Essential Tips for the Mobile Businesswoman

Women are taking jobs that require significant travel in increasing numbers. According to a 2004 study by the Travel Industry Association, women who travel for business increased to 43 percent, up from 39 percent in 2000.* All this jet setting comes with special safety concerns. It is easy to become complacent when we curl up for the night in our spotless, no family to cook for, no dog to walk, freshly pressed sheets and fragrant soap home-away-from-home. But as unaccompanied female travelers, we are vulnerable to unexpected crime. Here are a few pointers to make a woman's hotel stay as safe as possible.

When you first check in, be discreet. Don't announce your room number loudly to the desk clerk or to your colleagues. If the clerk blurts out your room number for the entire lobby to hear, kindly ask for a different room. Creeps can lurk in the shadows or be the well dressed businessman standing next to you. You never know who is listening in over your shoulder.

Whenever possible, choose a hotel or bed and breakfast with interior room entrances. Motels and hotels that require you to enter your room from the outdoors are not as secure, poorly lit and all that protects you from the weirdos on the street is that big window next to the door.

When you get to your room, enter with caution. First, make sure the door is closed and locked when you approach it. When you walk in, don't immediately close the door behind you. Prop it open with your bag until you have a chance to do a quick safety inspection. Look in the closet, the bathtub, and behind the curtains to make sure there is no intruder inside. Check that the windows and any adjoining room doors are locked, and make sure the space under the bed is clear. Intruders can lurk in the tiniest of spaces so leave no stone unturned. Not to mention, hotels sometimes don't realize they've already assigned that room to someone else. You just might walk in on someone who is already settling in.

Once everything checks out, hang the "Do Not Disturb" sign outside and close the door until you hear it click. Lock the deadbolt and the slider lock. Never, ever prop the door open if you're going to get ice or expecting a guest.

If you receive an unexpected knock on the door don't open it unless you recognize the person on the other side of the peephole. Even if you do know the person knocking, ask yourself if you should be opening the door. Did your coworker have a few too many drinks down at the bar? Dealing with the unwanted advances of a drunken colleague is awkward and embarrassing for all parties involved. Not answering the door might be in everyone's best interest.

If you're staying more than 24 hours, you'll probably want to venture out at some point. It is vital to leave a breadcrumb trail behind you. When you go out, use the hotel stationary to leave a note of your name, cell phone number, where you are going, time you are leaving and when you'll be back. If you're going out with someone else or meeting another person at your destination be sure to include that too. If anything bad should happen to you, the police and hotel staff will have a reference point as to where you went and at what time. When you go, leave the lights and TV on. If anyone was thinking about breaking in, they might have second thoughts if they think someone is inside. Always be sure the door latches behind you when you leave and always carry your cell phone.

Of course, there are times that you relish being away from home and want nothing more than to be waited on. Room service menus are quite sophisticated, so while you channel surf and take advantage of the free Wi-Fi in bed, you might just want a nice swordfish salad with a glass of wine. When you order room service or delivery, ask the delivery person to slide the bill under the door before you let them in. That way you can double check that the person out there is the one you are expecting.

Finally, wear sensible pajamas. I know this sounds like a strange recommendation, but you never know when a fire alarm might strike. You don't want to be caught with your pants down. Don't ask me how I know this, just go with it. It may only be a matter of moments between running for your life and choking on smoke fumes and you don't want to be clawing around in the dark to find your trousers.

Horror stories abound in travel circles. I've heard tales of jealous spouses scaling balconies to try and catch their lovers in the act of infidelity. I've heard firsthand accounts of sliding doors that were compromised when criminals on the lam were looking for a safe place to hide. Don't end up a crime statistic. Personal safety is not to be taken lightly. Take precautions when you're on the road, it could be the most important part of your business trip.