Hotel Security Is a Major Concern for the Road Warrioress

In Taipei, I stayed in a newly renovated hotel – until I learned renovations were due to a major hotel fire in which a number of guests were killed.  The sprinkler system did not look particularly trustworthy, and the smoke detector had no little light, which had me concerned that it might not work or even be hooked up!  In Houston, some man followed me to my room.  Fortunately, with key already in hand, I was able to slip in and, throwing my full body weight against the door, slammed it on my stalker's hand.

For the solo woman traveler, it pays handsomely to pay attention!  Your security is your first responsibility to yourself.  And all too often, you cannot wait to be bailed out.  Here are some tips for your safety in hotels:

1.   Never open your door!  First, check through your peephole (if you’re tall enough to see through it – they are often set to man- or tall-person-height).  If you are not expecting anyone, call the front desk or housekeeping to ensure they really have sent [name] with more towels or whatever.  Verify Name – ask who’s there!

2.   Beware posting your breakfast menu on your doorknob before retiring.  It can alert Bad Guys to a lone traveler unless you disguise that fact by ordering two cups with a pot of coffee, or two juices, or something.

3.   Check room security when checking in.  Is there a good deadbolt lock with a long throw (part that goes into the door jamb)?  Smoke detectors?  Sprinkler system?  Annunciator system for emergencies?  Is your door hidden from traffic through the hall?  That’s not a good thing as Bad Guys are out of both camera range and sight of people walking through hallways.

4.   Never prop your door open, even if you are expecting housekeeping or room service.  Either shower before you call, or hold off on the shower until they’re finished.

5.   If there’s an adjoining room, ensure there’s a deadbolt lock and safety chain or security bar YOU lock from your side!

6.   Poolside or patio room?  Be especially careful about security for those sliding glass doors!  In fact, poolside rooms are often noisy, so why pay any premium rate for an insecure room with less privacy?

May your road rise to meet you – and may your road be safe!

Ann

Safety Is Always a Major Concern for Road Warrioresses

While a grad student, a few classmates and I went to Houston for a professional conference.  I left my small group - and roommate for that trip - downstairs to run back to my room for something.  One man got in the elevator with me, but it was not a concern until we got off the elevator and he started following me down the hall.  I got my room key in hand quickly, unlocked the door and grabbed the safety latch as I closed the door.  Just in the knick of time!  He stuck his hand in the doorway as I tried to close it.  Fortunately, I got the latch over the edge of the knobby-thingy just enough to prevent him from opening the door.  I crashed my weight against the door and slammed it on his hand.  With a few yelps, he took off!

Don't worry about the guy's hand in such a situation!  Quick thinking and quick movement saved me.

But it made me safety conscious even before beginning a job which required near-constant travel.  I always slip the safety latch (better) or safety chain as I enter my hotel room door.

So imagine my distress when - for the first time in years of travel in numerous countries - I discovered the safety latch on the door of my hotel room was broken.  I latched it, and only later noticed the screw was loose and did not latch securely.  I checked out.

Your safety and security has to be your constant concern on the road.  Your first line of defense is to PAY ATTENTION!  Victimizers look for the person who is distracted, who fails to look around, pay attention not only to what they are doing, but to what is going on around them.

Before you explore a market, secure your shoulder bag - put it diagonally across your shoulder and toward your front.  Zip it up.  Otherwise, a pickpocket can dig in an open bag or slip it off your shoulder and run away with it.

Who is paying attention to you or your "stuff" instead of the sights?  That should put you on alert.  Anyone following you?  Have your room key ready to insert & slip inside quickly, fasten the safety latch.

There are lots more safety tips - and do share yours here!  But your first line of defense is your own powers of observation.  Develop the fine art of observing carefully and constantly.

May your road rise up to meet you!

Ann