Top 10 Traveler
Safety Tips
(Continued)
1. Automobile Safety
Always wear seat belts, and be careful to avoid distractions. Short
of accidents such as slips and falls, driving can be one of the
highest-risk activities for a typical business trip. Always pull over to
make calls, check your PDA or read directions.
2. Food and Water
Watch what you eat, and wash your hands frequently. Many, many people
end up getting sick while traveling. The vast majority of these
illnesses are due to food and water-borne diseases. The old adage " if
you can't peel it, cook it" works. Drink only bottled water, and don't
even rinse your toothbrush under the tap water.
3. Fire Exits
Whenever you are, note the emergency exits. This goes for airplanes,
hotel rooms, offices and meeting locations. Know how to get out quickly
in the event of a fire. Get in the habit of counting the seat backs
between your seat and the exit row and the number of doors from your
hotel room to the fire exit.
4. Crime
Don't be a victim; protect yourself and your valuables. Criminals look
for vulnerable prey. The key is to not attract attention, or you could
become a target. Dress appropriately, don't flash expensive jewelry, try
not to be distracted, and if a situation doesn't feel right,
get out of it. Limit the cash you carry, and keep valuables locked in
the hotel safe.
5. Local Health Issues
If you are traveling outside your home country, make sure you know what
health risks might be lurking, and get the proper vaccinations before
you leave home. Review your medical insurance, and confirm it will cover
you on your trip. If not, consider getting some that will.
6. Hotel Safety
Your hotel should be your safe haven away from home. Make sure the
property has the basic fire detection and, preferably, suppression
systems. Try not to stay above the seventh floor, where ladders might
not reach. Never let anyone into your room before checking with the
front desk.
7. Taxis
Only arrange rides from a trusted source. Unless you know the city well,
do not hail a taxi from the side of the road - go to the nearest hotel
or ask your business partner to call a cab for you. Unless it is posted,
inquire about the fare before you get in Otherwise, you could literally
be take for a ride.
8. Communications
You can't call for help if you can't make a call. Always have at least
two ways to make a phone call. Typically, this would be a cell phone and
a calling card. Make sure they will work in the countries on your
itinerary.
9. Alcohol and Drugs
I lump these together because both can cause big problems. Drug laws are
extremely severe in some places. You should even check out the legality
of any prescriptions you are carrying. Avoid alcohol. If you drink, do
so in moderation. Know what you are drinking - and never drink and
drive.
10. Culture Clashes
Read up on the culture and etiquette to avoid offending your local
contacts. Shy away from topics such as politics and religion, especially
in public settings. You don't want to raise the ire of someone next to
you and end up in a potentially dangerous situation. Remember, in some
countries sports events and local rivalries trump local politics as hot
topics.
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