Safety Tips for Solo Business Travellers

Diversity Travel has compiled a series of safety precautions and useful tips to help keep business travellers with hectic schedules safe whilst travelling alone. 

Eight Tips to Help Keep Solo Business Travellers Safe

Those of us who travel for work are only too aware that trying to keep to a hectic schedule can mean that important travel preparation can often be overlooked due to a lack of time. Whilst safety preparation can seem the last item on a long to-do list, it is important to remember that losing a laptop or passport or even finding yourself in the middle of a difficult or potentially dangerous situation will make the remainder of a trip incredibly difficult.

There are however a few quick measures you can put in place to help keep you and your belongings safe whilst travelling.

• With some countries experiencing incredibly difficult political climates, it is important that you are aware of your surroundings. Check with your Travel Management Company, as they will be able to offer advice and support ahead of your trip.
• Pre-book your travel to and from the airport. This will help you to avoid illegal and potentially unsafe taxis.  
• It is easy to forget that your appearance and behaviour could be offensive to some cultures. Plan your wardrobe according to the country’s laws and customs in order to avoid offending local people.
• Business travellers can be easy targets for thieves due to the fact that they often travel alone. To combat this, take only what you need and avoid carrying extra credit cards and electronic devices.
• Ensure you have installed all the relevant spyware, antivirus and security software onto any electronic devices. Also check all relevant files and documents are backed up.
• Avoid long waits in lobbies and terminals as thefts are more common in these areas.
• Scan important travel documents such as credit cards, tickets, passports and hotel bookings and email copies to yourself as a backup.
• Carry a local paper; this will make you look less conspicuous to thieves who prey on travellers and tourists.

Rushing to meet a client’s or your employer’s needs is of course important, but looking after your own safety whilst travelling is also imperative. Remember preparation is critical – the more time you take to organise your trip, the safer you will be.

AUTHOR BIO: Peter Bush is a Senior Account Manager of travel management company Diversity Travel, who have extensive experience in safely managing trips for solo and group travellers across the charity, academic and not-for-profit sectors.