Part 3: Security concerns and local laws

Try to be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times; plan journeys ahead of time and carry a practical map. Apart from being on the ball in this way, there are a range of commonsense tips that can be given to business travellers.

Red24 advises awareness of cultural differences. Actions that might seem acceptable in your home country, could lead to an incident or even detention in another. Also, remember you are subject to the laws in that country, so be aware of them before you arrive.

Other useful suggestions include packing a disposable camera to use when travelling to high-crime countries, rather than a more expensive standard model. Also, financial districts are often deserted at night and on weekends, therefore it may be wiser to book accommodation in a busier location or further out in a residential suburb.

Home from home?

Indeed, the choice of hotel room can have an important influence on the exposure of travellers to crime and other risks. Red24 suggests selecting a room between floors three and six, especially one at the end of a corridor away from the main stairs, lifts and fire escapes that are often exit routes for thieves.

Ground, first and second floor rooms are more accessible to thieves and afford ease of escape. Floors above the second floor are also extremely difficult to attack from the outside through windows. Above the sixth floor, there are different hazards however, particularly in poorer countries, where fire brigades may not be equipped to reach rooms above the seventh floor.

Also, its worth considering that hotel staff may not always be trustworthy (this applies in any country of course), and there may be an additional concern over identity theft. Red24 advises limiting the amount of personal information you record when checking in, leaving only your surname and first initial.

For many travellers, this kind of advice is all they need, but in some situations additional care may be needed.

Emergency situations

One example provided by Red24 was the case of a British businessman who had called from a hotel in Manila, in the Philippines.

A local taxi driver had told him that there was a planned protest nearby against the western countries involved in the so-called "war against terrorism". Red24 advised the client to remain in his hotel while they investigated, later confirming that the situation was dangerous and that violence was widespread.

A consultant was dispatched and organised for safe transport to another safer hotel, where he stayed with the client in adjoining rooms. The next day the consultant made enquiries on the situation, decided it was unstable and arranged for the client to be sent home.

And if all this sounds a little disturbing, then its worth remembering that caution still begins at home. Business travellers should be discreet about their absence to strangers, such as taxi drivers or perhaps even somebody listening in to a conversation in a pub. The fact that you may be away for a while could be passed on to burglars.