Due to the impact of COVID19 on the travel industry, business trips are few and far between these days, with many companies opting for online communication such as video conferences as a safer alternative for everybody. However, there are some circumstances where an overseas business trip may be unavoidable. If you are getting ready to jet off on business, you might be feeling excited but a little bit apprehensive. Along with the regular safety concerns that most female business travelers tend to have, you also need to deal with staying safe from the infectious coronavirus. Here are some key safety tips to keep in mind.
Get to Know the People You’re Meeting:
Not only are you traveling to a strange country, but you’re also going to be meeting up with people who might well be total strangers. If you’re going to be staying or spending a lot of time with people who you don’t know, it’s a wise idea to get to know them better beforehand. Thanks to online communication methods connecting people from all around the world, this is easier than ever to do. Not only will this help put your mind at ease before you arrive, but you’ll also be able to break the ice and get started with building your working relationship earlier. Nuwber is an ideal tool that you can also use to find out more about the people you’re going to be with on the business trip including any history that they may not have disclosed to you such as past criminal records. The last thing that you want is to be spending time with somebody who’s got a past history of sexual harassment in the workplace, for example.
Stay in Touch:
Staying in communication with your colleagues back at home is a wise idea when you are embarking on a business trip. Not only is this important for work purposes to make sure that everybody is up to date on the latest developments with your trip, but it can also help to keep you safe by ensuring that people know where you are and what you are meant to be doing. If anything seems off, having somebody who is looking out for you means that help can be contacted earlier – perhaps you will be fine and won’t need it, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Use Anti-Theft Devices:
Protect yourself and your belongings against theft by using products such as an anti-theft bag or money belt. If you are taking company devices like a work smartphone or laptop with you, make sure that they are protected with a strong password and keep them locked in a hotel room safe when not in use.
Take COVID19 Protection Measures:
Along with the regular safety concerns regarding getting robbed or attacked on your business trip, you’ll also need to make sure that you’re doing everything that you can to protect yourself from the deadly coronavirus. Before you embark on your trip, make sure that you have researched the COVID19 statistics in the country that you are going to be visiting and follow all mandatory rules set out by the government such as mask-wearing and social distancing. It is a good idea to wear a mask in public places and stay two meters apart from others as much as possible, even if it’s not required by law. Keep your hands clean and avoid touching your face.