It’s happened to me before, so I’ve been there—I checked into a cozy little hotel room, set my luggage down near the bed, and got ready to enjoy my stay. Then, I started reading reviews about that very hotel and came across the dreaded word: bedbugs. My stomach dropped, and I couldn’t shake the idea of those tiny pests crawling into my suitcase and coming home with me. That’s when I learned about the handy travel hack of putting luggage in the hotel room’s bathtub. It seemed strange at first, but trust me, it’s a simple trick that can save you from a big headache.
Let me break down why putting your luggage in the bathtub is a smart move, especially if you want to avoid bringing home unwanted guests—or dealing with hotel room cleanliness issues.

Bedbugs: The Ultimate Nightmare
If you’ve ever dealt with bedbugs, you know how frustrating and stressful they can be. Hotels, especially the budget-friendly or well-worn ones, can sometimes have bedbugs hiding out in places you wouldn’t expect—like mattresses, headboards, and even behind the curtains. These sneaky pests love to hitch a ride on your belongings, especially anything cloth or fabric like suitcases, backpacks, and clothes.
Now, here’s where the bathtub comes in. Bedbugs usually hang out in cozy areas where they can easily access people, so they tend to stick around the bed or furniture in the room. A smooth, cold surface like the bathtub? Not exactly their favorite spot. Putting your luggage in the bathtub when you first enter your room gives you a chance to thoroughly inspect the room for any signs of bedbugs without worrying about your stuff being invaded.
source: Reddit
It’s a Simple Hack That Works
I get it—the idea of sticking your suitcase in the bathroom may feel weird at first. But after doing it a few times, it’s become a habit that gives me peace of mind every time I travel. Knowing that my luggage is protected from bedbugs, dirt, and random accidents? Totally worth the extra effort.
Next time you check into a hotel, try this hack and see how it feels. You’ll have a cleaner, safer space for your belongings, and if nothing else, you’ll avoid the stress of bringing bedbugs back home. Trust me, it’s one of those travel tips that, once you try it, you won’t want to skip.

We all want our vacations to be fun and stress-free, and the last thing we need is to worry about bedbugs or dirty hotel room floors. By simply placing your luggage in the bathtub when you check in, you’re giving yourself a little extra protection. It’s an easy, quick step that can save you a lot of hassle down the road.
Protecting your luggage is just the beginning. There’s another simple but smart hotel hack you’ll wish you’d known sooner.