With the increase in the number of women in businesses, so are the risks associated with them during business travel. Statistics reveal a stark reality: while striving to maintain a work-life balance during business trips, 31% of women refrain from venturing out alone at night, and a significant 46% consistently update family and friends about their location, emphasising the extra precautions women often take compared to their male counterparts.

With that in mind, our focus is on ways to improve and enhance the business travel experience for women, specifically around the safety of this select group of travellers. Following the safety tips below will help you travel confidently and keep you safe.

Key Findings from the Global Survey

According to a survey of business travellers commissioned by World Travel Protection, more than one in 10 female business travellers (12 percent) said they had experienced a negative incident, ranging from minor theft to assault when travelling. Almost one in five (19 percent) feel their organisation should “act with women’s safety in mind,” like ensuring flights don’t arrive late at night.

One in five female business travellers (21 percent) said they opt to stay in hotels that provide accommodation for solo women travellers, and a similar proportion (19 percent) resort to outward signalling like wearing a wedding ring (whether married or not) to avoid unwanted attention.

Close to one in three (31 percent) said they don’t venture out alone at night, compared to 18 percent of men. And up to 46 percent always stay in close touch with family and friends so that their whereabouts are known, versus 36 percent of men.

The fact that almost one in five women feels that their organisations should prioritise their safety indicates a significant gap in the current travel services landscape.

Practical travel safety tips

• Keep Your Plans Private: With the rise of social media and the impulse to share, it’s tempting to post about upcoming trips or check into glamorous hotels. However, avoid broadcasting your travel plans, including accommodation details. This ensures your whereabouts remain private, minimising any risks.
• Digital Privacy: Disable location services on apps that don’t require it and avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks, such as online banking.
• Choose hotels that offer extra security: Choose your hotel’s location in a safe area, and make sure extra security measures like deadbolt locks, finger scanning and dedicated women’s floors are available
• A hotel with security measures like a deadbolt lock, fingerprint scanning, peephole, and surveillance cameras can help you feel safer.
• Steer Clear of Risky Areas: Every city has its less reputable spots. Make it a point to avoid ‘seedier’ areas, especially during nighttime.
• Lean on Local Expertise: Your hotel’s staff will likely be well-versed in the locale. Don’t hesitate to ask your hotel manager or concierge for advice on ‘safe’ versus ‘unsafe’ local areas. They can also recommend reputable transport options or local tours that cater to solo women travellers.
• Limit the Luxe: Displaying expensive jewellery, gadgets, or designer goods can make you an attractive target. It’s best to leave the “bling” at home to reduce risk.

Rennies BCD Travel’s Commitment

At Rennies BCD Travel, we pay attention to this information because it underscores our promise to exceed expectations. We recognise that women’s experiences differ across cultures, identities, and regions, and we’re committed to addressing these unique challenges.

We provide the following solutions to take care of the safety of the ladies:

• The TripSource® Mobile app is the ultimate travel companion, and a standout feature is that not only are travellers notified of risks, but they can also check in using the ‘I’m Safe’ button within the app to notify their travel managers immediately. The app enables us to locate travellers, an imperative particularly in countries that have fewer legal rights or less equality socially, which poses an increased risk to women travellers.
• The APP also allows travellers to share their trips with others to keep them updated on any changes to their itinerary, providing another layer of security.
• Our consultants advise women travellers to select accommodation in hotels that provide separate floors reserved exclusively for ladies.
• We take precautions to book female travellers on flights that arrive during the day so they are not left in deserted carparks or airports where they are in danger.

In a world where travel promises new experiences and opportunities, safety should never be a secondary concern. As we commemorate Women’s Month, Rennies BCD Travel reaffirms its unwavering commitment to championing the cause of women travellers. We encourage everyone, from organisations to individuals, to prioritise safety and actively make the world more hospitable for all travellers, regardless of gender. Together, we can pave the way for more inclusive, safer travel experiences for everyone.