You made your home safe and secure for your winter vacation. Now you are ready to enjoy your vacation. While on vacation, you want to be safe from criminals, injury, or emergencies. What are some security tips you can use to make your winter hotel vacation safer for you and your family?
You are the Security Chief
Hotels were designed for the convenience and comfort of its guests. Especially in older hotels, many security designs were made after the hotel was built. Given world events, hotels have put in place security measures. Bottom line, you must be your own security chief while on vacation.
Before your trip
Some security experts suggest you copy all credit cards, airline tickets, passports and important documents, front and back. You can use these copies in case of the originals are stolen or lost. They also suggest that you think carefully about the jewelry you take on the trip. In some foreign cities and even some areas within the United States, a diamond ring could be worth what a criminal might earn in a year. Remove the temptation!
Your Hotel Room
If you have an option, you may wish to avoid ground level rooms with doors and windows. Also if you have a choice, select a room between the third and sixth floors. This provides safety from the street level access. And most fire-departments have ladders to read these floors. They may not have ladders for the higher floor!
When you get into your room, make sure there is a sprinkler head, a phone, and all locks work correctly. Swiping key locks are more secure than actual keys because they change the electronic code for each new guest. Take time to look at the hotel’s emergency escape plan and make a mental note of the nearest emergency exit and how to get there.
Remember to always close and lock your door even if you are only gone for a few minutes. Make it a habit to use all locks, including the deadbolt and chain. Do not open your door to anyone who knocks unexpectedly. Place your room key in the same place every time, preferably close to the bed.
Your hotel room is unfamiliar territory. A small flashlight may sound silly but stumbling around in a dark hotel in the middle of the night or having to evacuate in the event of a fire, and a flashlight could help save a life.
Here’s a trick some experienced travelers use. Ask the maid to make your room up during breakfast or before you leave your room for the day. Place a Do not disturb” sign on the door. The sign gives the impression you are still inside. Leaving your curtains partially open also gives the impression someone is home.
Parking your Car
The number one target for car burglars is hotels. You want to park in a well-lit area and as close to the hotel as possible. Don’t leave bags in your car overnight even if they are not valuable. A thief doesn’t the value. A broken window or a popped lock will make a bad day. Make sure the parting permits you to leave on your car dashboard; do not tell your room number.
Computers and Valuables
More and more hotels provide WiFi internet. An unsecured line is the greatest opportunity for computer hackers. If possible use a wired internet (Ethernet cable that connects directly to your computer).
Laptop computers, tablets, video cameras, digital cameras, portable DVD players, and games are valuable to people and costly to replace. Would you leave your wallet or purse just sitting on a table? What about your $1000 laptop?
Use the safe in your room to store valuables if they don’t have a safe leave these valuables at the front desk in a safety deposit box.
Be Familiar with your surroundings
If you were at home, you would know which areas of the city may not be the best places to travel. Make sure you know the areas where you will be traveling from your hotel. You don’t want to find yourself in an unwelcomed area. If you are unsure, talk with hotel personnel about the areas you plan to visit. It’s essential to be familiar with your surroundings
Conclusion
As security chief taking a few minutes to think about hotel security will make your vacation fun and relaxing. Review the list of security tips and then enjoy your winter vacation!
Be safe.
Share any of your vacation security tips. Thanks.
