Why Putting Your Suitcase in the Hotel Bathtub Could Be the Best Travel Hack You’ve Never Heard Of
Think you’ve got hotel luggage safety all figured out? Lock it up, keep it nearby, maybe hide it in the closet. But here’s a travel tip that might surprise you: many seasoned travelers swear by placing their suitcase right inside the hotel bathtub — and for good reason.
The Bedbug Nightmare Nobody Warned You About
I learned this the hard way. After settling into a quaint hotel room, I casually browsed reviews—and that’s when the red flag went up: bedbugs. Just the thought of these tiny, elusive pests hitching a ride on my luggage was enough to make me lose sleep.
Turns out, bedbugs love soft surfaces—beds, couches, carpets—and they’re experts at sneaking into your bags unnoticed. But here’s the kicker: they don’t venture onto slick, cold surfaces like a bathtub. Placing your suitcase there creates a natural barrier against these unwanted travelers.
A Cleaner, Safer Landing Spot for Your Bags
Even if bedbugs aren’t on your radar, hotel floors can be surprisingly grimy. With the constant shuffle of shoes, spills, and other travelers, the carpet and floor aren’t exactly pristine. The bathtub? It usually gets a thorough cleaning between guests, making it a much cleaner place to park your belongings.
Shielding Your Stuff from Unexpected Mishaps
Hotels can be chaotic places — drinks spilled, leaky AC units, or housekeeping bumping into your bags. By setting your suitcase in the bathtub, you give it a mini fortress against accidents and messes. It’s a small step that can save you from big headaches.
Making It Your New Check-In Ritual
Now, whenever I enter a hotel room, my first move is to drop my bags in the tub. Then I do a quick sweep for bedbug signs — peek under the sheets, check mattress seams, glance behind the headboard. A few minutes upfront can save you from an infestation nightmare later.
It Feels Weird — But It Works
Sure, it might seem odd at first to stash your luggage in a bathtub, but once you get used to it, it feels smart. Knowing your stuff is protected from pests, dirt, and mishaps adds a layer of comfort that’s priceless.
Final Thought: Don’t Overlook the Bathtub Hack
Putting your luggage in the bathtub isn’t just a quirky habit — it’s a clever, cost-free way to guard your belongings. From warding off bedbugs to keeping your bags cleaner and safer, this simple move can save you stress and money down the road. Sometimes, the best travel tips are the ones you never expected.