Scary
As much of a stickler as I am for these rules, I'm kind of surprised I haven't blogged about them before. I did mention in an earlier post to trust your gut instinct, but I haven't gone into the details of the rules I have for myself when traveling.
As you read through this list, maybe you'll laugh, maybe you'll roll your eyes; but I hope you take it seriously. Some of it may sound silly or neurotic, but if the potential danger is death or worse? I'm okay being neurotic.
Picking the right hotel & room:
Checking in:
Being smart during your stay:
As you read through this list, maybe you'll laugh, maybe you'll roll your eyes; but I hope you take it seriously. Some of it may sound silly or neurotic, but if the potential danger is death or worse? I'm okay being neurotic.
Picking the right hotel & room:
- I only stay at hotels where you access your room after entering a lobby. No hotels with outdoor stairs or direct access to rooms. Hotels like the one pictured create opportunities for people who are not staying at the hotel to easily access rooms. I want every guest to have to walk through the lobby by the front desk.
- Stay on the 2nd floor or higher, ground floor rooms usually have windows that aren't super-secure and open to the parking lot.
- Don't stay near the emergency exit. How many times have you seen the side door propped open while a family loads their car? Or a side door with a broken lock? This could be easy access for an uninvited guest.
- Choose a room near the elevators. Elevators are usually near the center of the hotel and away from the emergency exits. While you may have to deal with noise from everyone staying on your floor getting on and off the elevator, that also means there are more people keeping an eye on your door and people who could help you in an emergency.
Checking in:
- I usually call a day before (or sometimes that same day as I travel) to confirm my room request. Yes, there are some hotels where I know which room numbers meet my preferences. At the hotel where I used to stay in Augusta, I asked for any room, 2nd floor or higher, ending in 13-16. I also built rapport with the staff there and they noted my requests/requirements in their system, which was super handy.
- Upon arrival, I confirm that the room they've assigned me meets my requirements. No need to be rude, but I do need to make sure I can feel safe.
- Almost always, they write my room number inside the key-card booklet. If the front desk assistant says my room number out loud and there are people around, I politely request a new room. No one needs to know my room number but me.
- I always request one key card and confirm that any requests for additional keys will require a photo ID, for most hotels this is standard. On every trip, I end up needing a new card because I locked myself out or my phone messed with the magnetic strip and I always ensure they ask for my ID. On the rare occasion where I'm not asked for an ID, I escalate the issue to the manager on duty. Saying "I'm locked out of my room, 513" should NOT be enough to get a room key.
- Try to take all of your luggage at once, but keep your guard up. Your hands are full, you're trying to juggle a roller bag, a laptop bag, a carry-on and your key card. Pay attention to who you see on your way to your room.
Being smart during your stay:
- Don't assume that because a room is expensive or in a nice part of town that it is safe. While staying at a Sheraton for $149/night, someone opened my door while I was asleep. Thank goodness the sliding bolt thing was in place.
- Don't take the stairs. Health-wise, it is smart to take the stairs, but taking the stairs by yourself can be dangerous. Most stairways at hotels meet fire code requirements which means they are poured cement or cinder block; meaning fire, water and sound don't pass through. Take the elevator.
- Park in smart places. I try to park at the end of the row, away from other cars and I don't walk between cars. I take the long way, every single time.
- Consider a hotel room alarm. Okay, I'll admit this one is a bit extreme. I have a travel hotel door alarm that I purchased at Lowes. It looks and functions like a door stopper when in the "off" position, but when placed behind the door in the on position, it becomes a noisy alarm. This would immediately alert you to someone trying to open your door, but you also latched the door guard, right? I'll admit that I don't always use the alarm, but it provides peace of mind when I feel I need it.
- Don't keep a routine. Want to workout in the hotel gym, then grab breakfast and return to your room? Shake it up each day by heading to the gym at a different time, or maybe workout after work. Keeping a routine makes it easier for someone to know where you'll be. A friend of mine found this out the hard way; it turns out someone was watching her and had learned her routine. Luckily, she alerted the hotel when she thought someone might have been following her.
- Don't open your door if you think someone is following you. It happens all the time, I get on the elevator and press my floor number and then someone else gets on and is headed to the same floor. (When getting on an elevator with others, I always let them pick their floor first) As I get off the elevator, I keep an eye on where the other person is going. If I don't think they are moving fast enough (and still behind me) or I get any sort of weird feeling I stop before opening my door. Once that door is open, an intruder can push me through the door and shut it behind them. Sometimes I play stupid and fuss with my phone or dig through my bag. Other times, I just stop and stand there and wait for them to go by. I'm not out to hurt anyone's feelings, I'm just looking out for myself.
- Don't drop your guard. Its nice when a hotel can feel like a home away from home, but remember its not. I don't breath a sigh of relief until I am in my room with the door locked. Please don't get me wrong, I don't walk around thinking that everyone is out to rape and/or murder me; but I refuse to create an opportunity to be a victim.
My Travel Rules
Monday, April 2, 2012
As much of a stickler as I am for these rules, I'm kind of surprised I haven't blogged about them before. I did mention in an earlier post to trust your gut instinct, but I haven't gone into the details of the rules I have for myself when traveling.
As you read through this list, maybe you'll laugh, maybe you'll roll your eyes; but I hope you take it seriously. Some of it may sound silly or neurotic, but if the potential danger is death or worse? I'm okay being neurotic.
Picking the right hotel & room:
Checking in:
Being smart during your stay:
As you read through this list, maybe you'll laugh, maybe you'll roll your eyes; but I hope you take it seriously. Some of it may sound silly or neurotic, but if the potential danger is death or worse? I'm okay being neurotic.
Picking the right hotel & room:
- I only stay at hotels where you access your room after entering a lobby. No hotels with outdoor stairs or direct access to rooms. Hotels like the one pictured create opportunities for people who are not staying at the hotel to easily access rooms. I want every guest to have to walk through the lobby by the front desk.
- Stay on the 2nd floor or higher, ground floor rooms usually have windows that aren't super-secure and open to the parking lot.
- Don't stay near the emergency exit. How many times have you seen the side door propped open while a family loads their car? Or a side door with a broken lock? This could be easy access for an uninvited guest.
- Choose a room near the elevators. Elevators are usually near the center of the hotel and away from the emergency exits. While you may have to deal with noise from everyone staying on your floor getting on and off the elevator, that also means there are more people keeping an eye on your door and people who could help you in an emergency.
Checking in:
- I usually call a day before (or sometimes that same day as I travel) to confirm my room request. Yes, there are some hotels where I know which room numbers meet my preferences. At the hotel where I used to stay in Augusta, I asked for any room, 2nd floor or higher, ending in 13-16. I also built rapport with the staff there and they noted my requests/requirements in their system, which was super handy.
- Upon arrival, I confirm that the room they've assigned me meets my requirements. No need to be rude, but I do need to make sure I can feel safe.
- Almost always, they write my room number inside the key-card booklet. If the front desk assistant says my room number out loud and there are people around, I politely request a new room. No one needs to know my room number but me.
- I always request one key card and confirm that any requests for additional keys will require a photo ID, for most hotels this is standard. On every trip, I end up needing a new card because I locked myself out or my phone messed with the magnetic strip and I always ensure they ask for my ID. On the rare occasion where I'm not asked for an ID, I escalate the issue to the manager on duty. Saying "I'm locked out of my room, 513" should NOT be enough to get a room key.
- Try to take all of your luggage at once, but keep your guard up. Your hands are full, you're trying to juggle a roller bag, a laptop bag, a carry-on and your key card. Pay attention to who you see on your way to your room.
Being smart during your stay:
- Don't assume that because a room is expensive or in a nice part of town that it is safe. While staying at a Sheraton for $149/night, someone opened my door while I was asleep. Thank goodness the sliding bolt thing was in place.
- Don't take the stairs. Health-wise, it is smart to take the stairs, but taking the stairs by yourself can be dangerous. Most stairways at hotels meet fire code requirements which means they are poured cement or cinder block; meaning fire, water and sound don't pass through. Take the elevator.
- Park in smart places. I try to park at the end of the row, away from other cars and I don't walk between cars. I take the long way, every single time.
- Consider a hotel room alarm. Okay, I'll admit this one is a bit extreme. I have a travel hotel door alarm that I purchased at Lowes. It looks and functions like a door stopper when in the "off" position, but when placed behind the door in the on position, it becomes a noisy alarm. This would immediately alert you to someone trying to open your door, but you also latched the door guard, right? I'll admit that I don't always use the alarm, but it provides peace of mind when I feel I need it.
- Don't keep a routine. Want to workout in the hotel gym, then grab breakfast and return to your room? Shake it up each day by heading to the gym at a different time, or maybe workout after work. Keeping a routine makes it easier for someone to know where you'll be. A friend of mine found this out the hard way; it turns out someone was watching her and had learned her routine. Luckily, she alerted the hotel when she thought someone might have been following her.
- Don't open your door if you think someone is following you. It happens all the time, I get on the elevator and press my floor number and then someone else gets on and is headed to the same floor. (When getting on an elevator with others, I always let them pick their floor first) As I get off the elevator, I keep an eye on where the other person is going. If I don't think they are moving fast enough (and still behind me) or I get any sort of weird feeling I stop before opening my door. Once that door is open, an intruder can push me through the door and shut it behind them. Sometimes I play stupid and fuss with my phone or dig through my bag. Other times, I just stop and stand there and wait for them to go by. I'm not out to hurt anyone's feelings, I'm just looking out for myself.
- Don't drop your guard. Its nice when a hotel can feel like a home away from home, but remember its not. I don't breath a sigh of relief until I am in my room with the door locked. Please don't get me wrong, I don't walk around thinking that everyone is out to rape and/or murder me; but I refuse to create an opportunity to be a victim.
So this is the "ugly" I warned you about on the Frequently Asked Questions page. My job is awesome but it is not always rainbows and butterflies. This is one of those times.
This last weekend was rough. You may have read that it didn't start out well on Friday night. After writing that post on my iPad at the airport; I sulked and stewed for the two flights home. After collecting my luggage, my cute driver arrived and whisked me away for a late dinner date and suddenly I was relaxed again.
Saturday I went to brunch and the mall and to the camera store for some new accessories for my new camera. After spending too much money, I was recruited by my parents to help paint their master bedroom. Turns out, I am awesome at cutting in from the trim work. I credit Sherry and her informative videos at Young House Love. After cleaning the paint off my hands and hair, I had a lovely date at the Iowa Beef Steakhouse and watched movies until way past my bedtime.
Sunday started at its own pace, then I met up with my friend Kristen and her two adorable kids for lunch at Red Rossa Pizza. I returned home to re-pack my bag and returned to the airport. Once again, I was instructed to use the x-ray machine and I declined. The TSA guy near me said they "are playing with our new machines." Awesome, I'm so glad this is a game for you. These machines are new to Des Moines and they are still trying to figure out their procedures.
I forgot to ask for private screening and the female inspecting me and it was once again a traumatizing and embarrassing experience. I had slouched my pants in hopes that the "resistance" she felt would be from the seam of my pants, not from my body. She asked if I would pull them up and I refused. Same routine, touching my crotch, ass and boobs and putting her hands down my pants.
It was mortifying and left me physically and emotionally reeling from the experience. I felt shaky and full of anger and it took a lot of strength to keep from tearing up. Part of me considered calling my boss in tears and telling her that I was done; done traveling, done training, just done. Thankfully my sweet guy talked me down from the ledge. He gently reminded me how much I enjoy my job, the benefits and perks of my job and his encouragement reminded me of the major compliment I received from the General Manager in my business unit. By the time my plane left, I was in a much better mood and I survived my direct flight to Atlanta.
Same old routine; I grabbed my bag, rental car and made my way to I-20 for the two hour trip to Augusta. I arrived at the hotel and settled into the same room I've called home for the last three weeks. And some pains of homesickness set in; nothing a little HGTV couldn't soothe.
I'm really thankful for my friends here in Augusta. I have plans every night, so I won't have time to feel homesick before returning home Thursday afternoon.
My Weekend and Return on Sunday
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
So this is the "ugly" I warned you about on the Frequently Asked Questions page. My job is awesome but it is not always rainbows and butterflies. This is one of those times.
This last weekend was rough. You may have read that it didn't start out well on Friday night. After writing that post on my iPad at the airport; I sulked and stewed for the two flights home. After collecting my luggage, my cute driver arrived and whisked me away for a late dinner date and suddenly I was relaxed again.
Saturday I went to brunch and the mall and to the camera store for some new accessories for my new camera. After spending too much money, I was recruited by my parents to help paint their master bedroom. Turns out, I am awesome at cutting in from the trim work. I credit Sherry and her informative videos at Young House Love. After cleaning the paint off my hands and hair, I had a lovely date at the Iowa Beef Steakhouse and watched movies until way past my bedtime.
Sunday started at its own pace, then I met up with my friend Kristen and her two adorable kids for lunch at Red Rossa Pizza. I returned home to re-pack my bag and returned to the airport. Once again, I was instructed to use the x-ray machine and I declined. The TSA guy near me said they "are playing with our new machines." Awesome, I'm so glad this is a game for you. These machines are new to Des Moines and they are still trying to figure out their procedures.
I forgot to ask for private screening and the female inspecting me and it was once again a traumatizing and embarrassing experience. I had slouched my pants in hopes that the "resistance" she felt would be from the seam of my pants, not from my body. She asked if I would pull them up and I refused. Same routine, touching my crotch, ass and boobs and putting her hands down my pants.
It was mortifying and left me physically and emotionally reeling from the experience. I felt shaky and full of anger and it took a lot of strength to keep from tearing up. Part of me considered calling my boss in tears and telling her that I was done; done traveling, done training, just done. Thankfully my sweet guy talked me down from the ledge. He gently reminded me how much I enjoy my job, the benefits and perks of my job and his encouragement reminded me of the major compliment I received from the General Manager in my business unit. By the time my plane left, I was in a much better mood and I survived my direct flight to Atlanta.
Same old routine; I grabbed my bag, rental car and made my way to I-20 for the two hour trip to Augusta. I arrived at the hotel and settled into the same room I've called home for the last three weeks. And some pains of homesickness set in; nothing a little HGTV couldn't soothe.
I'm really thankful for my friends here in Augusta. I have plans every night, so I won't have time to feel homesick before returning home Thursday afternoon.
There. I said it. Some never thought I would, but I said it. Hopefully I'll feel differently tomorrow (or Sunday at the very least, because I fly again); but for today, I hate it.
Today should have been fairly easy; I worked for four hours in Augusta, drove about two hours to Atlanta and returned my rental car with ease. Checked my bag and joined the short line for security. After ID check, I was the 2nd person in line for carry-on screening - a rarity at Hartsfield-Jackson.
Then it happened; the rent-a-cop instructed me to go through the backscatter/X-ray machine. I've written how I feel about these before,
The worst was rubbing their hands up my leg until met with "resistance" (their word, not mine). "Resistance" being my crotch. Lovely, right?
After returning from testing her gloves for chemical residue, she said I was free to take my belongings and proceed to my gate. Gee, thanks.
I feel violated and dirty. It was embarrassing to watch other passengers walk past while some strange female was touching my breasts and ass. Yes, I was given the option of private screening, and next time I will certainly accept. I felt like a criminal with my feet and legs spread apart, arms extended while patted down for who knows what.
I don't have the energy for research right now, maybe I'll update this later; but the truth is, random TSA searches and screenings aren't effective. We need actual intelligence to keep us safe, not random molestation.
Today, I hate traveling.
Friday, February 17, 2012
There. I said it. Some never thought I would, but I said it. Hopefully I'll feel differently tomorrow (or Sunday at the very least, because I fly again); but for today, I hate it.
Today should have been fairly easy; I worked for four hours in Augusta, drove about two hours to Atlanta and returned my rental car with ease. Checked my bag and joined the short line for security. After ID check, I was the 2nd person in line for carry-on screening - a rarity at Hartsfield-Jackson.
Then it happened; the rent-a-cop instructed me to go through the backscatter/X-ray machine. I've written how I feel about these before,
The worst was rubbing their hands up my leg until met with "resistance" (their word, not mine). "Resistance" being my crotch. Lovely, right?
After returning from testing her gloves for chemical residue, she said I was free to take my belongings and proceed to my gate. Gee, thanks.
I feel violated and dirty. It was embarrassing to watch other passengers walk past while some strange female was touching my breasts and ass. Yes, I was given the option of private screening, and next time I will certainly accept. I felt like a criminal with my feet and legs spread apart, arms extended while patted down for who knows what.
I don't have the energy for research right now, maybe I'll update this later; but the truth is, random TSA searches and screenings aren't effective. We need actual intelligence to keep us safe, not random molestation.
<insert my usual apologies for not updating blog, yada yada yada>
Did you hear about the airline passengers held for ransom by the airline? Looks like the small-ish, chartered airline couldn't afford fuel and landing fees and taxes so they escorted passengers to ATMs; Passengers had to fork out up to £500 ($787USD) to avoid their bags being offloaded in Vienna. Oh, and another 600 passengers who were stranded in India.
You stay classy, Comtel Air.
Source: Onenewspage.com & BBC News
Comtel Air Travelers Held Ransom?
Thursday, November 17, 2011
<insert my usual apologies for not updating blog, yada yada yada>
Did you hear about the airline passengers held for ransom by the airline? Looks like the small-ish, chartered airline couldn't afford fuel and landing fees and taxes so they escorted passengers to ATMs; Passengers had to fork out up to £500 ($787USD) to avoid their bags being offloaded in Vienna. Oh, and another 600 passengers who were stranded in India.
You stay classy, Comtel Air.
Source: Onenewspage.com & BBC News
What a wonderful day! I'm sure many would criticize that I did not take full advantage of this beautiful city today, but I really did have a splendid day. And I don't say "splendid" that often. Last night, I fell asleep without advil pm or anything around 1am. This was early for me, because I usually work the night shift here (US day shift) but yesterday I worked UK shift so that I could spend more time with the HYD trainers. After work, Arun took us shopping where I was able to cross off just about everything on my shopping list...minus the pearls!
I woke up around 10:15am...9 hours of sleep! My malrone (anti-malarial drugs - yes mom, I'm taking them) are still giving me crazy dreams, but better then the alternative. Whit and I met up for lunch at 12:45 and had a delicious meal from the buffet at Okra. They even had beef!
We made appointments at the spa for massages (PS- Erin...you were right) and enjoyed an hour of pampering. Afterwards we hung out in the executive lounge (again) and talked, watched YouTube videos, listened to music and video chatted with my parents. Outside, we saw a little lizard on the balcony. We stuck around for happy hour and enjoyed some wine and appetizers. Its about 10:30 pm now and Whit is headed to her room so that she could call her family.
It was so nice just to relax today. It is amazing to have it so calm up here in the executive center and have the city busy below. Of course, we aren't immune to the horn honks...even at 10:30 at night. Right now I am looking over Hussain Sagar and I can see the reflection of the city lights on the lake, and it is so peaceful. Also, Amy Winehouse "Back to Black" is playing on the radio. Nice.
The waitstaff here is so attentive. Most of the guys in the Executive Lounge know Whitney & I's names and (more importantly) what we like to drink.
Okay....jump forward a little bit here. Right after Whitney left, this guy came over and was like "Hi Lauren." I felt bad because I didn't recognize him and he told me he had met Erin when she was here last month. Erin's Stalker found me!
He sat down and kept talking and talking and talking and by divine intervention, Whit came running upstairs needed help with the video chat! She saved the day! Now we have a plan for what I can say to be more firm and not so nice. Don't get me wrong, I try to be a nice person, but when instinct tells you not to do something, or that something just isn't right - you have to listen! This guy was sitting upstairs for about four hours. He waited until maybe five minutes after Whitney left to come over to talk to me. And he seemed too familiar with me, knowing where I was from, where I worked...it left me feeling very uneasy. He wasn't picking up any hints when I continued to type on my computer or said I had to go.
Better to be safe than sorry!
Much love!
-Lauren
My Saturday
Saturday, August 1, 2009
What a wonderful day! I'm sure many would criticize that I did not take full advantage of this beautiful city today, but I really did have a splendid day. And I don't say "splendid" that often. Last night, I fell asleep without advil pm or anything around 1am. This was early for me, because I usually work the night shift here (US day shift) but yesterday I worked UK shift so that I could spend more time with the HYD trainers. After work, Arun took us shopping where I was able to cross off just about everything on my shopping list...minus the pearls!
I woke up around 10:15am...9 hours of sleep! My malrone (anti-malarial drugs - yes mom, I'm taking them) are still giving me crazy dreams, but better then the alternative. Whit and I met up for lunch at 12:45 and had a delicious meal from the buffet at Okra. They even had beef!
We made appointments at the spa for massages (PS- Erin...you were right) and enjoyed an hour of pampering. Afterwards we hung out in the executive lounge (again) and talked, watched YouTube videos, listened to music and video chatted with my parents. Outside, we saw a little lizard on the balcony. We stuck around for happy hour and enjoyed some wine and appetizers. Its about 10:30 pm now and Whit is headed to her room so that she could call her family.
It was so nice just to relax today. It is amazing to have it so calm up here in the executive center and have the city busy below. Of course, we aren't immune to the horn honks...even at 10:30 at night. Right now I am looking over Hussain Sagar and I can see the reflection of the city lights on the lake, and it is so peaceful. Also, Amy Winehouse "Back to Black" is playing on the radio. Nice.
The waitstaff here is so attentive. Most of the guys in the Executive Lounge know Whitney & I's names and (more importantly) what we like to drink.
Okay....jump forward a little bit here. Right after Whitney left, this guy came over and was like "Hi Lauren." I felt bad because I didn't recognize him and he told me he had met Erin when she was here last month. Erin's Stalker found me!
He sat down and kept talking and talking and talking and by divine intervention, Whit came running upstairs needed help with the video chat! She saved the day! Now we have a plan for what I can say to be more firm and not so nice. Don't get me wrong, I try to be a nice person, but when instinct tells you not to do something, or that something just isn't right - you have to listen! This guy was sitting upstairs for about four hours. He waited until maybe five minutes after Whitney left to come over to talk to me. And he seemed too familiar with me, knowing where I was from, where I worked...it left me feeling very uneasy. He wasn't picking up any hints when I continued to type on my computer or said I had to go.
Better to be safe than sorry!
Much love!
-Lauren
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