Though many business travelers will tell you that being on the road for work is anything but glamorous, it does challenge them to be street-smart savvy and require some safety tips for business travel.
Regardless of where you’re traveling to, it’s important to take safety precautions anytime you enter a new setting.
For the female business traveler, whether solo or with a group, it’s essential to keep safety as a top priority. Below we highlight our top safety tips for business travel.
1. Research & Plan Ahead of Time
One of the best things you can do for solo travel is to plan ahead as much as possible– that means researching the area, where you’re staying, public transportation, specific safety tips for your destination, and more.
Of course, you’ll likely deviate from your plans to a certain extent, but having a solid foundation for your travel plans helps avoid a lot of issues down the line.
2. Share Your Itinerary
In addition to sharing your itinerary with a friend or family member, it’s also recommended to inform your manager or supervisor of your itinerary as well. While on the road, be sure to check-in with someone daily, whether it’s a relative, friend, or coworker.
3. Wardrobe & Luggage
Dress for success, but also for safety. Stray away from bringing along flashy outfits, expensive jewelry, and designer bags that can make you a target for theft.
If you are traveling internationally, take time to consider the culture of the city you are visiting and how local business women dress. In addition to keeping you safe, it can also help build relationships with future or current clients.
4. Flight Considerations
It’s best to consider flight arrivals and departures during daylight hours to avoid traveling to your hotel after dark. While on the flight, stick with a carry-on if possible to avoid baggage claim at the airport.
Put your carry-on bag in the overhead bin across from your seat, not above your seat, so you can see it at all times.
5. Hotel Safety
If at all possible, request a room off the main floor. Ground-level rooms are more susceptible to break-ins.
When you check into your hotel, always get two room keys. This will make it appear that you are not traveling solo. Keep one key in your pocket, and the other in your purse or briefcase so you always have a key on hand.
Once you arrive at your room, be sure to lock all the locks on the door if there are more than one. When you leave the room, double check that the door is locked behind you.
6. Transportation
When traveling from the airport to your destination, select a reputable ground transportation service and book in advance.
If utilizing a ride share app like Uber or Lyft, follow these safety precautions:
- Match the license plate on the car to the one on the app
- Make sure the driver confirms your name before you get in the car
- Share your trip with someone such as a colleague, family member, or spouse
- Learn how to use the safety options in the app, such as the panic button
Stay Vigilant When Traveling for Business
If you’re traveling alone, it’s important to implement vigilance when venturing out.
Be sure to explore the city in daylight, spend time reviewing the sites you would like to see, inquire at the hotel desk about areas to avoid, and to touch base with someone close to you and make them aware of your plans for the day or night.
Interested in learning more about vigilance from Stiletto Agency? Contact us today!
