Hello Concealed Coalition! Austin Davis, your National Director of Training here. This month’s webinar is all about travel safety — a topic I’ve been teaching for nearly three decades.
Whether traveling for pleasure, business, or in my past role as a police officer, I’ve encountered a myriad of experiences, from luxurious hotels to sketchy motels and from first-class flights to the smallest commuter planes.
The Importance of Preparation
Travel can be an exciting adventure, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Preparation is key to ensuring safety and security. Before you embark on your journey, here are some critical steps to follow:
Research Your Destination
Whether traveling domestically or internationally, knowing the current crime trends and local travel safety tips can significantly enhance your travel experience. For instance, when I traveled to Egypt recently, thorough research helped me navigate safely despite concerns from friends and family.
Secure Your Home
Ensure your home is well-protected while you’re away. This includes psychological protection (making your home appear occupied), physical security (strong locks and secured windows), and having a trusted person check on your property.
Smart Packing
Check your luggage thoroughly to avoid carrying prohibited items like ammunition, which can lead to serious trouble in foreign countries. Pack essential items in levels:
- Level 1: Items you keep on your body (passport, credit cards)
- Level 2: Items in your carry-on (medications, electronics)
- Level 3: Items in your checked luggage
Essential Gear
Consider carrying travel locks for hotel rooms, an RFID wallet for your credit cards, a powerful flashlight for self-defense and illumination, and a basic first aid kit.
During Travel
Whether you’re flying, taking a train, using taxis, or driving, each mode of transportation has its own travel safety protocols:
- Airplanes: Always wear your seatbelt and familiarize yourself with emergency exits.
- Trains: Use a retractable cable lock for your luggage to deter opportunistic thieves.
- Taxis: Verify the legitimacy of the taxi before entering and agree on the fare and route beforehand.
- Automobiles: Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained and keep your possessions out of sight.
Hotel Safety
Choosing and staying in a hotel requires vigilance:
- Room Selection: Opt for rooms between the second and sixth floors—high enough to avoid easy break-ins but low enough for emergency access.
- Securing Your Room: Use additional locks on doors and windows, and consider using a travel alarm. Always check the room thoroughly upon arrival.
- Valuables: Use the hotel safe or a lockable box to secure important items. Leaving a TV or lights on can give the appearance that the room is occupied.
Situational Awareness in Relation to Travel Safety
Being aware of your surroundings is crucial, especially in unfamiliar environments:
- Read the Baseline: Understand the normal behavior and atmosphere of the location.
- Hasty Search: Quickly assess whether the environment feels positive or negative.
- Human Communication: Recognize that interactions will either be through force or reason and be prepared to handle both appropriately.
Final Travel Safety Tips
- Avoid Stupid Situations: As John Farnham’s rules suggest, don’t go to stupid places with stupid people at stupid times for stupid reasons.
- Social Media: Don’t post your travel plans online until you’re back home to avoid advertising an empty house.
Traveling can create wonderful memories, but it’s important to stay safe and prepared. Should you have any questions or need further training, consider checking out our resources on Concealed Coalition University. Stay vigilant, be a guardian always, and a warrior when needed. Safe travels!
