Business Traveling Abroad Keep Safe
Traveling abroad is an excellent life experience. International travel provides the chance to see and immerse oneself into new cultures and customs and steps outside of a typical day’s routine to learn in a more hands-on environment.
Travel is one of the most fulfilling activities for the adventurous soul, but the fun aspect must be well balanced with an apparent respect for safety. Safety must always come first. Here are a few suggestions on how to keep safe while traveling abroad.
Obtain proper vaccinations.
Depending on the destination, there are probably some vaccinations that should be received before traveling. Third-world countries require more protection, thus requiring a more lengthy health preparation before travel. Do the research, and make sure that everyone traveling has adequately prepared their bodies for the foreign environment.
Make copies of sensitive documents.
Always have more than one copy of all sensitive documents. Passport, driver’s license, travel itinerary, credit cards, etc., should all be copied. Store paper copies in a separate place while traveling and send all copies to a secured email address. In the case of an emergency, the proper documents can be retrieved via any mobile device.
Check the state department’s website.
The State Department’s website provides oodles of information for travelers. Visit their site to find out whether the chosen destination is currently safe for travelers. If the United States Department of State advises people not to travel to a chosen destination, do not go there. Even if flights are already booked, it is not wise to go against the advisement of the State Department.
Sign up for the STEP program online.
Before traveling to an international destination, it is helpful to sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). It is a site that will keep track of travelers and notify them of any home emergencies if they are unable to be reached by family. Also, if there were a natural disaster, the embassy would know where and who is in need of rescue.
Do not draw attention from locals.
It may be a vacation, but that does not mean travelers should draw unnecessary attention to themselves. Be discreet. Try to avoid pulling out a map or itinerary while in a crowded space, and do not ask directions from random people on the street.
Travel in groups or with a partner.
Try to avoid going anywhere alone. Travel in pairs or large groups to keep safe. Two heads are always better than one. Do not walk home at night, alone. That type of behavior is not even that safe in some areas of the U.S., so stick to the basics when seeing the sights.
