In 2023, hotels worldwide grappled with a severe bed bug epidemic, with Paris being particularly hard-hit. While the crisis has eased, it left us with some valuable lessons. One crucial takeaway: when you check into a hotel room, never place your luggage on the bed. Instead, the safest spot for your luggage is surprisingly the bathtub.
Putting your suitcase in the bathtub might seem odd, but it keeps your belongings away from fabric surfaces like carpets, bedding, and curtains, where bed bugs are known to lurk. These tiny pests can easily hop into your suitcase, traveling home with you.
“Travel can already be stressful enough with delayed flights and lost luggage, so I make sure to avoid adding bed bugs to the mix,” says Lydia Mansel, travel writer and founder of Just Packed. “When I check into a hotel, I immediately place my luggage in the bathroom or entryway, far from the bed and carpet. This reduces the risk of bed bugs hitching a ride home with me.” Mansel also advises leaving a note for housekeeping to keep your bag in the bathroom, preventing it from being moved to potentially infested luggage racks.
There are additional steps to safeguard your luggage from bed bugs. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene recommends using a hard-sided suitcase, as bed bugs find it harder to attach to rigid surfaces. They also suggest packing clothes in resealable plastic bags and bringing a small flashlight to inspect your room upon arrival.
Once in your room, take time to examine the space for signs of bed bugs. Pull up the sheets at the corners and sides to check mattress seams and tufts for any bugs or their markings. Inspect pillows and upholstered furniture, and if possible, look behind headboards and inside nightstand drawers.
If your stay is short, consider keeping your clothes in your luggage rather than unpacking. The bathroom remains a recommended storage spot for your suitcase. “Place your luggage on a hard, elevated surface—away from the floor and upholstered furniture,” the department advises. “If no suitable surface is available, use the dry bathtub or leave your luggage in the car until you’ve inspected the room.”
By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of a bed bug infestation in your luggage, ensuring a more pleasant and worry-free travel experience.
