A TRAVEL expert has revealed why you should think twice before leaving your suitcase on the floor of your hotel room.

LaDell Carter, a senior travel consultant, reported that a lizard sneaked into her suitcase while vacationing in Jamaica.

1

She recommends that travelers do not leave their luggage on the floor to prevent unwanted animals from entering.

LaDell said, “I once left my luggage on the floor for a short time.

“When I got home, I realized that I had accidentally brought small lizards that had crawled into my suitcase.”

The travel agent is by no means the only one with this practice.

Keli Tolliday, who has traveled to over 40 countries and lived on four continents, refuses to leave her luggage on the floor.

The experienced traveler explained that bed bugs are notorious for accidentally hitting the road in homes.

Once bed bugs have established themselves, they are extremely costly and difficult to eradicate, she added.

However, they are not the only reason why Keli refuses to leave her suitcase on the floor.

“Despite regular cleaning, hotel room floors can still accumulate dirt, bacteria and other unspeakable things – especially in carpeted hotel rooms,” she said.

By not placing their luggage on the floor of the hotel room, travelers don’t have to worry about bugs, dirt and damage to their belongings, according to Keli.

The travel expert added that the entire experience is even better knowing that your belongings are safe.

Experts had previously warned travelers to leave their luggage racks in the bathroom to avoid a nasty surprise.

Throwing your luggage on your hotel bed could invite bed bugs to crawl into your clothes and live there, according to experts.

These tiny insects are difficult to detect, typically live on beds, sofas and clothing, and feed on human blood to survive.

They are not stationary animals and will easily jump from your bed into your suitcase in search of a new environment.

Britney Campbell has a PhD in entomology (the study of insects and their relationship to humans, the environment, and other organisms).

She says, “Travelers should avoid leaving their luggage on padded surfaces or on the bed when they arrive at their destination – because bed bugs are typically found on mattresses, innerspring mattresses and in the cracks of furniture and upholstered furniture.”

Campbell claims the safest place for luggage is the bathroom, as there is less risk of contamination.

The expert advises holidaymakers and hotel guests to check their rooms and beds thoroughly for vermin, as it is very difficult to get rid of them.

She says: “No matter where you lay your head at night, the return of bed bugs is a serious problem as these elusive pests quickly make themselves at home and are difficult to get rid of.”

So, according to Campbell, remember to leave your suitcase in the bathroom while you check the room for bed bugs — or you can leave it in the bathroom for the duration of your stay.

Campbell also advises against relying on luggage racks to protect clothing from bed bugs.

She adds: “Avoid using frames with hollow legs, as bed bugs can hide in the legs.”

It also states: “For additional protection, you can pack your suitcases in plastic garbage bags while traveling.

“Seal the plastic bag when your luggage is not in use to prevent bed bugs from entering.”