Safety and security tips for corporate travel managers to pass on

How aware are you of theft and fraud risks during travel?

When we put a new managed travel program in place for a company, one of the first things we communicate to their corporate travelers is that these changes are being made for their own safety and security. Using SafeToGo technology, our booking process provides an organization with the whereabouts of its travelers in real time so we can provide proactive travel logistics and solutions.

But even with the best technology and most experience in the industry, a TMC and a travel manager can't control everything. Here are a few tips to help corporate travelers feel a little safer and take measures to avoid theft and fraud during travel:

Hotel:

Keep a few of these helpful tips we’ve gleaned from safety and security experts in mind when considering your hotel stay:

1. Minimize the personal information you share out loud.  When checking in, have your ID and credit card ready to hand over to the desk agent.  You can also have printed confirmations available.  Most of the time hotel staff will recognize your efforts to minimize sharing of personal information.

2. Get comfortable and orient yourself.   Knowing where you are not only inside the hotel but also in the surrounding neighborhood is always a good idea. A little orientation when you get to your room will go a long way to making you feel secure.

3. Take matters into your own hands. Don’t accept a room if you’re not comfortable with the location.  Some travelers feel safer near elevators, some further away. Know what makes you most comfortable and don’t be afraid to ask for it.

4. Always trust your instincts. Stay with others or ask a trusted hotel staff to escort you if you’re at all unsure of your situation.  

Rideshare:

The proliferation of rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft come with their own risks and rewards.  Passenger safety is an ongoing issue.  Here are a few tips from experts on how to ride safe.  

1. Request your ride from a safe place, and most importantly, confirm you are getting in the right car!   And rather than offering your name when you open the car door, ask: “Who are you here for?” Uber’s pin verification is a great new tool for riders as well.

2. Tell someone (family or friend) where you are going.  Consider adding friends and family to your contacts in ride-sharing apps so you can share trips and locations.   

3. Don’t ride impaired. 

4. Trust your instincts.  Remember, you can end your ride at anytime if you’re not comfortable.   

Passport:

If you're traveling internationally, plan as if you'll lose your passport. Make yourself aware of passport agencies, know where the closest US embassy is located in your destination, carry and leave behind additional photocopies of your passport, and add an "if found" note to your passport.

Valuable Items:

Don’t put valuable or fragile items in your suitcase. If you have to travel with valuable luggage, consider a suitcase with a TSA approved three-way zipper lock.

Luggage:

Be aware of theft while on the plane. Put your bag in the overhead bin across from you so you can see any activity around it. Additionally, lay it upside down and backwards so that the zippers are not easily accessible. When you land, go to the baggage claim right away to make sure your checked bags aren't stolen.

 Keys + Wallet:

Use a smartphone app like Tile or Chipolo to keep track of important items like keys, wallet, etc.

Phone + Computer:

Use webcam covers to avoid being hacked. Add "if found" instructions on your phone and computer. Also, be sure to erase your information on a rental car's history after making a bluetooth connection.

If you have any additional safety and security tips for corporate travelers, we'd love to hear them in the comments section below. Need to talk about organizing your travel program? We'd love to hear from you.