Business travel usually has an itinerary filled with items like client meetings, working lunches and training sessions. Making good use of your time is essential! In the rush of fitting in work, workouts, and the area’s best food and drinks, safety can fall by the wayside. It’s important to remain alert and consider business travel safety during corporate trips, especially when traveling alone.
Corporate Travel Safety
Keep these business travel safety tips in mind to ensure your trips go as planned:
Before You Leave: Preparation
1. Share your itinerary with family members or friends so they have a general idea of where you’ll be during your business travel. If your contact information will be different while you’re traveling because you’re using a corporate phone or messaging app, let them know.
2. Take photos of your travel documents and store them in an online backup service. Give a copy to a coworker as well.
3. When you’re packing for your trip, be wise with your wardrobe and luggage selections. Leave expensive accessories and heirloom jewelry at home. Instead, use professional-looking substitutes that won’t draw attention from would-be thieves. Pack conservative outfits that will help you dress like a local.
4. Familiarize yourself with the culture and customs of your destination. Offending someone, whether in a business meeting or at a restaurant, can be bad for business and jeopardize your safety.
5. Keep an eye on the news and weather forecast for your destination to stay informed of any adverse weather conditions or civil unrest that may affect your trip or put you at risk.
At the Hotel: Business Travel Security
6. Locate the police station and hospital closest to your hotel and meeting locations. Know how to contact emergency services if you need to.
7. Use a portable door lock at the hotel for added business travel safety. Even if you feel safe without the added security, use the door’s deadbolt and peephole.
Ground Transportation: Travel Safety Tips
8. If you are using a rental vehicle, consider utilizing hotel and conference center valet parking. This way, you can enter your car in a well-lit, high-traffic area rather than searching for your car in a dimly-lit parking garage.
9. Make sure you know how to use your rental car’s lights and locks before leaving the lot.
10. Have a road map or app open at all times so you have clear directions to avoid ending up in an unsafe area that you’re unfamiliar with.
11. If you’re using public transportation services, select a reputable transportation service and book your transport in advance. Be sure to identify and confirm the driver’s name and license plate before entering the vehicle.
Throughout Your Trip: Safety Tips While Traveling
12. Keep your bags and luggage with you at all times. This is especially important in the airport.
13. Explore your host city in the daylight. Stick to well-populated areas and carry your valuables close to your body. Only venture out after dark with a group.
14. Carry an external backup battery for your phone with you so you don’t find yourself with a dead phone at the end of the day.
