How do we resume traveling safely?
A lot of us are ready to get out there and travel again but we want to do it safely but how do we do that? American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) have developed Safe Stay Guidelines that outline cleaning procedures for everything from exercise equipment to elevator buttons.
The Safe Stay initiative is designed to change hotel industry norms, behaviors and standards to ensure hotel guests and employees are confident in the cleanliness and safety of hotels once travel resumes. With hoteliers doing their part you can also take precautions to help make yourself feel safe and comfortable.
We all know to wash our hands, use hand sanitizer, wear face coverings and sometimes gloves if they are available but what other steps should we be taking to keep ourselves safe especially when it comes to travel again.
What should you do as soon as you get into the hotel room to help protect yourself?
- Ditch the bedspread and decorative pillows
- Carry Alcohol Wipes
- Wipe down any surface you may touch like remotes, door knobs, phone, toilet handles and bathroom faucet handles. Wipe down all hard surfaces, counters, night stands, desks etc.
- Avoid the glassware – Bring your own water bottle or travel cup with you. If you do have to use the glasses – run the glass or cup under hot water for 2 minutes to kill most bacteria.
- Bring a couple of ziplock bags with you – Put the tv remote control in a ziplock bag that way you do not have to touch the germiest item in the room.
- Keep your toiletries in your bag instead of unpacking them on the counter tops.
- Wash your hands, wipe everything down and wash your hands again
- For multiple night stays, contact the front desk asking housekeeping not to clean your room. This limits the number of people in and out of your room allowing you to control keeping your room sanitized.
