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A former flight attendant has shared a controversial list of things every traveler should do when staying in a hotel.
Barbiebac La Azafata regularly shares her top travel advice and tips with her 4.9 million TikTok followers.
Now, the 32-year-old has issued an urgent warning for those staying in hotels – and it’s left people ‘freaked out.’
Many flight attendants, like herself, don’t often feel safe when staying away from home.
‘While you’re unpacking your skincare, we’re scanning the room like it’s a crime scene,’ she told Luxury Travel Daily.
‘And no, it’s not paranoia.
‘It’s instinct – shaped by years of sleeping in unfamiliar places around the world, often alone, often as easy targets.’
In a clip, racking up 2.4 million views and 240,500 likes, Barbiebac reveals how you can ensure your safety.
Barbiebac La Azafata, 32, an ex-flight attendant from Spain, has issued an urgent warning for anyone staying in a hotel – including storing toothbrushes in the safe
She regularly shares her top travel advice and tips with her 4.9 million TikTok followers
Check the mirrors
Her first tip is to inspect the mirror if there’s one present in the room – as it may not be a true reflection of what it is.
She said: ‘Two-way mirrors exist – like the ones used in interrogation rooms.
‘We always do the fingertip test.
‘If there’s space between your finger and its reflection, it’s a regular mirror.
‘If it touches directly, it could be a problem.’
Lock up your toothbrush
While many travelers opt to stash their toothbrushes in the hotel room bathroom, Barbiebac, from Spain, says that isn’t the safest place.
She said: ‘We’re not just afraid of theft.
‘We’ve heard horror stories of staff using guests’ toothbrushes for disgusting things.
‘That’s why many of us store our toothbrushes, medicines, and hygiene products in the hotel safe.
‘We don’t take any chances with anything that goes in our mouth.’
Barbiebac says she always puts her toothbrush in the safe because she has heard of staff doing ‘disgusting things’ to guests toothbrushes before
Security checks
Before relaxing and unwinding, the 32-year-old has a few items to tick off the checklist first.
She said: ‘Check behind the curtains, under the bed – and under the sheets for bed bugs, and inside closets.
‘[Also] behind vents, smoke detectors and alarm clocks.
The 32-year-old does a security check throughout the room and brings her own door stop alarm to feel extra safe
‘Some crew even carry portable devices that detect hidden cameras or unknown signals.
‘And when it’s time to sleep, many use extra precautions. A portable lock that reinforces the hotel door.
‘And a door stop alarm that screeches if someone forces entry. Only then can we really rest.’
Avoid freebies
Barbiebac says to avoid freebies in the hotel room as you never truly know who else has touched them – and for what reason.
She said: ‘Unless it’s sealed, we probably won’t touch it.
‘Bathroom cups are often rinsed and not sterilized. Comforters and decorative pillows are rarely washed.
‘And wall dispensers with shampoo or soap could be refilled – or worse, contaminated.
She also said to beware of comforters and throw pills which are rarely washed
‘Towels and pillowcases are sometimes reused, and toilet paper might not have been changed.
‘The kettle – forget it. Some people boil noodles or sausages or wash their underwear or [hygiene products] in there.
‘We carry our own portable kettle, plus pillowcases and mini towels.’
The next time you stay in a hotel, she says to ask yourself: ‘What would a flight attendant do?’
Barbiebac added: ‘We’re not paranoid, we’re experienced. Maybe you’ll sleep a little better.’
