Staying in a hotel can often only lead to small discomforts like the Wi-Fi being slow or pillows feeling hard, but you should never have to complain about feeling unsafe. Having to sleep in a new place while travelling can make you feel very vulnerable, and if you are a tourist, it is natural to be paranoid about keeping your valuables secure. 

Nina Bolders, a flight attendant who has flown across the world for 15 years and the founder of Fly Me to the Vegan Buffet has shared there is a simple method she uses to feel safer in a hotel. She said: “Even in a five-star hotel in the safest country, you sleep better when you know that no one can sneak into your room unnoticed while you sleep or shower. I used to make my own alarm system by placing a glass or cup on the doorknob and another one on the floor underneath, hoping that the noise would wake me up and maybe even convince the intruder to leave.”

It might sound strange, but placing mugs or glasses on or near your hotel room door can make a lot of noise if someone tries to enter while you are sleeping.

Robbers often look for easy targets and may be scared away by any sudden disruption, or hesitate if they see a visible deterrent, as it suggests the occupant of the room is on high alert.

It is an easy way to feel a little safer while travelling without having to pack anything else or spend any money. 

Many hotels also have door wedges available, and they just help to jam it into a door before you go to sleep, as it also helps block anyone from trying to enter your room. 

It is best to keep essential items, such as your phone, wallet, and passport, in an easily accessible location so that you can check on them frequently.

The safest place for valuables is on your person or inside a bag that you never leave out of your sight. If you must leave them, it is worth investing in a portable lockbox.

However, the most important thing to remember when travelling, according to Nina, is to always follow your instincts and be careful in the crowded areas you are visiting. 

She said: “Be alert when strangers approach you, especially around tourist attractions or when things happen or are being said that make no sense. There are a lot of thieves and scammers out there.”