Check Out This CIA Operative's 9-Step Hotel Safety Checklist

Drew Dwyer, a Marine Corps veteran and former CIA operative, has traveled the world. He has stayed in hundreds of hotels and here are his safety tips. MOST of these I've never considered, but they'll go through my mind in the future.


1. Acquire or make a copy of the fire escape plan on the back of your door. Most of these just slide out. (I often look at the plan and climb the stairs for exercise purposes.)

2. Do not stay on the ground or the top floor. The ground floor is readily accessible to intruders and the top floor does not allow any room to maneuver. The first or second (European) floors allow access for most third world country emergency vehicles.


3. Keep the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door, even when you are not there.

4. Always assume the room is bugged. Keep the radio or TV turned on with the volume on low at all times -- even when you are not in the room.

5. Keep the drapes/blinds pulled at all times, even when unoccupied. (I always open the curtains to enjoy the view.)

6. Keep a light on in the room when unoccupied.

7. Keep a small “bug-out bag” packed with must-have items (money, ID, passport, etc.) in the event of an emergency departure.

8. Carry a motion alarm that can be placed over the doorknob. They are about $20 and can be found in most electronics stores.

9. Keep a flashlight next to the bed and within arm’s reach.



I learned so much from this list. No more putting passport/ID in safe. Keep curtains closed. I love the idea of a "bug-out-bag." It makes me think of Jason Bourne.
I'll start traveling with a flashlight and will start putting out the "Do Not Disturb" sign.

I'd love to hear what you think about this list. Have you ever done any of these safety tips?