Hotel Advice from a Former Manager

Author Al Beck

July 16th, 2023 7:12 AM

Unrecognizable Man With Bag And Suitcase Walking In Airport Terminal, Rear View Of Young Male On His Way To Flight Boarding Gate, Ready For Business Travel Or Vacation Journey, Cropped, Copy Space

A former manager has some hotel advice you may want to know, including credit card scams, bed bugs and free upgrades!

Before you check into your hotel this summer, we got a warning for you. Actually, two warnings about SCAMS that could ruin your credit. This is from a former hotel manager who posts advice on TikTok.

Hotel Advice: Credit Card Scams

Here’s her first warning: If the front desk calls the room and asks you to verify your credit card number because the payment didn’t go through, hang up. The hotel will never call a room about that.

This one is really sneaky. If a restaurant menu is SLID under your door, do not call them. Could be a fake restaurant trying to scam people for credit card numbers.

@melly_creations
Beware of these hotel scams. #hotels #hoteladvice #scams #traveladvice
♬ original sound - Melly

Hotel Advice: Check Your Room

While we’re at it: Here are three things SHE always does if staying in a room. She pulls out the AC vent screens to see if they’re clean. She checks for bed bugs. And she removes overlay covers because those rarely get washed.

@melly_creations
What I do when staying at a hotel. Even though star hotels. they are sometimes the worst with cleanliness. #hotels #travel #traveling
♬ original sound - Melly

Hotel Advice: Free Upgrades

How about a free upgrade? Here are her three tips for that: Let them know you’re celebrating something. (Or maybe pretend? How are they to know?) Secondly: Just ask nicely. Or, slip them a cash tip.

@melly_creations
Advice from a former hotel manager. #hotels #hotelupgrades #vacations #hoteladvice
♬ original sound - Melly

Be aware, travel safely and always remember to trust no one, help no one!

5 Passport-Free Getaways Where Travelers Can Explore

Most of the time, if you’re traveling outside of the U.S., you need a current passport to do it. But there are some places outside of the country where you can visit without a passport. And that’s good news for many Americans. A significant portion of Americans, roughly 55 percent, do not possess one.

Last year, the State Department reported that out of the 333,287,557 individuals residing in the United States, an estimated 55 percent, or a substantial portion, did not possess a passport. This figure, based on the total number of 151,814,305 valid U.S. passports in circulation, highlights the fact that a significant majority of Americans have yet to get one.

You don’t always need a passport to visit some awesome places. There are U.S. islands and territories, like the breathtaking U.S. Virgin Islands, where you can hop on a plane and explore without a passport. However, it’s important to note that the travel landscape can sometimes be confusing, as there are other U.S. territories, like Guam, where a passport is necessary for entry.

Do I need a passport for cruises?

When it comes to closed-loop cruises, which are voyages departing from the U.S. and returning to the same port, travelers have a bit of leeway when it comes to passport requirements. According to Ilisa Oman, a travel agent at One World Family Travel, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) allows passengers on these cruises to travel without providing proof of a passport. Instead, a state-issued driver’s license or identification card usually suffices.

Keep in mind that there are exceptions to this rule. It’s always best to check in with your cruise line for more information about your travels.

To make your trip planning a breeze, we’ve got your back with a list of cool destinations where you, as a U.S. citizen, can travel passport-free. Whether you don’t have one or simply prefer to explore without the hassle of carrying one, we’ve got you covered.

Puerto Rico
This Caribbean island is part of the U.S. Puerto Rico has sandy beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and even a tropical rainforest. If you’re a U.S. citizen traveling from anywhere within the U.S., you don’t need to hassle with a passport to visit this paradise. It’s worth mentioning that starting from May 2025, there’s this thing called the Real ID Act that kicks in. If your state isn’t compliant with this Act, you’ll need to bring your trusty passport to explore the wonders of Puerto Rico. So, make sure to check if your state is all set with the Real ID Act before planning your trip.

Sean Pavone/ Getty Images
St. Croix
If you’re craving island vibes, you might want to check out St. Croix. It is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you won’t need to worry about bringing your passport when traveling to and from this island.

NAPA74/ Getty Images
Northern Mariana Islands
The Northern Mariana Islands, a collection of 14 tropical wonders has sandy shores, azure waters, and an array of thrilling activities like windsurfing, cavern dives, and jungle treks. And yes, U.S. citizens can venture to these remote islands without the need for a passport. However, it’s important to remember that you’ll need to carry a government-issued proof of identification along with you during your visit.

raksybH/ Getty Images
St. Thomas
St. Thomas, a Caribbean island known for its white sand beaches, snorkeling opportunities, and Danish colonial architecture. As a U.S. citizen, you won’t need a passport to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, which includes St. Thomas. However, it’s important to note that if you plan to explore the neighboring British Virgin Islands, a valid passport will be required. For your adventures on St. Thomas, it only requires a government-issued ID with your photo.

SeanPavonePhoto/ Getty Images
St. John
St. John, the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This island is home to the Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, where you can embark on thrilling adventures like scuba diving, hiking, and even discover prehistoric archaeological sites. Since St. John is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you can leave your passport at home when traveling there.

SeanPavonePhoto/ Getty Images