Inside, Outside, Upside Down
Unless you have the fortuity to stay with friends or family when you travel, you’re probably going to stay in hotel or motel. We’ve gathered some suggestions on how to be safe at your place of temporary habitation, as well as some ways to exercise caution when you’re out and about. Don’t be that person whose trip turns upside down.
HOTEL TIPS
Ask your hotel manager for advice on ‘safe’ versus ‘unsafe’ local areas, as well as safety and security policies.
If possible, choose accommodation that has unmarked ‘swipe cards’ rather than numbered keys for each room. If you lose your swipe card or if it is stolen, the thief won’t know which room to rob.
Take note of emergency exits, stairwells, fire escapes and emergency plans, just in case.
Keep your hotel room door locked at all times, especially when retiring for the night. If there is a chain included, use it.
Make sure your room has an indoor viewer and a dead bolt lock. Always verify who’s at your door. Don’t open the door to someone you don’t know. If an unexpected visitor claims to be a hotel employee, call the front desk to make sure.
If you lose the plastic key card to your room, insist on a new-keyed card. Insist that hotel personnel write down your assigned room number so others can’t see or hear it.
Don’t display room keys in public or leave them on the restaurant tables, at the swimming pool, or in other places where they can easily be stolen.
Keep valuables-jewelry, cash, etc. in the hotel safe. Better still; leave jewelry in a safe at home.
When arranging to meet people you’ve never met before (such as business associates), wait for them in the lobby. Don’t ask them to come up to your room.
Don’t get into an elevator alone with suspicious strangers.
Never leave luggage unattended.
Before taking a cab, ask the staff about directions and estimated costs.
TIPS FOR BEING OUT AND ABOUT
Consult with your hotel manager or tourist information center about the public transport in your area. Make sure you know what official taxi cabs look like. A thief may pose as a taxi driver to lure you into their car.
Don’t share taxis with strangers.
Don’t accept rides from strangers.
Pay attention to your surroundings.
Don’t take more cash, travelers’ checks, or credit cards than you need. Don’t “flash” your cash or other valuables.
Avoid large crowds, demonstrations, or public confrontations.
Keep a low profile.
Don’t have too much alcohol to drink.
Stay in well-lit and well-traveled places.
Don’t discuss travel plans with strangers.
Find the location of the nearest police station, hospital, and other safe places.
Report any suspicious activities to the police.
If you are robbed, don’t resist.
Crime can be random, but there’s a lot you can do to limit your chances of becoming a victim. Often simply being aware of the threat of crime—and alert to what you can do to prevent it—will go a long way to making your business trip both safe and successful.