Security When on Vacation

By Arnie Lipson

Security when traveling will differ in many ways from home security, because we cannot control many of the variables around motels and hotels that we can control on or around our own homes.  Are you familiar with the area where you will be staying?  If not, drive around the area before checking in.  Look for telltale problems like bars, strip joints, "street people", etc.  A bad area can border a nice hotel. You can call the local police in that area and ask about the neighborhood. Most will be glad to have one less crime stat.

When checking in, observe the parking lot security. Is it a lighted lot? Is it well kept? If it is, that may indicate that staff is out there frequently maintaining it.  Try to park in view of the front desk too. Ask for a room that is not too high up, where fire truck ladders can't reach.  Yet not on the first floor, where access from the street is too easy.  I like the third floor myself.  Note how easy public access is to the hotel.  Many that I have stayed at require your room key to open access doors from the outside. If staff is available to take your bags, use them. It keeps your hands free, and gives you a better opportunity to look around without being burdened with heavy articles.  When you tip, have money in hand ready to go. Don't fumble around in your purse or wallet. Take note as to the locations of fire exits and building access doors. Know exactly the fastest ways out in an emergency. 

Prior to venturing out into the area (which you already checked), ask the hotel staff for information and area maps. Map your routes before you go out. Never stand out on the street with an open map in your hand.  It tips off criminals that you are unfamiliar with the area, and it takes your attention off of your surroundings.  When leaving your room, ALWAYS leave the TV on. Keep them guessing whether you are in or not. Before going out, have a small and powerful flashlight with you for your trip back in the evening. I also recommend a LEGAL weapon of choice, which you should keep very accessible. Pepper spray, is a good bet. Beware that some cities have banned the carry and use of pepper spray for all citizens in which to protect themselves. (Except for the criminals of course) When you leave your room, you may be leaving some of your valuables. (I travel with a minimum of valuables to begin with.) Can safes are a great tool to hide valuables. They look like shaving creams, lotions and the like, but the bottom unscrews to a compartment to hide money or jewelry. You can also store things in the bottom of snack boxes as well. Just don't forget that you put them there! 

When going out, dress to blend in. Don't wear expensive clothing and sport high dollar jewelry. Be sure not to inadvertently flash cash when paying for things. When on the street, avoid picture taking too. Basically, don't look like "El Touristo".

Be aware of how the area is at different times of the day. It may be tourists and families by day, and street urchins and drug dealers at night. While out, lay off of the alcohol. It's obvious, but it needs to be said. You need your wits about you when traveling. Stay aware that you are not being followed upon return to your hotel. Perhaps you just paid a large restaurant bill, and some one saw the transaction. Now they want to see what else you have on the way back.

Upon return, stop at the door quietly and listen in for a couple of seconds. This reduces the chance that you may be 'surprised' upon entry. After all, I don't know who else in that hotel has access to my room.

If you decide not to venture out, be sure never to use your name for room service, laundry, or anything else that the hotel provides. Just use the room number alone.

Finally, to keep safer at night, I recommend either a lock plate for your doorjamb, or a door knob alarm. The lock plate is available at most hardware places. It prevents someone from opening the door even if they have a key. The doorknob alarm hangs on the knob, and will sound if the knob is jiggled. Places like Radio Shack have those.

These are a few of my 'habits' when I travel. They don't really take much extra work, and you'll never know what crime against yourself or your loved ones may be thwarted.