A simple travel habit could help protect your home from unwanted guests: placing your suitcase in the bathtub as soon as you arrive at a hotel. Bedbugs can hide in mattress seams, behind headboards, in upholstered furniture, and even on luggage racks. Instead of putting your bags on the bed or carpet, keep them on a dry, hard surface while checking the room.

The bathtub can be a useful temporary spot because its smooth sides make it harder for bedbugs to reach your luggage. Before unpacking, inspect the mattress seams and corners for live bugs or small, rust-colored stains. Check the headboard, chairs, and sofa, too. If you find signs of bedbugs, avoid unpacking and contact hotel staff to request another room.

If your hotel has no bathtub, use another hard surface away from the bed, such as a tiled bathroom floor or a smooth tabletop. Although these precautions can reduce the risk of bringing pests home, they cannot guarantee that your luggage is completely safe. A quick inspection before settling in is a simple way to stay cautious without letting travel worries ruin your vacation.

When you return home, avoid placing your suitcase on your bed. Unpack your clothes directly into the washing machine and use a high-heat dryer cycle when the fabric care labels allow it. Keep your suitcase away from sleeping areas until you have checked it carefully, and store it in a suitable location rather than under your bed.

Long journeys can also leave your legs feeling tired or swollen after hours of sitting. Taking regular movement breaks, walking when possible, and gently moving your ankles can help. An avocado oil massage may feel soothing, but it does not treat circulation problems or prevent blood clots. If you experience sudden swelling, pain, warmth, or redness in one leg, seek urgent medical attention.