Hotel Security Checklist for Travelers Worldwide From Former CIA Operative
No matter where you travel, you want your hotel room to be a place where you can take the strain off and relax. However, it is difficult to do this if you do not feel comfortable and safe. This hotel security checklist from a former CIA officer might help.
Drew Dwyer, a Marine Corps veteran and former CIA officer, has traveled around the world, including some unsafe places for travelers. If you plan on seeing the whole world and want to stay safe, Dwyer shares his personal hotel security checklist on SOFREP.com :
- Purchase or make a copy of the fire escape plan on the back of the door. Most of them just slide out.
- Don’t stand on the first or top floor. The ground floor is easily accessible to intruders, while the upper floor has no room for maneuver. The first or second (European) floor provides access for most third-world emergency vehicles.
- Keep a Do Not Disturb sign on the door even when you are not around.
- Always assume the room is bugged. Always keep your radio or TV turned on at a low volume – even when you are not in the room.
- Always keep curtains / blinds drawn, even when you are not around.
- Keep a light in the room when no one is around.
- Keep a small bag with the essentials (money, ID, passport, etc.) in case of an emergency departure.
- Carry a motion sensor that can be placed above the doorknob. They cost about $ 20 and can be found in most electronics stores.
- Keep the flashlight near your bed and at arm’s length.
Some of this might seem overkill to most travelers (especially a little eavesdropping), but it’s good information to know just in case. You can find more helpful tips for safe travel around the world at the link below.
The CIA’s Guide to Safe Travel | SOFREP through anentrepreneur