Kathy Ameche has logged more than 2 million miles in her more than 20 years of traveling for business. Along the way she has picked up tips and ideas for female business travelers, and has compiled them in her book The Woman Road Warrior: A Woman's Guide to Business Travel. Jean talks with Kathy about some safety guidelines you should follow when a hotel is your home for days, weeks, even years at a time:
Be picky about your hotel room. Request a room above the first floor and away from stairways or elevators. "It is too easy for people to walk in and out from the elevator, into your room, take something, and leave again," Kathy says. Also, don't be afraid to ask for a different room or change hotels if the room is not up to your standards.
Have the bellhop accompany you to your room. That way, Kathy says, if someone who wants to harm you is in your room, there is another person there—a buffer between you and a possible assault.
Do a five-point sweep. Make sure no one is hiding in your hotel room. As soon as you enter, look in the closet, the bathroom and under the bed. Kathy says to then pick up the phone and make sure it works. Finally, check to see if the lock on the door and on the window is working.
Leave a note. When you leave the hotel for dinner, leave a note in your room stating where you are going and what clothes you are wearing. If something happens to you, police and family members will have vital information. Also, check in with loved ones at home throughout the day.
Carry a small flashlight.Kathy says if the lights go out in your hotel, you will appreciate having a flashlight so you can find your way to safety.
