Traveling for work can be exciting and exhausting at the same time. It often leads you to new places, tight schedules, and unusual routines. However, while thrilling, these experiences can also come with safety challenges for all travelers. This is where personal safety for work travel comes into play.
Drawing on the discipline and principles of martial arts, Capri’s founder, Anna Scheller, is not only a passionate hospitality entrepreneur, but also an active practitioner and teacher of Taekwondo.
In this blog, she shares five tips to help you stay alert, safe and calm while on the road.
So whether you’re traveling as a nurse, a corporate professional, or a military member, these effective tips will inspire you to prioritize your personal safety – giving you peace of mind and fewer interruptions during your travels.
Let’s dive in.
1. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
In martial arts or self-defense, situational awareness is key. The same principle applies to travel safety:
- Observe Your Environment: Always be aware of exits, lighting, and potential hazards in new locations.
- Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, don’t hesitate to remove yourself from the situation. Your instincts are often right.
2. Protect Your Valuables
A black belt understands the importance of minimizing vulnerability. By vulnerability, we mean leaving valuables and personal belongings unattended or unsecured. You can protect your belongings by:
- Using Anti-Theft Gear: Choose bags with secure zippers and hidden compartments.
- Storing Essentials Wisely: Keep passports, IDs, and cash in separate, hard-to-reach places that are difficult for pickpockets or thieves to access.
Some examples are:
- Money belts worn under clothing
- Inner pockets of pants or shirts
- Secret compartments in luggage
3. Plan Your Travel Routes
Just like in martial arts, preparation is everything. Here are some important things to do before traveling:
- Know Your Routes: Research the safest routes to your destinations, whether walking or driving. If walking, stick to well-lit, populated areas and avoid shortcuts through unfamiliar or isolated places. When driving, plan your route to avoid high-crime areas and stay on main roads or highways.
- Share Your Itinerary: Let someone know your plans, especially if you’re traveling alone. Share details such as your accommodation, flight or train schedules, and planned stops along the way. Regularly update this person if there are any changes to your plans.
4. Choose Accommodations That Prioritize Safety
Where you stay is a very important part of your travel. Look for temporary housing providers, like Capri, that prioritize the safety and well-being of their guests:
- Secure Locations: Well-lit, populated areas with controlled access points.
- Comfort and Care: A team that makes you feel supported and heard.
5. Stay Ready and Confident
Confidence can deter potential threats. Here are a few martial arts-inspired tips to help you stay ready and confident:
- Maintain Good Posture: Walk with shoulders back, head up, and eyes scanning your surroundings to project strength and alertness. Predators are less likely to target individuals who exude those qualities.
- Know Basic Self-Defense: Consider learning simple techniques to feel prepared in emergencies. Take a self-defense class or watch instructional videos focused on simple, practical moves—such as how to break free from grabs, block strikes, or create distance from an aggressor.
Conclusion
Traveling for work may be filled with exciting opportunities, but it also comes with its own set of challenges—especially when it comes to staying safe. By applying the principles of martial arts – such as maintaining situational awareness, minimizing vulnerability, and staying confident – you can keep yourself safe while on the road.
Prioritizing your safety not only reduces potential risks but also allows you to focus on what truly matters—successfully fulfilling your work and enjoying the trip. If you stay vigilant and confident, your travels will be as smooth and safe as possible.
At Capri Temporary Housing, we understand that safety is as important as comfort when you’re traveling for work. The peace of mind and comfort of our guests is our top priority. Though moving to a different location can be daunting, being mindful of these tips will go a long way in giving you peace of mind.
Will you be traveling for work, going to school away from home, or relocating? Call us today to learn about our affordable accommodations and let us make your corporate housing feel like home, all while providing top-tier security. (suggestion: Call us today to learn about our affordable accommodations, and let us make your corporate housing feel like home – all while doing our best to keep you safe during your stay.)