This Hotel Pet Peeve Is One Of The Things Samantha Brown Hates Most About Traveling

While Samantha Brown hosts television shows like "Places to Love" on PBS and "Great Weekends" on the Travel Channel, she lends her expertise to more than just recommending where in the world to go. She also frequently shares her travel tips that can be applied to any destination. From packing like a pro to choosing hotels and even getting more enjoyment out of sitting at airports waiting for your flights, Brown is the one to ask for all things travel.

Even though she has built an enviable career in the travel industry, she does not love every aspect of it. One of her pet peeves when it comes to taking trips is the fact that hotel staff has access to your hotel rooms. "I hate when a hotel room really isn't your own room, that even when you put do not disturb, it doesn't register anything to anyone who just comes into your room," she explained to Wonderlust Travel. "I hate the lack of privacy in your own hotel room."

For many, the issue of privacy in a hotel room is likely related to a fear of theft if you have to leave personal items in the room. So what does Samantha Brown do to ease her concerns when she is out exploring the town? On her website, she explains that she does "hang that Do Not Disturb sign proudly." For an extra layer of security, she also makes good use of the hotel room's safe for valuable items. "I want to put my passport in there, my travel wallet with all my credit cards ... and then my laptop," she explained in an Instagram video.

While this trick works for Samantha Brown, some travelers are skeptical of a hotel safe's ability to protect your valuables. Security codes on these safes could be easy to figure out, and safes are sometimes obvious hiding places. Director of eBooking.com Toni Raurich told Express that he recommends hiding important items, like money and identification cards, in empty shampoo bottles. He further explained that you can make use of secret pockets in your suitcase or even put things between mattresses. 

The location of your room within the hotel can factor into privacy, as well. For a more secluded feeling, request a room above the first floor and far away from the elevators and ice machines. Samantha Brown prefers these rooms because they are quieter — especially if the hotel has a squeaky elevator — but they might be safer, too (per The Sun). Potential thieves, whether they work at the hotel or not, will have a more difficult time making a quick, clean getaway if the hotel room they've invaded is located on a higher floor and away from exits like elevators or even emergency exits.

For added privacy while you're in your hotel room, of course make sure all the locks are locked. But there is another step you can take to secure your door and prevent people from coming in: Push the room's ironing board under the doorknob to create a jam. This is one of many hotel hacks that find extra uses for ironing boards.