Travel Security and Safety Tips
Share these safety tips with girls before you leave on any trip that involves a stay at a hotel, motel,
hostel, or dormitory:
● Always lock the door behind you, using the deadbolt and the chain or anchor.
● Do not open the door for strangers; if hotel staff claims to be at the door, call the front desk to
confirm.
● Don’t mention or display your room number when in the presence of strangers.
● Never leave jewelry, cameras, electronics, cash, or credit cards in your room.
● Never leave luggage unattended in the hotel lobby (or in an airport or train or bus station).
● When arriving at the hotel, locate emergency exits.
● Keep a small flashlight on your bedside table, along with a small bag with your room key,
wallet, passport, and cell phone. Take the flashlight and bag with you if you have to leave the
room in an emergency.
● If a fire alarm goes off, get out as quickly as possible. Don’t stop to pack your suitcase.
● Before leaving your room, feel the door: If it is warm, do not open it. Stay in your room and
stuff towels around the door. Call the hotel operator immediately. If the door is cool, proceed
slowly out the door, looking for flames or smoke. Repeat these instructions for any door you
encounter.
● Contact the front desk to make sure girls’ rooms are cleared of any minibars or refrigerators.
Also be sure the hotel doesn’t provide access to inappropriate movies on TVs and does not
allow long-distance calls. Alert the hotel management that underage girls are staying in the
hotel, and ask them to contact you if any girls are seen out of their rooms after bedtime.
From the Birth of Girl Scouting to the World Centers
The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace in Savannah, Georgia, is a fantastic place for Girl Scout Juniors and
older to visit. Reservations and council approval are required to take a group of girls to visit the
birthplace, and most educational opportunities are booked at least a year in advance, so book early!
Families and individuals, however, do not need to reserve a tour in advance.
In addition, four lodges are available in England, Mexico, Switzerland, and India for use by Girl Guides
and Girl Scouts, each with hostel- or dormitory-style accommodations. The world centers are
operated by WAGGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts) and offer low-cost
accommodations and special programs. They are also a great way to meet Girl Guides and Girl Scouts
from around the world.
Closer to home, check with your council to see whether council-owned camps and other facilities can
be rented out to the group of girls with which you’re working.