Solo Travelers: Hotel Room and Accommodation Safety Tips
- Food Blogger Journey
- Oct 22
- 7 min read
By Dirk Ebener - October 22, 2025
I still remember my first solo trip as if it were yesterday. I was in my early twenties, standing in front of a modest hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia, my backpack cutting into my shoulders, my heart racing between excitement and nervous anticipation. My friends thought I was brave, but deep down, I felt vulnerable. The thrill of independence was real, but so was the fear of being completely responsible for my safety in a foreign city.
Over the years, I’ve stayed in boutique hotels in London, guesthouses in Tunisia, ryokans in Japan, and budget hostels throughout Europe and North America. Each experience taught me something valuable about keeping myself safe while traveling alone.
Sometimes, the lessons came the easy way — like realizing a door wedge could help me sleep peacefully. Other times, they came the hard way — like the night I returned to my room in Miami only to find that my suitcase had been tampered with. That sinking feeling taught me that prevention is always better than a cure. Solo travel is empowering, but it also forces you to sharpen your instincts and prepare smartly.
When you check into a room, you are not just paying for a bed and a shower; you are entrusting strangers with your safety, belongings, and privacy. That’s why I learned to carry a small arsenal of affordable safety gadgets — not to live in paranoia, but to add layers of peace of mind. As a solo traveler, safety doesn’t mean living on the edge of fear. It means making thoughtful choices so you can focus on the joy of exploring.
Every hotel or rental comes with its own quirks. Some are well-staffed and secure; others, less so. I have had nights where I propped a chair against a flimsy door in a remote guesthouse, and mornings where I marveled at high-tech security in a Tokyo skyscraper hotel. No matter where you are, the goal is the same: balance adventure with caution.
I have learned to check exits before I even unpack, to glance at fire evacuation maps as casually as I would check the minibar. I have developed routines, such as placing all my important belongings within reach or on the bed next to me, locking my luggage, keeping the few valuables I travel with out of sight, and keeping copies of documents on my cell phone and emailing a copy to my personal Gmail account. These safety steps make me feel grounded even in unfamiliar surroundings. Over time, these habits became second nature, part of my travel rhythm, as natural as choosing where to eat dinner.
And while I have gathered plenty of practical tips, I have also discovered an important truth: safety is as much about mindset as it is about tools. Confidence, awareness, and preparation are your strongest allies. They turn what could feel like a risky gamble into a calculated, empowering choice.
In this post, I aim to share the lessons I have learned, the essential safety equipment I carry (such as a portable door lock and a whistle), and hands-on tips that you can use in any hotel room or accommodation. Because solo travel is not just about playing it safe all the time, it is about traveling smart, enjoying the journey, and ensuring you are ready for the next adventure.
Hands-On Safety Tips in Your Room
The first few minutes after entering your room set the tone for your stay. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Inspect the Room Immediately – Before unpacking, check the locks on the main door, balcony doors, and windows. Ensure they all function properly. If not, request a new room.
Check the Fire Exits – Locate the nearest stairwell or emergency exit. Count the number of doors between yours and the exit so you can find it even in the dark or smoke.
Secure the Door – Use the hotel’s deadbolt and latch, then add your portable lock or wedge for extra security. At night, double-check before going to bed.
Keep Valuables Out of Sight – Even if you trust the staff, it's best not to tempt fate. Use the safe if provided, or lock items in your suitcase with a cable lock.
Don’t Advertise You’re Alone – When calling the front desk, avoid saying things like “I’m alone in room 203.” Simply state your room number or last name.
Mind Your Windows and Balconies – In ground-level or low-rise rooms, keep curtains drawn and windows locked when you’re away or asleep.
Use a Do Not Disturb Sign – This discourages unnecessary entry into your room when you’re not there.
Keep the TV on – While it may seem unnecessary, keeping the TV on, along with the 'Do Not Disturb' sign on the door, can make your room appear occupied and discourage unwanted attention.
Split Your Essentials – Keep a copy of your passport, some cash, and one credit card in a separate place from your main wallet. If something goes missing, you will not lose everything.
Trust Your Gut – If something feels off, like someone lingering in the hallway, call the front desk or request a new room. Never dismiss your instincts.
Prepare an Exit Plan – Before going to bed, keep your phone, wallet, and a light nearby so you can leave quickly if necessary.
Never leave your room key behind or at the front desk. Your personal reservation information is stored on the key and remains there until it is electronically removed. Take your key with you when you leave, and when you check out, cut it into small pieces and dispose of them in separate trash bins.
Safety Equipment Worth Packing
You don’t need many gadgets for solo travel. A few compact items can significantly enhance safety: a portable door lock, a door wedge, a safety alarm, a combination lock, a flashlight or a phone with an extra battery, and a travel-size carbon monoxide detector, if desired.
Portable Door Lock – This inexpensive device slips into most hotel or rental doors, adding an extra layer of protection from the inside. Perfect for ensuring a peaceful night's sleep.
Rubber Door Wedge – Simple, lightweight, and effective for blocking unwanted entry.
Personal Safety Alarm – Keychain-sized and loud, designed to alert others in an emergency.
Travel Safe or Locking Pouch – Protects valuables when you leave the room.
Combination Lock – Secures zippers or locks bags to furniture for added security.
Flashlight or Phone with Battery Pack – Helps during outages or dark hallways.
Travel Carbon Monoxide Detector – Small, useful in some locations for peace of mind.
Stories from the Road
One evening in Buenos Aires, I returned to my hostel to find a stranger sleeping in what was supposed to be my locked room. It turned out to be a booking error, but it taught me the importance of securing my belongings inside my luggage, not just trusting the room lock.
In another instance, while staying in a quiet guesthouse in rural Italy, I woke up to the sound of someone trying my door handle. Thankfully, I had placed a wedge under the door, and the attempt stopped quickly. That tiny wedge turned a potentially frightening moment into a reminder of why I travel prepared.
And in Japan, I stayed in a small ryokan where the owner politely explained the fire escape routine, even walking me through it step by step. That experience made me realize how rare it is for accommodations to provide hands-on safety guidance — and how much peace of mind it gives.
Balancing Safety and Enjoyment
Travel safety should never overshadow the joy of the journey. Carrying a door wedge doesn’t mean you expect danger around every corner; it just means you value your sleep. Choosing a well-reviewed hotel in a good neighborhood isn’t about being paranoid; it’s about investing in peace of mind so you can wake up refreshed and ready to explore.
The key is balance: prepare enough to minimize risks, but don’t let fear keep you from saying yes to a night market, a sunset walk, or a new friendship. By layering practical tools, good habits, and a confident mindset, you create a safety net that enables you to fully embrace solo travel.
Final Recommendations
Opt for places with strong positive reviews from other solo travelers. Prioritize accommodations that address safety and security concerns.
Always share your accommodation address, booking details, and real-time location with a trusted friend or family member before and during your stay.
Bring a portable door lock, a rubber door wedge, and a personal alarm. These small items provide quick, practical safety benefits with minimal added weight.
Upon arrival, verify that locks, exits, and fire safety equipment are operational. Store valuables securely and keep essentials within easy reach every night. Apply this routine in every new room.
Remember: You are not being paranoid—just prepared. Small safety actions give you peace of mind and allow you to explore more confidently.
Final Thoughts
Traveling alone is one of the most rewarding experiences you can give yourself. It pushes you to grow, to trust yourself, and to see the world through your own eyes.
However, solo travel also comes with responsibilities — the responsibility to care for your own safety so you can continue exploring. By blending preparation with common sense, and by carrying a few small but powerful tools, you don’t have to live on the edge of fear. Instead, you can travel with confidence, knowing that you’ve created a safe haven wherever you lay your head.
Because the best journeys are not just about the places you see — they’re about returning home safely, with stories worth telling and memories worth keeping.
Dirk Ebener is the founder and creator behind the Food Blogger Journey website, drawing on over 40 years of international travel across more than 60 countries. His global adventures have deepened his understanding of regional cuisines, local customs, and the powerful connection between food and culture. From bustling street markets in Asia to quiet vineyard dinners in Europe, Dirk captures authentic culinary experiences through immersive storytelling. Through Food Blogger Journey, he invites readers to explore the world one dish at a time.
© 2025 Food Blogger Journey. All rights reserved. The experiences, opinions, and photos this blog shares are based on personal travel and culinary exploration. Reproduction or distribution of content without written permission is prohibited.
Follow the journey on Instagram @FoodBloggerJourneys.
Interesting Hashtags