How to Avoid Hotel Crime

Surviving Public Hotel Crime

Most people want to avoid being victimized in their hotel when on vacation or traveling abroad. The U.S. Government provides some tips to help you avoid such a fate. The following is excerpted from DEPARTMENT OF STATE PUBLICATION 10217: Security Awareness Overseas, An Overview [Bureau of Diplomatic Security - United States Department of State Overseas Security Advisory Council].

For more travel safety tips check out the links on the right.

Have a safe trip!!

Hotel Crime

Stay alert in your hotel. Put the "do not disturb" sign on your door to give the impression that the room is occupied. Call the maid when you are ready for the room to be cleaned. Consider leaving the light or TV on when you are out of the room. Carry the room key with you instead of leaving it at front desk. Do not use your name when answering the phone. Do not accept packages or open the door to workmen without verification from the front desk.

When walking, remain on wide, well-lit streets. Know where you are going when you leave the hotel-if on a tour, enlist a reputable guide. Generally, the hotel will recommend or procure one. Do not take shortcuts through alleys or off the beaten path. If alone, be back in the hotel by dark. Never resist armed robbery; it could lead to violence. Always carry some cash to appease muggers who may resort to violence at finding no reward for their efforts.

[Source: The United States State Department]

Country Information

Travel Health Tips for Specific Destinations

Country Data

World's Largest Cities

World's Largest Urban Areas

Travel Tips

Survival Manual

Introduction: Survival

Psychology of Survival

Survival Planning and Survival Kits

Basic Survival Medicine

Shelters

Water Procurement