How To Be Your Own Body Guard While Traveling This Summer

When people think of a body guard they have an image go off on their head. It’s usually the stereotypical huge goon, who shoots it out with the bad guy to protect his principle/client.

This is what we call the Hollywood version of a body guard which is as far from what an actual body guard does in the real world.

In reality a body guard’s job is to prevent his principle from entering dangerous areas by doing advance work so his principle is never put in danger in the first place.

So here are a few ways on how you can do advance work to be your own body guard.

Make sure to have someone pick up your mail, check on your home while you’re away. Have your lights on auto timers and get a neighbour to park his car in your driveway to make your home look occupied.

Before traveling somewhere look at the crime stats before choosing your destination. Avoid cities and countries with high kidnapping, murder and theft rates. Talk to friends who have traveled to these areas as well.

If you’re doing a road trip plan out your routes and make sure you avoid driving through slum areas. If there is no other option make sure you are not driving an expensive vehicle so you don’t make yourself a target and have your windows rolled up and doors locked with an easily assessable weapon close by.

Have a first aid kit in your car, calculate fuel consumption and where gas stations are along your route so you never run out of fuel and get stranded.

Avoid wearing flashy jewelry while traveling so you don’t target yourself.

Know the tricks of the trade of criminals so you don’t end up suckered and victimized. An example would be a person is laying on the road face-down, most people will stop to help but this is one of the oldest tricks in the book to get someone out of their car to rob them and take their vehicle.

Know which weapons are prohibited in the area you are traveling in

Always travel with a weapon on you and maintain situational awareness.

If staying in a hotel/motel stay no higher than the 4th floor away from pool side in case of a fire. This way the fire department can get to you without any problems or additional obstacles. Remember stay low to the ground when escaping a smoke filled room.

When you get to your room count how many doors down your room is from the fire exit in case of heavy smoke impairing your vision during evacuation.

Always travel with your own person door jam to prevent a forced entry into your room.

Never leave valuables or identifications in your room instead use a safety deposit box, you never know who is actually cleaning your room.

There are numerous other things that you can do to help protect yourself this summer while you’re traveling.

Remember an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure

Norm Bettencourt