Alright, so folks often ask me how I manage to feel secure when I’m bouncing around different hotels internationally. It’s not like I’ve got some secret agent training, believe me. It really just comes down to a few habits I’ve picked up over the years, mostly from, well, let’s just say learning things the not-so-fun way a couple of times. Nothing too dramatic, but enough to make me think, “Okay, let’s be a bit smarter about this.”
Before I Even Pack My Bags
My process starts way before I even get to the airport. First thing I do is a bit of digging on the hotel itself and the area around it. I’m not just looking at glossy photos. I read reviews, sure, but I also try to get a feel for the neighborhood. Is it well-lit? What are people saying about safety in that specific spot? I spend a good hour or two just poking around online, using maps, seeing what’s what. It sounds like a lot, but it gives me peace of mind.
Then, and this is a big one for me, I always share my detailed itinerary with someone I trust back home. Not just “I’m in Paris,” but the hotel name, address, phone number, dates. If something feels off later, or if I go quiet, at least someone knows where I’m supposed to be. Simple, but super important.
Arrival and Getting Settled
Okay, so I’ve landed, got my bags, and I’m at the hotel. At the check-in counter, I try to be polite but firm. I usually ask for a room that’s not on the ground floor. Ground floor rooms can sometimes be easier targets, you know? And I also prefer not to be at the very end of a long, quiet hallway if I can help it. Just feels a bit more secure if there’s a bit of normal foot traffic.
And here’s a little trick: if the front desk person says my room number out loud, I don’t love that. So, I’ll often just quietly ask them to write it down for me instead. No need for anyone else in earshot to know where I’m staying.
Once I get the key card, I head up. The very first thing I do when I reach my room is prop the door open with my suitcase before I go all the way in. Then I do a quick sweep. I check:
- The main door lock – does it work properly?
- The windows – do they lock securely? Especially if it’s a lower floor or has a balcony.
- Any connecting doors to other rooms – are they bolted from my side?
- The bathroom, the closet, behind the curtains. Sounds a bit over the top, but it takes 30 seconds and just makes me feel better.
After that, if everything looks okay, I close the door and I immediately use all the locks available. That deadbolt, the chain, the little swing latch – whatever they’ve got, I use it. Every single time I’m in the room.
Day-to-Day Habits in the Hotel
Now, for using the room. The hotel safe is my best friend for my passport, extra cash, and any small valuables. I learned that lesson after a scare a long time ago. So, those things go in the safe as soon as I’ve done my room check. I also try not to leave expensive stuff like my laptop or camera just lying out in the open when I leave the room. I’ll tuck it away in my luggage or a drawer. Out of sight, you know?
If someone knocks on my door and I’m not expecting anyone – room service, housekeeping, whatever – I always use the peephole first. If they say they’re hotel staff and I still feel a bit unsure, especially if it’s an odd time, I might just call the front desk to confirm they sent someone up. Takes a minute, no big deal.
And I’m generally pretty low-key. I don’t flash a lot of cash around in the lobby or the hotel bar. Just try to blend in and not draw unnecessary attention to myself.
One last thing I do, and this might sound a bit like overkill to some, but I take a moment to locate the nearest emergency exits. Not just the elevator. I actually walk down the hall and see where the stairs are. You never know, and it’s good to have that mental map, just in case.
So yeah, that’s pretty much my routine. It’s not about being paranoid, it’s just about being aware and taking a few simple steps. It’s become second nature now, and honestly, it lets me relax and actually enjoy my trip a whole lot more knowing I’ve done my bit to stay safe. It’s mostly common sense, just applied consistently.
