For many employees, business travel is an exciting opportunity—exploring new cities, dining at different restaurants, and meeting new people can be a welcome change from the usual routine. However, it also comes with its challenges. From unexpected natural disasters to theft and other security risks, business trips can quickly turn from rewarding to stressful without the right precautions in place.
In this article, we’ll dive into the latest business travel safety tips and trends for 2025 and share practical tips to help you navigate these challenges with confidence.
Essential business travel safety insights and duty of care trends for 2025
- Stronger policy compliance: Adherence to corporate travel policies is expected to rise from 80% in 2024 to 85% in 2025, reinforcing the importance of regular policy reviews and employee awareness.
- Technology enhancing safety: The use of app-based tracking has led to a 38.89% decrease in travel incidents, highlighting the need for businesses to integrate reliable safety apps into their travel protocols.
- Increased insurance uptake: More travellers are securing insurance, with uptake increasing from 57% to 65%, emphasising the necessity of adequate coverage for unforeseen situations.
- Cybersecurity awareness on the rise: With training participation jumping from 65% to 78%, securing devices and practising digital safety remain top priorities for business travellers.
- Accommodation safety matters: Hotel safety awareness is growing, with 80% of travellers now considering reviews and security measures before booking.
- Cultural awareness gains importance: Understanding local customs and safety protocols is becoming a key focus, with cultural safety literacy rising from 40% to 50%.
Why a business travel safety plan matters
As corporate travel continues to evolve, companies have a duty of care to equip employees with the right tools and resources for a safe and successful trip. Whether integrating travel security into an existing safety policy or developing a standalone plan, preparing for secure travel offers numerous advantages.
1. Prioritising employee safety
Business travellers face a wide range of risks, including civil unrest, extreme weather, and security threats. A well-structured travel safety plan ensures employees are equipped with clear guidance on what to do in case of an emergency, helping them stay informed and protected.
2. Boosting employee trust and retention
For many professionals, business travel is a key job perk—85% of employees consider it when evaluating new career opportunities. While it can enhance career growth and job satisfaction, a poorly managed or unsafe trip can have the opposite effect. A robust travel safety plan reassures employees that their well-being is a priority, fostering trust and long-term loyalty.
3. Reducing costs and avoiding disruptions
While business travel can drive growth and revenue, unforeseen complications can lead to significant expenses. Employees who are unprepared for travel risks may face unexpected medical costs, logistical delays, or administrative hurdles, all of which impact company resources. A proactive travel safety plan helps mitigate such risks, ensuring smoother and more efficient travel experiences.
4. Creating a culture of safety
Demonstrating a commitment to employee well-being—from departure to return—reinforces a strong safety culture within an organisation. When safety is embedded in company values, employees feel empowered to make informed decisions while travelling. Employers can also involve staff in shaping travel safety policies, fostering a collaborative approach to duty of care.
Business travel safety tips in 2025
-
Before you travel
1. Understand local customs
Being aware of cultural and business etiquette can help prevent misunderstandings and build strong relationships. For instance, in Japan, business cards should be exchanged with both hands and never marked or played with, especially in meetings.
Learning key phrases such as greetings and expressions of gratitude can also demonstrate respect. Providing a simple guide for your team can ensure they are well-prepared.
2. Be aware of local laws
Laws differ significantly from country to country, and breaking them—knowingly or unknowingly—can have serious consequences. For example, chewing gum is prohibited in Singapore, while using offensive language in public in the United Arab Emirates can lead to fines or even deportation.
Research and share key legal considerations with your team before departure to avoid potential issues.
3. Assess political and civil stability
Political unrest, demonstrations, and other disruptions can pose serious risks to travellers. Before your trip, check global protest trackers, review government-issued travel advisories, and assess potential threats in your destination.
Ask yourself: Is it safe to travel there right now? What are the key risks? Conducting a thorough risk assessment can help you anticipate challenges and make informed decisions about your travel plans.
4. Identify high-risk areas
Every city has neighbourhoods that may be less safe for visitors. Research these areas in advance and avoid booking accommodation or meetings in locations with higher crime rates. Planning your routes ahead of time can also help minimise the risk of unplanned detours into unsafe areas.
Consider risk awareness training for yourself and your team to improve situational awareness and learn best practices for identifying and avoiding potential threats.
5. Prepare for weather and natural disasters
Checking the weather forecast is essential, but it’s just as important to be aware of potential severe weather risks like hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes. Understanding emergency protocols for natural disasters in your destination can make a critical difference in ensuring safety.
Stay informed with real-time updates from global weather monitoring platforms such as The World Meteorological Organization.
6. Have an emergency contacts list
Knowing who to call in an emergency is crucial for staying safe during business travel. Prepare a comprehensive list that includes local emergency services, nearby hospitals, and your country’s embassy.
Additionally, ensure you have contact details for corporate emergency contacts, such as your travel manager or HR representative, so you can get assistance when needed. Familiarise yourself with the locations of these essential services in relation to your accommodation and workspaces.
-
At your hotel or accommodation
1. Keep accommodation details private
Details such as your hotel address, room number, key codes, and travel documents should remain confidential.
Avoid discussing these details loudly in public areas and never share them with strangers or anyone outside your work group.
2. Stay aware of your surroundings
To enhance personal security, be mindful of who is around when heading to your room—this is especially important for female business travellers.
If someone is waiting for the lift with you and you feel uneasy, let them go ahead while you check your phone or shuffle through documents, signalling that you are not ready to leave yet.
3. Secure doors and windows
Always use all available locks on your hotel room door, including the deadbolt and swing lock, whenever you are inside.
Ensure that windows and any access points are securely locked, particularly if your room is on a lower floor or if you are sleeping or leaving the room unattended.
4. Use the peephole before opening the door
If someone knocks on your door and you are unsure of their identity, keep the door locked and check through the peephole.
Avoid engaging in conversation through the door. If the person is persistent or attempts to force entry, contact the front desk immediately to report the situation.
5. Familiarise yourself with emergency exits
Upon arrival, take note of the nearest emergency exits in case of fire or evacuation.
Ensure that your team is also aware of the safest routes out of the building so that everyone is prepared in the event of an emergency.
-
Navigating transportation
1. Research local transport options
Plan your airport transfer in advance to ensure a smooth arrival. Not all cities have ride-hailing services like Gran or Uber, but most will offer taxis, car rentals, or public transport. Arranging transport ahead of time can prevent last-minute confusion, reduce costs, and help keep your schedule on track.
Also, consider how you’ll get from your accommodation to your meetings, conference venues, or city centre, and ensure employees have the necessary payment methods for taxis or public transport.
2. Stay vigilant when renting a vehicle
If you or your team need to drive during the trip, familiarise yourself with local roads and traffic laws beforehand. Plan your route in advance and use a reliable navigation tool.
Always wear seatbelts, keep doors locked while driving, and avoid stopping in unsafe areas. When parking, lock the vehicle, activate any alarms, and store valuables out of sight—preferably in the boot—to deter theft.
-
During your business trip
1. Blend in with your surroundings
While you may be travelling for work, it’s best to avoid looking like a tourist. Wearing flashy jewellery, designer clothing, or carrying expensive accessories can make you and your team an easy target for theft, scams, or inflated prices.
Dress appropriately for the local environment and keep valuables discreet to minimise risk.
2. Plan your route in advance
Getting lost in an unfamiliar place can be more than just inconvenient—it can be dangerous. Research your route before setting off to avoid wandering into unsafe areas. Stick to well-lit streets, avoid large crowds where pickpockets often operate, and ensure you have clear directions before leaving your accommodation.
While GPS apps are helpful, it’s wise to carry a physical map or written directions as a backup in case your phone runs out of battery.
3. Be mindful of food and drink choices
Business travel isn’t just about meetings—you’ll also need to eat and stay hydrated. However, food and water safety standards vary across countries.
To reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses, opt for meals from reputable restaurants rather than street vendors, drink bottled or filtered water, and always wash your hands or use hand sanitiser before eating.
4. Take precautions to stay healthy
Travelling to different climates and altitudes can expose you to health risks such as digestive issues, altitude sickness, and dehydration. Familiarise yourself with potential health concerns at your destination and take necessary precautions.
Carry any required medications, stay hydrated, and be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion, food poisoning, or other common travel-related illnesses.
Prioritise safety for business travel with Holiday Tours
A strong corporate travel security plan is essential in today’s risk landscape. Business travellers face various threats, so companies must foster a culture of safety across all destinations. When employees feel secure, they can focus on their work and perform at their best.
Travel safety policies should be regularly updated to reflect new risks and evolving company policies. Keeping your team informed and prepared is key to ensuring smooth, secure trips.
At Holiday Tours, we prioritise traveller safety. Explore our Travel Safety Promise to see how we can support your corporate travel needs.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR TRAVEL SAFETY PROMISE
REACH OUT TO US AT +603 2303 9100 (PRESS 3) OR [email protected]