Women business travelers now constitute nearly fifty percent of all business travel in the United States, spending $175 Billion on 14 million trips annually.
Working in the event planning arena with a group of highly independent professional business women, we often travel alone. During an event we are usually the first ones on site and the last ones to leave. Safety is a must! I have found through my experience, some research, and training that following a few simple rules can allow you to travel safer and smarter.
At the airport
- Book your flight during popular travel times, avoiding red eye flights.
- Keep a small amount of money easily accessible; stashing extra money, credit cards, and passport separately.
- Use laminated business cards for luggage tags.
Renting a car
- Book your car reservation with a rental agency located at the airport.
- Pre-purchase your gas.
- Pre-program any directions into your GPS before leaving a secure building.
- Upon pickup, ask that the rental be delivered to the rental agency doors; and when returning the rental, have an attendant drop you off at your gate.
- When walking to and from your rental, keep your hands free as much as you possibly can while keeping your phone and keys readily available.
Checking in at your hotel
- Don’t book a room on the first floor.
- Make sure the hotel reservationist doesn’t say your room number loud enough for other guests to hear.
- Check your room to make sure everything locks properly and that the phone works.
- Use the deadbolt.
- Use the valet parking service or make sure to park in a well-lit area close to an entrance of the hotel.
- When using the hotel gym, do not wear head phones and choose the exercise equipment facing the doors.
- Don’t invite or give out your room number to anyone.
In General
- Leave a copy of your agenda with a family member or coworker back home and check in with them periodically.
- When walking between locations, wear tennis shoes and limit your electronic usage.
- Limit the visibility of any valuables, putting on any jewelry right before an event, meeting, etc.
- Always follow your gut instincts.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Act confident.
There you have it, my top tips to keep you safe when traveling alone. Of course, I suggest taking a self-defense class as well, but that is a whole different blog!
About the author:
Autumn Gilleard, was born and raised in Western Montana Autumn lives on a ranch with her husband, two daughters, and son. She enjoys spending time in the outdoors with her family 4-wheeling, fishing, rafting, and hiking. When not out on a adventure with her family, you can find her at the Missoula Taekwondo Center. Where she trains as a black belt and part of a competition team. (She is Worth the Fight……Hahahahah)
