Essential Safety Tips for Business Travellers: Stay Secure on Every Journey

Business travel is essential for networking, business growth, and modern commerce and though convenient and necessary, some risk factors are involved with travelling to an unknown destination. Minimising the risk can include a wide variety of mindful practices like being prepared for emergencies, protecting your data, and staying informed about your travel location.

This guide will highlight the main concerns associated with travelling abroad, along with safety tips for business travellers to take with them on their next professional journey.

Pre-Travel Preparation

As with any successful project, meeting, and seized opportunity, a successful business trip begins through thorough preparation. Here is how to ensure that no stone is left unturned:  

Research Your Destination

• Look into the region and city you’ll be travelling to, including its location, statistics on crime in the neighbourhood of interest, political stability, and travel recommendations. Local news updates, international travel forums, and government websites are examples of internet tools that provide up-to-date information. 
• Unintentional errors and infractions can be avoided by being aware of the local laws and customs of the region. Therefore, staying informed about what clothing is appropriate, which hand gestures to avoid, and which phrases go against legal criteria will reduce the likelihood of encountering legal issues or cultural misunderstandings abroad. 
• Do a quick analysis of the current weather conditions in the destination to ensure that adequate protection is packed, whether that be sunscreen with high SPF content or clothing that suits current weather patterns.

Register With Your Embassy

• It is recommended that you register with your embassy while you are travelling abroad. This will guarantee that you can be contacted in the event of crises, political upheaval, evacuation during natural disasters, and other emergencies. 
• There are several reasons to know where your embassy is located. For example, your embassy will provide support if you misplace your passport or find yourself in trouble with the law.  

Share Your Itinerary

• Keep your family and friends informed about your travel plans. Having others aware of your location and itinerary enables them to track your location in case of unforeseen events.  
• For effective crisis management, share your itinerary with your professional support network too. In the event of airport closures, flight delays, or other emergencies, this will allow them to step in quickly and assist.  

Pack Strategically

• Make a list of essential items and ensure they are packed before travelling. This should include a first-aid kit, crucial medical information, medications, and a backup phone charger.  
• Always ensure that you have copies of your passport, visa, and any other identification away from the location of the original documents if faced with theft, damage, or loss.  
• To both reduce stress and ensure mobility, try not to overpack or create the possibility of having to carry too many bags at once.  

Digital and Data Security

Businesses are built on a strong foundation of ideas and information—valuable data that must be protected and kept secure. The same applies to personal information, an identity that should solely belong to you. Cyber threats are a major concern, especially in public spaces like airports and hotels. Keeping your information safe means making it difficult for cybercriminals to access data related to the business entity or yourself. Here is how it can be done:  

Use a VPN

• A VPN is a virtual private network that encrypts your internet connection to keep your online activities confidential. Always connect to a VPN when accessing the internet from unfamiliar locations.  
• Download a VPN app before you begin your journey to ensure you’re protected from the go. Some VPN providers ask for a fee; however, there are free apps available on both iOS and Android.  

Avoid Public Wi-Fi

• Hackers and cybercriminals find vulnerabilities easily by positioning themselves between the user and a network, intercepting communication. Public Wi-Fi networks, such as those in airports, hotels, and cafes, are hotspots for hackers as they allow easy access to your data due to a lack of encryption.  
• Instead of connecting to rogue or shared networks, use your mobile hotspot to tether your smartphone. This will guarantee a secure connection.  

Secure Your Devices

• Make an active effort to password-protect all devices along with enabling two-factor authentication for that extra layer of security.  
• Ensure that all your devices are regularly updated. This will minimise risk by patching vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals. 

Backup Important Files

• As preparation for your trip, back up meaningful files to a secure cloud platform or an external drive.  
• Hackers are often thought to have eyes everywhere. Avoid accessing sensitive information in public spaces where screens can be viewed by unfavourable individuals.  

Hotel Safety

Choosing the right accommodation is not only crucial for peaceful sleep and convenience, but it also plays a critical role in ensuring your safety. There are a few key aspects to consider when deciding where you’ll rest during your business trip.  

Choose Safe Locations 

• Choose a hotel in a busier area with positive reviews. Make sure the hotel is well-lit, abides by safety standards, and has solutions for easy communication with staff or security.  
• It is best to avoid accommodations in high-crime neighbourhoods. Researching your area and the hotel of interest will supply information on whether it’s a good fit.  

Check Room Security

• When arriving at your hotel, take a few minutes to thoroughly check the room. This includes inspecting door locks, windows, and the hotel safe.  
• Take extra precautions by familiarising yourself with fire exits and evacuation routes in case of an emergency.  
• When leaving the room, store valuable objects like passports, documents, or electronic devices in the hotel safe.  

Maintain Privacy

• Targeted theft or harassment can be avoided by refraining from posting your location or the details of your stay on social media. It is also recommended not to share your hotel details with others in general. Only do so with family, trusted friends, and those who need to know your location for security purposes.