As professionals head overseas they can have safety concerns, usually based on information they’ve seen in the news. It is possible to safely conduct business in all corners of the world, as long as you are well informed before booking a trip and include these 5 steps in your travel planning. UNIGLOBE experts share their top 5 steps to keep you safe while traveling in 2015.
Over the course of a career, many professionals have become comfortable with routine air travel but, as businesses go global, the need to hop a plane for a 12 or 24-hour international flight is more common.. As professionals head overseas they can have safety concerns, usually based on information they’ve seen in the news. It is possible to safely conduct business in all corners of the world, as long as you are well informed before booking a trip and include these 5 steps in your travel planning. UNIGLOBE experts share their top 5 steps to keep you safe while traveling in 2015.
Know the landscape.
While news events can create unfounded paranoia, there are many instances when travelers are wise to be aware of risks for certain areas of the world. On a regular basis government bodies issue alerts and warnings based on incidents in a country.- . Stay educated on international hot spots as well as safe-zones.
Heed the warnings.
To make sure you’re notified as soon as a new alert is issued. Sign up to news websites who will notify you in case a travel emergency arises. Additionally your UNIGLOBE experts shall keep you posted & share important information on travel related notifications in case there are some guidelines issued by embassies of different countries.
Have documentation.
Of course you know you need a valid passport to travel overseas. What is also important to know is the interaction between passport expiry and visa eligibility - many countries have rule to allow only those visitors who have at least 6 months time in passport expiry. Therefore it becomes more important that your travel documents are up to date and ready for travel. Your UNIGLOBE Travel Professional stays current on worldwide travel documentation changes and requirements for your business or leisure travel to a foreign country; including visas and passports. And the UNIGLOBE Passport Tracker” tool ensures critical renewal and/or expiry dates are monitored so you will be notified if a renewal is required well in advance. These days, having the right travel documents is an area of detail you don’t want to get wrong!
Remember connectivity.
You are probably accustomed to having access to all the information you need through your mobile devices but you may not have connectivity once you arrive at your destination. The best thing to do would be to connect with your UNIGLOBE expert and get of a global calling card. That would keep you connected for business and personal matters. Go for a data enabled global SIM that will enable you to stay connected with business preceding over emails.
Know your embassy.
Contact information for the Indian embassy and consulates in the area where you’ll be traveling is essential. If you plan to drive overseas, be aware that your Indian driver’s license won’t suffice. Prior to leaving, learn about the driver’s license requirements in your destination country, as well as the restrictions of your own insurance policy internationally. Some countries will recognize an International Driving Permit, which can also serve as identification in some countries even when you aren’t driving.
The Indian government offers numerous resources to help Indians traveling abroad but it’s important to learn about these resources before you leave home. Your ability to access the websites you need might be limited overseas. Save the necessary documentation locally on your devices or print it to avoid being stranded without it. Some important website links Indian Embassies around the world, Ministry of Human Resource, Indian Passport & Visa information.
Take the necessary precautions & consult your UNIGLOBE experts to plan your travel and enjoy the peace-of-mind of knowing you’re well prepared. Your next international business trip will go more smoothly.