To ensure smooth business operations and clockwork growth, a company needs to prioritize employee safety. The same applies to business trips and company-sponsored travels. Therefore, researching ahead of time and establishing safety guidelines and protocols is of utmost significance in this unpredictable world.

#1 Go through the travel insurance document carefully

It doesn’t matter if you are an employee, a freelancer, a business owner, or an individual contributor. You will need good travel insurance. If you are an employee, you are likely to get insurance from your company itself, but if you are getting it from an external agent, be sure to check it thoroughly. Here’s a list of coverages the insurance plan must provide:

• Medical coverage: Covers your physical injury treatment and provides the necessary medical facilities.
• Trip cancellation/delay coverage: In case of a cancellation, the insurance should cover the non-refundable amount (if the trip is canceled within the range of coverable reasons). If your trip is delayed by the airlines or other legit reasons, you should be covered for a hotel stay, alternative transportation, and dining.
• Emergency repatriation/ evacuation coverage: Covers all the expenses needed to return to your country in the case of any emergency.
• Baggage loss/delay coverage: Reimbursement for your essentials and belongings in case your luggage is stolen, damaged, lost, or delayed.

#2 Planning and researching about the destination in advance

Once the trip is planned, research thoroughly about the hotel’s location and how far your hotel’s emergency services are. It is also recommended that you don’t rent a car. Instead, get chauffeured by a premium transportation provider to ensure safety. Additionally, avoid traveling after dark and get a list of areas to avoid.

#3 Packing the right things

If you are traveling internationally, chances are the power sockets will differ, so carry an adapter with you. Avoid packing expensive clothing and jewelry. Even though you are insured, modest packing saves the trouble of walking up to the insurance counter and claiming reimbursement in the first place. Get a secondary wallet as a decoy with some cash and a photocopy of your identification documents while keeping your primary wallet safe in your luggage.

#4 Health precautions

Most travelers return with gastrointestinal disorders or the common flu. Know your allergies beforehand, and avoid allergens. Never leave your food or drinks unattended. There is a possibility that it can be spiked. Check if there is an outbreak going on in the destination country. If so, make sure there is a vaccine available for it and that you’ve had it.

#5 Accommodation related precautions

While finalizing your stay, try to choose a decent hotel for better safety. Ensure it is not located in a remote location. Check if they have a small mart inside along with a restaurant so that you would not need to leave your room frequently.

#6 Stay on your toes at all times

Even if you are new to the destination country, stay focused, confident, and don’t look like you’re lost. An outsider is the easiest target for local scammers. If your instincts pick up even the slightest hint of hostility in any situation, escort yourself from the case. If you are traveling with your colleague, make sure you stick together.

Stay safe, travel, and explore!