We've all watched the news reports featuring an eager journalist waving a black light around a hotel room to illuminate what has been left behind by past guests. If you click on the video link above entitled Hotel Glasses, you'll even see a report on what may be waiting for you if you choose to drink from a real (not plastic) hotel glass. Given the mounting evidence to the contrary, is it possible to still get a clean hotel room?

Though it's unlikely that an unclean hotel room will put your life in danger, it may disrupt your travel plans if you catch a cold or stomach virus, or at least make your stay less pleasant at the thought of what may be lurking on that pillowcase. But short of carrying around your own black light, there are a few steps you can take to get a good night's sleep while away from home.

One of the best ways to avoid a nightmare hotel is to get online and read reviews from those that have previously stayed at a hotel you're considering. After all, the opinions of fellow travelers can often tell you more about how things are done at that specific location, than can a hotel's brand name or high price. Most travel review sites ask users for a cleanliness rating, and if you book a hotel reservation through a booking engine like CyberTrip, you can see reviews before you make reservations.

No matter the reviews, it's no secret that most hotels do not wash bedspreads between every stay. In fact, my mother always taught me to remove the bedspread when staying at a hotel. So, unless you're comfortable with sharing the same covers as the stranger before you, call the front desk to ask how often they wash their bedspreads - or, play it safe and just remove it altogether.

Beyond these steps, there is an "ick factor" at play in some hotel rooms that can be tough to ignore. Whether you're staying in a budget hotel or a 4-star resort, you might consider spraying some high-traffic areas with a disinfectant. The most obvious germ-carrying culprits are the phone, door knobs, ice bucket, remote control, toilet knob and bathroom faucet handles.

Another easy way to prevent the transfer of germs is to wash your hands. Frequent hand washing is one of the most basic and most effective preventive practices. It's been proven to reduce the transfer of cold and virus germs and best of all it takes little time and won't cost you a penny.

Finally, travelers should be aware that there has been a resurgence in bed bugs, which were nearly eradicated within the U.S. only a few decades ago. This is due in part to increased international travel, allowing the pests to hitch a ride with guests traveling to North America. Bed bugs typically announce themselves when a guest wakes up with red welts that resemble mosquito bites. Fortunately, the bugs do not transmit diseases like fleas, ticks and mosquitoes.

Unfortunately, bed bugs can be found at hotels across the board, because it is nearly impossible for hotel staff to check every mattress between every guest. So, the best way to avoid the pest is to look for an infestation upon your arrival, before setting your suitcase, coat or purse on a bed, couch or chair.

Bed bugs are tiny and have flat bodies, which allow them to hide in the smallest folds and mattress crevices during the day, but can be seen with the naked eye upon close inspection. The most telling evidence of an infestation can be found underneath the mattress or couch cushion - reddish brown spots that are the bugs' dried excrement will appear. The bugs themselves resemble small, red or brown ticks and are most easily spotted in the case of a major infestation. Of course, if you see signs of bed bugs, immediately call the front desk to be moved to another room.

When traveling, an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure. The next time you plan a trip, take a few extra moments to follow these simple tips to ensure you get a clean hotel room.