How to avoid bedbugs on your holiday: essential tips for a worry-free trip

Going on a holiday is a time for relaxation and enjoyment, but encountering bedbugs can quickly turn your dream vacation into a nightmare. These tiny pests can cause significant discomfort and hassle, but with a few proactive measures, you can minimise the risk of encountering them during your travels. Here is a complete guide to help you enjoy a bedbug-free vacation.
Luggage on a balcony with sea view bedbug free

Prepare before you go: Research for bedbug history

TIP NO. 1
Choose your accommodation wisely
Before booking, read online reviews of hotels or vacation rentals to see if there have been any reports of bedbugs. Websites like TripAdvisor, Yelp, Booking and Bedbug Registry (only in North America) can be valuable resources for this, ensuring your chosen place has a clean record can save you a lot of trouble later on.
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TIP NO. 2
Pack smart
Opt for hard-shell luggage, which bedbugs find harder to infiltrate compared to soft-sided bags. Using airtight bags inside your suitcase can add an extra layer of protection. For your holiday, you can also bring bedbug deterrents with you, such as bedbug sprays. While these might not kill bedbugs, they can be of great help in repelling them.
More tips on how to combat bedbugs

DURING YOUR STAY: LOOK OUT FOR BEDBUGS

hotel white room with dots showing where to spot bedbugs
TIP NO. 3
Inspect your room
Upon arrival, don't settle in immediately. Before unpacking, use a flashlight to check the seams of mattresses, behind headboards, and within furniture crevices for signs of bedbugs. Look for small, reddish-brown bugs or tiny black faecal spots.
TIP NO. 4
Keep luggage elevated
Store your luggage on luggage racks, preferably those made of metal, which bedbugs cannot easily climb on or if that's not available, choose any other elevated surface. Avoid placing your bags on the bed or floor, as these areas are more likely to be infested.
TIP NO. 5
Use protective covers
In case you want to be extra cautious, consider bringing bedbug-proof mattress encasements. These can prevent bedbugs from reaching you while you sleep and can be particularly useful in high-risk areas.

Returning home: Bedbugs or not, better safe than sorry

TIP NO. 6
Unpack with caution
When you return home, unpack your luggage outdoors or in an area away from sleeping quarters, like a garage or a laundry room. Inspect your luggage and its contents (even your souvenirs) thoroughly before bringing them inside.
Black luggage being steamed with Laurastar IZZI on the floor by a male
TIP NO. 7
Wash or steam your belongings
Wash all your clothing, whether worn or not, at 60° C and dry them on high heat, as bedbugs cannot survive extreme temperatures. This will help eliminate any bedbugs that might have hitched a ride home with you. For all the belongings you can't wash out, including your luggage, IZZI is a powerful hygienic steamer and can effectively eliminate 100% of bedbugs (eggs, nymphs and adults) through the use of Dry Microfine Steam (DMS) in just 2 seconds. It is a 100% natural method and, unlike calling in an exterminator, it is not only much more cost-effective but also avoids the use of harsh chemicals that are harmful for your health.
beige background with bedbugs and text how to get rid of bedbugs with Laurastar

IZZI can also do much more in your home:
Find out more about IZZI

More tips on how to avoid bringing contaminants into your house:
Holidays are great. With no contaminants, they're even better

TIP NO. 8
Vacuum and inspect
Vacuum your luggage and dispose of the vacuum bag immediately in an outdoor bin and make sure you don't forget to disinfect the vacuum itself. Regularly inspect your home for signs of bedbugs, especially if you suspect you might have brought some back. Learn more about bedbugs and how to get rid of them
Holiday travels should be stress-free and enjoyable. By taking these preventive measures, you can protect yourself from bedbugs and ensure your trip remains memorable for all the right reasons. Stay vigilant, pack smart, and consider utilising tools available to you to keep these pesky invaders at bay. Safe travels and happy holidays!