Safe Travel

With a new fiscal year upon us, I feel that now is the time to discuss safe travel for all of our consultants. First quarter profits provide much of the forward momentum that drives our company for the rest of the year, and it is our most hectic time for sending consultants abroad.

Safety is our top concern for traveling employees, so I have compiled a list of six safety tips for all to study before leaving.

Concerning International Travel
1. Our firm sends consultants to every corner of the world, so a practical knowledge of how to travel safely to other countries is essential. First tip: Avoid wearing expensive or flashy jewelry. Ornaments of this kind will give you the appearance of an affluent tourist, ripe for robbery or mugging.
2. Credit cards should be left at home, along with any other sensitive items. Carry traveler's checks and formulate a budget in advance.
3. Be aware of local customs as well as local geography. This is a more general rule that is not necessarily limited to the customs or the lay of the land. The most important thing to remember when traveling abroad is to be aware of how to behave suitably in another country without attracting the wrong kind of attention. Take note of local laws, significant landmarks (for navigation), cultural mores, and, if necessary, the region's current political climate.

Transportation and Lodging
1. What you do to keep safe once you arrive is only half the story, as keeping safe on the trip is also essential. First tip: after boarding a plane, familiarize yourself with emergency exits and take note of all recommended safety procedures.
2. To safeguard your luggage, travel light; carry-on bags can be kept close to your person at all times, allowing you to monitor them more closely. If you must travel with stow-away baggage, find a way to make it easy to identify at baggage check. An easy option is to mark the handles and sides of the bag with brightly colored tape. If this isn't viable, just remember to attach some kind of personal marker so that you can leave the airport quickly and avoid unnecessary confusion.
3. At the hotel, keep your door locked at all times, and be sure to use the hotel safe. Any visitors should be met in the lobby or another suitable public place.

I want to close by wishing all employees a safe and easy travel season. With these six tips in mind, we can all expect a safer, more productive year to come.