Barbiebac La Azafata, 32, has issued an urgent warning for those staying in hotels and it has left some people ‘freaked out’ – with some saying they ‘won’t be able to sleep’
A former flight attendant has issued a warning to hotel guests, dishing out a critical warning about storing toothbrushes in the safe. Barbiebac La Azafata, a seasoned traveller with 4.9million followers, regularly shares her top travel tips and advice online.
The 32-year-old has opened up about something that has left people “freaked out”. As a flight attendant, she’s no stranger to feeling uneasy when staying away from home. “While you’re unpacking your skincare, we’re scanning the room like it’s a crime scene,” she revealed to Luxury Travel Daily. “And no, it’s not paranoia. It’s instinct – honed from years of sleeping in unfamiliar places around the world, often alone, often as easy targets.”
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In a viral clip with 2.4m views and 239,000 likes, Barbiebac shared her top tips for ensuring hotel safety. And her first tip is to scrutinise the mirror in your room – as it may not be what it seems.
“Two-way mirrors exist – like the ones used in interrogation rooms,” she cautioned. “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.”
Secondly, while it’s common for travellers to keep their toothbrush in the hotel bathroom, Barbiebac warned that this might not be the safest option. She revealed: “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.”
Before settling down, the 32-year-old has a routine to ensure her room’s security. She advised: “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.” She also mentioned that some crew members carry portable devices to detect hidden cameras or unknown signals.
When it comes to sleeping, she recommended extra precautions such as a portable lock to reinforce the hotel door and a doorstop alarm that sounds if someone tries to force entry, adding: “Only then can we really rest.”
Barbiebac also cautioned against using complimentary items in the hotel room as you can never be sure who else has used them and for what purpose. She warned: “Unless it’s sealed, we probably won’t touch it. Bathroom cups are often rinsed and not sterilised. Comforters and decorative pillows are rarely washed. And wall dispensers with shampoo or soap could be refilled – or worse, contaminated.
“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 suggested reflecting on: “What would a flight attendant do? We’re not paranoid, we’re experienced. Maybe you’ll sleep a little better.”
