PrintClosing deals and meeting with potential customers is foremost in the minds of most business travelers, but safety should be a priority, too. You're vulnerable when you're on the road, so take steps to protect yourself and your equipment. These tips will help keep you safe on your next business trip.
In Your Bag
- Along with prescription drugs, pack over-the-counter medications so you can start treatment at the first sign of illness.
- Don't pack your passport in luggage that you plan to check in — your bags could be lost or stolen.
- Keep your cell phone with you at all times, with its batteries charged.
- Keep your eyes on your carry-on bags. Don't put them on the conveyer belt to be scanned until the person ahead of you clears security.
- Shield from view any contact information attached to your luggage.
- On the plane, keep your laptop underneath the seat in front of you when you're not using it, not in the overhead compartment where it could get tossed around or stolen.
- Learn how to use your rental car's headlights, hazard lights, and locks before you leave the rental agency's parking lot.
- Get instructions from the rental agency about what to do in case the car breaks down or you have an accident.
- Have a road map and clear directions. If you get lost, pull over only in well-lit, populated areas.
- Don't stay in rooms that open onto the street.
- Know hotel security's phone number. Find out if a security officer is on call 24 hours a day.
- Ask a security officer to walk you to your car late at night.
- Don't work out in the exercise room alone, especially late at night.
- After you check in, have a bellhop escort you to your room to make sure it's secure.
- Ask room service to call you right before they deliver a meal.
- Know how to dial an outside line from your room in case you need help.
- Leave the Do Not Disturb sign on your door even when you're out.
- Check with the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs for information about your destination, including health conditions, travel advisories, political disturbances, and security information.
- Hire a risk-assessment service to review your travel itinerary and advise you on how to stay safe in your particular destination.
- Get familiar with the local laws and customs of the country to which you're traveling.
