Business travel comes with risks. Flight delays, unfamiliar cities, health concerns, and digital security threats are all part of the journey. Staying safe requires awareness and a bit of planning. Your safety matters—not just to you, but to the company that relies on you.
At Christopherson, we believe preparation is the best protection. With insights from our partners at BCD Travel, this guide shares practical steps to help you stay safe before, during, and after your trip so you can focus on what matters: doing your job well and getting home safely.
Before you leave: Build a foundation of safety
The best way to minimize risk is to prepare ahead of time. Even seasoned road warriors benefit from reviewing their plans.
Travel documentation and records
- Ensure passports, visas, vaccination certificates, and health insurance are current.
- Carry both paper and digital copies and leave an extra copy with a trusted contact at home.
- Confirm you have coverage for medical, security, and trip disruption assistance.
Note: Losing your wallet or phone doesn’t have to become a crisis. If you misplace your passport, our helpful guide can help you recover it quickly.
Medical and emergency prep
- Bring more medication than needed in case of delays.
- Keep prescriptions in their original packaging. A doctor’s note can help smooth airport checks.
- For international travel, check your destination’s import restrictions on medicines and food.
- Program emergency numbers into your phone, including your company’s traveler support line, local embassy, and family contacts; keep a printed backup.
Check out our guide on flying with medications for extra tips.
Research and cultural awareness
- Research local customs, laws, and health advisories.
- Plan for weather conditions and ensure you have the right electrical adapters.
- Research areas to avoid, particularly after dark.
Packing smart
- Dress casually and avoid flashy accessories that could make you a target.
- Pack essentials like a power bank, flashlight, and extra clothing beyond trip length.
At the airport and in the air
Airports and airplanes are high-traffic areas where theft, cyber risks, and fatigue are common. Here’s how to stay safe:
Security on the ground
- Keep valuables, travel documents, and medications in your carry-on. Never check them on the chance that your luggage could be compromised.
- Spread out cash and cards across pockets or bags to limit loss if theft occurs.
- Avoid logging into sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi; use a VPN or your phone’s hotspot instead.
Flight safety
- Keep your passport and valuables with you at all times, even when leaving your seat.
- Stay hydrated, limit alcohol, stretch, and wear compression socks on long flights to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis.
- Carry water and snacks in case inflight service is limited.
Check out our traveler wellness guide for tips on staying healthy on your trip.
Digital privacy
- Prepare devices for potential inspections; consider traveling with a “clean device.”
- Use two-factor authentication for accounts, update software before traveling, and avoid plugging devices into public USB ports.
Learn more about “juice jacking” and other airport cyber risks in our article.
Arriving at your destination
The first hours in a new city can feel disorienting. Staying alert and blending in can reduce risks.
Navigating the airport
- Study airport maps and plan your route before deplaning so you can avoid looking like a confused tourist and a hot target for thieves and scammers.
- Arrange transportation ahead of time and carry a small amount of local currency.
- Communicate with border officials politely, providing concise, honest answers.
Hotel safety
- Choose hotels in safe areas with 24-hour reception, ideally recommended by your employer or colleagues.
- Request rooms on mid-level floors (3rd–7th) and consider women-only floors where applicable.
- Check locks, exits, and phone functionality in your room. Consider door jams or peephole covers.
- Keep room numbers private, remove key sleeves with numbers, and carry the hotel address offline.
- Make the room look occupied when you’re away by displaying the “Do Not Disturb” sign.
- Use safes for valuables, make the room appear occupied, and avoid opening the door unexpectedly.
- Watch belongings in lobbies, restaurants, and gyms.
Eating and drinking safely
- Eat in busy restaurants with good turnover; avoid street food when possible.
- Drink only sealed beverages, purified ice, and pasteurized dairy products.
- Never leave food or drinks unattended.
Out and about
- Carry identification and emergency numbers and stay aware in crowds.
- Step into a café or shop to check directions rather than pausing on the street with your phone.
- Use ATMs in banks or hotels, not on the street.
- Avoid protests, government buildings, and sensitive sites.
- Remember traffic may flow differently than at home; cross carefully.
- Some travelers carry a “decoy wallet” with a small amount of cash—handing it over in a theft situation can diffuse trouble quickly.
Ground transportation: One of the riskiest parts
Transportation often poses the highest risk during business trips.
Rental cars
- Confirm license requirements, including International Driver’s Permits.
- Use company-approved agencies with negotiated insurance
- Inspect the car: tires, spare wheel, tools, fuel level, and safety features.
- Familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and routes. Always wear a seatbelt and never drive under the influence.
Chauffeured services and taxis
- Pre-arrange rides with trusted providers; avoid names on placards.
- Confirm the driver and license plate before entering the vehicle.
- Place luggage in the trunk yourself, keep windows up, doors locked, and valuables out of sight; avoid oversharing personal details.
- Never share rides with strangers.
Public transit and trains
- Confirm service hours, especially late at night.
- Avoid overcrowded transit during peak hours.
- Keep luggage in sight at all times.
A culture of preparedness
Business travel will always carry risks, but they can be managed. Preparation, vigilance, and support are the keys to staying safe. Companies that equip travelers with safety knowledge not only protect employees but also safeguard their travel investments.
At Christopherson, we provide traveler tracking, risk management solutions, and 24/7 support—so every traveler can return home safely.
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