Choosing suitable accommodation

Read through detailed tips and information below, and find a shortened summary guide here.

Expectations as a Monash traveller

For Monash to support your travel, all travellers should consider their safety when making travel arrangements. This includes choosing accommodation that is secure, comfortable and convenient. Staff should book their travel via Monash’s preferred travel management company as this will ensure that your accommodation meets Monash’s standards of quality and safety and so that you may obtain support should you have any issues.

Be sure you understand the Staff and Student Travel Policy when making your accommodation selection.

This guide will help you to consider the risk factors of your destination, know what good security features look like, book safe accommodation in high risk areas and balance your budget with your safety.

Consider the risk factors of your destination

Before you select your accommodation, it is important to understand the risks of your specific travel destination (see DFAT Smartraveller). Make sure you consider the following when selecting accommodation:

  • Even if the overall country has a low DFAT Smartraveller advisory, your exact location may have its own increased risks - for example New York City is a location requiring careful accommodation planning to balance budget and safety;
  • Consider the general risk factors: crime, terrorism and natural disasters;
  • Consider what your individual demographics risk considerations may be, including your gender, and what steps you should take to minimise your individual risk;
  • Consider the property location and its proximity to unsafe areas (e.g. red light districts), public transportation, emergency services (hospitals, police stations), especially if you are travelling to a new or unfamiliar location (for high risk locations, see below).

Look out for security features

Before choosing your accommodation, it is important to consider the security features of the property, which can vary greatly depending on the type of accommodation you choose.

  • Look for accommodation with comprehensive CCTV coverage, especially in public areas and corridors;
  • Ensure visible security personnel are present and there is a 24/7 front desk concierge;
  • Look for properties that have key card or electronic entry systems, with restricted access to rooms and guest areas;
  • Look for in-room safes, secure locks on doors and windows etc.

Accommodation in high-risk locations

Your accommodation selection in high-risk locations (e.g. DFAT “reconsider your need to travel” or locations with high risk of crime, terrorism, unrest) will directly impact the risk level of your trip. Consider the below before choosing your accommodation:

  • Select accommodation in safe, central areas, avoiding locations near government buildings, military bases or embassies as these can be target areas for attacks in locations where there is civil unrest;
  • Opt for low-profile hotels rather than high-profile, international chains, as they can be less likely to be targeted;
  • Ensure that the accommodation has strong visible security measures, such as security guards, secured gates and controlled access points;
  • If possible, request a room between 3rd-7th floors in tall building - high enough to avoid street-level threats, but reachable by emergency services;
  • Avoid rooms facing main roads, vehicle drop-off points, or public areas, as they can be more vulnerable to attacks.
  • Confirm that the accommodation has well-maintained fire safety systems, emergency exits, fire extinguishers and marked evacuation routes;
  • Stay in accommodation that has security checks for both vehicles and personnel to prevent any unauthorised access.

To request a list of recommended hotels with strong security features for your trip, contact travelrisk@monash.edu.

Know how to balance your budget with safety

The costs of travel have increased significantly following the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are staying in a major global city (e.g. New York, London, Tokyo, Singapore etc.), you should expect appropriate accommodation to be expensive, so you should plan for this. Below are general considerations:

  • Staff are not permitted to share their room with a colleague, students or business associates (unless there are no other alternatives);
  • For Airbnbs, you must book the entire residence and it must be in a low risk location (DFAT 1-2);
  • If your budget is being stretched, consider shortening the length of your trip or choosing an alternative location to conduct your business, if you can.

By following this guidance and taking the time to research your options, you can ensure a safer, more secure and enjoyable travel experience! For more travel information, please visit the Travel Risk & Safety website or contact us at travelrisk@monash.edu.