When checking into a hotel, the first thing most travelers do is set down their luggage—often on the bed, floor, or luggage rack—before settling in. However, travel and hygiene experts strongly advise against this common habit. Instead, the best place to store your suitcase upon entering a hotel room is the bathtub. While this might seem like an unusual suggestion, there’s a good reason for it: avoiding bedbugs.

No matter how luxurious or well-maintained a hotel may be, bedbugs can still be lurking. These tiny pests thrive in soft, warm environments like mattresses, carpets, and upholstered furniture, making hotel rooms the perfect breeding ground. Once bedbugs latch onto a suitcase, they can be unknowingly transported home, leading to an infestation that is difficult and expensive to eliminate. The safest way to prevent this from happening is by keeping your luggage in the bathtub, a spot where bedbugs are unlikely to survive.

According to pest control experts, bedbugs are excellent hitchhikers, moving quickly across surfaces and easily climbing onto clothing, suitcases, or other personal items. Orkin, a leading pest control company, states that hotels are ideal environments for bedbugs due to the high turnover of guests, making it nearly impossible to eliminate them entirely. These pests are experts at hiding, lurking in tiny crevices close to their food source—humans. They tend to stay within proximity of where people sleep, which is why they are commonly found in mattresses, box springs, and even bed skirts.

However, there’s one place they struggle to inhabit: the bathtub. The smooth, slick surface of a tub makes it nearly impossible for bedbugs to climb. Additionally, hotel bathrooms are typically cleaned more frequently and thoroughly than bedroom areas, making the bathtub a safer alternative for storing luggage. Entomologist Katelyn Kesheimer, PhD, told Reader’s Digest that she always places her suitcase in the bathroom while she inspects the room for signs of bedbugs. Only after a thorough check does she bring her luggage out—but never onto the bed.

To further minimize the risk of bedbugs, experts recommend following the S.L.E.E.P. method:

• Survey the room for any signs of bedbugs. Look for small dark stains or spots on bedding, mattress seams, and furniture. Also, familiarize yourself with what bedbugs look like in all stages of their life cycle, from eggs to adults.
• Lift and look inside common hiding spots, such as the seams of mattresses, box springs, bed skirts, and headboards. Also, check behind baseboards, loose wallpaper, and wall art.
• Elevate your suitcase and personal items away from the bed and walls. The bathtub is the safest place.
• Examine your luggage carefully when repacking and once you return home.
• Place all dryer-safe clothing in the dryer at the highest heat setting for at least 20 minutes after returning home to kill any potential bedbugs.

Aside from keeping your luggage in the bathtub, there are additional steps you can take to prevent an infestation. Packing clothes and shoes in resealable plastic bags creates an extra layer of protection, reducing the chances of bedbugs latching onto your belongings. Experts also advise against unpacking into hotel drawers or closets, as these areas can harbor hidden pests. Instead, keep everything inside your suitcase and zip it shut whenever it’s not in use.

Bedbugs are not limited to fabric and soft surfaces; they have been found in books, cloth toiletry bags, and other non-metal personal items. Ensuring that all belongings are stored properly throughout your stay can help reduce the risk of an infestation. The last thing any traveler wants is to unknowingly bring these pests home.

One of the most concerning facts about bedbugs is their resilience. Unlike many pests, they do not require frequent feeding. According to Kesheimer, bedbugs can survive for months, sometimes even over a year, without a food source. This means that if they manage to sneak into your luggage, they could remain dormant for long periods before making an unwelcome appearance in your home.

Though placing your suitcase in the bathtub may seem unconventional, it is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the risk of bringing bedbugs home. A small precaution like this can save you from the costly and stressful process of dealing with an infestation. When checking into a hotel, resist the urge to set your luggage down in typical spots like the bed or carpet. Instead, opt for the safest space—the bathtub.

While it may feel odd at first, this practice drastically lowers the chances of bedbugs invading your belongings. Travel should be about making great memories, not worrying about bringing home unwanted guests. Next time you check into a hotel, keep this tip in mind, and encourage fellow travelers to do the same. Do you have any other travel tips to avoid bedbugs? Share your thoughts and spread the word to help others stay bedbug-free!