Summer holidays are already on the minds of many Irish people as they plan to jet off to sunnier climates like Spain, Italy or Turkey.
Ahead of what's expected to be a busy holiday season, one flight attendant has shared her top tips to ensure a safe and secure hotel stay.
Cici, an American cabin crew member, has told of a checklist she follows whenever she stays in hotels.
READ MORE: Holiday warnings for Irish heading to Spain, Portugal, Italy and more European spots this summer
The travel expert says safety is the most important thing for her when she's in a stop over for work, and she has a safety routine that she follows when she checks in, Express reports.
In a recent TikTok video, she explained how it is essential to "always count the number of doors to the exit stairwell".
This is in case there is a fire and "it is too dark or smoky" for hotel guests to see the exits.
Key to staying safe in case of an emergency is being prepared and familiar with the security and evacuation maps that are often displayed on the corridors.
The flight attendant also advised travellers to make sure the door is fully shut when they leave their room - something which she says is easy to forget to do. Hotel doors are usually heavy and may need a final push to be closed properly.
Cici said: "I see doors not fully shut all the time walking through the hallway."
When in her room, Cici checks the peephole to make sure it is closed. If there is no cover for it on the door, "just take some tissue and shove it in there so nobody can see inside your room", she advised.
As an extra security measures, she always takes a small towel from the bathroom and wraps it around the safety latch.
The flight attendant then closes the latch lock with the hand towel, which she says will make it harder to open.
She went on to explain that she uses "a personal safety alarm like the Birdie". Birdie is a personal safety alarm "made for women".
The colourful device has "a loud alarm and flashing strobe light designed to deter an attack" and can be purchased online for around €20.
"I bought one for all the women in my life," Cici said.
When it comes to letting strangers into her room, the flight attendant does not mess around.
She said: "If someone knocks at the room and says they are housekeeping, but you didn't order anything, call the front desk.
"This could also be room service, security or anything you weren't expecting."
Finally, "for added protection at night", the flight attendant recommends using door safety alarms, which are set off if someone enters the room.
"Always bring two door wedges or door stop alarms just in case you have an adjoining room and they weren't able to accommodate your room request," she continues.
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