Okay, so the other day I was thinking about my upcoming trip and how to make sure I stay safe in hotels, especially since I’ll be in a totally new place. I did some digging and tried a few things out myself, and I wanted to share what I’ve learned and practiced.
Getting Started: Pre-Trip Research
First things first, I started by looking into the hotels I was considering. I didn’t just check the hotel websites, I also looked at reviews on a few different travel sites. I was checking for any comments mentioning safety issues, good or bad.
Checking the Room
Once I got to the hotel and checked in, I immediately did a walk-through of the room. My focus was on the following:
- Door locks: I made sure the main door had a deadbolt and that it worked properly. I gave it a good push and pull to make sure it was solid.
- Windows: I checked if the windows could lock securely. I’m mostly staying on lower levels, so this felt extra important.
- Connecting doors: My room had a connecting door to the next room. I double-checked that it was locked and bolted from my side.
- Phone:I test the phone to see whether it works.
Practicing Safe Habits
It’s not just about the room itself, it’s also about what you do. I started practicing these as soon as I “moved in”:
- Keeping the door locked: Even when I’m just chilling in the room, I keep the deadbolt locked. And I always use the security chain or bar if there is one.
- “Do Not Disturb” sign: I usually keep the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door, especially when I’m out. I figure it makes it less obvious when the room is empty.
- Valuables: I don’t leave my laptop, passport, or extra cash just lying around. I use the in-room safe. I tested it out to make sure I knew how to use it properly.
- Being aware:When I am back to my room,I just try to be aware of my surroundings. I make sure to check that no one is hanging around the hallway.
Extra Steps for Peace of Mind
I added a couple of small things to my routine just for extra security
- I also tried to remember the fire/emergency exits.
It is important to follow the rules and make yourself safe!
