Grab your notebook and prepare to copy. The first edition of this series, “The CIA operative’s guide to safe travel,” received an overwhelming response and was featured in Entrepreneur, Travel and Leisure, and Business Insider to name a few publications. Welcome to part two of the series. I hope you enjoy it and learn something that will keep you safe from harm’s way. Enjoy, and remain vigilant!
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1. Be proactive, not reactive
Make copies of your passport, medical card, credit cards, and travel itinerary. Give a copy to a friend back home and keep a copy with you. Email any pertinent information to yourself through a web-based email account so you can get it from any hotel or Internet café if needed. Check in with the U.S. embassy when you arrive.
2. Use a “fragile” tag
Bags marked with this sticker are generally put on top of the pile, and end up being among the first to hit the baggage claim conveyor belt. That means you can get out of that human Bingo game and to the taxi line a whole lot quicker. You can buy a variety of different labels like these online.
3. Always use your first name
If you are traveling undercover, maintain your real first name. It’s actually harder for CIA operatives to maintain their cover domestically versus overseas. On the slim chance I bump into someone in Florence who, upon seeing me, yells, “Drew!” the source I’m trying to recruit won’t wonder why he’s been calling me Simon the whole time.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider