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Business Travel Travel Tips

14 Business Travel Safety Tips For Travelers

Business travel is often viewed as an exciting perk by many employees. Visiting a new city, trying new restaurants, and meeting new people can be a welcome experience. However, business travel can also sometimes put employees in unexpected and unwelcome situations like natural disasters, burglary, or worse. Most travelers (and their companies) are realizing that they need to make extra preparations to stay safe. Accordingly, we compiled a list of business travel safety tips especially for travelers. We also included a few recommended products to keep close on your journeys.

14 Business Travel Safety Tips for Travelers

Business Travel Safety Tips: Before You Leave

1. Do your business travel research.

Understand what to expect in your destination city. Moreover, look at the neighborhood around your hotel. Pre-map any ground transportation routes required for traveling to and from meetings and meals. Furthermore, you should also take a bit of time to learn about the culture and people who live there. Some companies actually offer cultural training classes for employees traveling to international destinations.

2. Know the travel and health restrictions.

Sites like Christopherson’s Entry Restriction Database allow you to quickly find current travel guidelines. These guidelines include entry restrictions, risk levels, quarantine measures, and more for domestic and international destinations. Simply enter your originating location and your destination to get real time information.

3. Check in with the U.S. Department of State.

When traveling internationally, first check the U.S. Department of State’s International Travel page before you leave. Secondly, verify your passport eligibility. Thirdly, review any other required travel documents. Finally, check for any travel advisories for your destination. They also outline what to do if you find yourself experiencing an emergency abroad.

4. Enroll in STEP

Speaking of the State Department, take a moment to register in their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP is a free service that allows U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

When you enroll, you’ll receive destination information and safety conditions from the U.S. Embassy. This information will allow you to make informed decisions about your travel plans. It also helps the embassy contact you in an emergency, natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency. Additionally, the program also has an app.

5. Read a bit of local news.

Take a moment to check the local news in your destination for any important stories. This will give you a better understanding of what’s currently affecting the people and businesses you’re about to meet. It will also help you identify any security measures you should be aware of.

6. Be medically prepared.

Always locate nearby medical clinics or hospitals. Obviously this is particularly important if you have health concerns or conditions that require more than a simple first aid kit.

Bring enough of any prescription drugs you may take. Indeed, bring extra in case you encounter a delay in your return home. Furthermore, if you have allergies, bring a list with you. We also recommend reviewing the International Association on Medical Assistance for Travelers’ planning tools. They provide a wealth of information on immunizations, traveling as a senior, insurance, mental health, and more.

You should also understand your employer’s and/or insurer’s protocols. This will be important when seeking and paying for any medical treatments en route.

7. Secure your phone plan and communication channels.

Understand how your employer handles phone communication and payment plans. Specifically if you’re traveling internationally and/or without a company phone. Additionally, make sure you know how to reach your travel manager in the event of an emergency.

Furthermore, make sure your reservations and the following groups have your mobile number:

  • Your company
  • Traveler profile
  • Travel management company
  • Airline, car rental, and hotel companies
  • Family/Friends

8. Photocopy important documents.

Take photos of or scan important travel documents and information. This includes items like your passport, visa, driver’s license, and credit card(s).

Photocopies should be kept in a different, locked location in case something happens to the original document. Consequently, having a photocopy makes it easier to replace the original document. You can also keep a digital copy in a password-protected site like DropBox that you can access en route.

9. Know who your support team is.

Always know who your support team is before leaving. Store all the important phone numbers. This includes (but is not limited to) your team manager, travel manager, travel management company, and corporate travel agent. That way, if an unexpected situation, emergency, or disaster arises en route, your travel management company will be able to fix flights and solve related travel issues.

It’s also always a good idea to share your itinerary with a friend or family member.

10. Receive training on your company’s business travel risk management plan.

Any company with a business travel program should also have a risk management plan. Additionally, that plan should be communicated to all business travelers. It should include:

  • travel policy information
  • protocol for disasters and emergencies
  • communication channels
  • traveler location tools
  • rules for high-risk destinations
  • destination assessments to protect employees from any risks associated with LGBTQ, religious, or gender profiles
  • and more.

If your company does not have a risk management plan, Christopherson can help your travel manager outline one.

Business Travel Safety Tips: En Route

11. Blend in with the locals.

Don’t wear expensive clothing or accessories that make you stand out and look like a traveler. You should also avoid using designer luggage that may draw attention. You don’t want to be a target for pickpockets.

While most business attire is similar across the globe, you may also consider incorporating location-specific fashion when appropriate, always remembering to treat culture with respect.

12. Stick with the group.

Business travel is often a solo endeavor, but stick with your colleagues when possible. Moreover, by staying with a “pack,” you can more easily avoid harassment, theft, and other safety concerns.

If you do happen to be alone in your travels, stand near other groups to make it appear that you belong with them.

13. Take basic safety precautions.

Limit travel at night. Park close to doors. Change up any routine travel habits you may have. Work out in a secure gym or outside during daylight hours in safe locations. Avoid accommodations on the ground floor or immediately next to the stairs. Lock all windows and?doors. Don’t leave luggage in your car. Take only recommended, safe modes of local transportation. Bring a fully-charged external charger.

14. Stay aware.

Unexpected events–major and minor–can happen at any time. Keep your phone with you and charged. Turn on notifications to receive Christopherson’s security alerts. These alerts will let you know you when events, weather, or other emergencies may disrupt travel in your location.

Recommended Travel Safety Products

Personal Emergency Alarm

When activated, this lightweight device sounds a high-pitched siren to help deter an attack. It also flashes a strobe light. This is a great alternative to pepper spray which can’t be brought in carry-on luggage. Furthermore, it’s perfect solution if you feel unsafe in an unfamiliar area.

Door Stop Alarm

A door stop alarm can help you feel more safe in your lodging. Simply place it next to any door that may need extra security. Should someone try to enter unexpectedly, the door stop will be engaged and sound an alarm.

Portable Travel Safe

This stainless steel wire mesh bag provides maximum security. It can be attached to furniture, pipes, or fixtures in hotel rooms where safes are too small or don’t give you confidence. Ultimately, this theft-proof bag brings peace of mind for travelers.

Luggage Locks

TSA-approved luggage locks are great for securing your checked bags. They allow screeners to still inspect and re-lock your luggage without damaging the lock. Additionally, you can set your own three-digit combination. Furthermore, they can be used on both luggage and backpacks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, yes, business travel is often key to securing deals, building relationships, and growing your organization. It can also be a favorite aspect of any number of positions. Conversely, it can open you up to potential risks.

With that in mind, business travelers simply need to be aware of the risks. And remember, the vast majority of business travelers return home without incident. Ultimately, you need to prepare yourself using the tips we’ve provided.

If you are interested in learning more about how Christopherson can support your business travel safety, please contact us.

Read next:

Hotel Room Safety: Choosing the Right Hotel Room Location

Business Travel Safety Tips: 7 Things You Should Be Doing

Categories
Business Travel Travel Technology Travel Tips

5 Reasons You Should Switch to a Managed Corporate Travel Program

When corporate travel programs are managed effectively, businesses operate with more confidence knowing both their employees and their bottom line are protected. But many of the corporate travel challenges businesses and travel managers face remain constant. For example, current circumstances brought corporate travel policies and compliance back to the top of the list of priorities, showing how the benefits of a managed corporate travel program are even more relevant to your business than before.

In a recent poll from the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), more than one third of travel buyers and procurement professionals said they are more reliant now on their travel management company than they were before the pandemic.

When travel programs are managed effectively, businesses operate with confidence, knowing both their employees and their bottom line are protected, even amidst unexpected circumstances. But if unmanaged, corporate travel programs can quickly devolve into a disorganized T&E mess, costing organizations thousands of unnecessary dollars, while also exposing them to costly vulnerabilities.

Pandemic or not, corporate travel management is a major business responsibility that involves multiple stakeholders, not just the corporate travel program manager.

Today, the corporate travel challenges businesses and travel managers most often face could be avoided with consolidated management of the travel program. For example, current circumstances brought corporate travel policies back to the top of the list of priorities as organizations of all sizes look to keep travelers safe, keep the cost of business travel low, and manage expectations.

In this critical time, switching to a managed corporate travel program solves common problems associated with corporate travel and saves money. Perhaps more importantly, making the move to a managed travel program can help ensure employees are prepared and protected when they travel.

What Is a Managed Travel Program?

A managed travel program is a term used to describe the partnership between an organization and a travel management company (TMC).

A TMC’s services include, but are not limited to, providing online booking options as well as expert travel agents to schedule flight, hotel, and car reservations, travel policy creation and integration, unused ticket management, and reporting tools. The best TMCs act as a partner to your business, helping you manage corporate travel through an organized, consolidated, and integrated program.

For example, Christopherson Business Travel provides corporate travel management solutions through industry-leading technology and personalized service. Solutions are customized to the unique needs of each business, whether they need support in developing a travel policy or access to a centralized technology platform for travel management.

The Top 2 Challenges Facing Business Travelers

According to GBTA, only 55% of business travelers are satisfied with their company’s travel policy. This makes compliance a top corporate travel challenge facing organizations.

Modern business travelers often want flexibility and freedom. So whether it’s booking their own travel with non-partner vendors through non-approved sites or wanting the ability to extend a business trip for leisure, corporate travelers will often make their own arrangements if the tools are not in place for compliance. This can quickly create costly challenges for businesses.

Additionally, both business travelers and their companies are increasingly more aware of the safety and security of business travel. A GBTA poll noted 70% of travel buyers and procurement professionals say they’ve elevated duty of care as a higher priority within the company. But business travel duty of care requires more than lip service. It includes knowing where travelers are at any moment of their trip, training on safety procedures, 24/7/365 en route communication options, and more if unexpected emergencies occur.

5 Ways a Managed Corporate Travel Program Can Benefit Your Business

Meeting the needs of business travelers while meeting the goals of your organization can be a tricky balance. To secure that balance, successful organizations turn to TMCs to help manage their corporate travel programs.

Here are five ways a managed corporate travel program can benefit your business.

Experienced Business Travel Experts

Whether it’s through account managers or travel advisors, a managed travel program offers the value of experienced experts who can help you identify opportunities for cost savings, negotiate better rates, and reach the goals you have for your travel program. At Christopherson, our account managers take a consultative approach to evaluating where you are and identifying solutions and strategies to get where you want to be. Our talented travel advisors know the ins and outs of business travel so they can assist your travelers and take advantage of the lowest fares.

Corporate Travel Cost Savings

Many managed travel programs tout cost savings, but the best TMCs show you exactly where you’re saving and how much you’ve saved.

Optimizing your travel budget with the data and reporting tools from Christopherson helps you visualize spending and compare it against industry benchmarks. Our lowest fare searches, vendor negotiations, industry partnerships, and discount programs help your travelers choose cost-effective options.

Travel Management Software

A managed travel program should offer powerful technology to help execute all aspects of your program.

Christopherson’s integrated technology platform gives stakeholders total access to the business travel software, tools, and real-time data they need. From online booking tools, to reporting solutions, to profile management, everything is accessible from a single

dashboard, making managing business travel easier for both corporate travel managers and their business travelers.

Travel Policy Compliance

Organizations need their business travelers to be in compliant when booking travel. By taking a holistic look at your travel program, understanding your travelers needs, including stakeholders in the conversation, and integrating your policy with your technology, you can increase your compliance rates.

At Christopherson, our account managers help you create your sensible travel policies and integrate them with your booking options. At booking, your travelers will have in-policy, cost-effective choices that help them stay compliant, which means you save money and can deliver on your duty of care.

A Proactive Approach to Risk Management

The world is an unpredictable place, which means having the ability to quickly alert and communicate with travelers in potentially unsafe or risky situations is critical to taking a proactive approach to travel risk management.

Christopherson provides the risk management tools organizations need to keep track of their business travelers and assist with safety and security measures.

Ready to Make the Switch to a Managed Travel Program?

With these benefits in mind, if you’re considering switching to a managed travel program, contact the experts at Christopherson today to learn more about our corporate travel management solutions.