Think twice before you reach for the ice bucket.

Alla Machutt/Getty Images

Travel is a lot of things.

It’s downright life-changing.

Silver stainless steel ice bucket and tray in hotel room

An ice bucket and tray in a hotel room.Credit:Alla Machutt/Getty Images

People with diarrhea also were vomiting, so they grabbed the nearest thing: the ice bucket.

“The next guest got an unwanted surprise with the ice they put in their drinks.

Thanks to that outbreak, I always use the liner in the ice bucket.”

“Unfortunately, they really don’t protect you from disease.

You might feel better not using the comforter, but it doesn’t change your risk of disease.

This is why hotel room inspections are just as important as restaurant inspections.”

But that doesn’t stop Labus from traveling, and it shouldn’t stop you, either.

All you should probably do is think like an epidemiologist.

“I look at the general cleanliness and upkeep of the room.

I also tend to notice smells,” Labus said.

“I’m most likely to request a room change because the previous guest was smoking.”