Travel for work?

Whether it’s for extended trips overseas or short conference trips interstate, it’s important to think about safety when travelling for business.

In my working history to date, I have been lucky (or sometimes unlucky) enough to travel both domestically and internationally for work.  Although these trips have all been amazing, they have at times also been stressful and I have found myself in a difficult and stressful situation.   The time that sticks out most in my mind was when I was travelling in South America for the company I worked for.  I cant speak a word of Spanish and I was on a 2hr bus trip from the work site back to the township. I was on my own and no one on the bus could speak English.  We arrived at a protest and they weren’t letting anyone past.  At the time I had no idea what was happening, I just followed everyone from one bus to the next on the other side of the protesters who were burning tyres on the road. I was so scared at the time.  I successfully arrived at the hotel and then made some enquiries.  The site I left from knew these protests were happening but failed to inform me.  The stress and anxiety I had during this trip could have been avoided with better planning and communication.

If either yourself or employees travel for work some things to consider:

• Have a Business Travel Plan making sure all essential information such as travel insurance details and itinerary are available.  Also have in the plan if travelling to a high risk area or driving, for some follow up in place to ensure you know the safe arrival of your staff.
• Be security conscious. If travelling to places such as South America ensure the places have been fully researched to ensure the safety of you and/or your employee.
• Research public transport options prior to travel so you are aware of whats available.  In some remote places I have been to there was no public transport available and cars had to be ordered ahead of time.
• Don’t walk around holding a map or following directions on your phone – just makes you target for criminals in any country you are in.
• Writing down your destination in both English and the local language – you can give it to taxi drivers or tour operators to make sure they know exactly where you want to go.

Tips for International Trips

• Ensure you or your employee is in good health prior to departure by visiting a doctor 8 weeks prior to departure.  This allows for a general check up and any medication or vaccinations that are required.
• If travelling to remote areas have a first aid kit available.  Things I had on hand when travelling to remote parts of South America were gastro stop, panadol, sea sick tablets, bandaids etc.
• Ensure you only drink bottled water.  Even if the water is safe to drink its still different to the water found where you live and can cause upset stomach.

These are just some of the things to consider. If you would like to know more, or would like a no obligation chat please call me on 0413 917722 or send me an email on cheryl@zeroexposure.com.au

I also have a great travel agent I am able to recommend for those travelling that would like someone else to the do research for them.  Either contact me directly or you can find her on LinkedIn (Deborah Nicholson)

Here are some photos from my South American work trip for anyone that is interested.