VIP Travel in the Holiday Season

With the holiday season on the horizon, travel plans are on many people's agendas. During this busy time, it's essential to consider the security aspects of your travel. Vanguard Executive Security offers some straightforward advice to help you stay safe while travelling.

Effective Planning and Preparation

Embarking on a journey during the holiday season as a high profile or high net worth indiviual requires planning and preparation to ensure a seamless and stress-free experience. Beyond the typical travel considerations, executives must be equipped with strategies that cater to their unique needs. This guide delves into the indispensable facets of travel preparation, emphasising the importance of foresight, awareness, and adherence to local nuances.

Begin your travel preparations by staying abreast of the latest travel advisories for your destination. The holiday season can bring about unique challenges, such as heightened security measures or changes in local conditions. Reliable sources like government travel websites, international news agencies, and reputable travel advisories can provide crucial insights. Principals should factor in potential disruptions and plan accordingly, ensuring a proactive approach to unforeseen circumstances.

For executives jet-setting during the holiday hustle, having all necessary travel documents in order is non-negotiable. Confirm that your passport is up-to-date and visas, if required, are secured well in advance. As a precaution, make digital copies of essential documents, including your itinerary, passport, and any necessary permits. Storing these documents in a secure cloud-based platform ensures quick access in case of loss or theft, adding an extra layer of security to your travel plans.

Executives often find themselves in diverse cultural landscapes during their travels. Understanding your destination's local laws and customs is essential to stay safe. Researching the legal framework and cultural etiquette not only aids in compliance but also fosters positive interactions with locals. Familiarising yourself with acceptable business practices, social norms, and specific holiday traditions can enhance your overall experience and contribute to successful engagements abroad.

Accommodation

Selecting suitable accommodation is a pivotal aspect of executive travel during the holiday season, with security considerations taking centre stage. The importance of choosing well-reviewed and reputable places to stay cannot be overstated. 

Whilst a good hotel brand will allow you to expect a level of security and comfort, you should check the reviews and location of the specific property before booking. Opting for reputable hotels with positive reviews and a solid reputation ensures comfort and safety. Seek personal recommendations or take advice from security partners. 

Beyond the initial selection, it's imperative to maintain a heightened awareness of your surroundings once you've arrived at your chosen lodging. Familiarise yourself with emergency exits and escape routes. within your accommodation. This enables you to make quick and efficient decisions should an emergency occur.

In addition to knowing the emergency procedures, it's equally important to keep your room securely locked at all times. Executives carrying sensitive information or valuable assets should consider utilising the hotel safe to store important items when not in use. This extra layer of security minimises the risk of theft and ensures that your belongings remain protected throughout your stay. 

Consider selecting a room on a higher floor. Higher floors typically provide an added layer of security, as they are less accessible and offer a vantage point that can enhance situational awareness. Rooms on floors two to seven are optimal from a safety and security basis, as they are not easily accessible to criminals and are also not too high should you need to evacuate the hotel due to a fire or another emergency. 

Securing Your Personal Items

It's important to safeguard your valuables like passports, cash, and gadgets. Utilising hotel safes and protecting valuables should be a priority during your travels. Protecting essential items such as passports, cash, and electronic gadgets requires a multifaceted approach.

One of the first lines of defence is the utilisation of hotel safes. Taking advantage of these hotel safes to store passports, extra cash, and valuable gadgets when not in use is advisable. This precautionary step adds a layer of protection, offering peace of mind and reducing the risk of loss or theft.

In addition to hotel safes, Principals can enhance the security of their possessions by considering anti-theft accessories. Travel accessories such as anti-theft backpacks, RFID-blocking wallets, and secure luggage locks can act as effective deterrents against opportunistic criminals. 

Remaining vigilant in crowded areas is another crucial aspect of safeguarding valuables. Executives should maintain situational awareness and exercise caution in bustling environments where pickpocketing is more likely to occur. Simple measures such as keeping bags zipped and secured, avoiding conspicuous displays of valuable items, and being mindful of personal space contribute to a proactive defence against opportunistic theft.

For electronic gadgets, especially smartphones and laptops, executives should consider installing tracking apps or utilising built-in tracking features. In the unfortunate event of loss or theft, these tools can aid in locating and recovering the devices, minimising the impact of such incidents on both personal and professional fronts.

The best way to secure high-value items such as technology and jewellery is not to have them on show. Be discreet, especially when out and about.

Being discreet and blending in

 To enhance personal security during executive travel, blending in with the local crowd becomes a strategic practice. Dressing in accordance with local customs and avoiding overt displays of wealth such as jewellery, watches, etc., minimises the likelihood of drawing unwanted attention and reduces the chances of being targeted.