The Curious Case of the Bathtub Suitcase
On my first day as a hotel housekeeper, I thought I’d seen it all—beds perfectly made, towels folded just right, every surface sparkling. But then something odd caught my eye: guests of all kinds—families, business travelers,
solo adventurers—were consistently placing their suitcases in the bathtub. At first, I assumed it was a coincidence. But as I saw it happen again and again, curiosity—and a little unease—crept over me. Why the bathtub?
During a morning staff briefing, I mentioned it. A few coworkers exchanged knowing smiles. Maria, a veteran housekeeper, leaned in and explained: “People put their luggage in the tub to protect it from tiny, unwanted visitors.” Pests, she said, cannot climb smooth porcelain surfaces. What looked like an odd habit was actually a practical precaution, born from experience.
Later that week, I encountered an elderly couple whose suitcase sat neatly in the tub. When I asked why, the husband smiled warmly. “We learned this trick the hard way,” he said. “Years ago, we brought home a few uninvited guests in our bags. Now, it’s just a habit—not fear, just caution.”
That moment shifted my perspective. Those suitcases weren’t odd—they were stories. Each one belonged to a traveler who had learned, adapted, and chosen foresight over carelessness. Travel, I realized, isn’t just about destinations—it’s about the lessons we carry along the way.
Now, whenever I check into a hotel, my first glance is always at the bathtub, imagining a safe little spot for my own luggage.
Conclusion
Sometimes, the smallest habits reveal the most. What looks like an odd quirk can be a quiet act of wisdom, learned from past mistakes. Travelers’ tiny precautions—like stashing luggage in a bathtub—remind us that a little foresight can turn everyday routines into clever strategies for peace of mind.