Hotel Safety Tips Every Spring Break Traveler Should Know

Spring break is the perfect time to relax, explore, and recharge—but it’s also one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. With hotels at full capacity and unfamiliar environments all around, travelers face unique safety challenges. Whether you’re heading to a tropical resort, road-tripping with friends, or flying solo, staying safe in your hotel should be a top priority. Use these hotel safety tips, combined with smart travel safety practices, to protect yourself and your belongings on your next trip. 

Why Hotel Safety Matters More During Spring Break

Spring break is synonymous with spontaneity and fun, but with that comes increased risk. Popular destinations can become crowded, like when traveling to a top destination like Mexico, making it easier for opportunistic theft or intrusions to occur in and around hotels. Many travelers let their guard down in these relaxed settings, which can make them an easier target. That’s why everyone should educate themselves on how to stay alert and safe when traveling and while at their spring break destination. Following these safety tips shouldn't feel like work and instead  always include how to stay safe at your hotel—from the moment you book your room to the time you check out.

Safety Travel Tips for Booking Your Hotel

Choose Reputable Accommodations

Before booking, research hotel neighborhoods thoroughly. Look for consistent and recent reviews that mention cleanliness, security, and helpful staff. Do not overlook this step as it can start your vacation off negatively if you feel uncomfortable. Use travel forums or apps like Expedia or TripAdvisor that rate the hotels and can provide nearby activities.

Prioritize Secure Locations

Hotels in well-lit, populated areas tend to be safer. Avoid locations that feel isolated or poorly maintained, especially if traveling alone.

Verify Hotel Security Features

Check that the hotel offers 24/7 front desk service, surveillance cameras, and secure room access (such as key cards). A property that prioritizes guest safety is usually transparent about it online. For extra security, check out these travel safety devices to secure your hotel room.

In-Room Hotel Safety Tips to Keep You Secure

Once checked in, it’s time to secure your space. Follow these hotel safety tips below:

Check Locks and Emergency Exits Immediately

When checking into your hotel or rental, take a few minutes to inspect the room’s security features. Make sure all door deadbolts, peepholes, and secondary locks are functional and easy to use. These basic safeguards are your first line of defense against unwanted intrusions. Don’t forget to examine windows and sliding doors—especially on ground-level or accessible floors—to ensure they close securely and lock properly. If your room has an adjoining door to another unit, verify that it is locked from your side and cannot be opened without your consent. Lastly, familiarize yourself with the building’s layout by identifying the closest emergency exits and stairwells. In the event of an emergency, knowing your exit route ahead of time can save valuable seconds and help you respond more calmly and confidently. Prioritizing room safety ensures that your accommodations offer not just comfort, but also peace of mind.

Use Portable Travel Safety Devices

Even in trusted hotels, adding extra security is smart and can bring you peace of mind while sleeping at night. We recommend to pack the following travel safety devices like:

• Travel Portable Door Lock – Blocks entry from the outside, even with a key. Featuring a metal body construction, this durable and rugged door lock can help provide reliable protection to your room. The door lock also includes a travel bag for easy carrying and packing. 
• Wedge Door Stop Alarm –The extremely 120dB loud door stop alarm is audible up to 1,500-feet (455-meters) away and sounds when door pressure is applied. A great solution to use in a bedroom, Airbnb, hotel room or apartment.
• Adjustable Door Security Bar – SABRE's door security bar is a heavy duty, dual function bar made from high grade iron that can secure just about any hinged doors, sliding doors, and/or windows. The security bar is fully adjustable with an angled padded bottom that assures full contact and strong grip on all types of floors without scratching them.

Secure Your Space

Keep your room number private and avoid saying it out loud in public areas; you never know who can be listening. Always lock doors and windows, and use security features like the deadbolt. For extra protection, consider the above safety travel tools—a small but powerful way to protect your room.

Keep Valuables Hidden or Locked Up

Protect Your Valuables

Use the hotel safe if available to secure your most valuable items like a laptop, jewelry, cash, etc. If your hotel room does not have a safe, an alternative would be to secure items in a locked suitcase. When you decide to step out, hang the “Do Not Disturb” sign and wedge it into the frame to make it look like you’re still inside. This small trick can help deter potential intruders and can easily notify you if someone has been in your room if you see that the sign is hanging normally upon your return.

Spring Break Safety Tips for Hotel Guests

Spring break often involves more social activity, unfamiliar faces, and unpredictable situations. To limit unfortunate events from occurring and derailing your vacation, stay alert with these quick and easy to follow tips:

• Avoid sharing your room number with others or posting it on social media.
• Don’t let unexpected strangers into your room, even if they claim to be hotel staff. If this situation occurs, call the front desk immediately to verify the reason for the hotel staff showing up at your door.
• Stay aware in elevators, hallways, and stairwells—if someone feels off, wait for the next elevator or go back to the lobby. Try to refrain from being on your phone in these areas so that you do not miss any red flags or unusual behavior.
• Use the buddy system when possible, especially late at night. 

Be Aware in Shared Areas

Always stay alert in transitional spaces like parking garages, hotel lobbies, and lounges, where distractions and lower visibility can make you more vulnerable. Keep your belongings close and secure—use a crossbody bag or backpack worn on both shoulders to deter theft, and avoid setting items down unattended, even briefly. Minimize distractions by staying off your phone and removing headphones so you can stay aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to who is nearby, especially if someone seems to be lingering or following at a distance. Trust your instincts—if something doesn’t feel right, change direction, head toward a more populated area, or seek assistance from security or hotel staff.

Safety in Amenities & Common Spaces

While it’s great to take advantage of amenities like the hotel pool, fitness center, or bar, it’s important to enjoy these spaces responsibly and with hotel safety in mind. Always visit these areas with a friend or in a group when possible, and establish a meeting point ahead of time in case anyone gets separated. This is especially helpful in large or unfamiliar properties. Keep an eye on your personal items—never leave phones, wallets, room keys, or bags unattended, even if you’re stepping away for just a moment. Opportunistic thefts can happen quickly in public spaces. 

Extra Travel Safety Devices to Pack

Being prepared goes beyond choosing a safe hotel. These extra travel safety devices are smart additions to your packing list:

• Personal Alarm – Small, loud, and easy to activate in emergencies.
• Pepper Spray – If legally allowed in the state you are traveling to, it can provide a layer of defense.
• Flashlight or Tactical Light – Critical during blackouts or in dimly lit areas.
• Portable Charger – Keep your phone powered so you can access GPS, safety apps, or call for help.

Stock up on these compact travel safety devices by checking out SABRE's travel safety catalog.

Whether you're heading out for spring break or planning your next weekend getaway, hotel safety should always be part of your travel checklist. A few simple precautions—like securing your hotel room, packing essential personal safety devices, and staying alert in shared spaces—can make a big difference in how safe and confident you feel while away from home.

Travel is meant to be fun, freeing, and memorable—for all the right reasons. With the right mindset and tools, you can enjoy your trip knowing you’ve taken the steps to protect yourself and your peace of mind.

Stay smart. Stay aware. Stay safe.