A Simple Habit That Can Save Your Vacation—and Why Smart Travelers Never Skip It
Travel is supposed to be about rest. About stories you will tell later, photos you will keep, and moments that quietly heal you. Yet sometimes, the smallest things—things we never think about—can ruin everything.
One such thing? Bed bugs.
A hotel employee recently shared a travel tip so simple it sounds strange at first: turn off the lights the moment you enter your hotel room. Not to sleep. Not to relax. But to protect yourself.
This advice, shared by Halee, a hotel employee known on TikTok as @haleewithaflair, has since caught the attention of seasoned travelers around the world. And once you understand the reason behind it, you may never check into a hotel the same way again.
First of All, Why Turning Off the Lights Matters More Than You Think
At first glance, the idea feels counterintuitive. After a long journey, most travelers instinctively turn the lights on, drop their bags, and collapse onto the bed.
That is exactly the moment bed bugs count on.
According to Halee, darkness helps you see what normal lighting hides. When the room is dark and you use your phone’s flashlight, shadows reveal movement, stains, and details that bright overhead lights flatten and conceal.
She once shared the story of a couple who woke up covered in itchy red bites. The room looked clean. The sheets smelled fresh. But after inspection, the culprit was clear: bed bugs hiding in places no one thought to check.
From that experience, Halee now advises travelers to follow a simple ritual before unpacking:
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Turn off all lights
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Close the curtains
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Use your phone flashlight
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Inspect carefully
It takes minutes—but can save your entire trip.
👉 Smart travelers often combine this habit with booking hotels that offer professional hygiene standards, verified reviews, and optional travel protection services. Prevention is always easier than recovery.
Next, Where Exactly Should You Look to Detect Bed Bugs Early
Once the room is dark, your phone’s flashlight becomes your best ally.
Start with the bed, because this is where bed bugs feel safest.
Carefully inspect:
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Mattress seams and creases
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Edges of the bed
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The underside of the mattress
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Headboards and bed frames
Look for tiny dark spots, blood stains, or anything that looks out of place. Bed bugs themselves are small—around 5 mm—reddish-brown or dark yellow, and their eggs are white and difficult to see without focused light.
But the bed is not the only hiding place.
Halee also warns travelers to check:
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Curtains and curtain folds
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Irons and ironing boards
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Upholstered furniture
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Luggage racks
Why? Because bed bugs migrate. They move quietly. They wait.
And once they attach themselves to your suitcase, they don’t just ruin a night—they follow you home.
👉 This is why many frequent travelers choose hotels that offer professional pest control certifications or book through travel services that guarantee room inspections and fast room changes when issues arise.
Then, How Your Luggage Habits Can Make or Break Your Trip
One of the most common—and costly—mistakes travelers make is placing their suitcase directly on the bed.
It feels harmless. Convenient. Temporary.
But for bed bugs, it’s an invitation.
Halee strongly advises:
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Keep luggage on a luggage rack, not the bed
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If unsure, place it near the door, away from fabrics
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Avoid opening your suitcase until inspection is complete
These small choices reduce the risk of bugs “hitching a ride” on your belongings.
And when your trip ends, the precautions should continue.
Experts recommend:
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Washing all clothes immediately after returning home
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Using hot water and high heat
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Inspecting suitcases before storage
👉 Many premium travel services and hotels now offer luggage-safe zones, sealed storage options, and post-stay sanitation support—features worth considering if you travel often or with family.
Finally, Why This One-Minute Habit Is Worth Everything
Bed bug bites usually appear as itchy red spots, often in rows or clusters. They don’t just affect your skin—they affect your sleep, your mood, and your memories of the trip.
And that’s the quiet tragedy.
A vacation should leave you lighter, not anxious. Rested, not exhausted. Inspired, not irritated.
“It doesn’t take long,” Halee says. “Just a few minutes.”
And then she adds, with the confidence of someone who has seen the worst:
“Trust me, it’s worth it for a peaceful—and bug-free—vacation.”
So next time you check into a hotel:
Pause.
Turn off the lights.
Take a breath.
Inspect carefully.
And if you truly want peace of mind, choose trusted hotels, verified accommodations, and travel services that prioritize hygiene, safety, and traveler protection.
Because the best journeys are not just about where you go—but how safely you rest when you arrive.