I was scrolling through Facebook last night, lurking in solo travel groups (as you do), when I came across yet another post about bed bugs and travel. Someone was in full-blown meltdown mode – “I found one bed bug in my hostel, am I doomed? Should I fly straight home? Am I carrying them around the country? HELP!!”
Honestly, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen posts like this. And don’t get me wrong, bed bugs are annoying, but the sheer level of hysteria surrounding them is something else. The way some people talk, you’d think one sighting means you’ll be patient zero for a worldwide infestation, single handedly carrying bed bugs across borders like some kind of pestilence-ridden nomad.
Here’s the thing: I’m pretty sure I’ve stayed in places with bedbugs while traveling before. In fact, given how much I travel, I’d bet money on it. And yet, somehow, I’ve never brought them with me, never had to burn my luggage in a sacrificial cleansing ritual, and – shockingly – have never had to abandon a long-term trip just because one hostel had them.
So, let’s talk about bed bugs and travel, the reality of their spread, and whether you actually need to set your backpack on fire the next time you suspect one crawled within a five-mile radius of you.
How Do Bed Bugs Spread?
First, let’s get scientific for a moment. Bed bugs do not live on your body like lice or fleas. They don’t cling to your hair or hide in your clothes as you walk down the street. They’re lazy little things that like to stay put in mattresses, cracks, and crevices, only coming out when it’s time for a snack (which, unfortunately, is you).
The only way they really travel with you is by hitching a ride in your belongings – luggage, backpacks, or clothes that have been left sitting in an infested area for long periods. But even then, just because you stay somewhere with bed bugs doesn’t automatically mean you’ll bring them with you. The way some people react, you’d think one sighting means you have no choice but to cut your trip short and return home in disgrace.
Can You Actually Spot Bed Bugs?
Technically, yes. But in reality, it’s tricky, and over analysing every mark on your bed is just going to stress you out.
Signs of Bed Bugs in a Hostel or Hotel
Some common signs people swear by include:
- Tiny blood spots on your sheets (but let’s be real, this could be from anything).
- Dark specks that could be bed bug droppings (or just regular dust, dirt, or lint).
- A musty smell (hard to distinguish in a shared dorm that already smells questionable).
- Waking up with bites in a line or cluster (except that some people don’t react to bites at all, and others react to everything).
While these signs can indicate bed bugs, they can also be misidentified so easily that you’ll just end up panicking over nothing. Instead of scrutinising every inch of your bedding, it’s better to take simple precautions – like keeping your luggage closed and washing your clothes in hot water if you suspect a problem. That way, whether there are bed bugs or not, you’re covered without freaking yourself out.
How to Avoid Bringing Bed Bugs Home
Now, just because the risk isn’t as extreme as people make it out to be doesn’t mean you should be reckless. I do have a few basic habits that probably help me avoid any unwanted stowaways:
1. Keep your suitcase closed
If I suspect bed bugs, I just don’t leave my suitcase open. Clothes stay inside, zipped up. Simple.
2. Don’t dump your stuff all over the bed
If I arrive somewhere and think, hmm, this place looks a little sketchy, I won’t immediately throw all my belongings on the bed. I’ll keep things off the floor or use a hard surface instead.
3. Wash clothes after staying in questionable places
When I do laundry, I use hot water if possible, since bedbugs and their eggs die at 50°C (122°F). If I really thought I had them, I’d just throw my clothes in a dryer on high heat.
4. Don’t panic
Seriously, people act like bed bugs mean the apocalypse. If I were on a months-long trip and encountered them, I wouldn’t be flying home to “isolate” all my belongings like I was returning from a nuclear disaster zone. Worst case? I’d take precautions, wash what I can, maybe leave my backpack in the sun for a while (heat kills them), and carry on with my life.
What to Do If You Bring Bed Bugs Home
If, against the odds, you do end up bringing bed bugs home, here’s what actually helps:
✅Quarantine your luggage
If you’re worried, don’t bring your suitcase straight into your bedroom.
✅Wash and heat-dry everything
High heat is a guaranteed bed bug killer.
✅Vacuum your suitcase
Just to be extra safe.
✅Monitor for signs
Bites alone aren’t proof of bed bugs, and a single bite doesn’t mean infestation. Look for actual evidence before losing it.
What Not to Do If You Find Bed Bugs While Travelling
❌Burn all your belongings in a ritual cleansing fire.
❌Book an emergency flight home because your travel dreams are now ruined.
❌Cry in a hostel bathroom while other travelers look on in confusion.
Final Thoughts: Are People Overreacting About Bed Bugs?
In my opinion, yes. Of course, you should be careful. Nobody wants to deal with bed bugs. But the sheer level of panic I see online about them is over the top. Most people who encounter bed bugs while traveling never actually bring them home. And yet, I keep seeing posts where people are being told to fly home immediately and isolate their belongings like they’ve just been exposed to some kind of biohazard.
So, if you find yourself in a place with bed bugs, take reasonable precautions, don’t overthink it, and most importantly – don’t let it ruin your trip. The world is full of incredible places to explore, and a couple of tiny, annoying bugs aren’t worth the drama.
Have You Encountered Bed Bugs While Traveling?
What do you think? Have you ever stayed somewhere with bed bugs? Did you survive without burning your backpack? Let me know in the comments!
Before You Go…
If you’re planning your own solo trip my Solo Travel Lifeline might come in handy. It’s like having a travel buddy in your pocket – without the awkward small talk.
Need a ready-made plan? Check out my 3-day travel itineraries for popular destinations – they’re packed with tips and can save you a lot of guesswork. If you want something more personalised, I also offer custom itinerary planning to make sure your trip goes smoothly.
Need a place to stay? I’ve got some handy affiliate links for Booking.com and Expedia to make planning a bit easier. If you book through them, I may earn a small commision – at no extra cost to you – so you’d be helping a fellow traveller out.
And if you want real time action, follow me on Instagram, TikToK or join the Sisterhood of Solo Travellers on Facebook for tips, stories, and the occasional travel mishap.
If you’re interested in Southeast Asia, you might enjoy my posts about Phu Quoc and Siem Reap.
Still worried about bed bugs? At least now you have a conversation starter! If you’re heading off on a solo trip, here’s how to meet fellow travellers (hopefully ones without itchy stories to share): How to Meet people When Solo Travelling
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