When was the last time your hotel room was really cleaned properly? (iStock)
You've traveled a long way and finally-- you've reached the hotel. But first, you need to put your bags away, so you go and check into your room. Your first reaction, hopefully, is that everything looks incredible.
But little do you know, there could be hidden dangers lurking in your home away from home.
Don’t let a clean looking room fool you. Just because the beds are nicely made, your towels are arranged perfectly and the carpet looks spotless, doesn’t mean it’s actually clean.
Some of the most touched places are the least clean; light switches, doorknobs, clocks and lamps, just to name a few. Always remember to bring sanitary wipes with you so you can wipe down these bacteria infested places.
That hotel safe might not be as secure as you think. (iStock)
Your health should be one of your main concerns while on vacation. So before you head out and start having fun, make sure you properly inspect your room by looking for stains on the sheets and any signs of bed bugs. After exiting your room, take extra precaution by placing the “do not disturb” sign on your door handle; the last thing you want to do is walk back into your room and see it's been broken into.
1) Crime.
It’s frightening to think the one place you are supposed to feel safe traveling, may just be the most dangerous. Robbery and assault are common crimes. According to The Seattle Times, “the nature of the crimes is changing, police officials say. More and more guests are being physically threatened in or near their rooms, or worse, attacked, raped or killed.”
2) Bed bugs.
Make sure you check your bed before you sleep in it, or better yet… as soon as you arrive. Bed bugs hide in crevices of the mattresses, headboards, box spring and you may even find them on your luggage rack.
3) The hotel room floor.
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Your hotel room floor may look clean, but you have no clue who or what has been on it last. The cleaning service only does so much, and when they are in a rush they may skip the vacuum process. Make sure you're always wearing slippers or socks when walking around your hotel room.
4) Risk of fires.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, “U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 3,520 structure fires in hotels and motels each year, which represents 1 percent of all structure fires.” Make sure to scope out the exits just in case there is an emergency.
5) You can’t always trust hotel security.
The people that are supposed to be keeping you safe may just be the people that are putting your safety at risk. In many cases criminals are known to pretend to be security, housekeeping or room service. They get you to open the door by impersonating a hotel employee, then, before you know it, you may become the victim of a crime right in your own hotel room.
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