It can be hard to believe that international business travel is still relatively dangerous. As a species, humans have progressed forward at such an alarming rate that we now fly through the air, drive down six-lane highways, and float across oceans in metal tubes. From natural disasters to the thief in the alleyway, international business travel can be quite hectic. It’s just hard to see because so much of what we’ve created in regards to travel and connection has been insulated; it all allows us to get from A to B without little to no resistance. But what if something goes wrong?

Before You Depart

It’s imperative that you take care of a number of international travel necessities before you depart on your business trip. Here are the most relevant:

#1 – Get Travel Insurance

We understand you’re only flying to Tokyo and back on a business trip, but what if something goes wrong? Granted, you’ve probably made this trip a dozen times, but it’s better to be prepared than not.

Make sure your travel insurance covers you adequately for health, accident, and emergency response.

#2 – Share Your Itinerary With Two People

This may sound silly, but it’s been shown that in situations where more than one other person has access to your itinerary increases response time if you don’t show up to a meeting or arrive at an expected location. This is a way to decrease the time between incident and resolution.

#3 – Establish Tracking Methods

If you want to reduce your international business travel even more, enable a travel tracking method. This can be your phone, another device, or destination check-ins with your staff back at the office. Tracking your movement allows for others to better assist you if something like theft, kidnapping, injury, or otherwise occurs.

#4 – Get A Pre-Travel Risk Assessment

Before you leave for your trip, get a travel risk assessment done on the country, region, or province you’re visiting. Doing this gives you preliminary information on where you’re going and what to expect when you get there.

While You’re Traveling

#5 – Stay Alert

While in the airport or in a taxi, stay alert to the driver, where you’re traveling, and who is around you. Many people tend to catch up on sleep in airports, which increases the likelihood that someone successfully snag your bag. The same goes for road traveling. As you’re transitioning from cab to sidewalk or vice versa, either handle your bags yourself or keep a close eye on them.

#6 – Report Suspicious Activity

Whether the activity deems a response or not, report it. In this day and age, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you’re feeling uncomfortable about someone else’s activities, others around you probably feel the same way. Find an authority figure and ask them to address the situation.

#7 – Familiarize Yourself With The Area

You can do this before you leave or once you get to your location. Familiarize yourself with major landmarks, the main throughways, and how to contact the relevant authorities. This will keep you prepared in the event that a situation occurs or you experience a medical emergency.

At Your Location

#8 – Reserve A Second-Floor Room

Choose a room that’s on the second floor or higher. Depending on your accommodations, it’s better to choose a room that’s not on the ground floor to reduce the chance of break-ins. When you choose a second-floor room or higher, you protect yourself substantially from potential theft.

#9 – Keep Accommodation Entrances And Windows Locked

This advice may seem somewhat basic, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t realize their hotel door or window is cracked open enough to allow entrance. When in your room, double-check that your doors and windows are securely closed and locked. We’re not saying don’t enjoy yourself, but keep yourself protected.

#10 – Stay Connected

If you want to decrease your risk during international business travel, stay connected. Sapphire offers a MiFi device that allows you to connect to the internet on your own signal, which reduces chances of digital fraud. It also allows you to inform those who care about you that you’re safe and sound.

Shop Sapphire Mifi devices online now!