WITH the summer months now upon us, many people will be busy packing for their dream locations.
But travel experts are warning tourists to take care once you’ve checked into your hotel – as common freebies can contain health hazards.
3
3
3
Many people might have faced a long journey getting to their hotel, and want nothing more than a quick shower upon arrival.
However, experts urge tourists to think twice before reaching for any complimentary shampoos, soaps and other bathroom products.
Dawn Morwood, Co-Director of Cheap Deals Away, said: “Travellers often assume hotel toiletries are safe and fresh, but the reality can be quite different.”
While many such hotel freebies may appear brand new at a glance, Dawn warns this can often be far from the truth.
Some bottles might have been tampered with or refilled with cheaper alternatives for the hotel.
“I’ve heard from travellers who’ve found bottles with broken seals or products that smell completely different from what the label suggests,” Dawn said.
“Some hotels cut costs by refilling branded bottles with generic products, or worse, bottles that haven’t been properly cleaned between uses.”
She further warned that sometimes hotels will reuse containers without appropriate sanitation.
“The focus is on making toiletries look expensive and luxurious, but what’s inside might not match the fancy packaging,” Dawn added.
“In some cases, the actual product will separate or change consistency, suggesting it’s been sitting there far longer than it should have.”
Dawn has highlighted some telltale signs to look out for when weighing up whether hotel freebies are safe to use.
Broken and missing seals are a strong indicator that a bottle might have been reused.
Similarly, if a product appears watery or discolored, this can be a giveaway sign that it’s not fresh.
“Trust your nose,” Dawn added. “If something smells off, chemical-like, or completely different from what you’d expect, step away.”
Bottles that feel sticky or grimy might also be previously used, as are ones that have gandwritten labels or generic stickers.
Dawn said: “The safest approach is always to bring your own toiletries. Personal care products are exactly that – personal.
“Your skin and hair are used to specific formulations, so switching to unknown products can cause reactions even when they’re legitimate.
“But beyond that, you have complete control over quality and hygiene when you pack your own.”
