Tourists urged to use ironing board for security in hotel rooms | Travel News | Travel

A hotel expert has shared their top security tips for tourists who feel anxious about safety in their hotel rooms.

While it’s unlikely that a burglar would break into your hotel room, it’s always important to be aware of the possible risks.

Nic Shacklock, from Online-Bedrooms, said: “Staying in a foreign place can cause some stress for some people, especially those travelling alone or with young children.

“For your own peace of mind, you might want to take some extra precautions when arriving at your hotel so you can enjoy your holiday without being overly worried about your belongings in your room.”

Nic has shared some of their best hacks to increase your safety in a hotel room and there’s even a curious way to use the ironing board as an additional safety measure.

Place an ironing board against the door

Nic said: “Travellers have been sharing this hack online that involves using an ironing board to prevent a hotel door from being opened from the outside.

“Take the ironing board from your hotel room and open it up about halfway, then place one of the bottom legs underneath the door handle and prop the ironing board up.”

The ironing board could give tourists an indication if someone is trying to open their hotel door from the outside.

Pack a door wedge

Nic said: “Many solo travellers pack a door wedge on their trips as a way to provide some extra security to their room.

“As long as your hotel door opens from the inside, you can place a door wedge underneath it to stop it from being opened on the other end.”

A door wedge could help tourists to feel more secure but this might not be possible in every style of hotel room.

Be mindful of suitcases

Nic said: “Never leave a suitcase open on display when leaving the room and avoid leaving important personal items in there when you leave the room.

“Locking the suitcase may prompt someone to steal the entire thing with the hope that something valuable is inside. Keep passports and money secure in the safe provided.”

Hotel rooms nearly always have a safe where tourists can store their valuable items while they’re out of the room.