Female Business Travel Safety: Lessons Learned and Practical Advice

Recent research paints a concerning picture of the realities many women face when travelling for work. 
According to industry reports, 83% of female business travellers have experienced a safety-related 
concern while travelling, while 58% have changed travel plans because of safety worries. At the same 
time, women account for approximately 84% of all solo travellers worldwide. 

Despite these figures, relatively few organisations have travel policies that specifically address the 
unique safety challenges female employees may encounter on the road. 

Our own experiences shape how we advise our own clients 

My wife and I have travelled extensively around the world for business, and one story in particular has 
always stayed with me. It happened long before we met, during a work trip she took to Paris. 
After arriving late in the evening, she checked into her hotel and headed to her room. During check-in, 
the receptionist offered her a complimentary welcome drink. She politely declined and went upstairs. 
About thirty minutes later, the receptionist called her room again, encouraging her to come down to the 
bar. She declined a second time, Fifteen minutes later, there was a knock at the door. 
It was the receptionist. 
 

Without opening the door, she firmly explained that she was not interested and was going to bed. Feeling 
increasingly uncomfortable, she called a colleague who lived in Paris. He immediately came to the hotel 
and made it very clear that she was not to be disturbed again. 

While the situation did not escalate further, the experience had a lasting impact. It changed the way she 
approached solo business travel and highlighted how easily an ordinary business trip can become an 
uncomfortable or potentially unsafe situation. 

The reality is that personal safety requires planning, preparation and awareness. Over the years, we've 
developed several habits and practices that have helped us travel more confidently and safely.

Plan Ahead 

Many travel-related risks can be reduced before you even leave home. Looking back at the Paris incident, 
better planning could have reduced some of the vulnerability that comes with arriving alone, even in a 
familiar city late at night. 

Before travelling, consider your arrival time, transport options, hotel location and how you will get from 
the airport to your accommodation. Save important contact numbers, including your hotel's direct 
number, and have a clear plan for what to do if your travel arrangements change unexpectedly. 

Researching your destination is equally important. Different countries have different attitudes towards 
gender, personal space and social interaction. Understanding local customs, cultural expectations, and 
etiquette can help you avoid misunderstandings while also building stronger professional relationships. 
Take time to review local laws, travel advisories, emergency contact numbers and current news reports 
that may affect your trip.

Consider Your Arrival Time 

Whenever possible, schedule international travel so that you arrive during daylight hours. 
Arriving during the day allows you to familiarise yourself with your surroundings, navigate transportation 
more easily and reach your hotel before nightfall. It also provides an opportunity to understand the local 
area and identify safe routes between your accommodation and workplace. 

While daytime arrivals are not always possible, they should be prioritised whenever practical. 

Be Selective About Evening Events 

Networking dinners and social events can be valuable, but they should never come at the expense of 
personal safety. 

If attending an event means travelling alone late at night, particularly through unfamiliar, isolated or 
poorly lit areas, consider leaving early or skipping the event altogether. Whenever possible, travel with 
colleagues and ensure someone knows your plans and how you intend to get back to your 
accommodation. 

Professional opportunities will always exist. Personal safety must come first. 

Choose how you travel to and from your hotel or meetings carefully 

Many travellers automatically default to taxis or ride-sharing apps. While these services can be 
convenient, it's worth researching all available transport options before arriving. 
Public transport, hotel-arranged transfers or pre-booked licensed taxi services may sometimes offer 
safer alternatives. The key is to understand the available options in advance rather than making 
decisions under pressure when you arrive. 

Whatever mode of transport you choose, ensure it is reputable, licensed and appropriate for the 
destination.

Choose Accommodation with Security in Mind 

Hotel selection should never be based solely on price or convenience. 
When reviewing accommodation options, look for properties located in well-populated areas with good 
transport links and strong security measures. Features such as 24-hour reception desks, on-site security 
personnel, CCTV coverage, and controlled access systems can provide valuable additional protection. 
Reading recent guest reviews can also reveal potential safety concerns that may not be obvious from 
marketing materials. 

Once inside your room, there are simple precautions that can provide extra peace of mind. One habit my 
wife adopted—and one I later adopted myself after an experience on a business trip to Tallinn—is placing 
a chair or other obstacles against the door before going to sleep. While it may seem old-fashioned, 
creating an additional barrier can deter unwanted entry attempts and provide an immediate alert if 
someone tries to enter. 

Stay Connected 

No one should travel alone without ensuring others know their whereabouts. 
Share your itinerary with trusted colleagues, family members, or your travel manager. Keep them 
informed of major schedule changes and maintain regular contact throughout your trip. 
Many organisations now have duty-of-care programmes and travel management support services 
available 24 hours a day. Make use of them when needed. 

Pack for Safety 

Your packing list should reflect both the destination and the risks you may encounter. 
Useful items to consider include: 
• Physical and digital copies of important travel documents. 
• Luggage and cable locks. 
• Appropriate clothing that respects local customs and cultural expectations. 
• Cross-body bags or anti-theft bags in areas known for street crime. 
• Offline maps and navigation apps. 
• Portable phone chargers or battery packs. 
• Emergency contact information is stored both digitally and on paper. 
Preparation can make a significant difference when dealing with unexpected situations.

Use Social Media Carefully 

Sharing travel experiences online can be enjoyable, but real-time posting can create unnecessary risks. 
Avoid broadcasting your exact location while travelling, particularly when travelling alone. Consider 
waiting until after you have left a location before posting photographs or updates. 
You should also avoid posting images that reveal your hotel, room number, boarding pass details or travel 
itinerary. 

Consider Travel Safety Technology 

Technology now offers a range of tools designed to improve traveller safety. 
Options include personal safety alarms, emergency alert devices, location-sharing applications, 
portable power banks and travel management platforms that allow organisations to monitor employee 
locations during business trips. 

Before travelling, review which tools your organisation provides and consider whether additional 
personal safety devices may be appropriate for your destination. 

Explore Responsibly 

Many business travellers extend work trips with a few days of leisure travel. While this can be one of the 
most rewarding aspects of business travel, it's important to remain vigilant. 

If you're unfamiliar with an area, explore during daylight hours whenever possible. Seek advice from hotel 
staff regarding safe neighbourhoods, transport options and areas to avoid. 

Always use licensed transport providers and avoid taking unnecessary risks simply because you're in a 
new destination. 

Protect Your Money and Documents 

Tourists are often targeted by opportunistic criminals, particularly around cash machines and transport 
hubs. 
To minimise risk: 
• Carry only the cash you need. 
• Store valuables securely in hotel safes where available. 
• Use secure payment methods whenever possible. 
• Consider RFID-blocking wallets or card holders. 
• Be careful if you need to draw money, in many hotels, they can provide you with local currency, 
removing the need to use an ATM 
• Keep digital copies of passports, visas, insurance documents and other important paperwork. 
Losing important documents can quickly turn a routine business trip into a major challenge, so 
preparation is essential.

The Responsibility of Employers 

While individual travellers can take many steps to improve their own safety, organisations also have a 
responsibility to support employees travelling on business. 
Travel policies should reflect the realities faced by female travellers and provide clear guidance on 
accommodation standards, transport options, arrival times, emergency support and reporting 
procedures. 

Business travel creates valuable opportunities, but no employee should feel that their personal safety is 
secondary to the trip itself. 

As the number of women travelling for work continues to grow, organisations that take traveller safety 
seriously will not only better protect their employees but also create a more confident, productive and 
inclusive travel culture.