We’re all grown adults, so we have basic safety tips that we’ve had ingrained in us since we were kids.
But when you’re traveling for business, there are some other precautions you should take, as well.
You’re out of your comfort zone and in a strange place. And if you’re headed to an area where tourists and business travelers are common, there are those who know how to take advantage of you.
To make sure you and your valuables stay safe on your future business trips, keep these four simple but overlooked tips in mind.
1. Know the Risk Factor of Where You’re Going
Before your company sends you on a trip, they are required to do a risk assessment. It’s an informal or formal method of ensuring that the organization’s employees are safe and secure while they are traveling on work-related business.
As an example, a business trip planned in the middle of a pending hurricane should be canceled. If it isn’t, and your company knew the risks would be significant, they’re responsible for any damage to you or your possessions.
You have a right to know the risk factor of where you’re going. Hotel Engine breaks down employee accountability and what should be included in a risk assessment matrix here.
If you’re not happy with the level of risk associated with your trip, talk to your manager or supervisor about your concerns.
2. Prepare Ahead
You’re going to a new place. Unless your plan is to stay at the hotel the entire trip, you should familiarize yourself with the location and your itinerary.
First, let someone close to you know your travel plans. Give them your flight information, hotel name and address, and other relevant details. If an emergency happens, someone will know how to get a hold of you.
Then, take pictures of all of your travel documents and credit cards. House them in a secure program on your phone or on the cloud, just in case something happens to the originals.
Get to know the culture of where you’re headed. If it’s a nearby destination, their customs are probably similar to yours.
However, other countries and certain cities and towns have their own expectations of manners. You don’t want to inadvertently do something to offend someone, especially if they’re a potential client.
3. Keep Your Valuables Locked Up
Hotel security tip number one: Don’t use the hotel safe. It’s there to secure your valuables, but it doesn’t do a very good job.
Most of the time, these safes are small and portable. Thieves don’t need to be able to break into them quickly if they can carry them away without a hassle.
You want to trust that the hotel staff is reliable and trustworthy. However, there’s a safe master code or a key that someone besides you has, and that’s never a good thing.
Locking Up Safely Without a Safe
Still, walking the streets in a strange city with all your money, cards, and ID isn’t smart, either. The best way to keep those valuables protected is to invest in a portable travel lock.
A door lock prevents intruders from getting into your room while you’re in there by wedging or barring the door shut. When you leave, put your valuables in your suitcase and affix a travel security lock to it.
The lock is basically a piece of strong wire that you hook to a permanent fixture, then attach to your locked luggage.
You can spend the day attending your meetings and exploring the city without worrying about anything you left in your room.
4. Getting Around Safely
How will you be getting to your destination? What kind of transportation will you use when you’re there? Where will you park if you’re driving?
All of these questions need to be fully answered before you leave for your trip. Not every city has taxi or rideshare services. Your hotel might not have free parking available, either.
Call the hotel ahead and ask someone if they have free shuttle services to local stops. Get to know the public transportation options and how to read the maps to find where you want to go.
Your phone’s GPS app might be helpful here. Open the app and look for walking, subway, or bus locations. It’s also a good idea to have a physical map of the area on you in case your phone loses signal or dies.
Keep an external battery backup charger with you, as well. If you end up in a strange place, you don’t want a dead battery as you’re trying to find your way back to the hotel.
Never go out at night unless you’re with a group. Explore your new location in the daylight, and stick to well-populated public areas.
Conclusion
We all like to assume we’re smart with safety and security, and most of us are when we’re in our own comfort zones. In a new place, though, new rules apply.
Safety should always be first, and with these four simple travel tips, you can focus on the reason for your business trip instead of your security.
