….when traveling solo……
Well……yesterday was an interesting day for me. For the first time since my very first solo visit to Paris sometime in the mid 1990’s, I have reached a travel destination and found the need to make a change in my reserved accommodations. I was shocked at the situation and more than a little bit annoyed as I spent the day searching out a new hotel rather than leisurely taking in some of the sights of Budapest as I had planned. I was even more irritated as I, once again, wrestled my luggage from one place to the next. It was something that I was trying to avoid on this trip, but have ended up doing far too many times.
What, you might ask, would compel me to change hotels? You won’t believe it. I’m still in disbelief….and I’m still thinking about it, despite the fact that I am now settled in to another hotel that is nicer and in a better location.
Here’s the story.
On my first morning in the original hotel, I went to the included breakfast before heading out for the day. As I was perusing the vast buffet, balancing my plate and negotiating the masses of people that were bellied up to the food table, an older woman walked up to me and started to chat about the array of food. When I responded, she looked at me and with some relief said,
“You are an American. So am I. I am so glad to meet another American.”
We exchanged first names. The woman wondered if I was there with a tour. I explained that I was on my own.
“Oh”, she said. “Me too. What are you planning to do for the day?”
I said I was thinking about exploring Buda, but wasn’t really sure and continued down the buffet line. She continued talking and followed me down the line. I learned that she was Jewish and was from New York. I also learned that she was intent on joining me. I am a friendly traveler and have, from time to time, met people along the way and had dinner with them or gone on a tour with them. But, this woman was clearly wanting to attach herself to me for the duration of my visit to Budapest. I am a nice person. But, I didn’t want to spend my time with her. So, I politely turned her down by saying that I really didn’t know what I was going to do. I excused myself, sat down and finished my breakfast.
After I ate, I returned to my room to get my things together for the day. As I was putting my coat on, there was a knock at my door. I thought about whether or not I should answer. It’s not a great idea to open the door to someone when you are on your own in a strange city. But, it was a little late in the morning and I thought it could be housekeeping. So, I opened the door.
Guess who was there?!
It was the woman I had met in the breakfast room. I asked her how she found my room. She announced that the front desk had given her my room number. She had her coat on with umbrella in hand ready to tour Buda with me. I explained that I had changed my mind and would not be touring Buda, but doing something else. She wondered if we could go the next day. I said I was sorry, but I had already organized a tour outside of the city to the wine region, and I would not be available. She was angry and disappointed. But, she went on her way.
After I recovered from the shock of the front desk giving someone my room number, I decided that I would do some investigation to see how this could happen. The girl at the desk said that the woman had my first name and told her that she knew me. They often share information among parties who are traveling together and assumed we were friends, as this is what the woman told her. I made it clear that I was not OK with her, or any of the staff, sharing my room information with anyone.
She was very sorry.
I went out and started to walk to my first destination. As I walked and thought about this, I realized that this could happen again. Maybe the next person would not be so harmless. So, I contacted the reservation agent I had been working with and told her what had happened and that I was no longer comfortable staying in the hotel. I would expect a refund of my prepaid room fee. Again, I received an apology and then an offer to change rooms. What I heard from the reservationist and the staff was a lot of apologies. What I didn’t hear was that this would never happen again…or, that they would train their staff to do this differently….or, that their policy was to never share room information. So, what difference would it make if they changed my room? They would just communicate the new information to someone else if they were asked for it.
So, I moved.
I often travel on my own. Safety is always first and I have a list of “do’s” and “don’ts” that I follow in order to stay that way. Sharing my room information with anyone is at the top of my “don’t” list. I can honestly tell you that I have never had a hotel share my room information with another person. I am rarely afraid, and I am still not afraid. But, this situation gave me some pause.
Traveling alone can be invigorating, exciting and very satisfying. But, one must be careful and ever aware of potentially dangerous situations.
I’m happy to report that I am now in a nicer hotel in a better location. The staff at the new hotel is tuned into not sharing my room information with anyone. They were also shocked that another hotel would do that. I’m also spending more money. I’m OK with that. Because, frankly, what is your safety worth?
I say it’s priceless.
So, as of today you can count me as safe and happy in Budapest…and ready to take on the town!
Travel With Betsy 
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