When traveling for business or leisure, most people check into hotels or motels to rest and recharge. However, many overlook an essential safety step—inspecting the room for hygiene and security concerns.

It’s natural to relax after a long journey, but jumping straight into comfort can expose you to hidden dangers. Taking just a few minutes to check your surroundings can prevent discomfort or even serious risks.

One area of concern is mirrors. While most hotel mirrors are standard, rare cases have revealed two-way mirrors—glass that looks normal but allows viewing from the other side. These can be used for spying and violate privacy.

To test a mirror, try the “fingernail test.” Touch your fingernail to the surface. If there’s a visible gap between your nail and its reflection, it’s a regular mirror. No gap? It may be two-way. You can also shine a flashlight through the glass or tap on it—hollow sounds might indicate open space behind it.

Besides mirrors, inspect the bed for cleanliness, including checking for bedbugs by lifting the mattress and examining corners. Look for working locks on doors and windows, and confirm the phone works in case of emergencies.

Check that fire exits are clearly marked and that the smoke detector has a visible indicator light.

Taking these small precautions doesn’t take long but can greatly improve your safety and peace of mind while traveling. A quick room inspection is a simple habit that could save you from major problems.