Why Some Travelers Secretly Keep Their Luggage in the Bathtub

by admin

If you’ve ever walked into a hotel room and noticed your travel-savvy friend placing their suitcase in the bathtub, you may have laughed or asked, “What on earth are you doing?”

It may sound strange, but there’s actually a smart and slightly secret reason behind this growing travel habit — and once you learn it, you might start doing it too.

So, what’s the deal with keeping luggage in the bathtub?

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It’s All About One Word: Bedbugs

Yep. The number one reason some travelers place their suitcases in the bathtub is to protect them from bedbugs.

These tiny, hard-to-see pests love to hide in soft, dark, warm places — like mattresses, box springs, carpets, and yes, even inside your luggage. Once they crawl into your bag, they can hitch a ride home with you and turn into a very expensive problem.

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Why the Bathtub?

Here’s the logic:

• Bathtubs are smooth, cold, and hard, making it nearly impossible for bedbugs to climb.

• Bathrooms are usually the last place bedbugs infest, especially compared to sleeping areas.

• Placing your bag in the tub keeps it off the carpet, bedding, and furniture — the most likely hiding spots for bugs.

In other words, the bathtub acts as a temporary bug-proof zone while you check the room.

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What the Pros Do (And What You Should, Too)

Frequent flyers and pest control experts recommend a few steps when you check into any hotel:

✅ Step 1: Put your luggage in the bathtub or on a luggage rack

Don’t put it on the bed, carpet, or upholstered chairs right away.

✅ Step 2: Inspect the bed

Pull back the sheets and mattress cover. Look along the seams and crevices for:

• Rust-colored stains (from crushed bugs)

• Tiny black spots (droppings)

• Actual bugs (flat, reddish-brown, apple seed-sized)

✅ Step 3: Check surrounding areas

Bedbugs hide in nightstands, behind headboards, and along baseboards. Use your phone flashlight if needed.

✅ Step 4: If the room looks clean, move your luggage out of the tub

But if you see signs of bugs? Ask for another room — far from the original one — or consider another hotel.

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Bonus Tip: Use Hard-Shell Luggage

Soft-sided bags are easier for bedbugs to crawl into and hide in. If you’re a frequent traveler, consider switching to hard-shell luggage for added protection.

Also, consider packing your clothes in seal-tight plastic bags or using luggage liners, which make it harder for bugs to get inside your items.

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What to Do When You Get Home

Even if you didn’t see any bugs during your stay, it’s smart to:

• Unpack directly into the laundry machine

• Wash and dry clothes on high heat, which kills bugs and eggs

• Wipe down or vacuum your suitcase before storing it

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Final Thoughts

So, while placing your suitcase in the hotel bathtub might look a little odd, it’s a clever old-school trick that could save you a ton of trouble (and money). It’s a small step that adds a big layer of protection, especially if you’re staying in budget accommodations, older buildings, or high-traffic hotels.

Next time you travel, don’t be surprised if you find yourself dragging your luggage straight into the bathroom — Grandma would approve, and so would your exterminator!