Staying Safe in Hotel, Motel, Apartments or Villa



When you're on the road, probably the last thing you want to think about is home security or even personal safety. Vacations are a time to relax, to be at peace after all. However, in this day in age, no matter where you are, you can never really be too cautious. In fact, keeping your guard down will make you more susceptible to possible crimes.

Anyone, man or girl/woman, is an easy target in a hotel room. A hotel, after all is unfamiliar territory. In a hotel a traveler is at the mercy of unknown place and they most likely don't know their way around, which makes it easy for them to be the victim of a crime. Of course, the number one thing to remember when it comes to hotel security, is not to let anyone in-it's pretty much the same strategy for home security. Here are some other, less obvious tips to keep you out of trouble while you're traveling.

Generally speaking, if you stay on a higher floor, you are safer from crime; however, the trade off is that you are worse off should a fire occur. Ground floor rooms are easier to access by criminals and firemen. You can make a compromise and pick a room on a higher floor in a modern hotel with adequate fire safety measures in place. Make sure your room has a fire sprinkler and smoke detector in it or nearby. Also, your in room phone should allow direct outside dialing should you need to call for help.

The door locks should be secure; always bolt your door and use your peephole (again the same measures you'd take for home security apply here). Self closing and self locking doors are best. If you see prying marks around your door, request another room. If you are leaving your room, always take the duplicate key in case. Anyone could ask at the counter for the extra key, saying they are related to you or there is an emergency. Don't allow that to happen to you.

Never open your door if someone who you didn't call for comes knocking. Always, always use your peephole. Even if they announce themselves as maintenance or cleaning, you should not let them in. If you feel something is amiss, call the hotel front desk and ask if they sent someone; you can also have them send up hotel security. This is extremely important and bears repeating-do not let in strangers, even if they say they are the bellhop or the maid. Think about your own home security measures-you wouldn't let anyone in you didn't know, would you?

The hallways and parking lot should be well lit.

All windows and balconies should be secured. If your room is connected to another by an adjoining door, make sure it can be secured and locked. Don't be afraid to ask for another room.

Take advantage of the valet service, especially if alone or travelling with young children.
Be aware of your surroundings and use your head. Hotel security is similar to home security, although you may not have a home alarm at your disposal; still, use your common sense