| Traveling is not just a matter of getting from | | | | same. Make sure that you have appointed |
| starting point A to destination B. It is certainly | | | | someone at home who can make important |
| much more than that. You have to make | | | | decisions on your behalf. God forbid, but borders |
| decisions and considerations on many matters. | | | | may close unexpectedly, regulations may change, |
| And when the destination is Africa, more than a | | | | or your return may just be impeded in some one |
| few things are very important remember. Here | | | | way or another. At the work front, you may |
| are tips to help you along the way: | | | | need someone to carry on making business |
| Learn Your Destination in Advance - Culture, | | | | decisions for you during such a delay. |
| Politics and Health issues | | | | Photocopies of important personal documents |
| Buy a guidebook or better still, spend some time | | | | Needless to say, it is far easier to replace any lost |
| online studying your African destination. This will be | | | | documents if you have photocopies of the same. |
| time well invested. Be aware of any political or civil | | | | Before you leave home, make copies of your |
| unrest - recent or just about to happen. Check | | | | passport, airline tickets, credit cards, traveler's |
| the latest information about diseases or illness | | | | checks, and any other documents that may be |
| outbreaks and employ the appropriate | | | | important. Leave a copy of each at home. |
| precautionary measures. The earlier you take up | | | | Be vigilant on your Arrival and during your Stay |
| to do this exercise, the better your trip is likely to | | | | This applies to travel to any city in the world. It is |
| be. | | | | only more emphasized for travel to Africa where, |
| Business travelers, particularly female business | | | | in some cases, the effectiveness and efficiency |
| travelers should be aware of appropriate behavior | | | | of the law-enforcing officers may be wanting. |
| and attire. In some parts of Africa, if you are not | | | | Recovery of stolen items is rare. |
| aware of the cultural differences with regard to | | | | Whether you are at the airport or in the streets |
| gender, it can lead to increased difficulty in getting | | | | or at your hotel, constantly remind yourself that |
| around, embarrassment and, in some rare cases, | | | | as a business traveler, you may be carrying |
| safety concerns. | | | | equipment that other people might want to steal. |
| You need to be sensitive to the cultural | | | | Your laptop and the information it contains, your |
| sensibilities of the country that you are visiting. | | | | wallet or purse, mobile phone and any other |
| For instance, if you are visiting an African country | | | | hi-tech gadgets are all potential targets. Be on the |
| that is predominantly Moslem, you will take note | | | | lookout for distractions. Do not leave your |
| that men never shake hands with women, unless | | | | valuables unattended. |
| they are close relatives. And as much as things | | | | In addition take care at airport security |
| may be changing, this particular taboo is still | | | | checkpoints: in the confusion of being searched |
| observed and respected in many Moslem | | | | and collected bags, your laptop or camera could |
| societies. | | | | easily be carried off by someone else. |
| Take note of legal requirements, particularly in | | | | Ensure your personal safety in foreign city |
| terms of visa regulations and also what is allowed | | | | Staying in any foreign city may have its problems. |
| and what is not allowed into the country. For | | | | At all times during your stay, be aware of which |
| example, Rwanda banned the use of thin plastic | | | | part of the city you are in, or are traveling |
| bags way back in 2006 and the rule is in force. | | | | through. |
| Luggage will be searched at the entry point and at | | | | Also ask your local business contacts or your |
| police checkpoints throughout the country to | | | | hotel reception for advice on which locations may |
| ensure nobody is plastic bag | | | | or may not be safe when seeking evening dining |
| Inform Family Members and Office Colleagues | | | | or entertainment venues. |
| before Leaving the Country | | | | Carry Identification Documents on You all the |
| Once the travel plans have crystallized, inform | | | | time |
| friends and family members of the same. It is | | | | If you must keep your fitness regime while |
| advisable to leave a copy of your itinerary and | | | | traveling, such as jogging or working out, be sure |
| contact numbers. Leave these with someone at | | | | to carry identification with you. A photocopy of |
| your office or at home or both. | | | | your passport or a simple tag listing your name |
| Confer Power of attorney to Family Members | | | | and a local contact number - to your hotel or local |
| and Colleagues | | | | business contact - will suffice. |
| This sounds extreme, but it is important all the | | | | |