Emily Flores
You probably double-check your locks and keep your bags close when you travel, but a few overlooked habits with luggage in hotels can cause trouble. Your bags deserve as much care inside the hotel as they do during flights. So, learning what not to do can save you stress and uncomfortable surprises. Here’s a list of mistakes that smart travelers always sidestep to protect their luggage every time they check in.
Never Leave Your Luggage Unattended In The Lobby
The busy atmosphere of hotel lobbies makes them prime spots for thieves to blend in unnoticed. Avoid leaving bags unattended because it can lead to a loss of control. Smart travelers keep their carry-on bags with valuables and laptops close at hand, even when porters assist.
Never Place Your Bag Directly On The Bedspread
That crisp-looking bedspread isn’t as fresh as it seems because it rarely receives a thorough cleaning during bulk wash between hotel guests. Not only can your bags transfer dirt or pests like bed bugs onto sleeping surfaces, but the bedspread itself might harbor unwanted germs. A luggage rack offers a safer alternative for your belongings.
Never Store Your Suitcase In The Bathroom
Damp conditions may affect suitcase materials, as hotel bathrooms produce constant moisture that can harm your belongings. Paper documents become susceptible to humidity damage, while water splashes threaten luggage integrity. The temperature changes—from hot showers to cool air—can also warp plastic shells or loosen zippers over time.
Never Leave Valuables Inside Checked Luggage
Bags left with porters or in storage rooms pass through multiple hands before reaching your room, giving plenty of opportunities for items to go missing. Even when you finally settle in, hotel safes aren’t foolproof, as staff may have master keys for emergencies. The safest move is to keep passports and other essentials in your carry-on or close at hand.
Never Forget To Lock Your Bag Before Leaving The Room
Smart travelers recognize that no hotel room is completely secure. A TSA-accepted lock, marked by its distinctive red diamond symbol, blocks unauthorized access while allowing security inspections when needed. More importantly, a locked bag adds a barrier against tampering or snooping, especially in shared spaces or busy hotels.
Never Put Luggage Near Windows Or Balconies
Thieves often target hotel rooms through windows and balconies, and your luggage becomes particularly vulnerable when placed near these access points. In fact, the danger doubles if you are placed in ground-level accommodations. There’s also a risk of items being accidentally knocked outside and remaining unnoticed.
Never Keep Your Passport Buried In Your Suitcase
Your passport needs to be in a safe but accessible place whenever you check into a hotel. Misplacing it risks missed flights and endless stress, while tucking it deep inside luggage slows you down. That’s why travelers usually rely on slim neck pouches or discreet money belts to keep passports secure and close.
Never Pack Away Essential Medications In Stored Luggage
Essential medications should be given prime placement in your carry-on, not buried in stored luggage. Access to medications prevents health emergencies during travel. Plus, since medications and liquids are permitted in carry-ons, there’s no reason to risk packing them in checked bags.
Never Forget To Tag Your Bags Clearly
Hotels handle countless similar-looking bags daily. A clear tag with your name and phone number makes it simple to trace ownership if your bag is misplaced. You can also add a colorful strap, ribbon, or sticker to help your suitcase stand out on crowded carts or in storage rooms.
Never Keep Food In Your Bag Overnight
Snacks left inside luggage may attract ants, roaches, or even rodents, depending on the hotel. Strong odors also linger and can make clothes smell. If you need to keep food, store it in sealed containers and refrigerate when possible. Luggage should carry essentials, not double as a pantry.