Many travelers have been avoiding countries like Mexico for fear of crime. However, common sense precautions can go a long way towards a safe and exciting business incentive trip. Here are some ways you can help your clients avoid being victims.

Environmental Awareness

First, dispel myths. Second, explain the realities. For instance, if most of the crime in a certain places happens in the inner city subway system, provide a guide to other means of travel. If the crimes are primarily pick-pocketing, make a checklist of safety measures for your travelers–pick-pocketing is not a violent crime, and travelers who are properly prepared will be able to enjoy their trip without losses to petty thievery.

There are, of course, global havens for robbers. One of those places is the ATM. No matter where you are, avoid using these machines unless they are located in safe hotel lobbies, inside secure banks, and sometimes in stores (although that’s a little dicey).

Counsel your travelers not to become noticeable. Lots of people like to be conspicuous, but doing that only tells criminals that you may have the means to be noticed. You become a target instantly. Your body language may also give away that you are from another place, and this makes you vulnerable as well. Walk the walk but avoid places where you think you might have to do it–someone is watching you that you would rather not have do so.
Put Your Headset Away

If you are walking around a foreign city, you need your ears as well as your eyes to keep you safe. Put away the MP3 player and look like you are well aware of where you are and where you’re going. Confidence and awareness are both deterrents to pick-pockets. Just in case, however, leave your important identification–like social security cards, etc.–in your hotel room safe and only carry your driver’s license. Leave your jewelry in your house. Take one credit card and have the phone number of the office in the hotel safe in case you need to cancel it.

Of course, anything on your person is prime real estate for a criminal. Cell phones, palm devices, cameras, laptops, and even a fancy pen can be lifted off you without you knowing. Be aware, be prepared, be sparse, and be safe.