Hotel and Resort Travel Safety Tips
Summer time and the living is easy - and the con men (and women) are out in force. Summer means graduations, reunions, parties and weddings, not to mention vacations, many of which require travel and overnight stays at hotels, resorts and campgrounds. Hitting the road can be fun unless the unexpected happens. Everything from theft to injuries to bedbugs can occur if you aren't careful. The following recommendations will help you enjoy your travel while reducing the negatives.
Hotels/motels/resorts: You may be making your own reservation or booking at a hotel or resort reserved by the wedding or party hosts. If making your own reservation, first check the venue's website. Also check travel rating websites, such as TripAdvisor. On the travel sites you may find some negative comments about minor matters, but if you find warnings or major issues, choose another hotel. Look for information not only about the rooms, but about parking, swimming pools, restaurants and other amenities.
When you check in, look for fire exits and stairways. Once in your room, never open the door unless you know who is on the other side. Use the peep hole and ask who is there. If you don't know the person, don't open the door. Place the Do Not Disturb sign on the door when you leave. Entering an elevator with a stranger may not be a good idea, particularly if you are tired or have been drinking.
If your room has a safe, use it to store your extra money, credit cards, passport, and anything you don't want to carry with you. Be careful about carrying too much money and letting it be seen by strangers in a public place. If traveling overseas, consider wearing a money belt. Be very careful about drinking too much and then going to your room. Someone could follow you.
Resort or hotel swimming pools are magnets for children. Don't leave them unsupervised, even for a minute, even if a lifeguard is on duty. If using the on-site weight room or gym, be certain the equipment is clean and in good repair. Be careful about entering gyms or swimming areas if only one other person is there. Have someone go with you. If you are the only person at the pool or gym and someone arrives, if you feel the least bit uneasy, leave. The same is true for dark parking lots or parking garages, where muggings can happen quickly.
Campgrounds: Be certain to secure your campsite, tent, trailer or camper against not only human intrusion, but four footed visitors as well. Bears, raccoon, and other varmints are attracted to food and the smell of it on dirty dishes and in trash bins.
Be very careful with campfires, making sure the fire is completely out when you go to bed or leave, even for a short time. Children need constant supervision near campfires, as well as near rivers and lakes.
With a bit of vigilance, your trip can be relaxing and enjoyable without any nasty surprises.
Hotels/motels/resorts: You may be making your own reservation or booking at a hotel or resort reserved by the wedding or party hosts. If making your own reservation, first check the venue's website. Also check travel rating websites, such as TripAdvisor. On the travel sites you may find some negative comments about minor matters, but if you find warnings or major issues, choose another hotel. Look for information not only about the rooms, but about parking, swimming pools, restaurants and other amenities.
When you check in, look for fire exits and stairways. Once in your room, never open the door unless you know who is on the other side. Use the peep hole and ask who is there. If you don't know the person, don't open the door. Place the Do Not Disturb sign on the door when you leave. Entering an elevator with a stranger may not be a good idea, particularly if you are tired or have been drinking.
If your room has a safe, use it to store your extra money, credit cards, passport, and anything you don't want to carry with you. Be careful about carrying too much money and letting it be seen by strangers in a public place. If traveling overseas, consider wearing a money belt. Be very careful about drinking too much and then going to your room. Someone could follow you.
Resort or hotel swimming pools are magnets for children. Don't leave them unsupervised, even for a minute, even if a lifeguard is on duty. If using the on-site weight room or gym, be certain the equipment is clean and in good repair. Be careful about entering gyms or swimming areas if only one other person is there. Have someone go with you. If you are the only person at the pool or gym and someone arrives, if you feel the least bit uneasy, leave. The same is true for dark parking lots or parking garages, where muggings can happen quickly.
Campgrounds: Be certain to secure your campsite, tent, trailer or camper against not only human intrusion, but four footed visitors as well. Bears, raccoon, and other varmints are attracted to food and the smell of it on dirty dishes and in trash bins.
Be very careful with campfires, making sure the fire is completely out when you go to bed or leave, even for a short time. Children need constant supervision near campfires, as well as near rivers and lakes.
With a bit of vigilance, your trip can be relaxing and enjoyable without any nasty surprises.
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