Business Travel Safety Tips

Closing 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.

At the Airport

• 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.

On the Road

• 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.

At Your Hotel

• 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.

Traveling Abroad

• 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.