The Unexpected Hotel Hack That Changed How I Travel

I’ll never forget that evening—exhausted from hours on the road, I finally arrived at what looked like a charming little hotel. After dropping my bags by the nightstand and starting to unpack, I made the mistake of scrolling through guest reviews. Then I saw it: multiple mentions of bedbugs. My stomach dropped. Suddenly, all I could think about was these microscopic hitchhikers burrowing into my luggage and making the journey back to my apartment. In that moment of mild terror, I stumbled upon an absurdly practical solution: stash your suitcase in the bathroom tub.
I know—it sounds ridiculous at first. Maybe even paranoid. But hear me out, because the logic is actually brilliant. Bedbugs typically nest in soft surfaces like mattresses, box springs, and fabric headboards, and they’re instinctively attracted to anything textile-based. Your open suitcase full of clothes? That’s practically a five-star resort for them. Here’s the thing, though: these critters despise slick, non-porous surfaces. A porcelain or acrylic bathtub is essentially their worst nightmare. By immediately setting your luggage in the tub when you walk in, you’ve essentially created a protective barrier while you conduct your room inspection.
But this trick isn’t just about avoiding unwanted travel companions. Think about it—hotel carpeting and floors might appear spotless, but they’ve seen countless shoes, spilled snacks, and who knows what else. Bathrooms, however, typically receive the most rigorous cleaning of any area in the room. The tub itself is likely the most sanitized spot you’ll find. Plus, keeping your bags elevated in the tub shields them from toppled water bottles, exploding shampoo bottles, or toddlers who love knocking things over.
These days, I follow the same ritual every single time: bags go straight into the tub the second I enter. Then I do a thorough sweep—lifting the mattress edges, examining the headboard crevices, peeking behind curtains, and scanning upholstered furniture for suspicious marks or specks. Only after I’m satisfied do I either leave everything in the tub or move my luggage to a proper rack if the room has one. This one small adjustment has completely transformed my travel experience—I actually relax now instead of lying awake imagining invisible invaders in my belongings.