Why You Should Throw a Bottle of Water Under the Bed When Checking into a Hotel
Staying in a hotel or motel during travel, business trips, or vacations has become a common practice for people seeking rest and convenience. However, when staying in unfamiliar places, personal safety should always be a top priority. One precautionary measure that might not immediately come to mind is the simple act of throwing a bottle of water under the bed upon checking into a hotel.
The Importance of Safety Checks
As soon as you enter your hotel room, it’s crucial to perform a thorough inspection to ensure there are no potential safety risks. Most people focus on checking the room’s amenities, the bathroom, and the toilet to ensure everything is in working order. Many also look for hidden cameras or suspicious devices, as privacy concerns have become more prevalent in recent years. However, one area that is often overlooked is under the bed—a space that could potentially hide dangers.
Why Use a Bottle of Water?
Esther, a seasoned Dutch flight attendant with years of experience working for KLM Airlines, offers a valuable safety tip. Whenever she checks into a hotel room, she makes it a habit to throw a bottle of water under the bed. This simple action serves two purposes:
Detect Hidden Threats: The rolling motion of the bottle can reveal if someone is hiding under the bed. If the bottle gets obstructed or stops unexpectedly, it’s a clear indication that there might be something—or someone—beneath the bed.
Spot Unusual Items: It can also help uncover any suspicious objects, such as hidden devices, that may not be visible from a quick glance.
A Small Step for Greater Peace of Mind
While the likelihood of encountering hidden dangers in a hotel room is low, it’s always better to be cautious, especially in unfamiliar surroundings. This quick and simple action requires no special equipment and only takes a few seconds, yet it can provide an extra layer of assurance about your safety during your stay.
Remember, when traveling, personal safety should never be compromised. Taking proactive measures, like Esther’s bottle trick, can make your stay more secure and allow you to focus on enjoying your trip or accomplishing your business goals with peace of mind.
Conclusion
When staying in a hotel, your safety and peace of mind should always come first. While the idea of throwing a bottle of water under the bed might seem unusual at first, it is a simple yet effective safety measure that can help you identify potential risks in your surroundings. This small action, inspired by the advice of a seasoned flight attendant, serves as a reminder that vigilance is essential, especially in unfamiliar environments.
Hotels are generally designed to offer comfort and convenience, but as travelers, we must also take responsibility for ensuring our own security. Checking the area under the bed is often overlooked during routine inspections, yet it can be a crucial step in detecting hidden dangers or suspicious items. The bottle of water trick is quick, easy, and doesn’t require any special tools, making it a practical tip for travelers of all kinds.
Beyond this specific precaution, it’s a good practice to maintain situational awareness whenever you travel. From inspecting your hotel room for hidden cameras or faulty locks to securing your belongings, these small steps can contribute significantly to your overall safety. In today’s world, where privacy and security concerns are increasingly relevant, being proactive can prevent unpleasant surprises and allow you to focus on enjoying your trip.
Ultimately, travel should be an enriching and enjoyable experience, free from unnecessary worries. By incorporating simple safety routines like throwing a bottle of water under the bed, you can reduce risks, enhance your sense of security, and truly relax during your stay. Sometimes, it’s the smallest actions that make the biggest difference, ensuring that your journey is memorable for all the right reasons.
