Safety tips for the business traveler

Even as travel and meeting patterns shift, business is taking people around the globe, into foreign cities with different time zones, languages, customs — and potentially increased hazards. While health matters continue to be a serious focus for business travelers*, of concern as well are worldwide political and social unrest, crime, and severe weather events. 

Today more than ever as you prep for getting on the road, it’s important to consider travel health and safety precautions. Here are some steps to take:

In addition to visa requirements, local culture and the seasonal temperatures, it’s critical to understand destination-specific hazards, such as those that are:

• Health-related. Refer to the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC), which offers country specific travel warnings and recommendations.
• Political. The U.S. Department of State website also lists travel advisories that include warnings about political conditions unfavorable to travellers.
• Weather-related. Especially if your destination has a history of hurricanes or other severe weather events, stay up to date on the local forecast often before departure as well as during your trip. 

Getting properly vaccinated with the required inoculations for your destination, including for COVID-19 and other specific diseases, is essential. Bring extra prescription medications and carry a first aid kit for minor incidents.

Vet your transportation and accommodations for hygienic cleaning practices and preventive practice requirements for their staff and their customers. As they are often now required by local governments and businesses, bring a supply of personal protective equipment — such as masks — as well as hand sanitizer and cleaning wipes. 

Keep numbers programed on your phone for local police, your country’s embassy, your family and friends, your doctors and your office. Send your itinerary and travel documentation to your family and office staff and keep it on your phone and keep hard copies in several locations while you travel — including in your luggage and hotel safe — for easy access. Be aware of who on the hotel staff and back at your office will be your advocate in the event you need assistance.

Understand what steps you’ll need to take to change travel plans in the event of an outbreak, or even evacuate in severe weather conditions. 

Out-of-towners have always been targets for local thieves and in areas with depressed economies, it’s even more vital to take precautions.

• Avoid local transportation scams. Pre-book your rides to and from the airport and use only accredited car, ride-share or rental services, where the price and accountability are clear. Familiarize yourself with public transportation routes ahead of time.
• Don’t leave your bags in a rental or hire car. This can be a focus for thieves. Don’t let seemingly “helpful” locals watch or carry your luggage for you.
• Take precautions against pickpockets. Secure your passport and keep only a small amount of currency in handy pockets. Be hypervigilant about strangers — even innocent-looking children or families. Seemingly harmless requests (to sign a petition, to buy a friendship bracelet) can be excuses to distract you while an accomplice takes your wallet or belongings.
• Don’t make yourself a target for violent crime. Identify and stay away from dangerous areas. Don’t flash a lot of currency or credit cards and avoid over-indulging in alcohol, which makes you more vulnerable. Steer clear of public disputes, demonstrations, or political rallies, where you might become an unintended victim of hostility.
• Guard against cybercrime.  Make sure to connect your devices to the internet via a secure VPN. Avoid using free Wi-Fi networks in coffee shops or other public places, which are notoriously insecure.

Despite precautions, the unexpected can happen — from a minor theft to a major medical emergency. The vast majority of business travelers (86%)* are more comfortable when they have travel insurance. While it can’t prevent foreign mishaps, it can help mitigate the misfortunes.

Your employer’s travel insurance is a partner in your business trip. If that partner is Chubb, you’ll be able to shorten your trip prep time and rest assured with access to useful online planning tools and global health and security intelligence, as well as 24/7 Emergency Assistance for quick response in the event of theft, accident or illness — wherever you’re traveling.