Why I Always Pack a UV Flashlight for Hotels

As a food and travel writer, I sometimes feel like I’m playing a high-stakes game when visiting hotels. While many people go their whole lives not encountering bed bugs—and I have yet to myself—I live in fear because, thinking logically, if I am in hotels more often than the average person, doesn’t that mean I also am putting myself at an increased level of risk?

Math isn’t my strong suit, so I can’t speak to the exact risk percentages, but it causes me enough anxiety that I make sure I know how to check for bed bugs in a hotel. For me, that starts with the obvious steps, like inspecting the seams of the mattress and headboard, but a few years ago, I decided to increase my level of protection and add a small, portable UV flashlight to my packing list.

Cosoos Mini UV Flashlight

Once I bought this little flashlight, I wondered why I had never had it before. If I were going to put a price on my peace of mind, I’m positive that price would be more than $7.

This blacklight flashlight uses a 395nm wavelength to detect what the naked eye—or a traditional flashlight—cannot. In retail or security settings, it may be used to spot fake IDs or currency, but in a hotel, you can use it to check for bed bugs, as well as stains, dirt, blood, or other bodily fluids. Simply put, it shows you how clean a hotel room is (or isn’t)—and sometimes, whether it’s one you should leave altogether.

The reality is, once you use this blacklight flashlight, you discover a whole lot of places are a lot less clean than you ever would have imagined. Nothing says horror movie like glow-in-the-dark blood stains in your hotel room.

Cosoos Mini UV Flashlight

This blacklight flashlight may be super affordable, but it’s also powerful and built to last. It is said to have a lifespan of up to 15 years, and it’s both waterproof and sturdy. I’ve dropped mine a few times and it keeps on ticking—and, since it’s so compact, it’s easy to stash in a purse or carry-on and doesn’t take up much more space than my keys.

It’s great for travel, according to one five-star Amazon review: “I use it to check hotel rooms for bio-burden—the phone, bathroom, bedspread, etc. The dirty areas show up brightly, and I can clean with wipes if it’s minimal, or I can get a new room if it’s bad. If you’ve never checked a hotel room, you might be shocked and disgusted.”

Another reviewer calls it an “essential tool in my arsenal,” adding that they “purchased UV flashlights primarily for inspecting hotel rooms for bed bugs during my travels. Not only are they adorable in size, making them perfect for travel, but they’ve also proven incredibly versatile.”

Bed bugs remain my absolute worst fear, and I’m not sure my mental or emotional health would survive if I ever brought them home. This blacklight flashlight has given me so much more peace of mind; I couldn’t ever imagine traveling without it.

Keep scrolling for more travel essentials—from hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to other must-haves that will help you feel comfortable, clean, and confident wherever your trip takes you.

More Essentials to Stay Healthy While Traveling:

Lysol Disinfecting Wipes To-go 3-pack

CleanSmart Daily Surface Cleaner Travel Bottle 3-pack

The Honest Company Plant-based Hand Sanitizer Spray

iClevr UV-C Light Sanitizer Wand 

Pure Enrichment PureZone Mini Portable Air Purifier 

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.