Why Keeping Your Luggage in the Hotel Bathtub is a Smart Travel Tip

Have you ever checked into a hotel, dropped your bags by the bed, and then had that nagging feeling? It happened to me once. I was settling into a nice, cozy room when I started reading reviews about the place. That’s when I saw the word “bedbugs.” My stomach dropped instantly. I couldn’t shake the fear that these tiny, unwanted pests would crawl into my suitcase and travel home with me. That’s when I discovered a simple yet brilliant travel hack: putting my luggage in the hotel room’s bathtub. It might seem strange, but it’s a very easy way to avoid a major headache.

Let’s explore why this simple trick is a smart move for any traveler looking to protect their belongings from pests and general uncleanliness.

Preventing Unwanted Pests: The Bedbug Nightmare

Bedbugs are a traveler’s worst nightmare. They’re incredibly stressful and frustrating to deal with. These tiny creatures can hide in all sorts of places in a hotel room, like mattresses, headboards, and even curtains. They’re experts at hitching a ride on your personal items, especially anything made of fabric, like suitcases, backpacks, and clothing.

This is where the bathtub becomes your best defense. Bedbugs prefer warm, cozy spots where they can easily get to people. They tend to stick to the bed and nearby furniture. A smooth, cold, and slippery surface like a bathtub is not their favorite spot. By placing your luggage there, you create a safe zone for your bags while you check the room for any signs of bedbugs. This gives you a great opportunity to inspect the room without worrying about your belongings being invaded.

A Cleaner, Safer Space for Your Things

Even if you’re not worried about bedbugs, there’s a lot of comfort in knowing your luggage is in a clean and safe place. Let’s be honest, hotel rooms don’t always get the deep cleaning they need. The floors and carpets might look okay, but think about all the shoes, bags, and spills they’ve seen. The last thing you want is for your suitcase to pick up that dirt, especially if you plan to put it on the bed later.

The bathroom, and especially the tub, is usually one of the cleanest spots in the room. Housekeeping staff almost always scrub and sanitize it between guests. This makes it a much better option than a carpet that could be holding dirt, bacteria, or old food crumbs. By using the tub, you’re adding an extra layer of protection for your belongings from any hidden messes.

Extra Security for Your Luggage

Beyond pests and dirt, using the bathtub can also offer a bit of extra security for your luggage. Sometimes, hotel rooms can have unexpected visitors, from cleaning staff to maintenance workers. Even when no one else is around, accidents happen.

“The bathtub serves as a little fortress for your luggage, keeping it safe from spills, leaks, and accidents that can occur in the main room.”

This is especially helpful if you’re traveling with family or friends who might be a little clumsy. We all know at least one person like that! This simple trick can save you from finding your clothes soaked with who-knows-what.

Part of Your Check-In Routine

I’ve made the bathtub trick a key part of my hotel check-in routine. The moment I walk into a room, I put my luggage in the tub. Then, I give the entire place a good once-over. I start by pulling back the bed sheets and checking the mattress for any signs of bedbugs. This might seem extreme, but it’s something you’ll be grateful for if you spot something suspicious early on.

Make sure to check these areas:

• The mattress seams
• The headboard and nearby furniture
• Behind picture frames and curtains

A Simple Hack That Works

“I get it—the idea of sticking your suitcase in the bathroom may feel weird at first.”

But once you try it, you’ll see how quickly it becomes a habit. For me, it brings a sense of peace of mind every time I travel. Knowing my luggage is protected from bedbugs, dirt, and random accidents is totally worth the small amount of effort.

Next time you check into a hotel, give this hack a try. You’ll have a cleaner, safer space for your belongings and, most importantly, you’ll avoid the stress of accidentally bringing bedbugs home.