Travel is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Whether you’re heading out for a relaxing beach vacation, a weekend road trip, a business conference, or a long-awaited family reunion, checking into a hotel is usually the beginning of an exciting adventure. You unlock the door, wheel your suitcase inside, admire the view, and start imagining the days ahead.
For many travelers, the first instinct is to place their luggage on the bed, toss it onto the carpet, or lean it against the nearest wall while unpacking.
But seasoned travelers often do something quite different.
Instead of placing their suitcase on the bed or floor, they carry it straight into the bathroom and set it inside the bathtub.
At first glance, it seems strange. Why would anyone put clean luggage in a bathtub?
The answer has nothing to do with convenience and everything to do with reducing the chances of unwanted hitchhikers finding their way into your belongings.
While the overwhelming majority of hotel stays are completely trouble-free, bed bugs can occasionally be found in hotels of every price range—from budget motels to luxury resorts. They are excellent hitchhikers and travel from place to place by clinging to luggage, clothing, backpacks, and personal belongings.
Fortunately, a few simple habits practiced by experienced travelers can significantly reduce the likelihood of bringing these pests home. One of the easiest and most widely recommended is temporarily storing luggage in the bathtub while you inspect the room.
Why the Bathtub?
Bathrooms—especially bathtubs and shower stalls—are generally considered less attractive environments for bed bugs than bedrooms.
This is because bathtubs typically have:
- Smooth porcelain or fiberglass surfaces.
- Very few hiding places.
- Minimal fabric.
- Little upholstered furniture.
- Fewer cracks and seams.
Bed bugs prefer to hide in narrow spaces close to where people sleep, making mattresses, box springs, upholstered furniture, and bed frames much more appealing than a smooth bathtub.
Placing luggage in the tub while checking the room simply keeps it away from the areas where bed bugs are most likely to be found.
Understanding Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small, flat insects that feed on blood, usually while people are sleeping.
Adult bed bugs are approximately:
- Reddish-brown.
- Oval-shaped.
- About the size of an apple seed.
- Excellent at hiding in tiny cracks.
They do not jump or fly.
Instead, they crawl and hide remarkably well in small crevices.
Most infestations spread because the insects accidentally travel inside:
- Suitcases.
- Backpacks.
- Clothing.
- Shoes.
- Laundry bags.
- Folded fabrics.
Are Bed Bugs Common?
Although news stories sometimes make infestations sound widespread, most hotel stays occur without any issues.
However, bed bugs can occasionally appear in:
- Hotels.
- Motels.
- Vacation rentals.
- Hostels.
- Cruise ships.
- Dormitories.
- Apartment buildings.
Importantly, their presence is not necessarily a sign of poor cleanliness. Because they travel with people and luggage, they can be introduced into almost any property, regardless of how clean or well-maintained it is.
The First Thing Experienced Travelers Do
Many frequent travelers follow a simple routine immediately after entering a hotel room.
Instead of unpacking right away, they:
- Place luggage in the bathtub or shower.
- Leave bags closed.
- Perform a quick room inspection.
- Move luggage only after they’re satisfied the room appears clean.
The entire process usually takes only a few minutes.
How to Inspect a Hotel Room
A careful visual inspection can provide additional peace of mind.
Check the Mattress Seams
Pull back the sheets near the corners.
Look along:
- Mattress piping.
- Seams.
- Labels.
- Corners.
Watch for:
- Live insects.
- Tiny white eggs.
- Shed skins.
- Small dark spots that may indicate bed bug activity.
Inspect the Headboard
If accessible, examine the headboard.
Bed bugs often hide in narrow gaps behind or around it.
Look at the Bed Frame
Pay attention to:
- Screw holes.
- Joints.
- Wooden cracks.
- Upholstered edges.
These areas provide ideal hiding places.
Examine Upholstered Furniture
If the room has:
- Armchairs.
- Sofas.
- Fabric benches.
Check the seams and cushions briefly before placing belongings nearby.
Check the Luggage Rack
Many hotels provide luggage stands.
Before using one, inspect:
- Fabric straps.
- Hinges.
- Corners.
If everything appears clean, the luggage rack is usually a better option than placing luggage directly on the bed or carpet.
Why Not Put Luggage on the Bed?
Beds provide many places where bed bugs may hide.
Suitcases placed on:
- Mattresses.
- Comforters.
- Pillows.
may come into closer contact with areas where the insects are most likely to be present if an infestation exists.
Using the bathtub during your inspection simply minimizes unnecessary exposure.
Why Carpet Isn’t Ideal Either
Although carpets themselves are not preferred hiding spots, luggage resting on the floor may come into contact with insects moving between hiding places.
Elevating luggage or placing it in the bathtub reduces this possibility.
Additional Travel Tips
Experienced travelers often combine the bathtub method with several other simple habits.
Keep Your Suitcase Closed
Avoid leaving luggage open unless you’re actively removing or replacing items.
Closed luggage offers fewer opportunities for insects to enter.
Use Packing Cubes
Packing cubes help organize clothing and reduce the amount of loose fabric exposed during your stay.
Hang Clothing
Whenever possible:
- Use closet hangers.
- Avoid leaving clothing on upholstered furniture.
Separate Dirty Laundry
Store worn clothing inside:
- Laundry bags.
- Plastic bags.
- Zippered travel organizers.
This keeps clothing contained until washing.
Before Returning Home
When your trip ends, a few extra precautions can provide additional reassurance.
Many experienced travelers:
- Inspect luggage before loading it into the car.
- Unpack in an area that’s easy to clean, if practical.
- Wash travel clothing according to care instructions.
- Vacuum luggage if desired before storing it.
These simple habits can help reduce the chance of accidentally bringing unwanted pests home.
Common Myths About Bed Bugs
Myth: Only dirty hotels have bed bugs.
Reality: Bed bugs are attracted to people, not dirt. Even clean, well-maintained hotels can occasionally experience infestations because guests unknowingly transport them in luggage.
Myth: Bed bugs can fly.
Reality: Bed bugs cannot fly or jump. They move by crawling.
Myth: Expensive hotels never have bed bugs.
Reality: Bed bugs have been reported in accommodations at every price point, from budget motels to luxury hotels.
Myth: You can always see bed bugs immediately.
Reality: Bed bugs are excellent at hiding in narrow cracks and crevices, especially during daylight hours.
Why Bathrooms Are Less Attractive to Bed Bugs
Bathrooms generally provide fewer features that bed bugs prefer.
Compared to bedrooms, bathrooms usually have:
- Hard tile floors.
- Smooth tubs.
- Fewer textiles.
- Less clutter.
- Fewer hiding places.
This makes the bathtub a practical temporary storage location while you inspect the sleeping area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do travelers put luggage in the bathtub?
The bathtub’s smooth, hard surface offers very few hiding places for bed bugs, making it a useful temporary location for luggage while checking the room.
Does placing luggage in the bathtub guarantee protection?
No. The bathtub method is simply one precaution among several. It can reduce unnecessary exposure while you inspect the room, but no single step can eliminate all risk.
Should I avoid all hotels because of bed bugs?
No. Most hotel stays are completely uneventful. Bed bug reports receive attention because they are unusual and unpleasant, not because they are the norm.
Is it safe to use the hotel luggage rack?
Yes, after giving it a quick visual inspection. A luggage rack is generally preferable to placing your suitcase directly on the bed or upholstered furniture.
Can bed bugs survive inside a suitcase?
They can hide in luggage if they gain access to it. Keeping luggage closed when not in use and inspecting it before leaving are simple ways to reduce the risk of bringing them home.
What should I do if I suspect bed bugs in my room?
If you notice signs such as live insects, shed skins, or dark spotting around the bed, notify hotel management promptly and request a different room that is not adjacent to or directly above or below the affected room, as bed bugs can sometimes spread between neighboring rooms.
