Defensive Countermeasures Institute —

Traveling to a new oversea venue requires a bit more planning than merely ensuring your passport has the appropriate visa, or that your international immunization record is accurate and up to date. As soon as it becomes known that a trip is scheduled one of the first orders of business is to gather background information on the country destination.  Two excellent sources to start your research are the U.S. Department of State web page www.travel.state.gov and The World Factbook, which may be viewed by following the link located at www.cia.gov.  Each of these pages offer background information available to the public, providing valuable updates to Travel Warnings, country conditions, population densities and other data that is extremely useful to assess security precautions.

If you manage your own accommodations, check availability on two or more hotels that match your needs. To the extent possible arrange your itinerary so that you arrive at your hotel during daylight hours. This is allows you the opportunity to become familiar with the grounds before last light. Also you are wise to conduct a cursory inspection of the room assigned looking for fully functional, deadbolt door locks. Be sure to step from the room and identify all stairwell exits on your room floor, ensuring that they are not blocked and do provide an emergency open air exit.

It is equally important to get a feel for the surrounding infrastructure.  You may be surprised to learn that the hotel selected based on an internet research is located adjacent a vacant lot or other landmark that is inviting to loitering or other unsavory activity. By arriving early, you allow yourself opportunity to inspect where you will be staying.  You will also be giving yourself time to move to your alternate choice should the primary location not meet your security expectations.

Take nothing for granted.  The practice of planning for your personal security must never be overlooked or taken lightly.  Doing some homework before heading overseas better prepares you for conducting business on foreign soil.  Be Safe!