My Top Five Travel Tips for 2014
- analyticalinsight
- Jan 1, 2014
- 4 min read
In late 2013, James* - an investment banker from London - sat in his chauffeur driven car in traffic in Johannesburg. He opened his window to get some fresh air and allow himself to think about the meeting he was travelling to. While lost in thought about his upcoming presentation, James noticed a man standing next to his car. In the man’s hand was a gun. The man - a local - held the gun through James’ window and demanded James hand over his wallet, phone and laptop. He also took James' watch and briefcase for good measure.
Luckily James was not shot, however, the situation could have been completely avoided if James had received adequate travel security advice prior to his trip.
While James had acceptable physical security in place – a chauffeur driven car and a high security hotel etc. – James had not been briefed on the specific local threats in Johannesburg.
Rule 101: Don’t open your car window in Johannesburg – unless you want to get robbed.
While most business trips pass without incident, travelling to unfamiliar places always poses an increased risk for travellers.
Basic rules and principles apply no matter what your level of experience or where you are travelling. Below are my top 5 travel safety tips all travellers should know.
1 - Be Alert: All environments present different risks. The key is to remain alert so you can identify emerging threats and respond accordingly.
While this may seem like common sense, when reviewing incidents involving business travellers, it is incredible how many start with the line “I was out jogging and listening to my iPod, when all of a sudden….” or “Suddenly out of nowhere…”. Clearly these individuals were not alert at the time of the incident.
Many travellers may stay alert in situations they perceive as dangerous, such as while out at night or in busy tourist areas, however travellers often drop their guard when engaging in activities they are familiar with such as running, sitting in a car or walking across a city. Staying alert when in a foreign environment is crucial to allow the brain enough time to recognize a threat, process the impact, devise an escape and implement a plan. I will cover this further in a later blog.
2 - Be Inconspicuous: Criminals or terrorists are more likely to target ostentatious individuals and foreigners. To reduce this risk, keep a low profile and look confident when in public. Don’t make yourself an easy target.
Even if you are dressed appropriately and feel like you blend in, it is very easy for locals to notice someone who is different. Looking confident will reduce your likelihood of being targeted, as will having a sound knowledge of the route you are taking and the local area.
3 - Be Unpredictable: Criminals and terrorists favour victims with predictable routines. Vary your day-to-day routine to reduce the chances of being targeted.
Many crimes are opportunistic by nature, however some more serious crimes and attacks are premeditated. While travelling, following a routine can make you an easy target for perpetrators. If you walk down the same street every night after work, then criminals can target you in a predetermined spot with a good escape route. Routine gives the criminals an upper hand.
4 - Layered Security Protection: No single security measure will provide complete protection. To reduce your exposure to foreign threats, use a layered protection approach.
A layered protection approach involves using various security approaches together i.e. combining physical security measures (locking bags, using hotel safes or armed guards) with threat-based measures (avoiding high crime areas and gaining knowledge of local threats) and with situational alertness (remaining alert to be able to identify emerging threats). For more information on a layered security approach view here.
5 - Know Whom To Call: Before you depart on business travel, make sure you have your corporate security hotline and local consulate number stored on you.
It can be stored on your phone, written down in your wallet and saved on your PC/tablet. The more places you have it the better. Ensure you know how to dial out from the country you are travelling to before your leave.
For further information download Analytical Insight's Security Passport: Business Traveller Advice. This FREE report provides high-level security advice for business people travelling to foreign countries. It aims to highlight security issues that business travellers may encounter and provide advice on how to stay safe.
While having a generic understanding about how to lower the risks posed by business travel is an essential tool for any traveller, knowing the specific threats that are present in the area you are travelling to and how to mitigate against these threats is paramount for safe travel.
For a more in-depth overview of a country’s current security situation, the threat environment and possible mitigation methods visit our travel security page and download a Country Travel Security Insight E-Book for the country you are visiting.
* Real name not used for privacy reasons
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