* They absolutely cannot open the door on their own, and go traipsing down the hallway.

* They must not open the door without checking with you first.

* The "don't talk to strangers" rule applies to hotels too.

* No matter how safe and friendly the staff seems, don't let anyone to take them get too friendly with them. .

Make sure that your room is free from the umpteen hazards that lurk in hotel rooms. Check to make sure curtain cords are tucked safely out of reach. These can pose a danger of strangulation for younger kids.

In the bathroom, keep smaller bottles of shampoos and lotions on a higher shelf.

Remember to test the hot water in the hotel bathroom. Many hotels have very hot water that can burn or scald a child. At the least you will be able to make sure your child doesn't go into the bathroom alone, or for older kids, you can warn them about the water.

If your kids are small enough to be sharing the room with you, make sure you don't take out your prescription medicines, and arrange them on your bathroom shelf right next to the sink like you do at home. New surroundings mean no rules; all medicines go onto a top shelf.

If your kids are older, make sure they know where the fire exits are. It's one of the most important things to do when you're in unfamiliar surroundings. Many parents ignore this vital information, and it can have dangerous consequences.

Make sure your kids don't use the phone to make calls. Hotels are notorious for adding hefty charges to any phone calls you make.

Not all hotels will have safe cribs, especially if you're traveling abroad. Check beforehand to make sure that your hotel crib meets the standard safety requirements of American cribs.

It's easy to ignore safety rules and precautions in all the joy and excitement of a holiday. A little care and some caution will make your trip a safe and hassle free one for the whole family.