Judi Holler | Personal Branding Speaker And Performance Coach - 15 ways to stay safe while traveling and why your LIFE depends on it!

May 13, 2013

“I survived because I was tougher, and smarter, than anybody else.” – Bette Davis

When I was in high school I was a hostess Casa Gallardo. “Casa” was a very popular chain Mexican Restaurant in St. Louis and has since gone out of business. (pause to pour a little out) Anyway … it was a magical place for me in high school … my first crush … smoking Benson and Hedges in laundry room … sneaking tequila out the back door … driving my first convertible … and lots and lots and lots of laughs along the way.

One night as we were wrapping up … I clocked out and headed to my car which we parked in the back “employee” lot. I walked out with a group of co-workers … per usual … and we said our goodbyes. As I approached my car … someone reached out from underneath and grabbed at my legs. Clearly trying to either kidnap me, hurt me … or worse.

I started screaming FIRE, FIRE … HELP, HELP! (Sidebar: I was always told to say FIRE! HELP! rather than just HELP! b/c people are more apt to help someone saying “fire”, the idea being that just saying HELP! could scare people away if they are afraid. Not sure if it’s urban legend but I’ve always thought it was something worth noting?!)

Anyway … an angel was on my shoulder that night and God had another plan for me. A co-worker heard my cries and ran over.

The creep ran off and I was safe and sound.

I was lucky AND so smart that I had listened to my Dad’s dead on advice to ALWAYS walk out with someone!

I think of this night often and it has 100% kept me very safe ever since. I am always aware. I always have my guard up. I am not quick to trust. Yes, I may be a little paranoid but I feel like that keeps me safe. Also, when you have an experience like that, it changes you forever. It’s hard NOT to be paranoid.

Anyway …

I decided to go a little off track of my typical “leadership” post to share a message that is equally important in my book, YOUR safety!

My guess is that most of you travel. That most of you are women. And that some of you are men who love someone who is a women that travels.

I spend a TON of time traveling and staying in hotels. Generally, if you are staying in a nice and reputable hotel … you will be ok. But don’t assume. Sometimes the most awful things happen in the nicest places because people have their guard down. Remember, Ted Bundy was a well-dressed good looking man. That’s how he did it.

I am shocked at some of the things I see women do and DON’T do when traveling on business.

So I’ve put together some of my personal “Holla Safety Tips” for you!! PLEASE share these with your friends, your family, your work colleagues, your wives, your sisters. It’s an important message and we have to look out for one another!

Ask for a room near the elevator, not the stairs. The elevator allows for quick access to your room so your not walking down a long, empty hallway where someone could easily follow you or hide. The stairs are an easy place for anyone to sneak up them and target the rooms closest to that door.
Don’t get or stay in an elevator late at night with a stranger. This opens the door for potential risk and someone following you to your room. Have a security guard, bellman or concierge escort you when at all possible if it’s late at night and your not with a colleague.
Stay on floors between 3-6 if possible. Most hotel burglaries happen on the first two floors and a fire truck ladder cannot usually reach past the seventh floor! The view might not be as awesome, but your life is WAY more awesome. Stay on higher floors when you are not traveling alone.
If traveling with a business colleague, ask to stay on the same floor. This way you can watch out for each other and ride the elevator together if coming back late at night.
Do not accept a room key sleeve with your room # written on it. Have them leave it blank. I know your smart and can remember your room #. What if you left it behind in the gym? Now someone has your key and direct access to your room.
Use your first initial instead of your first name when checking in. Or sign in as Mr. and Mrs. Helps to keep you anonymous or look like you are not alone.
Do not let the front desk or outlet employees say your room # out loud. When checking in or at any of the hotel outlets, let the hotel employee know that you do not wish them to say your hotel room # aloud. If they do, ask for another room. Be especially careful at night while in the lobby lounge having drinks … people can easily overhear your room number and make a plan.
Leave the Do Not Disturb sign on the door when you’re gone. Doing so won’t stop a determined bad guy, but some will move on to the next room rather than take the chance.
Leave the television or radio on when you’re gone. This will give the illusion that the room is occupied.
When you arrive in your room, secure the windows and adjoining and balcony doors; check the room thoroughly before locking yourself in.
Don’t hesitate to ask security to accompany to your room at any time.
Use valet parking.
Never answer your door for ANYONE if you didn’t call for someone.
Never leave your door ajar. Even for a second. I’ve seen women in hotel rooms with the door ajar, waiting for a husband, friend, bellhop etc.
Be Aware – Overall, as a woman staying in a hotel alone, you should be aware of what’s going on around you. It’s possible to travel all over as a woman alone (I know, I do it!) and never have a problem. But, it’s also better to be safe than sorry and being prepared can go a long way to ensuring you are.

What are some things you do to travel safe?

Be well. Be inspired!

Judi

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