Travel Safety Recommendations

Traveling & Cybersecurity: Pack Light, Stay Safe, Avoid Disaster Traveling these days isn’t just about catching flights and dodging middle seats (my personal idea of hell)—it’s about risk management. If you’ve ever had your credit card frozen overseas or connected to airport WiFi and immediately regretted it, you know what I mean. And guess what? Cybersecurity is the same game. Just like you wouldn’t stroll through a crowded market flashing wads of cash, you shouldn’t be digitally reckless either. So, let’s talk travel tips that double as cybersecurity best practices: ✈️ Pack Light – In high-risk countries, less is more. Consider a clean laptop/phone—a device with minimal data that you can wipe after your trip. The fewer digital valuables you bring, the less there is to steal. 🔐 Lock It Down – Just like you wouldn’t leave your passport lying around, secure your devices. Use strong passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and encrypted backups. And for the love of cybersecurity, disable auto-connect on WiFi. 🛂 Watch Where You Swipe – ATMs and credit card skimmers are a traveler’s nightmare. Online, the equivalent is phishing and social engineering. If a website, email, or “urgent” request makes you feel a big emotion, pause before you click and verify another way. 📡 Use a VPN – Public WiFi is a hacker’s playground. Whether you’re sipping espresso in Rome or waiting on a layover, encrypt your connection before logging in. If you wouldn’t shout your banking details across an airport lounge, don’t broadcast them over open WiFi. 🕵️ Know the Local Threats – Different regions, different risks. Some countries are notorious for cyber espionage. If you’re traveling somewhere with an extra interested government, assume your devices are being monitored. (Yes, YOU!) Plan accordingly. 🔌 Charge Smart, Not Stupid – Public charging stations? Juice-jacking paradise. That two-way data transfer cable you use every day could be the reason your phone gets compromised. Invest in a one-way charge-only cable or, better yet, use an old-fashioned outlet plug. The price of a safe charge is a lot cheaper than getting hacked. 🚨 Have an Exit Plan – If something goes sideways—whether it’s a lost passport or a hacked account—you need a backup. Have emergency contacts, alternate logins, and a way to remotely wipe your devices if needed. At the end of the day, travel and cybersecurity both reward the prepared and punish the careless. The question isn’t if something will go wrong, but when—and whether you’re ready for it. Stay sharp. Stay safe. And please, stop using “123456” as your luggage combination (or 007). What other cyber travel tips do you have to share with others?? Let’s help one another!👇 #Cybersecurity #HumanRisk #TravelTips #SecurityFirst #Infosec

Have a Plan Once You Land: Essential Security Steps in a Foreign Country Arriving in a foreign country can be exciting, but it also presents unique security challenges. Whether you’re a business traveler, an executive, or simply traveling for leisure, having a well-thought-out plan the moment you step off the plane is crucial to ensuring your safety. Here are key steps to consider: 1. Pre-Arrival Intelligence & Preparation Research your destination’s security landscape, including crime trends, political stability, and health risks. Know the location of your country’s embassy or consulate in case of emergencies. Arrange for a trusted transportation service in advance—never rely on random taxis or ride-shares. Keep digital and physical copies of important documents, including your passport, visa, and emergency contacts. 2. Secure & Controlled Transportation Your first vulnerability upon arrival is transportation—avoid flagged-down taxis and unverified ride-sharing services. Have a pre-arranged, vetted driver who understands secure routes and knows how to react to security concerns. Keep your bags close and be alert for distractions—these are often used to facilitate theft or worse. 3. Situational Awareness & Local Adaptation Upon exiting the airport, stay aware of your surroundings—avoid anyone who seems overly eager to help with bags or offer a ride. Blend in as much as possible; avoid flashy clothing or accessories that signal wealth or foreign status. Be mindful of local laws, customs, and any restrictions that could put you at risk. 4. Accommodation Security Check Upon arrival at your hotel or residence, assess the security of your environment. Avoid rooms on the ground floor or those near stairwells and emergency exits, as these are higher-risk locations. Familiarize yourself with emergency exits and security personnel at your accommodation. 5. Communication & Emergency Preparedness Have a fully charged local or international mobile phone with emergency contacts pre-programmed. Share your itinerary with trusted colleagues, family, or a corporate security team. Establish a check-in schedule with a designated point of contact. A proactive approach to security doesn’t mean traveling in fear—it means traveling smart. By preparing in advance and maintaining situational awareness, you can minimize risks and ensure a smooth, secure experience in any foreign country. #TravelSafety #ExecutiveProtection #StaySecure #RiskManagement #BusinessTravel #SituationalAwareness #CorporateSecurity #SafeTravel #SecurityTips

Exploring Travel in Mexico: Insights and Safety Tips According to the 2020 National Census, over 1.2 million foreign-born residents call Mexico home, with a significant number hailing from the United States. Fast forward to 2024, and approximately 13.5 million American tourists are expected to visit this vibrant country. Having just returned from Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, I want to share my perspective. While I felt relatively safe during my visit, it's important to recognize that safety can be unpredictable. Incidents can happen at any time, and maintaining awareness is crucial. Thankfully, for the majority, serious incidents involving travelers are rare, as cartels typically do not target Americans. However, it's vital to approach travel in Mexico with an informed mindset and practice caution. Here are some essential safety measures to keep in mind when traveling in Mexico: Stay Informed: Always check for the latest travel advisories issued by your government. Research Your Destination: Familiarize yourself with the area you'll be visiting. Share Your Itinerary: Let friends or family know your travel plans. Make Copies of Important Documents: Keep digital copies of your passport, visa, and other critical documents. Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Stay alert and cautious in unfamiliar areas. Avoid Displaying Wealth: Keep valuables out of sight to minimize risks. Secure Your Belongings: Use bags that you can keep close to your body. Use ATMs Safely: Choose well-lit and secure locations, preferably within banks or shopping centers during daylight. Use Official Taxis: Opt for marked taxis or rides arranged through reputable stands or your hotel. Travel on Toll Roads: These are generally safer and better maintained than secondary roads. Exercise Caution at Bus Stations: If using buses, select reputable companies and travel during daylight hours. Choose Secure Accommodations: Select hotels or resorts with robust security, including 24-hour surveillance. Traveling in Mexico can be a richly rewarding experience filled with culture, beauty, and adventure. By following these precautions, you can help ensure your well-being and make the most of your journey. Safe travels! ✈️🇲🇽 #TravelTips #Mexico #SafetyFirst #CulturalExperience https://lnkd.in/g9v2d3xr

As we embark on exciting journeys this holiday season, let's take a few moments to consider our information security. Here are some travel tips that can improve your cybersecurity and enhance your travel experience.   💻 Before Your Trip: Before beginning your journey, take some time to make sure your devices —laptop, smartphone, and tablet— have the latest operating system updates and security patches. Devices that are updated will be resistant to exploitation attempts. Use the data encryption features that are available on most devices to prevent the exposure of information if a device is lost or stolen.   📱 Depending on your risk profile, consider traveling with alternate devices that do not contain any sensitive personal or business data.   🔒 Obtain a Virtual Private Network (VPN) subscription to maintain privacy for while using public WiFi access points. It encrypts your internet connection, and your safeguarding sensitive information from prying eyes.   🗺 Download map data for the cities you will visit. This will allow you to navigate without using cellular data. I also download some podcasts, and videos for entertainment on the flights. This reduces the need for connecting to potentially insecure public networks.   🛫 While Traveling: Be mindful of what you share on social media. Avoid broadcasting your exact location in real-time, to reduce the risk of being targeted.   🔎 Use Bluetooth trackers to keep track of luggage and help locate items if they are lost.   📄 Protect your trip details and boarding pass. Do not post photos of your boarding pass. Threat actors could obtain your trip's record locator and your frequent flyer account number. This information can be used to change your itinerary or even cancel your flight. Digital security is as crucial as packing your bags! Stay safe and enjoy your travels! 🌍🔒 #CyberSecurity #TravelSecurity

🦟📈 𝐔𝐊 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐬 – 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 New data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that imported #dengue cases in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have reached a record high, with 904 cases reported in 2024, up from 631 in 2023. Most infections were linked to travel in Southern and South-Eastern Asia, prompting UKHSA to enhance surveillance and better understand travel risks and prevention practices. https://lnkd.in/etezBhkK Increases were also observed in #Chikungunya (112 cases) and #Zika virus (16 cases), all linked to international travel, reinforcing the importance of #mosquito bite prevention and pre-travel health consultations. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) now recommends dengue vaccination for some travellers, and UKHSA urges precautions like insect repellent, protective clothing, and bed nets, especially in areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic. https://lnkd.in/etezBhkK 💡 Travellers are advised to consult the TravelHealthPro website for up-to-date guidance on vaccinations, malaria prevention, and health risks by destination. Even repeat travellers should remain vigilant, as short-term visitors don’t have the same #immunity as residents. #DengueFever #TravelHealth #UKHSA #GlobalHealth #InfectiousDiseases #MosquitoBorneDiseases #TravelMedicine #PublicHealth

When I am traveling for work the first thing I do when I get to any hotel room is automatically check the locks, and the windows and assess for safety. I know. Call it a habit built on the trauma of having prosecuted sex crimes in my formative lawyer years. Last week when I was traveling, I did my usual check and as I went to check the lock on the sliding glass door, I discovered that not only was it not locked but it couldn't be locked. I then checked the second sliding glass door (one that was in the bathroom) and discovered the same thing. I called down, and they immediately sent a team up to fix both doors. I stood there thinking to myself if I hadn't checked — I wouldn't have known. For me, safety in the spaces I stay in is a non-negotiable. It's why I travel with this weird contraption (see pic below) that I can put on any door to create an extra level of security. And — that is what allows me to sleep when away from home. I wonder how many of us take our safety and security into account. Does anyone else do safety checks when they travel for work? #SafetyTravel #TravelSafetyTips #AbusePrevention

🚨 Female Executives: Your Business Travel Safety Plan Might Have a MAJOR Blind Spot You’re focused on closing the deal, delivering the keynote, or securing the next partnership. But while you're in business mode, personal security often gets overlooked. As a Private Investigator and Personal Protection Consultant for women, I’ve seen this time and time again: High-powered women traveling with ZERO real safety protocols in place. 🔍 Quick Story: A client of mine—let’s call her Michelle—was heading to a tech conference. First-class flight, high-end hotel, packed agenda. Seemed routine. But a stalker had tracked her movements through her public social media posts and booked a room on the same hotel floor. We caught it in time—but it was a wake-up call. 💡 Here’s the reality: You are visible. You are powerful. And yes, that means you're also vulnerable. ✈️ 5 Quick Travel Safety Tips for Women Leaders: Delay your social media updates – No real-time location posts. Use an alias at hotels – Your name doesn’t need to be on display. Inspect your room – Entry points, hidden devices, and more. Pre-plan transportation – Don't rely on last-minute pickups. Have an emergency protocol – Know what to do before something happens. If you’re a CEO, executive, or entrepreneur regularly on the road, you need a personalized safety strategy as strong as your business plan. 💼 I help women like you protect what they’ve built—by first protecting themselves. Let’s talk about building your Executive Travel Safety Plan. Because confidence is powerful—but preparation is protection. — Investigator Chandra Cleveland 🔹 Private Investigator 🔹 Personal Protection Consultant for Women Executives 🔹 Founder, SHE Private Investigations & Consultants Group #WomenInBusiness #ExecutiveSafety #TravelSecurity #PrivateInvestigator #WomenCEOs #PersonalProtection #ChandraCleveland #SHEInvestigations #LeadershipAndSafety

Summer is in full swing, which means many of us are taking some much-needed PTO to travel and relax. But scammers don’t take time off. In fact, fraud upticks during the summer months.     If you are traveling this summer, here are some tips to keep your money safe:     🎣 Don’t get phished, go fishing. Our experts predict an increase in phishing campaigns related to summer travel. What are they? These scams lure people in using fake websites that offer special offers on travel and accommodation deals. So, only book through a trusted source and check the URL for spelling errors.     💸 Don’t pay for a scammer’s vacation through requests for nontraditional payment methods. Being asked to pay by wire transfer, crypto, gift cards, or peer-to-peer are a major red flag.     🏡 Watch out for fake rentals. These can even show up on legitimate booking platforms. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is a scam. There has been a rise of incidents where someone reserves a place to stay only to arrive and find it either doesn’t exist or isn’t what was promised.     🗽 Take in sights but be aware of your surroundings — and belongings. Keep your bags close to your body while in public. If your card is lost or stolen, cancel it and use Visa’s new Digital Emergency Card Replacement Services so your travel isn’t ruined.     You should be able to enjoy your time off — after all, you worked hard for it. Stay safe so you don’t have to worry about paying for someone else’s fun under the sun.     Have any tips for keeping your money safe while traveling? Let’s hear about it in the comments. Also, I’ll leave a comment with more information on the digital card replacement in case you or someone you know ever needs it.    — Paul