Dear Tammy: With every attack around the world-Brussels, Nice and even Orlando, I've had clients who are skittish about traveling. Add in what's been going on in the United States with the ban imposed by President Trump and my travelers are really starting to feel the nerves. Can they travel safely anymore? What do I tell them?
Tammy:
It's crazy out there right now, no doubt, but it's up to us-as travel agents-to help our clients plan their trips and feel that they do not have to stop traveling. The idea is that your clients don't feel safe, and safety is a big part of traveling.
Your clients may benefit from taking a travel safety course.
Robert Riesmeyer, the Co-Founder of Traveling Aware, offers these courses for travelers.
"The Traveling Aware Travel Safe Training provides an interactive environment in which to discuss the best practices for traveling safely outside the United States, as well as survive a worst-case scenario of being abducted by criminal/terrorist elements or detained by officials of a foreign government," Riesmeyer said.
The topics he discusses include safe travel practices, surveillance detection, surviving abduction, surviving internment, minimizing exploitation, captivity resolution, as well as proven techniques to employ when detained by authorities of a recognized foreign government, such as immigration/customs officials, local police, and internal security personnel.
As a travel agent, you can even monetize your business by purchasing Riesmeyer's courses and reselling them to your clients. It's a great way to show your clients that you, too, are concerned about keeping them safe no matter where they travel. They will learn safety on every level-from what's important about social media to learning how to avoid a hostage situation.
Robert shares tips with his clients and has shared a few here to give to your clients. It's a start to making them feel safer when they travel:
*You should never drop your guard even for a show of kindness. Remain alert. Be aware.
*If you detect a stranger is following, go to a public place to seek help and contact law enforcement.
*Be aware of your surroundings in the streets, whether walking or jogging.
*Keep your hands free to defend yourself from an attacker.
*When window-shopping, do not wear clothing that may interfere with your ability to run from an attacker.
To learn more about what Robert does, check out his video.
It's not an easy time, but it's important to stay educated about travel safety and educate your clients as well.
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