This Simple Trick Can Help You Feel Safer When Staying Alone At A Hotel

There's nothing like solo travel to relish a little independence and pull you out of your comfort zone. Free from the confines of other people's plans, you're at liberty to tackle your bucket list on your own terms. Of course, safety is a concern for many, with secure accommodation at the top of the list. After you've done your research and picked a place, there's one trick that can make it appear as though you're in good company: talking to an empty room.

Travel influencer John DiScala, known as Johnny Jet, shared this unusual tip via a blog post. Before he leaves his hotel room, he pretends he's returning soon and that some folks are staying behind, lest it appear to outsiders that his domain is unmanned. As he walks out the door, he'll say something like, "Have a good time here. I'll be back soon." He also makes it a point to ask for two hotel keys so he can keep one in the wall slot and run the power while he's out (a common hotel feature in Europe and Asia).

Of course, strangers could also try to get into your room while you're inside, whether it's a thief looking for valuables or a guest who had one too many cocktails at the bar, now wholly unsure where their room is. In either case, borrow another one of DiScala's tips: say loudly, "Dad, wake up, someone is breaking into the hotel room." That ought to scare off any intruders.

Every solo traveler is different. It's up to you to establish a safety routine that feels comfortable, whether that's a few clever hacks or locking down the whole place like Fort Knox. One classic tip is to add the "do not disturb" sign to the outside door. If you want to have your room spruced up during your stay, don't advertise your need for room service via a placard. Instead, call the front desk and put in a discreet request. While you're out, leave the lights on and run the television, so long as the volume is low enough not to create a nuisance.

In some cases, you may want to avoid disclosing too much information about your plans to people you've just met. For example, if someone asks if you're traveling alone, you could let them know you're meeting your friends or spouse. On the other hand, sometimes it's better to get to know other guests and staff around the hotel so you have extra eyes on you — in a good way. When you feel isolated, it can make all the difference to know there are people around you who care. On that note, always tell a loved one or two about your plans. You can send them a Google document outlining the basic details of your itinerary and update it as needed, including contact information for each hotel. If you're a fan of tracking technology, send your location.

In the planning stage, choose hotels with security measures, like staff at the front desk 24/7 or surveillance cameras. Look at the reviews and pay attention to comments from other solo travelers. Book accommodation in a well-lit, well-trafficked area, so you don't have to walk down remote roads at night. Request a room on a higher floor, so there's less chance someone will break in through a window. Ideally, you'll snag a spot between the third and sixth floor — too high for thieves, yet low enough to get up and down with relative ease. While packing your bags, leave high-ticket items at home, like expensive jewelry and any tech gear that's not instrumental for your trip.

During check-in, ask the receptionist to jot down your room number instead of announcing it. Once inside, make sure the door latches properly and the phone works. At night, secure the door with a chair against the frame or put a alarmed doorstop at the base. You can even wrap your belt between the handle and latch, as demonstrated by a marine in a viral TikTok video. If the AC is blowing your curtains around, secure them with a hair clip, so there's no peephole into your room. Always trust your instincts, and don't stay if something feels off. But most importantly, don't let paranoia ruin your fun, either. Incidents are rare, and you deserve to soak up every minute of your precious vacation time.