When you arrive at a hotel, you probably want to drop your bags and start enjoying your trip. However, taking a few moments to decide where to place your luggage could help reduce the risk of bringing unwanted pests home. Bedbugs can hide in mattress seams, headboards, upholstered furniture, and other small spaces, sometimes hitching a ride on suitcases and clothing.

One practical precaution is to place your suitcase in the bathtub while you inspect the room. The smooth, hard surface can make it more difficult for bedbugs to reach your luggage than a carpeted floor or upholstered bed. Make sure the bathtub is clean and dry before placing your bag inside. Although this trick is convenient, it does not guarantee protection against bedbugs.

Before unpacking, carefully inspect the mattress seams, bed frame, and headboard for live insects, shed skins, or small rust-colored stains. Check nearby upholstered chairs and sofas, too. If you notice possible signs of an infestation, avoid unpacking and contact hotel management to discuss moving to another room. If there is no bathtub, a hard surface away from the bed can be a reasonable alternative.

When you return home, avoid placing your suitcase directly on your bed. Unpack your clothes into the washing machine and use a hot dryer cycle when the care labels permit. Heat can kill bedbugs when the necessary temperature and exposure time are reached. Inspect your suitcase carefully, paying attention to seams, pockets, and zippers, before storing it away from sleeping areas.

Travel also involves long periods of sitting, which can leave your legs feeling stiff or swollen. Whenever possible, move around regularly and flex your ankles during long journeys. However, sudden swelling, pain, warmth, or redness in one leg can indicate a blood clot and requires urgent medical assessment. A little preparation can help protect your belongings, support your comfort, and give you greater peace of mind throughout your travels.