If you are someone who loves visiting other countries then you know how exhausting travelling can be, and after a busy day all you want to do is crawl into a comfy bed. However, it is extremely important as a holidaymaker to check your hotel surroundings before sleeping, as even a few seconds of preparation can help deter any problems.
Sue Ross, a travelling expert and founder of Sue Where Why What, has shared she was recently burgled while on holiday. She said: “On my recent trip to St Lucia, I was robbed. I was staying alone in an apartment, and an intruder broke in while I was sleeping and stole from me. It was a sickening experience, but I was also very lucky. “
Sue is now on a mission to help other travellers stay safe and has shared that the one hotel safety tip she wishes she had followed was making sure the windows were closed.
She added: “If there is one big thing I have changed it’s appreciating air conditioning, or using fans to get the air circulating. I will never open the windows at night again.
“Or, only if I’m sure that there is no way of this incident being repeated. If there isn’t any air conditioning or a fan, then again, the higher your room, the better for both safety reasons and access to a cooling breeze.”
It might seem simple, but keeping the windows open will make it easier to break in, and even staying on a higher floor is not risk-free if there is a balcony or fire escape nearby.
Simply take a few seconds to make sure the windows and curtains are completely closed as it helps keep you as secure as possible while you are sleeping.
You should also consider blocking the door before going to bed with a rubber doorstop, a fancier alarmed one or even just having a chair up against the door can be enough to scare intruders.
Robbers are usually looking for a quick and easy opportunity, and if there is any blockage they are more likely to flee and not stay around to check what valuables might be nearby.
Most travellers also do not use the hotel safe in case they forget their valuables, as the more awkward your items are to access then the more likely intruders are to leave you alone.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
