When I first started working as a hotel housekeeper, I wanted every room I cleaned to look flawless — crisp white sheets, spotless mirrors, and everything perfectly in place. But during my rounds, I noticed something that made me pause.
In room after room, I found guests keeping their suitcases in the bathtub. At first, I brushed it off as coincidence. Maybe they ran out of space or wanted their bags close by. But when I saw it happening again and again — even while guests were still staying in their rooms — I realized it wasn’t accidental. There had to be a reason behind it.
Curious, I brought it up at our morning team meeting. To my surprise, some of my coworkers exchanged knowing looks. Then Maria, one of the senior housekeepers, smiled and said, “Oh, that’s an old traveler’s trick — it keeps your luggage safe from pests.”
Her answer surprised me. She explained that the smooth porcelain surface of a bathtub makes it hard for small insects to climb. Some seasoned travelers, especially those who’ve experienced unpleasant surprises like bedbugs in hotels, use this simple method to protect their belongings.
A few days later, I met an older couple while cleaning their room. Their suitcase was neatly placed in the tub, just like the others I’d seen. When I asked about it, the husband chuckled. “We learned that the hard way,” he said. “Once, we brought home a few unwanted passengers in our luggage. It took months to get rid of them. Since then, we always keep our bags in the bathtub when we travel just to be safe.”
That moment stayed with me. What I once thought was an odd habit turned out to be a smart, thoughtful travel tip — one born from experience. It wasn’t paranoia; it was prevention.
Over time, I began to see those suitcases differently. They weren’t misplaced at all. They told quiet stories of travelers who had learned valuable lessons along the way — people who now travel not just with excitement, but with awareness and wisdom.
So the next time you check into a hotel, take a quick look at the bathtub. You might just follow the lead of seasoned travelers who’ve discovered one of the simplest ways to keep their journey — and their luggage — worry-free.
