Traveling means stepping into unfamiliar spaces, and even the most welcoming room isn’t the same as being at home in your safe space. Taking a moment to make sure your surroundings are secure helps you settle in with confidence. Simple awareness such as checking your place is secure enough, the room free of spy cameras, , and the space feels right—goes a long way toward protecting you, your comfort and peace of mind while you’re away.
It does not matter whether you are travelling solo, with your partner and for fun or the business. Staying in a hotel or Airbnb means trusting that the space you’re in is truly private. With hidden cameras becoming smaller and more accessible, it’s smart to take a moment to make sure your room is secure.
1. Secure the Door
Lock the deadbolt and latch/chain. I use also a coat hanger or one great door ,block-lock’ bought online as well as available in any good independent ironmongers/household shop. I find useful the thing that is called ,spin type
Add a portable rubber door wedge (light, does not work well on carpeting, but does the trick) or travel door lock if you carry one. Make sure it does not prevent you from exiting your room in the risk of the fire.
Place your suitcase or a heavy item in front of the door at night so you’d hear movement. The travel door wedge with the alarm works well, however I rely on the analogue things. I know I am tech, but you know too much tech and smart IT, it is like not a human error but a tech glitch like in the case of the airplane crash at Peggy Cove, Halifax, Canada. It is about striking the good balance, not dominance.
I like to combine both options – the towel in the latch as well as 2 hangers , using a small towel instead of the bath one.
Make sure the peephole is intact. If not, cover it . I use a loo‑roll trick and I think it is was perfect for our privacy in our UK hotel chain. It does not matter that your distant cousin is married to the other half from Two and Half Men who was playing a lead in Peeping Show. It is also good practical advice of mine to place the Don’t Disturb outside of your hotel room. I don’t mean glamorous mother in law of the actress from Peeping Show/ 2 and 1/2 Men, typing furiously her historical books since 6pm in her chamber. Her only son, dear ghoul looking cousin Fred had his afternoon nap in hot Wimbledon sun, just disturbed by just very cheerful duo Irish Scot and Mescal. Trust me, this card does help you to keep external night noise down.
2. Control Visibility
Fully close curtains, especially at night. Make sure you are not dealing with transparent and sheer voila curtains. If so, change your clothes in the bathroom, stick your towel to the window, but it is extremely rare.
Avoid standing directly in front of uncovered windows when changing. Also do not leave open windows in your absence or during the night. A jar opening makes a good ventilation and an efficient air flow. Always close the door and the windows if you leave the room.
If a mirror feels suspicious, cover it with a towel or scarf.
3.Make the Room Look Occupied
When you leave, close all doors, the windows. It is recommended:
Leave a light on.
Leave the TV on low volume.
Put the Do Not Disturb sign on the door.
Don’t leave the door open while unloading luggage. Don’t leave the expensive items laid on the table and the bed to be on the display during the daily cleaning.
These small signals discourage snooping.
4. Keep Your Tech Safe
Don’t connect your phone to “smart” hotel TVs. You are always on the safer and cheaper side opting for own mobile data roaming or buying a local card with favourable rates for the internet browsing.
Use your own charger, not random USB ports.
Cover your laptop camera when not in use, sometimes the phones, but the best advice is stopping to brag about your amazing sea view, your travel plans, leaving your home on the social media. 5. Do a Quick 5. 5.Privacy Sweep
This takes under 2 minutes, usually an issue in private accommodation rather than in the hotels. I have one unpleasant experience, just reaching the level of myself changing the clothes and that undercover illegal filming by a spy camera etc. I got it or sensed quite quickly, so the prevention was done, but I was dressing under the towel, took the baths and showers in the red swimsuit in the bathroom and it was obvious how the peeping person (the woman, fashion) did it in certain area, unable to reach my hot yoga sessions (Grace, London, copied once by Jonathan Toews) or having weekly English breakfast at the greasy spoon (copied by Justin Bieber in the similar area, living in the horrible huge hacienda of Daniel Kretinsky), but the knowledge about the take away of green mushroom curry from the local fast food, with the comment Oh you don’t cook..ok, it is ..vegetarian and healthy:] You get these red lights, trust your instinct. It was primaly about a narciss trolling the female bodies over Whatsapp to feel good, but usually having ,rage’ Rap on G string because my bum was firm and flat, toned from horse riding, swimming and all the sports, including army marches with the medical teams, butting up to the hills. You cannot compare my ,cracker’ to the silicon hemispheres of the Kardashians gurls and the gym bunnies with the endless selfies, hurting their backside. C’mon, but we want to have it all over.
Look at smoke detectors, clocks, vents, and chargers.
Check for tiny reflections using your phone flashlight. Unless you don’t deal with a vampire or Count Dracula, you see the difference. These radio waves ,gadgets’ promoted on Amazon, eBay are useless. They report any radio and the electronic gadget around.
Unplug or cover anything that feels out of place.
You’re not tearing the room apart — just being aware.
6. Protect Your Belongings
Use the safe if it looks solid; otherwise hide valuables in less obvious places (inside a shoe, inside a zipped pillowcase).
Keep your passport , the bank cards on/with you (travel pouch, the purse) when possible.
Don’t leave jewellery or electronics visible.
7. Be Smart at Check‑In
Don’t say your room number out loud. So your details.
If staff say it loudly, politely ask for a new room. Cover your payment details, PIN you enter during the payment. It is old fashion to settle the hotel bill after the stay. You pay upon the arrival, they charge you for the extras after the check out.
If someone asks whether you’re alone, say “I’m meeting someone later.” You’re not lying — you’re protecting your privacy. Avoid any deep conversation about your person, your travel plans, family etc. The reception is always very professional to help you with the practical tips about the local historical monuments, natural beauty spots or even the transport tips. Just keep it for a day trip tip.
8. Be Mindful With Transport
Don’t tell taxi drivers you’re travelling alone. Don’t say “I’m staying here alone” to anyone.
If someone asks, say “My partner is arriving later.” All the tips above apply, be polite, yet professional. The wedding band is usually a safe option for the women in certain countries. It works as the repellent.
9. Night Routine for Peace of Mind
Phone fully charged.
Keycard in the same place every night.
Shoes by the bed.
Curtains closed.
Door double‑locked.
A glass of water nearby so you don’t wander around half‑asleep.
This routine helps you feel grounded and safe.
10. Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off:
Ask for a different room.
Ask for a different floor.
Change hotel room or the hotel, the private accommodation if needed.
I am not telling you that a majority of the hotel and a private accommodation is Bates Motel, but the practical safety tips always make your life safe, your belongings secure and your stay enjoyable. You don’t need to justify it. Your comfort is the priority.
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