5 Essential Safety Tips for High-Net-Worth Individuals Traveling Overseas
As a special operations veteran turned executive protection agent at Defense Strategies Group, I've spent nearly two decades mastering my skills in security and protection. I’ve been fortunate to have traveled to exotic places and austere environments around the world, while providing protection for high-value clients like U.S. Ambassadors and high-net-worth individuals. Although traveling can be extremely fun, it also comes with its fair share of risks, especially for those with considerable wealth or status. Whether I am operating in conflict zones in the Middle East or Africa or traveling with clients in Europe, there are several things I do to mitigate risk and to prepare myself and my team for any situation that may pose a threat to our clients. In this comprehensive guide, I'll share five essential travel safety tips derived from my experience in the field, designed to help individuals navigate the world with confidence and security in mind.
1. Know Where You’re Going
This may sound ridiculous. Of course, you should know where you’re going before you get there. However, how much about that place do you really know? Part of what makes special operators so effective is our meticulous planning process. Prior to deploying anywhere, we do a comprehensive study of the country and operational area. One of the analysis methods we use is called: PMESII-PT, which stands for Political, Military, Economic, Social, Information, Infrastructure, Physical environment, and Time. We thoroughly examine each one of these areas to help us understand, predict, and react to threats, challenges, and changes in uncertain and unstable environments. For example, it’s important to understand the current political and social climate within a country, and any civil unrest that can negatively impact your trip.
While traveling in Europe, I did some reconnaissance in the areas my client was going to be working in prior to their arrival. I knew there were some ongoing protests in the city and was able to identify the locations where they were going to be having their demonstrations. This helped me plan our routes and guide my clients away from those areas. In some instances, the protests in that city had upwards of over 800,000 people demonstrating and blocking the roads. Some citizens were trapped in their vehicles for several hours and caught in the middle of riot control reacting to the situation.
It's crucial to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment and consider the political climate, current social issues, crime and security threats, as well as the routes and critical infrastructure where you’ll be traveling. At Defense Strategies Group, we specialize in conducting a thorough analysis of the environment and threat vulnerability assessments to identify and mitigate risks before they become hazards to our clients.
2. Prepare for Emergency Situations
This directly complements the first tip. No one likes to think about worst-case scenarios, but being prepared can make all the difference in an emergency. Everyone traveling should familiarize themselves with emergency procedures and contact information for local authorities, medical facilities, and embassy or consulate services. On a trip to Namibia, Africa, I was working with a group of motorcycle riders that were planning an expedition across the country. I asked, who knows where the local hospitals are at and what capabilities they have? Out of the group of ten, not one of them had looked that up ahead of time, yet they were ready and willing to embark on this adventure that had a high risk of injury from a motorcycle accident.
“What is your plan if someone crashes on their bike and gets seriously injured?” I asked.
One of them responded, “we’ll call for help with our cellphones.” I asked, “Does your cellphone work where you’ll be going?” They did not know, and the answer was no. Their cellphones, even with a local sim card, would not work in the areas they are traveling through.
Identifying issues like these before you go, can mean the difference between life and death in some cases. In the area we were at in Africa, they only had one major trauma center and it was located hundreds of miles from where we were at. Likewise, there were only two other smaller clinics, also separated by hundreds of miles with no other medical facilities in between. Prior to us identifying these concerns, the expedition team was planning on embarking on their journey with no form of communication other than their cellphones and no personal medical kit. Thankfully, our team did a detailed mission planning session with the group, and they had a very successful trip riding through the African desert.
On trips, Defense Strategies Group agents always carry a comprehensive emergency kit with essential supplies, medications, and documentation in case of unforeseen events. Likewise, we have emergency action plans made on where we’re going and how we’ll be getting out of an area during a crisis.
3. Maintain a Low Profile
High-net-worth individuals should strive to maintain a low profile while traveling, blending in as much as possible with the local population and avoiding conspicuous displays of affluence. Depending on where you go, it may be more difficult to “blend in” with the indigenous population. For example, if you’re fair skinned and you’re traveling to parts of Africa or the Middle East where everyone is primarily darker skinned, you’re going to stand out. On one of my assignments as a special operator, I was working as a special operations liaison to the Philippine special operations units and Maritime police force. During that time, I had to frequently travel to different islands throughout the sulu archipelago and it was critical that I maintained a low profile, due to the high threat of terrorist activity in the area. Several westerners had been kidnapped while I was there, and I was tasked with collecting information regarding their whereabouts and assess the capabilities of our partner’s ability to secure the maritime domain. I traveled in plain clothes and grew out my hair a little longer than the typical military cut, to avoid being profiled as a member of the armed forces. Even though I’m half Filipino, I look white. Everyone stopped what they were doing and watched me wherever I went on the smaller islands in southern Mindanao. Since no westerners visit that area, I stood out and took a significant risk of attracting unwanted attention from potential threats.
Although most reading this aren’t going to be on special operations missions, the principle of maintaining a low profile applies. Dress modestly, refrain from wearing clothing that makes you stand out in a crowd and avoid flashing expensive jewelry or accessories. Likewise, avoid discussing sensitive topics in public and take extra precautions when checking out areas, not frequently visited by foreigners. You don’t want to attract unwanted attention and potential threats.
4. Secure your Digital Footprint
In today's interconnected world, digital security is just as important as physical security. Do not announce where you’re going on social media or provide locations to where you’re at while you’re traveling. While it may be tempting to want to share about your travels immediately, it’s best to wait till after your trip is over to start sharing. However, it is important to maintain communication with others while traveling. Establish regular check-ins with trusted contacts or family members, providing updates on your whereabouts and activities. Invest in reliable communication devices such as satellite phones or encrypted messaging apps for secure communication in remote or high-risk areas.
In addition, it’s recommended to take proactive measures to secure your digital footprint, including using strong, unique passwords for online accounts, enabling two-factor authentication, and avoiding public Wi-Fi networks when accessing sensitive information.
5. Invest in Professional Executive Protection
High-net-worth individuals should consider investing in professional executive protection services, especially when traveling to high-risk destinations or high-profile events. Our team at Defense Strategies Group comprises seasoned special operations veterans who are experts in providing discreet and effective protection for our clients, ensuring their safety and peace of mind throughout their travels.
Trust your security team to prioritize your safety and well-being. Defense Strategies Group’s executive protection agents are highly trained professionals with extensive experience in security operations and risk management. Trust in their expertise and follow their guidance to ensure a secure and successful travel experience.
Traveling as a high-net-worth individual comes with unique challenges and considerations, but with thorough planning and the appropriate security measures in place, it's possible to navigate the world safely and confidently. By following these five essential travel safety tips from Defense Strategies Group, you can minimize risks and enjoy peace of mind wherever your travels may take you.
For more information on how Defense Strategies Group can assist you while traveling overseas, contact Benjie at Benjie@defensestrategies.us
Benjie Manibog
DSG cadre and Retired Marine Raider
