Never open the door until you know who’s knocking. If the person claims to be an employee, call the front desk to verify the stated name and purpose.
I expect that most of the readership of this site has a good handle on the common sense things to keep themselves safe, but just in case you want more information, or need talking points to help teach your loved ones, I have placed a few tips below:
- Leave an inside light on when you leave – especially if you’ll be returning late at night.
- Use only main entrances to the building late at night. Many hotels and motels lock side entrances after a certain hour as a precaution for your safety.
- Close and lock the door whenever you are in your room; use every locking device the door has.
- Check other ways in and out – are all the windows closed and locked?
- Never, even for a moment, leave room keys anywhere that they might be stolen or the number might be noted – like lying on a restaurant table or around the swimming pool. In fact, never give your room number to anyone but verified hotel/motel staff.
- Never display cash or wear expensive jewelry.
- Do not invite or allow strangers into your room.
- If you have valuables, have the front desk put them in the hotel/motel safe. If you must have them with you, at least keep them in your room – never in your car.
- If you see activity that looks suspicious, call the management and let them know what you’ve seen.
