What NOT To Bring Home In Your Suitcase

Its summer and you’ve got that travel bug right? That itch for blue skies, warm water and sand between your toes. I got that bug too. However, it was the kind of itch that had me scratching my head and standing on a chair for an hour trying to figure out what to do.

The travel bug I encountered came in the form of a bedbug that was waiting to tuck me into bed in my hotel. After that hour had passed and my legs went numb from standing on the chair of my room I finally realized that I needed to do something. And that something was to make sure none of these critters got into my bag or on my clothing. After a call to the front desk that went something like “get me outta this room fast” I was in a new room and in a new frame of mind.

Travel today even to the nicest locales means that you have to take a few precautions to avoid bringing anything back from your trip beyond good memories and souvenirs.

Here are a few tips to help you avoid travel bugs.

• You know how many hotels have turn down service? I just realized that this may be for more than one reason. Ensure that you turn down your bed and check the bed and pillow cases for any signs of bugs before you get in.
• Don’t store your suitcase on the floor of your hotel room. Ensure that your suitcase is placed on a luggage rack or on top of a dresser. Inspect drawers, closets and the room in general upon arrival and before settling in.
• Invest in plastic travel cases. Place as many of your travel items in plastic travel cases as possible. Keep them sealed when not in use. You can place not only toiletries but also clothing in plastic cases.
• If you like to travel with an iron, invest in a small steamer. It will serve the purpose of ensuring that your clothes look great on you and in your suitcase. Steam your suitcase and clothing items before leave your hotel. You can also steam your pillow case and bed.
• Once you return home don’t bring your suitcase immediately into your bedroom to unpack. Try to unpack your items in your laundry room if possible. Wash clothes and dry them on hot.  If you are unable to do this place your suitcase into an extra-large garbage bag until you are ready to inspect the suitcase and unpack your items.