I'm a travel agent...this is the first thing I ALWAYS do when entering a hotel room - and it's not unpacking
While it's common for many people to unpack or appreciate the view from their balcony when first arriving at their accommodation, Dimple Chudasama-Adams insists it should be the last thing guests should be doing.
The seasoned traveller, from Birmingham, UK, regularly shares 'secret' tips and travel advice with her 5,400 following on Instagram.
In a recent video, posted to her account @escape_the_ordinary_by_dimple, Dimple unveiled her 'travel pro checklist' of five crucial jobs to do in hotel rooms or rented accommodation to ensure safety, comfort and and optimum hygiene.
The first is checking for bed bugs, which is crucial on arrival as it can help prevent an infestation in your own home once your trip has come to an end.
Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and can easily attach themselves to luggage, clothing, and other items, so thoroughly inspecting the room before unpacking can help prevent their spread.
Dimple advises holidaymakers to 'pull back sheets and inspect mattress corners' for dark spots that could indicate the presence of bed bugs.
Her next piece of advice is to wipe down high-touch surfaces in hotel rooms, such as remote controls, light switches and door handles, which is crucial for hygiene.
These surfaces are frequently touched by multiple guests and can harbour germs and bacteria, potentially spreading and resulting in illness.
Dimple's third tip is ensuring the doors lock and the safe functions properly, which is vital for security and peace of mind, and preventing unauthorised access and potential theft.
The travel expert also urges guests to 'check the minibar and take photos' to avoid surprise charges at checkout.
Taking photos upon arrival provides evidence of the minibar's original state and can be used to dispute any discrepancies that could later occur.
Many minibars also use sensors or are manually checked by staff, resulting in accidental or inaccurate charges.
Dimple's fifth and last word of advice, aimed at solo travellers, is to lock doors with a wedge or lock, which is crucial to enhance safety and security in an unfamiliar place.
This provides an extra layer of protection against unauthorised entry, giving guests peace of mind and time to react in the event of an intrusion.
Dimple's advice generated mixed responses in the comments, with some viewers suggesting their own top tips while others accused the travel agent of being 'paranoid'.
Dimple's advice generated mixed responses in the comments, with some viewers suggesting their own top tips while others accused the travel agent of being 'paranoid'
One person wrote, 'Paranoid much?' while another commented, 'Maybe umm, don't travel? Geez.'
Meanwhile, another holidaymaker suggested: 'Perhaps check the fire exit routes first.'
A second added, 'Check that the toilet flushes, the sink drains and you have enough toilet paper.'
It comes as a safety expert has issued a warning to guests staying in hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs to watch out for five spots in rooms that contain the most dirt.
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