Booking a hotel is one of the first steps in planning a trip, whether you’re on a business trip, vacation, or a weekend getaway. While hotels offer a convenient and comfortable place to stay, there are some important things you should do as soon as you step into your room to ensure your safety, security, and peace of mind. Don’t just toss your bags on the bed and collapse—you’ve got a quick checklist to run through first.

1. Give the Room a Once-Over
Before you get too cozy, take a few minutes to thoroughly inspect the room. Flip on the lights, test the air conditioner or heater, run the water in the sink and shower, and flush the toilet. It’s not just about comfort—it’s about catching any issues early. Look at frequently touched items like doorknobs, remote controls, and faucets. If something feels dirty or broken, don’t hesitate to call the front desk and ask for another room.

2. Look Out for Hidden Cameras
Your privacy is a big deal, especially in a place that’s supposed to feel like home—even if only temporarily. Believe it or not, some travelers have discovered hidden cameras tucked into places like alarm clocks, smoke detectors, TVs, and even flower pots. Want to do a quick check? Use your phone’s camera in video mode and slowly scan around the room. Infrared lights from cameras sometimes appear as glowing dots on your screen. You can also shine your phone’s flashlight around corners or reflective surfaces—camera lenses may catch the light and reveal themselves.

3. Check the Amenities You Paid For
If your booking included perks like free Wi-Fi, a minibar, or extra towels and pillows, make sure they’re actually there and working. Scroll through the TV channels to confirm service, and take a quick peek at the room service menu. It’s also a good idea to skim the hotel’s policies, especially regarding check-out times or surprise charges for things like parking or extra guests.

4. Close the Curtains and Kill the Lights
After you’ve inspected the room, draw the curtains tight to block any view from outside. Then, turn off all the lights and look around for odd blinking lights or glows that could be coming from hidden recording devices. You’re looking for anything red, blue, or even faint lights that don’t make sense in a dark room.

5. Take a Closer Look at Decorative Items
That pretty wall art or cute lamp may not be as innocent as it looks. Hidden cameras have been found in everything from mirrors to clock radios. Be especially thorough when checking the bathroom area—privacy there is crucial. If something seems off or oddly placed, give it a closer look.

6. Make Sure Doors and Windows Lock Securely
Once you’re confident the room is safe and private, it’s time to focus on physical security. Test the door lock, the deadbolt, and any security chains or bars. If you’re staying in a ground-level room or one with windows, check that those lock properly too. If you’re traveling solo or just want extra peace of mind, pack a portable door lock or wedge to make your space even more secure.

7. Wipe Down High-Touch Surfaces
Even if your room looks sparkling clean, it never hurts to take extra precautions. Use disinfecting wipes on the most commonly touched surfaces like light switches, remote controls, door handles, and bathroom counters. A quick wipe-down helps protect you from lingering germs and keeps your space a bit more sanitary.

8. Know Where the Emergency Exits Are
As boring as it sounds, it’s important to locate the nearest emergency exits. Look for the green exit signs and take note of how many doors are between your room and the staircase in case you need to leave quickly in low visibility. Many hotels have evacuation maps posted on the back of the door—take a moment to study it.

9. Secure Your Valuables
If your room comes with a safe, test it to make sure it locks properly. Store anything valuable—your passport, electronics, jewelry—inside the safe or in a hidden spot. Avoid leaving things out in plain view, especially when you’re heading out for the day. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

10. Unplug the TV
Here’s one final tip that many overlook: unplug the television. Since TVs are usually placed right across from the bed, they’re prime real estate for hidden cameras. Disconnecting it won’t affect your stay much, but it might just stop someone from spying through a smart TV’s infrared connection.

Taking a few minutes to go through these simple but crucial steps can make all the difference in how safe and comfortable you feel during your stay. From checking for hidden cameras to confirming your room’s cleanliness and amenities, a little caution goes a long way. When you’re traveling, peace of mind is just as important as a soft pillow and good room service.