Honeymooning in Paris Soon? Here's How to Handle the Bedbug Outbreak While Traveling

After you’ve tied the knot, jetting off to an exotic place with your new spouse is one of the best ways to set the tone for your marriage. Your honeymoon is the first shared experience the two of you will have as a married couple. No matter the destination, it’s a chance for you to bond with your partner, explore a new place as a unit, and create lasting memories together.

But, for those who are intending on traveling to Paris for their trip of a lifetime, the current bedbug infestation might overshadow your vision for a thrilling adventure or a rejuvenating getaway. According to Forbes, bedbugs were first spotted in hotels, homes, Airbnbs, and rental apartments around the European city in the summer of 2023—and now, the tiny, blood-sucking creatures are invading movie theaters and even modes of public transportation.

To help you figure out the best course of action to take if Paris is your chosen locale, we talked to travel expert Dr. Terika Haynes. Here’s everything to know about the bedbug outbreak in Paris and how it may affect your honeymoon. Plus, a few expert-approved ways to proceed.

Should You Postpone Your Paris Honeymoon Because of Bedbugs?

If you and your partner already have plans to fly to Paris for your honeymoon, there’s no need to cancel your trip. There’s a certain degree of risk involved for any travel, and bedbugs are no exception. To guarantee a more enjoyable experience sans insects, it’s important to take the proper precautions and adopt a positive, go-with-the-flow mindset. Visiting Paris doesn't automatically mean you will come into contact with these bugs—and with the right methods (which you should practice every time you travel), you certainly can avoid bringing them home.

Where to Go Instead

That being said, if you think that the thought of (potentially) being around bedbugs will create unnecessary stress or anxiety during your vacation, Haynes suggests postponing it or checking out another area in France—the Loire Valley, Nice, and Chamonix are lovely in the fall—instead.

How to Prepare in Advance of Your Trip

Before touching down in the French city, Haynes advises researching the property you plan on staying at to see if there have been any reports of bedbugs. She encourages you to read reviews on Tripadvisor or Google Reviews to gauge whether other visitors have experienced an issue with insects. Another option is checking out websites, such as Bed Bug Reports and Bed Bug Registry, where you can type in your hotel and discern whether the infestation is an issue at the site.

Haynes says bedbugs aren’t fans of rubbing alcohol, so consider throwing a bottle into your suitcase in the event that you encounter one or several. As a safeguard, you can also purchase a travel protection plan that will cover infestations, trip interruption medical, and more, according to Haynes.

How to Check for Bedbugs at Your Hotel

Once you arrive at your hotel or rental, Haynes suggests doing a thorough search of the bed with a flashlight. This involves checking beneath it, behind the bed frame, on each side of the mattress, and in between the mattress and frame. She also recommends searching any of the furniture near or around the bed. Be on the lookout for these small insects or any other signs of bedbugs, such as blood stains or black dots that look like mold. If you’ve detected bedbugs in your room, Haynes advises alerting the hotel as soon as possible and putting in a request to move. Once you get to your new room, repeat the hunt again.

How to Protect Yourself From Bedbugs During Your Stay in Paris

Keep Luggage Off Bed and Ground

During your stay, Haynes stresses the importance of keeping your luggage off of the ground, where bedbugs are more likely to make their way into your belongings. Instead, she suggests placing your suitcase and other items on top of the dresser or on any other elevated piece of furniture. The New York City Department of Health also notes that bathrooms are less inviting places for bedbugs to lodge, so consider leaving your luggage in the bathtub or on the tile floors during the duration of your stay. No matter where you place your suitcase, Haynes urges you to keep it closed as much as possible—and absolutely avoid putting clothes into your hotel room's dresser drawers.

Walk Whenever Possible

While you’re out and about in the city, Haynes recommends walking as much as possible. If you have to use public transportation, keep an eye out for the pesky creatures. To avoid coming in contact with any bugs, opt to stand if possible. When dining out at restaurants, Haynes suggests asking to be seated on stools or chairs without cushions or padding, where bedbugs like to nest.

Monitor Your Skin for Bites

Throughout your trip, Haynes says to check for bedbug bites, which look like small red dots in a concentrated area. If you find a bite, the travel expert advises consulting the hotel and a physician right away since reactions vary depending on the person.

How to Avoid Bringing Bedbugs Home After Your Paris Honeymoon

At the end of your vacation, inspect your suitcase and all items of clothing before heading out, according to Haynes. Once you get home, keep your luggage in the garage for several days to prevent any potential insects from entering your home, CBS News reports. When it’s safe to bring your belongings inside, throw all of your clothes into the washing machine and do a load on a high temperature; dry on the highest setting possible (these bugs die at around 120 degree Fahrenheit, and, luckily, most drying machines exceed this temperature).