Travel

In recent times the increasing diversity of College work has led to employees and students being involved in travel more now than ever. In many cases people tend to act like tourists whilst abroad on business (relaxed/less observant attitude) and often don't fully perceive the risks involved in travel for business purposes. In travel of this nature, it may be necessary to be more personally responsible for day-to-day activities in areas less policed or secure than tourist resorts.

With the increased levels of security and restrictions placed on what was regarded as normal travel, the methods and ways these are undertaken does mean staff should be aware of a prudent and sensible approach to travel.

Domestic travel in the UK

College vehicles are serviced by reputable organisations however; some simple checks prior to starting will help make an enjoyable journey.

Adjust the seat to the most comfortable driving position and ensure the seatbelt is adjusted
Adjust all mirrors to suit clear rear vision
Ensure clear visibility through all windows and make sure the windscreen washer operates and the bottle is full. If unsure how to chock this, the janitors will assist
Check petrol gauge and ALWAYS return vehicle with a full fuel tank
Check operation of all controls and visually check vehicle exterior for any damage
Always make note of any faults with the vehicle on the log sheet
Allow adequate time for the journey
Keep all doors locked during journey and lock vehicle when leaving
Never stop to pick up hitch-hikers
If driving for long distances, stop every 2 to 2.5 hours for a break of 15 to 20 minutes
When taking a break, get out of vehicle and walk about
NEVER use a mobile phone (including 'hands-free' kits) whilst driving. Always stop and park in a safe place to use the phone, with the vehicle engine switched off
Obey road rules and speed limits.

Rail and Air Transport

Check in early
Ensure suitcase/luggage is locked and secured
Evidence of any tampering/damage must be reported to security/station police immediately
Locate and know how to operate exits for use in emergency
It is advisable NOT to use mobile telephones whilst travelling
Use only recognised, reputable taxis at destination. If possible, prior to departure, book a taxi at destination.

Hotels

Choose a reputable hotel and book in advance
Get a reservation number and fax from hotel showing it, if possible
Don't book a room on the ground floor
Carry out initial inspection of room to be familiar with layout
Maximise use of door security methods
Check the position of nearest fire alarm, emergency exit route and any other possible escape routes in case of fire
Walk the emergency exit route to final exit to establish ease of use and if the door is unlocked and not blocked
Carry a small torch, either rechargeable or with new batteries, in case of power failure
Valuable items should be placed in room safe or reception safe
Meet visitors in hotel lobby, not in your room
Book taxis via hotel reception and, once in the taxi, act in a responsible and natural way
Ensure the hotel is aware of the approximate time of your return
Be aware of 'no-go' areas and avoid them
Avoid displays of obvious wealth and dressing like a tourist
Always remain alert but courteous with strangers and cautious with conversation
Do not carry weapons
Report any incidents IMMEDIATELY to police

Report home daily both to base and family/or friends

International travel

All travel involves some risk and foreign travel generally presents greater risks due to the traveller being unaware or unfamiliar with the customs and laws of the foreign country. Those involved in international travel need to be aware of the additional risks posed in other countries, which are not usually present In the UK. Reputable travel agents, international hotel chains and the British Consulates can establish the likelihood of these and provide the information to clients as necessary. Some of the risks that may be present include:

The state of economy, currency and bribery culture
Language
Religious differences and associated laws
Social structure
Living standards
Health & Safety laws in the country
Education
Methods of communication and the postal services
Workplace location and conditions
Type of building and type of work to be done
Competent persons and equipment at the place of work.

The risks posed in the countries to be visited should be greatly reduced if staff and students follow practical guidelines.

Information and Procedure pack should include:

An accurate and comprehensive itinerary with 24 hour contact numbers and an additional copy available for your immediate family/friends.
One copy of the itinerary issued to a contact in your Team and your Line Manager. (These documents should be checked and advise of any discrepancies to the booking agent to correct, i.e. return tickets and additional flight information.)
Guidance and information on how to reach the hotel from the airport, which taxis to use and the approximate fare for the journey.
Details of any underhand practices/non-registered taxis and places to avoid etc,
The telephone number and address of the nearest British Consulate.

Medical

Check the location and telephone number of approved medical facilities, which may be used if required
Check which vaccinations are required for the country to be visited?

Rabies is endemic in most countries and the correct precautions should be taken. Malaria is also endemic in tropical and sub-tropical climates. Some precautions include taking anti-malarial drugs prior to travel, and on return, for the prescribed term. Other precautions include covering exposed skin, the use of insect repellents, using mosquito nets, burning propriety mosquito coils, using mosquito spray and sleeping in air-conditioned rooms. It is advisable to be aware of any medical problems and ensure an adequate supply of existing personal medication is taken. Some 'over the counter' products available in chemists in the UK are not always available in other countries. Report any health problems, within 3 months of return, to your doctor.

Personal

Ensure passport is valid and the appropriate entry/visitors/working visas are valid
Pack suitable clothing for the climate and enough for the duration of the proposed visit
Observe and comply with any security checks and requests
If possible, use a wheeled suitcase and a luggage strap both locked with suitable locks. A more 'travelled' suitcase, which does not look 'too expensive', is going to be less conspicuous
Keys to locks should be carried/secured in a wallet
If you discover evidence of tampering or damage to your luggage you should report it lo airport security immediately,

When leaving foreign countries do not, under any circumstances, carry or take responsi¬bility for any other person's luggage or offer to take something back to the UK for other people.

Carry enough money to use for travel in the UK and local currency of intended country of visit for use in taxis etc. Use Travellers Cheques for balance or payment. Keep card with access number and telephone number for reporting a 'lost card' separate. Don't carry all money in one wallet.

Personal Security

Exercise on long flights - follow instructions given by most airlines i.e. toe and leg movements, stretching, walking in aisles, sleep patterns etc.
Report home daily both to base and family.

International Hotels

(some points below apply to both international and domestic hotels)

Choose a reputable hotel and booked in advance
Get a reservation number and fax from hotel showing it, if possible
Don't book a room on the ground floor
Carry out initial inspection of room to be familiar with layout
Maximise use of door security methods
Check the position of nearest fire alarm, emergency exit route and any other possible escape routes in case of fire
Walk the emergency exit route to final exit to establish ease of use and if the door is unlocked and not blocked
Carry a small torch, either rechargeable or with new batteries, in case of power failure
Valuable items should be placed in room safe or reception safe
Meet visitors in hotel lobby, not in your room
Book taxis via hotel reception and, once in the taxi, act in a responsible and natural way
Ensure the hotel is aware of the approximate time of your return
Be aware of "no-go' areas and avoid them
Avoid displays of obvious wealth and dressing like a tourist
Always remain alert but courteous with strangers and cautious with conversation
do not carry weapons
Try and carry a spare dummy wallet with some local currency, old receipts, and paper that can be thrown down if accosted. Main wallet should remain hidden on your body or body belt
Report any such incident IMMEDIATELY to police
Carry some spare universal currency i.e. US $ about £50.00 worth, specifically for your safety in emergency situations
Observe local customs and rules, (e.g. Singapore - fines for dropping litter and excessive alcohol consumption).

Communication

Establish mobile phone use and practices in the country where used. The availability of phones cards or alternate communication methods, which can be used, should be established.

Driving

Driving in foreign countries produces its own particular risks and hazards some of which include the size of the country, travel distance between cities and towns, road conditions, the side of the road driven on, speed limits and road traffic rules, signals, parking etc. These risks can be minimised by adopting a sensible & logical approach.

Check the insurance details and cover provided with the rental agreement
Adjust the seat to thee most comfortable driving position and ensure the seat belt is adjusted
Adjust all mirrors to suit clear rear vision
Ensure clear visibility through all windows, and the windscreen washer operates
Check petrol gauge for level of fuel
Check operation of all controls and visually check the exterior of the vehicle for any damage.

Additional information

Safety in the Sun

Approximately 2000 a year people die from skin cancer - the threat is very real and very dangerous. Although the sun makes us feel good it has dangers as well.

Always use sun block with a high screening number. Be sensible about exposure in the sun, cover up when you can and avoid the midday sun where possible.

Buildings (hotels, pools etc.)

Check balconies for gaps and if the railings are adequately secured. Be aware of the dangers of swimming after consuming alcohol.