Business Travel Safety Tips

Business travel safety should be your top priority when traveling for work. Oftentimes, you will be intently working on your laptop, texting, or talking on your cellphone, and not paying as much attention to your surroundings as you should be. You may be traveling for business, but keep in mind that some people will make theft and crime their business.

Below are some business travel safety tips to keep in mind on your next trip.

1. Pickpockets. This could be a simple as "bumping into you" and quickly lifting your wallet, to as elaborate as a multi-person scheme where one or more people create a scene or a distraction. When you look to see what is going on, or try to help, they then take your laptop and luggage in the blink of an eye. Keep your valuables, possessions, and luggage on your person, or within your site at all times. Anything with a strap on it, such as a purse, laptop bag, briefcase, or luggage should be wrapped around your shoulder, arm, or leg. This way no on can just walk off with it. Never keep anything important in a back pocket or a backpack. Keep your wallet in a front pocket or breast pocket.
2. Hotels. Stay in a reputable hotel, in a safe area, where there is either a doorman, or a hotel key required to gain access beyond the lobby. Always use the deadbolt on the hotel door, and never, under any circumstances, open the door unless you are expecting someone. Keep valuables in the hotel safe or in the room safe. Always check under the bed, in closets, and in the bathroom to make sure no one is hiding out. It is best to reserve a hotel room that is not at ground level so no one can just try to break it from the street. If there is a balcony be sure that no one could jump from next door to your balcony.
3. Automobile. A common, yet virtually unheard of scam, is someone impersonating a hired driver with the intent of kidnapping the passenger. What the criminal will do is make a sign with the name of someone that a real driver is holding. They will then stand in front of that driver, pick you up, and then you are trapped in their car. This is a very real threat for wealthy, or prominent business people, especially in foreign countries. If a company car or a hired driver will be picking you up at the airport or bus terminal, then you should have some sort of secret password or code that only the true driver would know. If you need a cab, go through the hotel to ensure they are legitimate. It is a common practice in some places to have a fake cab, you get in, they rob you, and then leave you in the middle of nowhere.
4. Foreign. If you are traveling to a country where you do not speak the language, it is best to learn a few basic phrases before hand, or if possible, hire a guide to meet you and escort you to your destination. Try to blend in with the locals as much as possible. Do not walk around carrying a large map or a camera around your neck.

The most basic, yet most easily forgotten business travel safety tip, is to always be aware of your surroundings, and the people around you. If something looks suspicious, or you get an uneasy feeling, trust your gut. Get out of the situation and alert someone in authority.