If at all possible, avoid street-level hotel rooms since they're easier for unwelcome intruders to enter.

If you must leave valuables in a hotel room, leave the lights and television on and hang a "Do Not Disturb" sign on your door whenever you go out. The impression that you are in the room is discouraging to potential thieves.

2torial #0628: Learn2 Secure Valuables While Traveling Keep valuables on your person or in a safe If you're forced to travel with large amounts of cash or other valuables, find a hotel that provides a safe to its clientele. While budget hotels generally don't provide this service, medium- to high-end establishments do. As soon as you arrive, stash your valuables, and leave them there until it's time to check out. When you don't have access to a safe, keep valuables on your person--even when walking the streets of a foreign city. Of course there are exceptions: if you know you'll be venturing into crime-ridden areas, then you must consider alternatives. But in most cases, your possessions are safest when you can see and feel them. (see Step 3 to find out how to "wear" them discreetly). Above all, avoid packing valuables in luggage that you plan to check during your flight. Unless you have special insurance coverage, you could be stuck with the loss. If you can't "wear" your valuables on a flight, keep them in a well-watched carry-on bag. Step 3