Selecting a Safe Hotel when Traveling Internationally
Business travelers are frequently restricted by company policy to hotels with pre-negotiated rates and packages. If you are allowed to select your hotel, make your personal security a top priority.
Prior to booking a hotel, do an online review of the amenities provided. Hotels offering dining, laundry, transportation, fitness and other services internally can be important if a crisis requires you to limit your travel outside the hotel for security or safety reasons.
Research the hotel online prior to making reservations to see if it has been targeted for terror attacks. Some popular hotels in high-risk areas have been targeted by terrorists multiple times. Hotels with a history of attacks should be avoided.
Carefully review photographs provided on the hotel’s web site, keeping in mind that adequate lighting in hallways is a must for good security. Contact the hotel directly and ask if they have deadbolt locks on doors, 24-hour security guards, CCTV surveillance cameras, and in-room safes. Ask if there are any large meetings or conventions scheduled at the hotel during your visit. Large groups can draw unwanted attention from thieves, political activists or even terrorists.
<h2>Research safe and unsafe hotel environments</h2>
Check with your company’s Corporate Security Department to see if they can recommend any vetted hotels, or if there are any hotels they advise against at your travel destination. Also, check with your host in the country to which you are traveling. Local recommendations can be insightful and extremely helpful in providing insight into neighborhood crime, local risks and safety, and ease of travel to and from the hotel. Finally, contact your country’s embassy directly in the host country and ask if they can provide any recommendations concerning hotels. And again, ask for any hotels they recommend avoiding.
When traveling abroad, always carry at least one photocopy of your passport. Do not keep it in the same location as your actual passport. Place the photocopy in your hotel safe or another secure location. Leave another photocopy with a trusted contact that can be reached 24/7 in your home country such as a friend, family member, or your Corporate Security Department.
When making reservations, limit the amount of information you provide to only what is absolutely necessary. Limit or eliminate associating your reservation with a company name if possible. Business travelers may be viewed as a more lucrative target by kidnappers. Do not give your home address; use the company address, but not the company name.
Request a floor assignment when making your reservation. Your best bet are floors 5 through 10 as they are hard for a thief to access from a stairwell and yet easy to use to evacuate in a crisis. Avoid rooms on upper floors as they can be extremely difficult to evacuate in the event of a fire. Ask what level the breakout floor is on – breakout floor refers to the highest floor a fire and rescue unit’s ladder can reach. This is usually higher than the sixth floor. Try to stay no more than two floors above this level so that you have reasonable access to the breakout floor by stairwell if needed. Also avoid rooms at ground level that may have a patio or door opening to the outside. Finally, a Rampart Group safety tip: Count all the doors between your hotel room door and the closest fire escape door. This will allow you to find your way with limited or no visibility in the event of a fire or power failure.
Pre-arrange your transportation upon your arrival. In many locations airport taxis are extremely high risk and should be avoided. The best source of transportation is your host or a car service arranged by your host.
By following these simple guidelines, you can dramatically enhance your personal security while traveling abroad. Combining these simple steps with keen situational awareness while traveling in other countries will give you peace of mind and enhance your travel experience.
 Kathy LeodlerChief Executive Officer Email:kathy.l@rampartgroup,com Phone: (360) 981-2703 |
 Paul LeodlerExecutive Vice President Email:paul.l@rampartgroup.com Phone: (360) 981-3397 PI License #4180 |
We at Rampart Group are committed to your security. Call 1-800 421-0614 or contact us today with your security or investigative needs.