Let’s face it; the holidays are stressful enough without having to deal with travel disasters. If you are planning to go over the river and through the woods to grandma’s house, Aunt Millie’s cottage, or cousin Bob’s condo for a holiday get together your best line of defense is to be prepared. As we countdown to Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa I will be offering a number of tips related to holiday travel beginning with this blog about hotel safety.
The following are a few safety tips to consider if you find yourself making a hotel, motel, or resort your home away from home this holiday season:
1. ALWAYS ask for two key cards (even if you’re traveling alone), there’s always the possibility that you may lose one.
2. Request a map at check in. Most hotels will either provide you with a map of the city–or at least make you a copy of one–upon request. If you are renting a vehicle you can pick up a map at the car rental place. It’s a good idea to ask the desk clerk where the nearest drugstore or grocery store is so you can find both easily should you need them.
3. Ask the front desk for at least one hotel business card or take a match book from the hotel bar to stick in your pocket. If you are ever lost or need to give a cab driver the address to your hotel you’ll be all set.
4. Request a room on floors 2-6. Fire ladders don’t reach much higher than the sixth floor. And, while staying on the ground floor has its benefits (convenience, tops the list), remember, first floor windows also allow for easy entry for thieves.
5. Be prepared in case of an emergency. Leave your key card next to your bed in case you need to leave your room during the night (e.g. if there’s an alarm of some kind).
6. ALWAYS, ALWAYS use the peephole before you open the door to your room. Never open the door if you’re not expecting anyone or if you don’t recognize the person. If you can’t identify the person at the door call the front desk immediately.
7. Take precautions when riding the elevator. If you find yourself in an elevator alone, stand next to the button panel. If another guest enters and you sense a problem, press the buttons for the next two or three floors and get off as soon as possible.
8. When traveling alone try not to put out the service tag for breakfast room service too soon. The longer you have it hanging out there the longer someone has to read your requests and determine that you are alone in your room.
9. Contact the front desk immediately if you notice that your hotel room door is ajar or unlocked after spending time away from your room.
10. Use the main entrance of the hotel, especially at night.
Related Articles:
Holiday Travel—The Escape Plan
Seven Safety Tips For Travelers
Hotels Help The Liquid-less Traveler
Hotel Rooms-Smoking or Non-Smoking: The Choice Is No Longer Yours