The sheer number of education sessions offered during the 2012 GBTA Convention, taking place this week in Boston, illustrates that a one size fits all approach does not suffice when it comes to serving today's business traveler. In particular, female employees who travel internationally for work may face a unique set of challenges when it comes to health and safety. International SOS, the world's leading medical and security services company, provides organizations with gender-specific, pre-travel training and assistant services for female business travellers.

Despite an increasing number of women business travelers, some organizatoins still struggle when it comes to providing the right travel safety advice to female employees. Areas of particular concern for women abroad include; sexual and opportunistic crime threads, managing cultural sensitivities and understanding local health systems and risks.

"Preventative measures, such as pre-travel training and education, can go a long way toward mitigating risk," said John Rendeiro, VP of Global Security & Intelligence for International SOS. "Preparation is essential for female business travellers who may experience additional threats to those faced by their male counterparts. International SOS offers tailored advice and training modules to help companies equip their female employees for safe travel."

International SOS webinars, online training courses and other resources for female business travelers include the tips below:

1. Plan for your contraceptive needs, and take extra precaution when pregnant

If you regularly take an oral contraceptive, plan ahead and carry extra supplies, as it may be difficult to procure your specific prescription in certain countries. Be aware that diarrhea can interrupt the absorption of oral contraceptives and leave you unprotected.

If you're planning to travel while pregnant be sure to see your doctor well in advance. Make sure your travel health insurance covers pregnancy-related conditions and neonatal care. It's also worth checking your airline's rules for pregnant passengers as some require a letter from your doctor confirming your stage of pregnancy.

Water quality can vary widely, so only drink boiled or bottled water – but plenty of it - and avoid ice. Avoid any pre-peeled fruit or salad, only eat fruit and vegetables that you peel and wash yourself.

Avoid malarial zones, if possible. Even when taking anti-malarial drugs, pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to the illness, which tends to affect them more severely.

Steer clear of altitude destinations higher than 12,000 feet as the effects of high altitudes on unborn babies are unknown

2. Keep a low profile

Dress modestly to avoid drawing attention to yourself, avoid wearing expensive jewelry and observe and respect local clothing customs. If you do receive attention from local men, ignore any propositions or suggestive comments they may make.

When walking alone in the street, keep your handbag and business luggage away from passing traffic. Familiarize yourself with your itinerary, walk purposefully and avoid using a map in full view. It is also a good idea to separate your credit cards from your cash; if one source is lost or stolen you still have a backup.

When driving, roll up windows to within a few inches at the top, park in well-lit areas and always lock your doors.

Ensure your hotel room numbers remain confidential. Do not display the room's key tag in public areas, and stress that the room number should not be given to any inquirers. When checking in, ask the receptionist to write the room number down, rather than tell you within earshot of other people.

Insist that the hotel room has a key-chain, deadlock and spy-hole, and that the door and window locks work properly. Never open the door to anyone without taking precautions. If someone claims to be a member of staff, get their name and department and check.

3. Know your surroundings

Start by finding out which time zone your destination is in, so you can mentally and physically prepare for the adjustment.

Research a local map in advance to pinpoint the location of your office and other necessities, including the U.S. embassy or consulate, pharmacies, medical centers and transportation hubs.

Some countries offer female-only hotels, which you may prefer to stay in. When booking your hotel room, floors three through six are desirable as they're far enough away from the lobby area but are still reachable by a fire engine in the event of an emergency.

Michael Burkhart
International SOS