reasons: it’s safe and it keeps bedbugs away. People who work in housekeeping or maintenance may unexpectedly walk into hotel rooms. Accidents still happen, even if there isn’t one.
The bathtub is like a little fortress for your bags, keeping them safe from spills, leaks, and other things that can go wrong in the main room. If you’re staying with family or friends who are a little clumsy (we all know at least one person like that), this method can help you avoid looking for clothes that have been washed with who-knows-what.
Take a peek around the room for a second.
I always employ the bathtub approach when I check into a hotel. When I get to the room, I put my luggage in the tub and then look about. I first pull the blankets off the bed and examine for any signs of bedbugs on the mattress. It can seem like too much work, but you’ll be pleased you did it if you detect something weird early on.
Check out sites like
The seams in the mattress
The headboard and the furnishings that goes with it
Behind curtains and frames for pictures
It’s a simple trick that works.
I get that it could seem unusual at first to store your suitcase in the bathroom. But after doing it a few times, it has become a habit that makes me feel better every time I fly. I feel better knowing that my baggage are safe from bedbugs, grime, and other dangers. The extra work is worth it.
The next time you look at a hotel, give this tactic a try and see how it feels. You won’t have to worry about bringing bedbugs home, and your possessions will be in a cleaner, safer area.