6 essential business trip safety tips you need to know

Traveling abroad always comes with a bit of a risk. If you're going to a country for the first time, you are generally unaware of the situation in that country. That includes the crime rates, but also the attitude of the locals to foreigners, the mindsets of the people there, treatment of women, and so on. All of these factors can influence your stay there. Still, you can take steps to prevent as many accidents and uncomfortable situations. Here are some suggestions to help you.

1. Do the research

Before you even start your trip, do the research. Find out what is the current political situation in the country you're visiting. Should you expect any demonstrations? Sometimes you’ll need to go to a country that is going through a difficult period, and you should be prepared for that. Know in advance what the dangerous areas of the city you’re going to are, so you can avoid them. Make sure the hotel you book is a good and safe one. If you travel around by taxi, you should only use licensed companies.

2. Blend in

Tourists are often targeted by all kinds of law-breakers, from pickpockets to human trafficking mafia. Learn a few useful, everyday phrases to help you blend in. If you’re wealthy, don’t make it obvious. Don’t show off expensive accessories, such as jewelry and watches, if you’re not absolutely certain that you’re in a safe place, surrounded by trustworthy people. If you want to check out the nightlife, dress casually, instead of wearing an expensive suit. All of these will help you attract less attention, and you’ll be a less likely target.

3. Be careful with the documents

First of all, make copies of your ID and passport. Take some copies with you and keep it separated from the originals, and leave one copy at home with a relative or friend. That way, if your documents are stolen or lost, you can still prove who you are, which can make things so much easier in case of emergency. Furthermore, don't take any of the cards or documents you don't plan on using for your vacation. In case your wallet gets stolen, you'll want to have as few things to replace as possible. Even if you still want to take two credit cards, make sure they’re never in the same place – keep one in the hotel, and the other in your wallet.

4. Limit your alcohol intake

If you decide to go drinking, be aware that by getting tipsy you are becoming an easier target. Therefore, you should minimize the appeal of your wallet. Bring cash with you, and only the amount you plan on spending, and leave the card at the hotel. Make sure you’re not dressed in an expensive suit and take the Rolex or that Tiffany necklace off and leave it in the hotel. Make sure you don’t drink too much, so you don’t have a problem finding your hotel later.

5. Know where to go, just in case

Know where the embassy of your home country is and how to get there. Check out the town or city you’ll be staying in, and find out where the police stations are situated and learn the route. Before you leave, find a few useful phone numbers – emergency numbers, attorneys, and so on. Don’t forget about them, because they can be important for more than just going to court. Traffic crashes are more common than you think. If worse come to worst, don`t hesitatecar accident lawyers to contact car accident lawyers to protect your rights. Preparing for the worst-case scenario in advance can save you a lot of headache down the road.

6. Don’t overshare online

Even though real-time updates on social media are fun, it’s better to wait to get back home. If you advertise your absence from home on social media, you're basically telling everyone that your home is empty. In order to avoid nasty surprises when you get home, make sure you refrain from oversharing on social media. Keep in mind that, in some cases, social media posts that announce your absence from home may even invalidate your insurance, so be careful (and read the contract again, just in case).

By taking some necessary precautions, you can reduce the risk that comes with traveling to a foreign country. Make sure you're serious about your safety and don't take any unnecessary risks.