Staying Safe on a Business Trip

It’s no surprise that security is a top concern when it comes to travel. Threats exist in both the physical and digital worlds. Business travelers, in particular, face unique threats due to the financially sensitive nature of their trips. This blog addresses safety concerns for female business travelers so they can stay safe during their journeys to meetings, conferences, trade shows and sales presentations.

Hotels

Whenever possible, stay at the hotel where the conference or meeting is held. It's easier to reach the meeting or seminar and you will meet other people attending the event. If you are attending a trade show or convention, stay in a good business class hotel close to the convention center.

Book the hotel under your last name and first initial. Hotel registration usually includes the name of your company or employer. Many large hotel chains have special floors for repeat business travelers. Some hotels have floors or rooms exclusively for women travelers.

Book a room near the elevator if the hallways are dark. Most hotels that host business travelers are well lighted. There are many safe hotels in San Francisco and surrounding communities used by business travelers that have excellent security. Hotels are rated on various websites so check them out before booking. Never book a hotel in an unsafe area to save money.

Three articles that may help in your hotel search are:

Hotels That Offer Free Wi-Fi for Travelers

San Francisco Boutique Hotels Perfect for Executives

San Francisco Hotels for the Traveling Executive

Don't give out your room number or phone extension to someone you don't know well.

Dress

Women business travelers generally dress conservatively, and carrying a briefcase or computer case indicates the person is there for work. Professional business attire is acceptable anywhere.

After-work attire is an individual woman's choice if she is dining with other people. Business attire is probably safer for a woman dining alone in a restaurant.

Room service is an option, especially after a long day. Check carefully before opening the door for a waiter or anyone.

Emergency plan

Common sense will generally prevent emergencies. If you are walking down a street and feel threatened in any way, carry a cell phone and be prepared to call 911 in an emergency.

Keep copies of important documents, credit cards and other information you might need if your bag is lost or stolen. Valuables can be stored in a hotel safe. Money, passport and credit cards can be carried in a waist belt designed for travelers.

A shoulder bag carried under one arm is safer than a backpack and more professional. Do not overload yourself with bags.

Pick-pockets work best in crowds so stay out of busy, crowded areas and avoid rush hour transportation if possible.

Confidence

Woman travelers should not feel intimidated traveling alone. Take the time to learn where you are going and plan your ground transportation in advance. Look carefully for a sign with your name on it if you are in a "meet and greet" arrangement.

An air of confidence is necessary if you are using public transportation in a strange city. Check maps in advance and know where you are going.

If you’re traveling internationally, it’s important to remember that Rio de Janeiro, Mexico City and Tokyo have special subway cars just for women to protect them from ill-mannered men.

But the safest, most reliable mode of transportation anywhere in the world is a chauffeured car service. It’s especially important to arrange transportation if you plan to leave your hotel in the evening. The hotel concierge can make dinner, entertainment and transportation reservations for you.

For a consistent and seamless travel experience around the world, using a corporate car service with a global reach is key. Angel Worldwide Transportation can provide you first-class ground transportation wherever your business travel takes you, through our worldwide network of professional corporate travel experts.

To learn more about becoming an executive travel expert, please download our free eBook below.