Traveler safety is a concern that must not be overlooked when planning your business trip. No doubt, you will carefully choose your hotel and give at least some thought to what to include in your suitcase. You will make sure you have enough money and you will be certain transportation arrangements are confirmed. But what about your personal safety while traveling? Have you prepared for that?

Acquiring traveler safety information is an important step in planning your trip. There are a number of reliable sources to aid you. Decide which safety measures you need by considering the following:

1. Mode of travel: Air travel calls for different traveler safety information than land travel.

2. Length of stay: The duration of your trip may require specific traveler safety help. Consider how long you will be staying to better prepare for a safe trip.

3. Special health concerns: Planning wisely is extremely important if you have health issues that may need to be addressed while you are away.

4. What documents and/or equipment you are carrying with you: If you are responsible for important company documents or expensive equipment you must take extra precaution.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get help from a traveler safety website

A traveler safety site may contain vital information about travel and how to plan safely for traveling. You can gain a greater awareness of the importance of personal safety and find a variety of tips on how to protect yourself and your property while on the road.

I recommend: Sign up for traveler safety newsletters, get information for specific modes of travel, get safety data and alerts, or search accident databases through the National Safety Transportation Board. Search The Safe Traveler database to obtain detailed background information on your destination. Purchase "Staying Safe Abroad" from Sleeping Bear Risk Solutions. SafeTravel.dot.gov offers tips, downloads and FAQs for traveling safely.

Locate traveler safety providers and prepare a documentation package

Traveling safe is important, especially if you have health issues or are in need of special medical attention. A review of traveler safety providers and their services is a wise step in preparing for a safe trip. Prepare a documentation package to include copies of prescriptions, names of recommended hospitals, your doctor's name and contact information and other pertinent medical information.

I recommend: Before you leave, register your trip with the U.S. Department of Overseas Citizens Services or at the U.S Department of State. They can also provide you with a list of recommended hospitals and emergency care phone numbers while traveling abroad. Visit the Transportation Security Administration and review disability-related items permitted through checkpoint at airports. Travel Medicine offers a wide variety of travel-related health items.

Contact traveler safety suppliers to purchase products

Special equipment may require certain products to be safely transported. A traveler safety supplier can provide you with any special equipment you may need to transport special merchandise as well as first aid items. Consider applying for a Carnet to facilitate your entry into a foreign country with special merchandise. Safeware Insurance Agency can provide insurance for business equipment as well as coverage for travel.

I recommend: Magellan's Travel Supplies carries a wide variety of gadgets and equipment designed to make your trip a safe and comfortable one. Consider purchasing the "Safe Passage Travel Safety Tips" program from Pro Travel Gear. Apply for a Carnet at Corporation for International Business. Get an insurance quote for business equipment from Safeware Insurance Agency. They also provide coverages for travel.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Like any successful business venture, preparing for a safe and successful business trip takes time and consideration. Do not wait until the last moment to gather traveler safety information. Procrastination causes anxiety and results in a poorly prepared and potentially unsafe trip.