Why Placing a Water Bottle Under Your Hotel Bed is a Smart Travel Hack
A Simple Trick to Enhance Your Safety and Comfort While Traveling
When checking into a hotel, most travelers focus on inspecting the bathroom, closet, and amenities, but they often forget to check under the bed—a crucial oversight that could impact both safety and cleanliness. This is where a simple yet effective travel hack comes in: placing a water bottle under the bed upon arrival.
This tip comes from Esther, a seasoned flight attendant for KLM Airlines, who has perfected ways to stay safe in hotels worldwide. Here’s why she never skips this step, and why you should consider adopting it, too.
1. Ensuring Your Hotel Room is Safe
One of the primary concerns when staying in a hotel is security. Unchecked spaces like the area under the bed can sometimes harbor hidden cameras, personal belongings of previous guests, or even unwelcome intruders.
✔ How to Use the Water Bottle Trick:
- Upon entering the hotel room, roll a water bottle under the bed.
- If the bottle rolls freely, it’s a good indication that nothing is blocking the space beneath.
- If it gets stuck or doesn’t roll smoothly, there might be something unusual under the bed—which is a red flag.
🚨 What to Do If Something Feels Off:
- Leave the room immediately and inform hotel security or management.
- Never bend down to look under the bed if you suspect danger—stay at a safe distance.
2. Checking for Hidden Surveillance Devices
In today’s digital world, privacy concerns are rising as some unethical individuals place hidden cameras in hotel rooms. Common hiding spots include air vents, smoke detectors, electrical outlets, and under the bed.
✔ Using the Water Bottle Trick for Privacy:
- If the bottle hits an unexpected object, it might be worth taking a closer look for hidden recording devices.
- To double-check, use your phone’s flashlight and scan underneath the bed for any reflective or unusual objects.
3. Ensuring Room Cleanliness and Hygiene
Another reason to roll a water bottle under the bed is to check if the room has been properly cleaned. While hotel staff typically focus on the visible areas, under-the-bed spaces are often overlooked, leading to dust buildup, trash, or even pests.
✔ How This Helps You:
- If the bottle comes out covered in dust or dirt, it’s a sign that housekeeping has neglected cleaning this area.
- Requesting a room change or additional cleaning can ensure you stay in a hygienic environment.
- It also helps in identifying potential pest problems, like bed bugs or rodents, which might be hiding under neglected areas.
4. Peace of Mind and a Safer Stay
Staying in an unfamiliar place can feel unsettling, especially when traveling alone. Implementing small safety measures like this can help you feel more secure during your stay.
✔ Additional Hotel Safety Tips:
- Always lock your doors and use doorstops for added security.
- Place a towel or suitcase against the door at night to prevent unexpected entry.
- Check for bedbugs by looking at mattress seams before unpacking.
- Keep important belongings locked away in a safe.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try This Hack
Placing a water bottle under your hotel bed is a quick and simple way to boost safety, check for cleanliness, and gain peace of mind. It takes just a few seconds but can potentially prevent security risks or alert you to hidden issues.
💡 Next time you check into a hotel, give this trick a try! It’s an easy way to ensure your stay is both safe and comfortable.
Would you try this travel hack on your next trip? Let us know in the comments! ✈️🏨
