posted by Steve Lazarus, a retired FBI agent who worked for the Bureau for 22 years.

Over the course of his career, he went ‘head to head’ with domestic terrorists, gangs, and even narcotics trafficking organizations.

He also specialized in the explosives field as a bomb technician, which brought him across the world on tours to Afghanistan and Iraq.

Now, he is sharing a new warning with his audience, as he spoke about the dangers of staying at hotels as a solo traveler.

Lazarus began the video by explaining that safety starts from before you even check in.

‘Park in the front of the hotel, where the lights are brighter, and the camera coverage is better,’ Lazarus said.

‘Use the main entrance every time you enter or leave the property, stairwells and side entrances are not your friend,’ he cautioned.

Next, he recommended to make sure to guard your space like you would at an ATM.

‘Desk clerks know not to say your room number out loud, but it’s written on your room key envelope, so don’t let anyone get close enough to see it,’ he shared.

But that’s not all – it’s important to take caution in the elevator, too.

‘Don’t push your floor button until the door closes,’ Lazarus explained.

‘If someone gets on with you, let them select their floor first,’ he said.

Lazarus also recommended standing near the panel and identifying the alarm button.

‘If you feel like someone has followed you to your floor, stay on the elevator and return to the lobby,’ he warned.

Once you’ve arrived at your room, there is still work to be done in terms of making sure everything is safe.

Before you open the door, Lazarus recommends taking a look around you to make sure no one has followed you there.

Once you’re in your room, he then advised to lock the door and put up the ‘do not disturb’ sign.

‘Use the next two or three minutes to run a security sweep,’ he offered.

‘Check hiding spots, like closets and behind curtains,’ Lazarus said. ‘Inspect door locks, deadbolts, and the peephole to make sure they haven’t been tampered with.’

Finally, there are a few other steps you can take to keep yourself safe, like buying certain devices that can provide another layer of protection.

The former FBI agent suggested purchasing a hidden camera detector, which is available on Amazon, and uses magnets and infrared technology to detect any hidden microphones and devices.

‘Finally, before you turn in for the night, consider putting a wedge alarm under the door,’ Lazarus shared.

‘These are available on Amazon, they’re inexpensive, they’re loud, and they will scare the crap out of someone trying to sneak into your room during the night,’ he concluded.

In the comments section, other users shared their own safety tips that they abide by when traveling alone.

‘Always ask for two keys and say your husband will be joining you,’ one person wrote.

Another typed, ‘When I have to travel solo as a female I always request a room NOT on the ground floor.’

‘I also put a bath towel at the bottom of the door as well to hide any light coming from inside the room and it makes it harder to slip a small camera or tube to emit gas under the door. Also make sure you know how to open the window in case of emergency,’ someone else suggested.

A user seconded, ‘When I walk into room I always say hi and start talking to person in my room even though no one is in there but if anyone sees me, they won’t think I’m staying alone.’