Travel Tip: Use the Safe

I learned this tip from my employer when I was traveling all around the country attending movie press junkets and producing behind-the-scenes shoots and staying in all kinds of hotels from The Essex House in New York City to a no-name boxy room in Oakland, CA.

Use the in-room safe.

Most hotels have one in the closet where the clothes are kept. A small safe big enough to store jewelry, documents, master tapes, a spare credit card, etc., it is often operated by entering your own unique code or sometimes with a key. Whenever I stay at a hotel, I put at least a spare credit card in it when I leave the room. That way, if I get mugged or lose my purse while I’m in town, I have a backup back in my room.  Sometimes I even put my computer in it.

Many hotels offer the in-room safe as a free amenity, and I don’t think the average American traveler thinks of using it enough.  Check the website or call the front desk to make sure you get one.