Many people tend to think about their own personal safety less often when traveling on business rather than for pleasure. The truth is that you can still become a victim, regardless of your reason for traveling. Here are some business travel safety tips you can use to ensure your journey is a safe one, whether at home or abroad.
At the Airport
Safeguard your luggage at all times, especially your carry-on bags. While having a luggage tag can be handy, make sure it is placed in such a manner that others will not easily be able to see your address. On the plane, stash your laptop underneath your seat to make it harder for others to steal it, and consider protecting it with a password just in case it does come up missing.
Upon arrival, do not accept a ride from cabbies that approach you in the terminal. Many of these hawkers are unlicensed and simply looking to take advantage of travelers. Go directly to the taxi stand, and you are more likely to be picked up by a reputable vendor.
If you are renting a car from the airport, you should:
- Check to make sure all the lights and safety features work
- Find out about certain areas of town that should be avoided
- Make sure you have an adequate amount of gas
- Check the back seat and trunk to make sure no one is hiding in them.
Hotel Safety
You should ideally find out a little bit about the neighborhood your hotel is located in before making reservations by reading online reviews and performing other Internet research on the address. That way, you’re less likely to book a stay in an undesirable location. You should also insist on doors that open into interior corridors rather than to the outside, and avoid rooms on the bottom floor if possible. In addition:
- Check the bathroom, closets and under the bed for signs of intruders
- Make sure the peep hole has not been reversed by peering through it from the outside
- Keep shades drawn at all times
- Leave the “do not disturb” sign on your door at all times
- Never open the door to strangers. Call the front desk to verify the identity of staff members.
Travel Abroad
When traveling overseas, be sure to contact the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs before you depart for the latest travel advisories and other information about your destination. You should also review local customs and courtesies so you can better adapt to your surroundings. Learn a few basic phrases in the native language so you can ask for help if an emergency situation arises.
When you follow these safety tips, you can have a more productive visit, because the odds of being harmed will be greatly reduced. For more tips on staying safe while traveling, contact us.
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