While most of the hotel rooms may look clean and you’d like to believe they are, the truth is they probably have germs everywhere.

A lot of travelers assume a hotel bathroom may not be as clean as their own, that germs may linger on the carpets or the bedspread, but few people think twice about the room’s light switch. That’s right, the light switch!

After all, who wants to get sick or bitten on vacation?

So, how can you combat these germs? Suggestions include bringing along a package of anti-bacterial wipes when you first walk into a hotel room, giving all surfaces, including the shower floor and sink faucets, a quick wipe down. Also, you can’t underestimate the importance of washing your hands regularly.

What about hotel beds? Many people assume that bedspreads in particular are teaming with germs. They are right. Bedspreads aren’t routinely washed, so you should take them off the beds and stash them in the corner. If you’re cold, ask for another blanket.

The other unpleasant issue you need to consider is bedbugs. Bedbugs were virtually eradicated in the United States after World War II, but they’ve returned to luxury and budget hotels alike. Bedbugs are hard to get rid of, and if you contract them in your hotel, you’re almost certain to carry them back to your home in your clothing and suitcases.

We recommend pulling back all the sheets from the bed and inspecting your mattress; be sure to closely examine the mattress seams. Look for little red or brown spots, which could be a sign that bedbugs have been there. Sometimes, you can see the bugs themselves; they grow to the size of apple seeds. A flashlight can make it easier to find these pests. Another great trick is to aim a hairdryer at a spot on the mattress for a couple of minutes. Bedbugs are attracted to heat, so if they’ve burrowed into your mattress, the hair dryer will draw them out. More and more hotels are encasing mattresses and pillows in plastic (this also helps stave off dust mites), which makes it impossible for bed bugs to take up residency.

Wear flip flops in the shower, to avoid any chance of contracting athlete’s foot. As a matter of fact, he thinks it’s smart to always wear socks or slippers around a hotel room.

To make sure that bedbugs don’t come home with you remember to use the luggage rack in the room instead of putting your suitcase on the floor. Also you may want to take your own blanket with you instead of getting under the covers.