Are you traveling safely? National Child Safety Council:

1. Planning Trips: Use an established travel agency. If possible, never travel alone, Get written information about all aspects of travel packages, before booking including cancellation policies. Ask about extra charges, such as port taxes. Reject any travel ‘prize’ that requires a fee or processing charge.

Secure reservations with a credit card (be careful giving out this number and/or a checking account number) to avoid being stranded in unfamiliar or unsafe surroundings. This documentation may be helpful in case of a dispute. Register using a business address instead of a home address.

Checking In:

*Ask about security features and how to use them and any local ‘con games’ tourists encounter.

*Know your license plate number to avoid going outside along to get it

*Ask about safe areas for jogging, walking, shopping, etc. Ask for a map. Ask when taxis or public transportation stop running.

*Store luggage in a locked room if your room is not ready.

*Ask the front desk for necessities first instead of going out in an unknown area.

*Never leave magazines with a home address in your room.

*Have someone go with your if you feel uneasy about sending a fax, going to the laundry, pool or exercise facilities alone or tell the front desk where you will be.

*Never use health club facilities that are totally enclosed or unsupervised.

*Ask the front desk to not release your room number with anyone.

2. Request a Room:

*In or near the main building: on the concierge or key service floor (if there is one) especially if you are traveling alone.

*That faces inward toward other rooms or towards the lobby.

*That does not have a window easily accessible from the street or roof, preferably on the second floor but no higher than the seventh.

*Near a fire exit but away from stairwells, elevators, ice and vending machines and basements or garbage.

*Near (but not next to) the elevator to help avoid long walks down hallways.

When you get your room:

*Do a quick inspection: (Closets, bathroom, behind show curtain, under beds etc.) for hiding places or anything out of place. Trust your instincts. If you do not feel safe or if someone was in the room, leave immediately. Report anything suspicious and ask for another room, cabin or seek another hotel/motel.

*Never enter if someone is watching or loitering nearby or enter quickly and report the person to the front desk. Walk by suspicious looking people confidently. Avoid isolated areas like stairways. Go where there are other people.

*Never let a stranger show you to your room or carry your luggage.

*Read or watch security, fire or other emergency videos.

There are 65,000 hotels and motels in the US.

3. Security Measures:

Entry Doors:

*Look to see if your door is solid wood or metal, has a sturdy deadlock with a one-inch throw bolt and a reliable key system. Be sure it is visible to the hallway.

*Always use the deadbolt and safety latch when in your room. If the lock looks tampered with, ask for another room or use another hotel/motel.

*Make sure electronic card-access locks are changed after each use.

*Make sure you can push a button on the inside knob that will block out all keys. (former guests or housekeeping) while you are inside.

*Be sure windows with secure locks open and close easily from the inside.

*Make sure all doors are locked securely, including the patio or balcony. Use the extra lock or a stick on sliding windows or doors.

*Be sure connecting doors are locked and secure.

*Make sure your balcony cannot be accessed from the ground or the room next door.

*Never rely on door chains or swing bars for safety when answering the door. Use the wide angle peephole.

*Close the curtains completely, especially in the evening or if you will be out.

*Hang the “Do Not Disturb” sign when you leave and turn the light, radio or TV to discourage burglars.

Room Keys:

*Request a key without your room number on it (in case it is lost or stolen). Report missing or lost keys immediately and move to a different room. Never write your room number on your key.

*Keep your key in a safe place and never leave it unattended.

*Never leave your key in the room or the door. Never give your key to others.

Elevators:

*Do not enter the elevator if it is occupied by someone you consider suspicious. If someone gets on who makes you feel uneasy, get off.

*Always stand next to the controls.

*If someone is watching when you enter, press several floor buttons so they do not know which floor is yours. Report the incident if you felt uncomfortable.

Telephone Tips:

*Know how to call the front desk and dial 9-1-1 quickly. You may need to use an outside line to dial 9-1-1.

*Memorize your room number, the facility name and its location.

*Hang up immediately if you get unwanted, harassing or threatening telephone calls. Notify the front desk and proper authorities.

*Never give a credit card number over the phone to someone who calls your room.

4. Protecting your Valuables:

*Keep large amounts of money out of sight. Never count it in public. Put it back in your wallet before turning and leaving the cashier.

*Store valuables or important documents (passport, airline ticket, credit cards, large sums of money, jewelry) in the safety deposit box at the front desk and get a receipt. Use a room safe for items of moderate value.

*If there is no room in the safe, put valuable in a money belt that you wear or bring along a “portable safe.” These come in many forms: hollow books, shoes with hollow heals, suitcases with secret compartments etc.

*Never draw attention to yourself by traveling with expensive jewelry or furs. Consider reproductions. Turn large stone rings around or cover with a band aid.

Visitors:

*Use the peephole. Call the front desk to confirm visitors, even if they say they are with room service etc.

*If you are expecting someone, prearrange an exact time of arrival and some form of identification; a secret knock, business card under the door or a phone call from the lobby.

Traveling with Children:

*Never leave children alone, especially near window/door screens or on balconies.

*Be sure hotel loaner cribs, play yards, etc. meet current safety standards (not recalled) and are in good repair.

*If traveling along or with small children, use valet service and ask for a hotel escort.

Disclosure: The blogger wanted to note that this information was taken from a pamphlet entitled ‘Are you Traveling Safely?’ by the National Child Safety Council and gives them full credit for the information. Please check out their website for more information and other programs that they promote.