How do I avoid bed bugs when traveling?

Inspect your room and bed carefully when you arrive.

Look for dark spots, blood stains and live bed bugs on bedding, mattress seams, bed frames and furniture.

Do not place your luggage on the floor or under the bed or in the bed itself. If available, use the luggage rack or store luggage in the bathroom.

In youth hostels, it can be difficult to protect your luggage, but pack your belongings in individual plastic bags, and be careful when you take things out of the bag. Dirty cloth should be placed in a closed plastic bag.

If you suspect bed bugs when you arrive home, freeze your entire luggage (if there is sufficient space in the freezer) or freeze items in portions in plastic bags at -0.4°F (-18°C) for 12 – 48 hours.

This will ensure the cold penetrates the heart of the luggage. Keep things in plastic bags until they have been frozen. If you have no specific suspicion of bed bugs then unpack your luggage outside or in a place where bed bugs cannot thrive, such as the laundry room or the basement.

Then wash your clothing at 140°F (60°C) or dry them for at least 30 minutes at 140°F (60°C).

Being observant may help prevent bringing bed bugs with you home.