You Deserve a Bug-Free Vacation! 🌟

Packing for a trip can be stressful with the myriad of things to remember, from what you can take in your carry-on to how many pairs of underwear you need. But your luggage concerns shouldn’t end once you’re packed and ready to go.

When you arrive at your hotel, there’s still the question of where to safely place your luggage to keep it clean, dry, and free from pests, such as the dreaded bed bugs. While you might know not to put your luggage on the bed, think twice before putting it on the floor, too.

The Expert Advice on Luggage Placement

LaDell Carter, founder and lead travel consultant at Royal Expression Travels, shares her personal and professional insights:

“Personally, I always use the luggage rack to unpack and then store my luggage in the closet. Professionally, I advise against leaving luggage on the floor due to the risk of unwanted critters. For example, while traveling in Jamaica, I once left my luggage on the floor for a short period. Upon returning home, I discovered that I had inadvertently brought back small lizards that had crawled into my suitcase.”

Carter’s experience is a reminder that it’s not just bed bugs you need to worry about, but a variety of pests that can hitch a ride in your luggage.

The Hidden Dangers of Hotel Floors

Kelli Tolliday, wellness travel expert and founder of Rising Nature Retreats, echoes Carter’s concerns, having witnessed the unsanitary conditions across numerous hotels in 45 countries:

“Bed bugs are notorious travelers, and they can easily crawl into your luggage, clothing, and personal items, hitching a ride back to your home. Once they settle in, bed bugs can be incredibly difficult and costly to eradicate, causing a significant headache for travelers.”

But bed bugs aren’t the only issue. Hotel room floors, despite regular cleaning, can still harbor dirt, bacteria, and other unmentionables — especially carpeted floors. Tolliday explains:

“Floors are exposed to the shoes of previous guests, spills, and cleaning chemicals. Beyond the ick factor, leaving your luggage on the floor can create an organizational nightmare.”

Best Practices for Luggage Placement

To avoid these problems, I now follow a few easy steps to keep my luggage safe:

Keep Your Luggage Elevated: Use the luggage rack provided by the hotel. If there’s no rack, place your luggage on a hard surface like a desk or dresser.
Utilize the Closet: Unpack your clothes and store your suitcase in the closet. This reduces the risk of pests and keeps your belongings organized.
Consider the Bathtub: Some travel experts suggest placing your luggage in the bathtub, especially if you’re highly concerned about bed bugs. Bathtubs are less likely to harbor pests.

Final Thoughts

Traveling should be about enjoyment and discovery, not worrying about pests, dirt, and damage to your belongings. By simply keeping your luggage off the hotel room floor, you enhance your travel experience, ensuring your belongings remain safe, clean, and organized.

So next time you check into a hotel, remember these tips and think twice before letting your luggage touch the floor. Your future self will thank you! 🌟🧳