Safe travels, colleagues!

I am thinking a lot about (mostly business) traveling as I will be on trains and in hotel rooms off and on for the next weeks. I will be travelling to the middle of Switzerland soon – where the lakes and mountains meet. Even if it is “business”, I look forward to seeing my colleagues and to the meetings meals together. Later next month I look forward to some EASC Board meetings and to seeing my colleagues in person once again.

What about security for myself, especially as a woman alone a lot of the time?  What can I do?

Make sure the journey is as safe as possible and make sure your room is secure.  When we do these two things we can focus on the reason for the travel and be more present. As Dr. Henry Cloud says we need to be conscious of the “wake” we incur around others. A wake of discomfort and especially of fear is not how we want to influence the meeting we attend.

Let’s start with accommodations, first. Whether you travel for fun or for work, you need to feel good about your accommodations to thoroughly take advantage of the reason you travel.

Sometimes you are allowed to choose your hotel and at other times it is chosen for you.  I prefer a hotel in a residential neighborhood where “normal people” live. It makes me feel more comfortable.  Whatever your personal preference, do some research and choose a place that is best for you. 

Upon arrival, make sure the room is to your liking and that you have a few of the hotel business cards with you so you can contact the hotel if need be.

When you get you your room, check certain areas, just in case the room is not empty.  Remember to check:

The shower, the curtains, and the closet – just to be safe (some people suggest using a hanger so nobody can grab your hand; but I am not that worried).

Make sure you know where the emergency exit(s) is, check the windows and door and make sure the door deadbolts – if you want, you can buy a secondary lock and/or and alarm if you are not satisfied with anything. In cases of uncertainty about the accommodation, I suggest you bring these things along.

Do not accept calls from strangers, etc. And of course, do not leave any indications that you are alone outside your hotel room door.

Also, keep your phone charged and in the same place in case of any emergency.

When you go out of your room, leave on a light and/or the radio so others think you are still there and remember not to leave valuables in the room. Either bring them with you or leave them in the safe at the hotel front desk.

When you feel secure and comfortable in your sleeping environment, you are more able to concentrate on the work and hopefully, the fun you came for.

Now let’s move to your journey.

You will also want to feel safe while you are traveling.  My choice of travel is usually the train and when it is daytime, there is no problem for me. If I travel at night, I stay close to couples and families when I am travelling alone. One time I had a more dramatic night layover in the middle of nowhere, and I hung out with some people who were gathering to talk in a well-lit space. I felt very comfortable with the group and just enjoyed their presence.

If you travel by car, make sure you have all the needed materials ”in case of emergency”, so that, if you are stuck for hours on a highway (as a friend recently was) you can eat, drink and relieve yourself, if necessary. If it is winter, a blanket, a candle, matches, chains may also be necessary, depending on where you are traveling.

All these precautions will also allow you to arrive less stressed than if you had a terrible time getting there. The goal is to arrive feeling comfortable and calm to your destination, so you are ready for the meetings, the fun, the people, and even the place.  Arriving comfortable, safe and sound allows you to be in and enjoy the moment. Having safe and comfortable accommodations allows you to enjoy your whole stay.

So, safe travels wherever you are going to!

Patricia Jehle               patricia@jehle-coaching.com