Authored by: Cedric T., Director of Operations, Odysseus Private Protection, Ltd.
In this article I will try to help you
understand the importance of travel risk management without getting
into the deep details but through simple examples based on real life.
When you travel to a different
province, state, country or continent, the lifestyle won’t be the
same and people won’t know you. Whether you travel for business or on
holiday you need to know some basic information about the location
you are going to visit.
Most people will, of course, check to
see if the country is safe and the government stable. But there are many other factors you
should check regarding the safety of a location where you will
travel. Indeed, the country might be safe for
the people living there but is it also safe for tourists/travelers? You should research the country using open sources to determine whether travelers have had any
troubles in the past. Do not forget that within all countries there
will be some people or group of people who might be racists (color,
religion, sexual orientation) or latent terrorists, so it is very
important to check for yourself the level of safety in a “stable
country”. Also remember that even in a stable country, local
criminals will notice that you are traveling, and so very good prey
for them.
My basic advice, even in stable
countries:
- Walk in the main roads, avoid small
streets or empty streets. Preferably hire a professional vetted,
trained, experienced protector (contact us for a professional
service).
- Always hide your cash and valuables
(and try to have a strict minimum of cash with you), ID documents or
keep only a copy with you and keep the original in the safe at the
hotel.
- If you don’t speak the language of
the country, learn at least the minimum information for
directions or safety: all countries do not speak English nor do they
have translators readily available.
- Always keep a business card of your
hotel. Then,if you are lost, you can show it to a registered taxi to
take you there.
- Always have the phone number of your
embassy and if they have one, their emergency number.
OK, so that was for your everyday life
while you travel. But, think about what to do if you get
sick. As I said previously, how will you explain what you need if you
go into a pharmacy and they don’t speak English and the same goes
for the hospital? Imagine you have a severe allergy
attack and you do not have the proper medication with you? You must be prepared for such situations.
I will finish this article by saying:
always, always prepare for your trip either business or pleasure. Get
an insurance policy, not only the one from your bank that will cover
you for lost luggage, but a real travel insurance that will assist
you in case of medical problems. Declare yourself to your embassy
once you arrive. Let them know you are in-country and, if possible,
your itinerary. Try to understand the general customs of the country
you visit.
As owner of a private protection
company and as an ex personal protection officer for an ultra wealthy prince of the Middle-East, I have had to deal with many medical and
criminal situations not just in my own country (France) but abroad as
well. (London-UK, Colorado-USA, Brazil, Spain, Morocco, …) thank
God, I was well prepared for all of the travels and eventualities. Here's hoping you are too.
If you would like any information on our services for protection you may email us:
odyssesusprotect@gmx.com or call us:
+3 53 212-066-374 53 212-066-374
Here is a listing of some examples of security incidents around the world.
