The trend for solo travel is skyrocketing, with searches for “solo holiday deals” increasing by a whopping 250% in the last month. It’s clear that Brits are embracing the idea of travelling alone, with 42% planning to embark on a solo adventure this year.
Women are at the forefront of this movement, making up 71% of all solo travellers, as reported by Virtuoso. But while the thrill of solo exploration is enticing, it’s crucial to stay safe.
For those hitting the road alone, whether you’re an experienced traveller or taking your first solo plunge, Locksmith Watford’s security experts have shared six essential hotel safety tips to ensure you can travel with peace of mind.
Go incognito: Don’t advertise you’re travelling solo
One key piece of advice is to keep your solo status under wraps. When discussing your plans, avoid mentioning that you’re travelling alone.
If pressed, it’s wise to invent a fictitious companion or say you’re meeting friends later. This approach helps to minimise attracting unwanted attention and keeps you off the potential threat radar.
Social media discretion is also advised; refrain from posting real-time photos or location-tagged posts if your account isn’t private. A Reddit user echoed this sentiment, sharing their own experience:.
One individual revealed: “When I was around 19 I would post as I went, then I had a dangerous encounter with a stalker. Ever since I’ve made sure that I stagger them. If I’m posting a photo of a hotel room, I won’t do it until I’ve left the hotel, for example.”
Don’t accept ground floor rooms or room numbers being announced
Avoid rooms on the ground floor or having your room number publicly announcedOpt for rooms on higher floors instead of ground-level ones, which can be easily accessed, particularly those with balcony entry points. It’s also wise to skip rooms at the end of corridors or those with adjacent doors for enhanced security.
Be mindful of your room number and request a change if hotel staff inadvertently announces it. Display the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on your door upon entry and keep it there until checkout.
If your room key card envelope shows your room number, take a photo of it for reference and store it in a blank key packet to safeguard your room details when you’re out. Another Reddit user shared:”Don’t mention at the front desk that you have valuables or anything. I once asked at the front desk if they had wifi for my laptop at a big tourist hotel at Piccadilly Circus in London and someone obviously heard me (front desk guy said our room number aloud). We were on the second floor but someone came in through the window when we were out for dinner. That was back when laptops were so big they didn’t fit in the safe.”
Amp up your hotel room security
Boost your hotel room security Hotel key cards can occasionally be bypassed by master keys.
If your hotel room doesn’t have a secondary lock or latch, think about bringing along a rubber or alarmed door stopper, or a portable door lock – most are priced under £5 and provide an additional layer of security to prevent unwanted entry. Don’t overlook the peephole – if tampered with, they can be reversed, allowing people outside to look into your room.
If there’s no built-in cover, simply plug it with some tissue for a quick solution. Finally, ensure all doors and windows securely lock from the inside and can’t be opened with a key from the outside.
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and request a new room – it’s worth it for the peace of mind. .
Sweep your room for hidden cameras
A surprising 11% of travellers have found hidden cameras in their accommodation. While it’s uncommon, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
Begin by visually inspecting your room – look for unusual decor, loose wires, or anything that seems out of place. Pay special attention to typical hiding places like smoke detectors, air vents, alarm clocks, and even furniture or bathroom items.
Use your phone’s flashlight to check for reflections as camera lenses often sparkle under light. If your phone’s camera can detect infrared (IR) light (you can test this by pointing it at a TV remote and pressing a button to see if a purple light appears), scan the room in the dark for blinking or reflective lights.
For extra reassurance, consider investing in a portable camera detector to more accurately identify hidden devices.
Don’t sacrifice safety for budget
Don’t put your safety at risk for the sake of saving money. Solo travel may be more expensive than travelling with someone else, but try to avoid opting for the cheapest option if it means compromising your safety.
Research your accommodation thoroughly, read recent reviews, and get a sense of the local area and the type of people who stay there. Paying a bit extra for a safer and more reliable option is always worth it when it comes to your wellbeing.
As one Reddit user advised: “Check crime rates in the area! ! I’m always booking a cheap room to stay overnight for concerts in different cities. I just got back from Raleigh, NC and wish I knew what this hotel I booked was like, but I focused on the $$. There was definitely shady activity and even my Uber driver was like “I’ll wait to leave until I see you’re inside. ” It’s vital to be aware of the time and avoid wandering alone when it’s dark.
Avoid solo outings at night
While anything can happen at any moment, the night brings an additional risk, particularly in places you’re not familiar with. If you’re peckish or need supplies, think about using a delivery service or having a snack at the hotel.
Before you leave your room, always do a security check, making sure windows and doors are locked. When you’re heading out, let a mate or family member know your plans and when you expect to be back.
This simple action creates a safety net if things go wrong. Also, switch on your phone’s location services so your family can track your movements in real-time.
Keeping them in the loop is a small task that can offer a great sense of security.
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