Placing your luggage in the bathroom when entering a hotel is a precautionary measure against bed bugs. Bed bugs are known to hitch rides on various surfaces, and even in well-rated hotels, there’s a potential risk. The bathroom is considered a safe spot for luggage because it’s a less frequented area, and most surfaces there are hard and nonporous, making it less likely for bed bugs to hide.

Travel consultant Marla Cimini, with experience in the hospitality industry, emphasizes the importance of checking for bed bugs in the hotel room. This includes inspecting the mattress, pulling out sheets, and checking areas like the headboard and drawers. The bathroom is suggested as a safe initial storage space for luggage, allowing travelers to assess the room for any signs of bed bugs before placing their belongings in more vulnerable areas.

Bed bugs tend to favor hiding places where people spend extended periods, and they are known to feed during the night. Common hiding spots include beds, headboards, behind pictures, under mattresses, under creases and folds, couches, accent chairs, dressers, and closets. Using a phone flashlight to scan luggage for any signs of bed bugs before packing and unpacking immediately upon returning home are recommended practices.

In case luggage does become infested, using large garbage bags can help contain the issue until a more thorough cleaning is possible. A 45-minute high-heat treatment in the dryer is effective in eliminating bed bugs from luggage. It’s crucial to clean luggage thoroughly, as bed bugs can survive for over a year without a meal, making them resilient and capable of infesting other areas if not properly addressed.