Checking into a hotel usually feels exciting — you drop your bags, look around the room, and prepare to unwind. However, travel experts recommend taking one quick precaution before settling in. Surprisingly, the safest temporary place for your luggage is not the bed, floor, or even the luggage rack. Instead, it’s the bathtub. The reason is straightforward: reducing the chance of bringing home unwanted pests.

Bedbugs, though small, can easily hide in fabric, wood, and soft materials. Even well-maintained hotels may encounter them, and luggage placed on beds or carpets can become an easy target. Bathrooms, however, are not ideal environments for these insects. Bedbugs prefer warm, cushioned areas such as mattresses and upholstered furniture. Smooth surfaces like porcelain are difficult for them to climb, making the bathtub a safer spot while you inspect the room.

Experts suggest using the S.L.E.E.P. method when arriving at a hotel. First, Survey the room for small dark spots or shed skins. Next, Lift the mattress and look around the bed frame. Then, Elevate your luggage — placing it in the bathtub temporarily is ideal. Before leaving, Examine your suitcase carefully. Finally, Place your travel clothing in a hot dryer for at least 20 minutes once you get home, as heat can help eliminate any potential pests.

To add extra protection, keep clothing in sealed bags, avoid using hotel drawers, and store smaller items in hard containers. These small steps help reduce the chance of pests getting into your belongings. While the idea may seem unusual at first, many seasoned travelers rely on this method. A few minutes of caution can help protect your luggage and give you greater peace of mind during your stay.