RE: Bedbugs in Europe. We have never experienced bedbugs in the US but have had two nasty encounters in Italy--one in San Gimignano and the other in a countryside apartment in Umbria. I'm fortunate in that they do not like me but my wife has suffered. Sorry, it is not just an American problem. We still travel frequently and basically hope for the best. I do believe the media has jumped on the sensationalization wagon.