Editor's Tip

Southern Living, May 2005 by Murphy, Morgan

The staff here at Southern Living has stayed in more hotel rooms than the Gideon Bible. In the past five years, we've spent roughly 10,000 nights in hotels, motels, inns, campgrounds, and bed-and-breakfasts around the South. Ninety-nine percent of the time, we've never experienced a single moment of worry.

Along the way, our savvy travelers have developed some commonsense ideas to stay safe, which I've outlined below. Many of the tips can be accomplished in five minutes or less, usually at check-in or shortly thereafter. Take the time to make them part of your travel routine, and they'll become second nature. Good luck out there. -MORGAN MURPHY

Don't let a hotel mishap ruin your vacation. Follow this guide to lodging safety.

Tip #1: Check-in Questions

At the top of our list, I recommend paying close attention at check-in. Don't be afraid to ask for a specific room based on other tips below. Ask additional questions too. For example, if you're planning on walking to dinner, don't hesitate to inquire, "Is this a safe neighborhood to stroll through at night?"

Tip #2: Keep Room Numbers a Secret

If a desk clerk blurts out your room number in front of other hotel guests or idiotically mentions, "We're sorry your husband can't join you on this trip," change rooms or hotels.

Tip #3: Pick the Right Room

They may be quieter, but avoid isolated rooms near entrances and exits (for example the room at the end of a hallway near the stairs). No matter which room you choose, always use the dead bolt or chain. Not only will it keep crooks at bay, but it will also deter overeager housekeeping staff.

Tip #4: Prepare for a Fire

Panic and smoke, rather than the actual flames, are the biggest hazards of a hotel fire. You can greatly improve your chances of survival by carefully following your room's fire escape plan, which is posted on the inside of the hotel room door. I usually become familiar with the plan by taking a few minutes to find the stairwell and test the emergency exit door to make sure it isn't locked.

Tip #5: How To Escape if the Worst Happens

In the event a fire breaks out, follow the evacuation plan. Be sure to take your room key in case the exits are blocked and you need to return to your room. If the hall is filled with heavy smoke, you're better off waiting for help in your room. Use wet towels to seal cracks around doors and to cover your nose and mouth. Fill up the bathtub, and use an empty trash can to douse hot doors and walls. Turn on the bathroom vent and open windows if smoke begins to accumulate.

Tip #6: Don't Advertise Your Status

If you're traveling alone, ask for two keys so others don't know you're by yourself. (Pretend your companion is out unloading the car.) Put valuables in the room safe or in the hotel's safe. Never leave a "Make Up the Room" sign hanging on your door-this advertises your absence. "Do Not Disturb" signs are a different matter. Be sure to display it if you're going out for the evening. Combined with leaving on a TV or radio, they give the impression that the room is occupied. Lastly, return your magnetic strip keys to the front desk on checkout-they could possibly contain personal information.

Have a Suggestion for Travel Tips?

Do you have a photo of a funny Southern sign? Know a savvy travel tip? Send them to me at Travel Editor, Southern Living, P.O. Box 523, Birmingham, AL 35201, or e-mail tips to morgan_murphy@timeinc.com. Be sure to include your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address. For each item published you will receive $25.

Thanks to reader Kimberly A. Brown of Rocky Face, Georgia, for sending in this sign that many Southerners can relate to.