I spend a good half of every year sleeping in hotels all around the country and a few in other countries and I have only had 3 not so great bug experiences. So please don't be discouraged, but...
Here are a few things you can do to avoid getting bit.
* Never put your luggage on the bed, carpet, or upholstered furniture. Use the luggage rack in the closet. Put your toiletries bag on the bathroom counter, or a desk.
* Do a light inspection of your room, in the corners, in the drawers, window sills, etc...I once found an ant farm living in the corner of a bathroom behind the door. Then I realized that they were coming from under the rug where the door meets the bathroom tile. Nasty. I've also been subject to a bed bug's "breakfast, lunch, and dinner" Not cute.*Upholstered furniture: chair, couch, etc..lift up the cushions and take a good look.
* Checking the bed is the most important part....pull off that "throw" and chuck it anywhere but near you. You can bet they are never washed. (see the pretty striped one above) Pull down the comforter and sheets all the way, give them a shake. Lift the mattress up and take a good look at the bottom of it. Also look at the top of the box spring. Now, you know that "pipping" all along the edges of the mattress? Lift that in a few random spots along the whole perimeter of the bed. Most bugs like to hide here.
I know this sounds like a lot of work but really it only takes about 10 minutes to check a hotel room. It probably took you a year and a day to get where you're going, so what's another 10 minutes, right?
To all of my traveling friends, have I covered all bases here? Please feel free to add to this list!
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