Choosing Safe Accommodations

When embarking on a journey, whether for business or leisure, your hotel room serves as your sanctuary, a place to rest, recharge, and feel secure. In a new environment, ensuring the safety of your belongings and personal well-being is paramount. This comprehensive guide provides practical tips and strategies to help you secure your hotel room while traveling, offering peace of mind and a worry-free experience.

Choose Reputable Accommodations

Start your journey by selecting a reputable hotel. Look for accommodations that have positive reviews, high security standards, and are situated in safe neighborhoods. Chain hotels and well-established brands often invest in security measures to protect their guests. Check the reviews on residential-vacations rentals as most do not employ security or invest in security systems with your safety in mind.

Research the Location

Before arriving at your destination, familiarize yourself with the area's safety situation. Research crime rates, local customs, and potential risks. Being informed will help you make better decisions and avoid unsafe areas. There are numerous free databases like the Organized Crime Index and Neighborhood Scout that can provide an estimate of crime rates in an area. Also, doing a google search for news on that area might be helpful.

Opt for a Room on Higher Floors

When checking in, request a room on a higher floor. Rooms on lower levels are more accessible to unauthorized individuals, making them more vulnerable to theft and unwanted intrusion. Higher floors also tend to have less street noise. One downside of having a higher room is that it might take longer to evacuate, although criminal victimization is more common than structure fires.

Check the Locks and Peephole

Inspect the door locks and peephole in your room. Make sure the deadbolt, chain lock, and any additional security features are functional. Use the peephole to identify visitors before opening the door. If you are in a high-risk area, put a chair or object in front of the door. If an intruder is able to get past the locks, this will slow them down enough for you to at least react or possibly call for help. Although there are items such as door stops marketed to those wishing to add to their security posture, should you experience a medical emergency, responders might not be able to reach you quickly enough to render aid. Carefully assess the risk level and need for such items.

Keep Your Valuables Secure

Use the hotel safe to store your valuables such as passports, laptops, jewelry, and extra cash. Most reputable hotels provide in-room safes or a front desk safe. While storing items in a safe is one way to keep them secure, keep in mind that most hotel managers have a code to access all of the safes, should a guest forget their code. Always get a receipt for items you store at the front desk.

Use Luggage Locks

Secure your luggage with sturdy locks, both when you're in the room and when you're out. This adds an extra layer of protection and might act as a deterrent from staff theft.

Double-Check Before Opening

Before opening the door to anyone, whether it's housekeeping, maintenance, or even someone claiming to be from the hotel, verify their identity by calling the front desk. Scammers occasionally attempt to gain access to rooms by posing as staff.

Don't Advertise Your Absence

When leaving your room, avoid advertising your absence. Keep the lights on, and if available, use the "Do Not Disturb" sign. Dependent on the threat level, a room cleaning every day may not be necessary. Leave the television or radio on at a reasonable volume to create the illusion that the room is occupied.

Avoid Sharing Too Much Information

Be cautious about sharing your travel plans with strangers, both inside and outside the hotel. This information can potentially be used by thieves to target your room. Do not post your location on social media or share your location live to people that you do not trust. Criminals are known to use location based social media apps to determine your location.

Secure Digital Devices

If you're traveling with digital devices, such as laptops or tablets, make use of password protection, encryption, and remote wipe capabilities to prevent unauthorized access to your personal information. If possible, keep your electronic devices with you. If you must leave them in the room, lock them up in the safe. Always power them down when they are not in use.

Be Cautious with Wi-Fi

Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks in your hotel for sensitive transactions. If necessary, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) like Express VPN to encrypt your internet connection and protect your data from potential hackers. Be aware that some locations allow government entities to use listening devices liberally in public hotels and meeting places. Your conversations may not be private, even in your hotel room.

Lock Windows and Balcony Doors

If your room has windows or balcony doors, make sure they are securely locked when you're not in the room. These access points can be targets for intruders.

Report Suspicious Activity

If you notice any suspicious activity or encounter problems with your room's security, immediately report it to the hotel management. They are there to assist you and ensure your safety.

Trust Your Instincts

Above all, trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right or seems unusual, take appropriate action to ensure your safety. Your well-being is a priority.

Securing your hotel room while traveling is a fundamental aspect of ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey. By following these practical tips and remaining vigilant, you can create a secure environment that allows you to fully relax and make the most of your travel experience. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in maintaining your safety and peace of mind.