The grim reason you should never unpack luggage in your bedroom after a holiday

Returning from a holiday might bring more than just memories if you're not careful, especially when it comes to where you unpack your luggage.

MattressNextDay's experts have sounded the alarm for British holidaymakers about the risk of unwittingly bringing bed bugs into their homes.

The company's CEO and sleep guru, Martin Seeley, has offered crucial advice for those returning from their travels.

He advised: "Unpack on a hard floor and not in your bedroom. When you get home, unpack your luggage in another location apart from your bedroom. Even better if it's on hard flooring, as you won't be able to spot bed bugs on a carpet."

He also recommended a thorough inspection of suitcases: "Inspect your suitcase closely and use a flashlight or torch to look into the seams, folds and pockets of your suitcase", reports the Express.

Seeley emphasised the importance of vacuuming suitcases before stowing them away to prevent any hidden bed bugs from infesting one's home.

These critters can easily hitch a ride in your luggage and find new residences in beds, curtains, or other cosy spots around the house.

Moreover, Martin highlighted a common blunder made by tourists upon reaching their holiday destinations.

He cautioned: "Never put your suitcase on the hotel bed. It is common that when you initially arrive at your hotel, you might put your suitcase straight onto the bed without checking for bugs and begin unpacking."

By placing luggage directly on the bed, travellers may inadvertently invite bed bugs to cling on for the journey back home.

Tourists are advised to store their suitcase as close to the hotel room door as possible or keep it on the luggage rack.

Bed bugs are generally more attracted to dirty clothing rather than clean so tourists should bring a spare bag to store dirty washing.

Some hotels also offer a laundry service where tourists can get their dirty clothes cleaned during their stay.

Bed bugs often hide in the folds of mattresses and tourists should check their bed before settling in on holiday.