We live in a world where the safety of our homes is paramount to us. We do everything we can to make sure that they are safe and secure, but what happens when you have to stay away from them for an extended period?
Whether it’s for business or pleasure, there are many things you need to know about how not only your house will be vulnerable when you leave, but also yourself. You may think these tips are no big deal at first, but after reading this blog post I hope you will reconsider!
Arrival and Check-In
Depending on how far you’ve traveled, there’s a good chance you’ll be tired when you arrive at your hotel destination. This is all the more reason to remain as alert as possible, at least until you climb into your (hopefully comfy) bed.
Check-in at your hotel should be very simple and fast. You shouldn’t have to wait long before you can get into your room, so this is a good time to make sure everything looks secure around you. If there’s anything suspicious or unusual about the way things look, don’t hesitate to tell staff immediately!
It is not a good idea to take your valuables with you when exploring an unfamiliar city, especially if those items will be out of sight at all times. If bringing these types of possessions is unavoidable, keep them out of sight and under lock and key at all times.
However, keeping them in your hotel room may seem like a good idea, but it is not. Hotels can be broken into just as easily as any other building and the risk of theft from a hotel room is high. The best solution is to leave your valuables at home or in an offsite location when exploring new cities so that you are only bringing cash with you while traveling.
Also, keep an eye out for strangers. If someone comes up to talk or ask for help in a way that makes you uncomfortable, it is okay to walk away and ignore them.
Veteran travelers also suggest not taking shortcuts through dark alleys or poorly lit areas because criminals hang out in these places. You should also avoid talking to strangers and sharing personal information, such as where you live or plans for the future.
Resist the temptation to walk into the hotel before your luggage. In fact, during check-in, it’s best to stay as close to your bags as possible. This prevents the likelihood of your belongings from getting stolen if you become momentarily distracted.
Never inadvertently set your credit card on the counter. In today’s digital world, it’s extremely easy for someone to snap a quick photo of it and then use the card for fraudulent purposes. When the desk clerk hands it back to you, make sure it belongs to you and not someone else.
During Your Stay
When you get to your room, there are several things you can do to help to ensure your safety.
First of all, block open the door with your body or a heavy suitcase and look around the room for potential safety hazards. Make sure the room is well ventilated and that you can turn on a fan if needed to circulate air.
Check the shower, the closet area, and behind the curtains before you close the door. Make sure that all of these places are empty and free from anyone who might be hiding in them before you leave your room for the day to explore the city or go shopping.
Pay close attention to the door lock. Make sure it is fully functioning before you lock yourself in for the night.
Don’t stay in a room that doesn’t have a deadbolt. Always use the deadbolt when in the room.
Invest in a door wedge to use at night or when you’re in the shower. Many criminals wait until they hear water running to try to break into a room. This way you can stop them before they do.
Never put your valuables or passport in the safe provided by the hotel unless it is a reputable company known for providing quality services and security features. There have been reports of these safes being broken into with the use of master keys, making all of your belongings accessible to criminals who may have gotten hold of the master keys.
If there are any suspicious or strange things about your room, talk to someone at the front desk immediately and ask them what they can do to make it better. Many hotels have housekeeping staff available 24/hours a day if something is wrong with your hotel room.
Finally, keep a flashlight near your bed. In the event of a power outage, this makes it easier to navigate an unfamiliar building.
Leaving the Room
Each time you leave your room, ask that your valuables be put in the hotel safe. If the hotel doesn’t have a safe, consider making reservations elsewhere.
If possible, book a room with an in-room safe. This can also be useful if you are storing extra cash or valuables that won’t fit into the hotel’s safe. If this isn’t available, make sure to lock your suitcase/luggage and keep it out of reach (make sure children know not to touch them). If you are staying with friends or family, ask them to keep valuables in their room safe.
If you lose your room key, ask to be moved to a new room. There is no way to be sure that you simply misplaced it. It’s always possible that someone took it or that you were given a room with one missing.
When you are out, try to stay aware of your surroundings at all times. Don’t let yourself get distracted by work or other things on your mind. If someone bumps into you, take note as it might be part of an attempted robbery/assault/kidnapping attempt.
If you do end up going out alone at night, make sure that your phone is always with you and charged in case of an emergency. Additionally, it may be a good idea to let someone know where you are headed on social media so loved ones will see your status if you suddenly stop updating.
The safety tips we’ve provided should help you get started thinking about how you can ensure a safe hotel stay while traveling.
Now that we’ve covered some of the simple things you can do to ensure a safe hotel stay, why not plan your next getaway? Remember, as long as you follow this advice, chances are you’ll never have to deal with a negative hotel or motel experience in the future.
