I knew when I started working on Explorer’s Backpack that there would come a time when I would post about (gulp) bedbugs. Nothing creeps me out more than creepy crawlies, especially ones that like to come home with you. Ick!

I’m looking forward to this weekend. We have friends who are moving to Colorado in the next few weeks (that’s a sad thing) and this weekend we’re traveling to Philly for their going away party. It should be a late night and a good time with a lot of friends we don’t get to see too often.

We booked a hotel room for the night. That’s the part that makes me get a little panicky. I know I annoy Zach to no end when we check into a hotel room. First, I pull back the bed sheets and examine the seams of the mattress. Usually I check out the front and back of the headboard with a flashlight. Then and only then can I really feel calm about it. But those gross little bugs are still in the back of my mind… especially mid-way through the trip, when Zach’s suitcase looks like it exploded and his clothing is scattered all over the room. I envision bedbugs sauntering up to his jeans draped across the hotel room chair and making a home. Yes, you could say I’m a little neurotic about it.

A few months ago, I came across this travel story from the Associated Press and saved it. Read on if you dare for some tips on how to avoid bedbugs in a hotel.

Continue reading →