Hotels
Ask for a room away from ground level and stairwells. Housekeeping and maintenance have access, so keep valuables in the safe or with you.
Travel safety
Travel safety, from booking to the first night
A short routine for rooms you do not own. It works the same in a hotel, a rental, a dorm, or a room in someone else's house.
The routine
- 01
Before you book
Read reviews for anything about cameras, entry, or locks. Note whether the listing mentions a smart lock, a shared entry, or a host who lives on site.
- 02
On arrival
Check the door and window locks first. Confirm the deadbolt throws fully and the chain or latch is anchored to the frame, not the trim.
- 03
First five minutes
Run the room check: sightlines, cables, fixtures, then a detector if you carry one. Do it before you unpack so nothing is in the way.
- 04
Before you sleep
Add a portable lock or a door alarm. Keep a light and your phone within reach of the bed.
- 05
Leaving the room
Store documents and cards out of sight. A locking bag or a discreet container is enough for most trips.
What changes by setting
Short-term rentals
Hosts may have keys and cameras outside. Indoor cameras in private spaces are not allowed on major platforms. Report anything you find and stop using the room.
Dorms
Shared entries are the weak point. A contact alarm on the door and a lockable drawer cover most of it.
Shared houses and sublets
You usually cannot change the lock. A portable door lock and a simple alarm restore control of the entry.
What to pack
- A portable door lock or door alarm for the entry.
- A personal alarm you can reach without looking.
- A camera detector or lens viewer if you travel often.
- Camera covers for a laptop and tablet.
- A discreet container for cards, cash, and keys.
Everything above is in the catalog under Travel room security, Personal alarms, Travel privacy storage, Home and room security, Travel safety.
If you find a camera
Stop using the room. Do not unplug or move the device. Photograph it where it sits, then contact the front desk or the booking platform in writing so there is a record. Local police can take a report if you want one.