Essential Safety Tips for Traveling Internationally
Like many extended stay business travelers, you may find yourself staying in a serviced apartment, such as those offered by Synergy Global Housing. You’ll have everything you need for a long-term stay: furnishings, a full kitchen, housewares, linens, 24/7 guest service and more. However, there’s always room to make your business travels even more efficient, comfortable and productive.
We’ve rounded up numerous resources that digital nomads love, divided into categories, that business travelers like you can benefit from as well. Take advantage of them on your next trip.
In this modern work-from-anywhere era, exciting new experiences and opportunities for exploration are simply a few mouse clicks away. No matter the reason for your travels—if you’re a digital nomad, relocating for work, or getting the lay of the land for a new project—it’s important to prepare with caution. So, before you hop on your next flight abroad, ensure you’re protected with these important travel safety tips.
Acclimating to your new environment requires an alert and open mind. Thankfully, with fully furnished living spaces and serviced apartments like those offered by Synergy, your home base will be the least of your worries.
As you prepare for your next extended stay or short-term sojourn, we’ve compiled a list of safety guidelines that all travelers should know.
Before You Go
Your protection is of the utmost importance, especially when you’re traveling internationally. Our 24/7 guest services team is well-versed in anything and everything travel safety.
The key is proactivity. Do your research, establish a cultural knowledge of foreign countries, and prepare for all possible outcomes.
Familiarize Yourself with Your Destination
When you move to a new city, whether you’re relocating for work or taking advantage of remote flexibility, your cultural awareness of the region is vital for your success.
Your social comprehension and etiquette can directly influence your safety. In various regions, such as the Middle East where modest attire is appreciated, and in Asia where business culture emphasizes personal interaction and trust, cultural nuances like proper attire and dining etiquette can greatly impact social and professional interactions. The more you try to learn, the easier it will be to reduce the risk of aggravation or embarrassment in your social encounters.
In your research, you’ll grow to understand and respect the cultural nuances and traditions of your new community. Synergy serves as the perfect go-to resource with customer support and local knowledge that will help ease any traveling or relocation discomfort. Additionally, platforms such as Tripadvisor or Reddit are also great digital forums for travelers’ first-hand insights. Take advantage of the subreddits for travel hacks or destination-specific threads, as well as traditional guidebooks, magazines, and Synergy’s detailed city guides.
Make Copies of Important Documents
When you are either traveling or residing in a foreign country, there are three key steps you should take to ensure your safety and stay well-informed.
Firstly, you should always have multiple copies of your travel documents (such as a license or passport) in case they are either lost or stolen. As a backup, safely store digital copies of your important documents on your laptop or mobile phone.
Secondly, you can utilize the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a cost-free service designed to help you register your travel plans with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By doing this, you establish a direct link with your government representatives while abroad.
Lastly, it's essential to have access to the contact information for the nearest embassy. This information can be invaluable in times of need, providing you with a lifeline in emergency situations. Additionally, it's wise to stay updated on any travel warnings or advisories relevant to your destination through the STEP program. This program not only offers essential safety information but also serves as an ultimate safety resource if you encounter unexpected crises during your international journey.
Protect Yourself and Your Belongings
When you’re traveling with precious cargo—from your credit cards to jewelry to yourself—it’s important to be equipped with secure luggage and travel-safe self-defense devices.
Safely pack away your belongings and prevent being pick-pocketed with travel locks and anti-theft backpacks. Maintain peace of mind throughout your journey with a TSA-permitted personal safety alarm and RFID-blocking wallets to prevent your banking information from being stolen via the chips on your credit cards. And remember to look up and memorize the phone number for your destination’s emergency services.
But rest assured, you’re not alone. At Synergy, we strive to uphold the Duty of Care each company demands for their employees. Our guest services team is focused on reducing risk before your arrival. Your accommodations will be ready and easily accessible, and we’ll be on standby for any difficulties you may encounter.
While You’re Exploring
For digital nomads and business travelers alike, we’ll provide you with everything you need to make yourself feel at home. With housewares, linens, high speed Wi-Fi, and on-site laundry, our fully furnished corporate housing apartment will become your home base in no time. Once you’re settled in, you’ll be ready to hit the town; however, there are still some tips to remember to stay safe as you engage with your new community.
Ask Locals (and Us!) for Advice
When you move to a new city, your ability to interact with the locals can help introduce you more quickly to your surroundings. For this reason, it’s extremely beneficial to try to learn some basic words and phrases in the native vernacular.
Your fellow residents will have abundant knowledge of the neighborhood. They’ll be able to tell you which bar has the cheapest happy hour, where to catch the closest train, and what areas to avoid for your own safety. Our guest services team is here and available to help support our travelers with whatever you need, wherever you are in the world.
Stay Alert
Although our devices are a great way to energize a mundane walk or subway ride, you should always do your best to stay aware of your surroundings. Remain hypervigilant, avoid using your phone while walking, and keep your headphone volume low enough to hear your environment.
With helpful alerts and reminders throughout your journey, apps like TripIt are fantastic ways to organize your travel details. Once you update the app with your destination, it helps to provide neighborhood safety scores, currency conversions, and more.
Always Have a Plan
Tap into your research and use your newfound knowledge of your destination to get the lay of the land. Do your best to gain confidence with the general layout of your new community.
If you’re checking out a new restaurant or meeting with a client for the first time, determine your path before you leave your serviced apartment, and walk with purpose. By removing the need for a map or GPS, you’ll look less like a tourist and more like a local—which means you’ll be less of a target for potential scammers or pickpockets.
If Plan A takes a turn for the worst, make sure you always have a back-up plan. Take note of local landmarks, as well as the nearest hospital or police station, so that if something happens, you’ll know where to go. And if you do get lost, make sure you always have a portable charger, as well as your address and important phone numbers written down or memorized.
Synergy’s Emergency Response in Times of Crisis
The world is a complex place where unforeseen emergencies can arise at any moment. Whether it's the conflicts in Ukraine and Israel or the devastating wildfires in California, Synergy is fully prepared and equipped to provide assistance for emergency moves and evacuations. We've established a dedicated Crisis Response Team across all regions, continuously monitoring global situations to support our clients and guests.
Synergy's Crisis Response program is meticulously designed to handle incidents at their source, prioritizing the rapid dissemination of critical information, supplying the necessary resources, and offering guidance to local crisis teams. Our primary goal is to provide prompt and effective support. To achieve this, our crisis structure places great emphasis on establishing clear communication pathways, ensuring that resources are deployed as swiftly as possible.
Ready for your next stay?
With these safety tips and tricks, you’re ready to embark on your travels. Whether you’re relocating independently, or organizing a large group move for your company, Synergy is here to help.
Remember to be proactive. Plan ahead and do your due diligence on your destination. Research the cultural and social norms of your new community, come prepared with copies of important documents and identification, and equip yourself with travel accessories and tools that will ensure your security on your journey.
Once you arrive at your serviced, fully furnished apartment, you’ll feel right at home. Get acclimated to your local environment by reaching out to our 24/7 guest services team and your fellow residents, who will have an expansive knowledge of the area. But don’t forget to remain alert in your explorations. Always keep a look out for suspicious activity and prepare yourself for the unexpected.
Your next adventure awaits! Let us help you plan your stay today in one of the cities we specialize in.
