Thousands of business travelers
travel every day without incident. By following these simple travel safety tips,
you can travel safe and secure. Be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables
secure, and always remember there is usually safety in numbers. Before you
leave home, remember to photocopy all credit cards, airline tickets, personal
identification, passports or any other important documents. Copy the front and
the back of each item. Consider photographing luggage, jewelry, laptops and
other valuables prior to trip.
To diminish the risks of becoming
an innocent bystander or a victim of an attack, reduce your exposure to the
criminal threat. For instance, when
checking into an airport, if there is evidence of a disturbance of any kind, go
in the opposite direction. For your physical
security… DO NOT GET INVOLVED!
Go directly to the gate or secure area after checking your luggage. Avoid waiting rooms and shopping areas
outside the secure areas. Stay away from airport shops which are open to the
concourse or public waiting areas. From the time you pack your luggage until
you check it with the carrier at the airport maintain positive control of all
items, both hand carried and checked.
Many companies have agreements
with hotels so ask your company HR person for a list of recommended hotels. You
usually can expect levels of safety and security that are consistent amongst
these hotel chains. Make your own reservations when practical and consistent
with company policies.Remember this
travel safety tip: the fewer people that become involved in your travel and
lodging arrangements, the better. If traveling abroad, especially in
politically sensitive areas, consider making reservations using your employer's
street address, without identifying the company, and using your personal credit
card. Again, the less known about your
business travel itinerary, and who you represent, the better.
As a business traveler, the most
vulnerable part of your journey is traveling between the airport and the hotel.
Do not linger or wander unnecessarily in the parking lot, indoor garage or
public space around the hotel with no video surveillance. Always be alert for suspicious persons and behavior. Watch for distractions that are intentionally
staged to setup a pickpocket, luggage theft or purse snatch. Stay with your
luggage until it is brought into the lobby, or placed into the taxi or limo. Consider
using the bellman.Luggage in the
"care, custody and control" of the hotel causes the hotel to be
liable for your property. Protect claim
checks; they are your evidence. Personal travel documents, lap tops, jewelry,
and other valuables and sensitive documents should be hand carried and
personally protected.
If you arrive by
auto, park as close to a hotel access point as possible, and park in a lighted
area.Remove all property from the car
interior and place it in the trunk.
Avoid leaving valuables or personal documents in the glove
compartment. Prior to leaving the
security of the vehicle, note any suspicious persons or behavior. If using
valet service, leave only the ignition key, and take trunk, house, or office
keys with you.Parking garages are
difficult to secure. Avoid dimly lit garages that are not patrolled and do not
have security telephones or intercoms. Female business travelers should
consider asking for an escort to their vehicles whether parked in the lot or
garage.
Related Articles
Top Holiday Security Tips for Small Business
Access Control for Small Business Owners
Watch Those Corporate Card Statements to Prevent Credit Card Scams