While working overseas in a densely populated urban area under curfew, our team encountered an unexpected roadblock late at night. The streets were dimly lit and unfamiliar. As we turned a corner, we came face-to-face with a group of armed individuals, manning a makeshift checkpoint – no official insignia, no clear authority. Misreading the situation or reacting poorly could have escalated it quickly – thankfully, it didn’t.

Drawing on the same principles we now teach through our Prepare2Go programme, the team stayed calm. They managed their body language, avoided sudden reactions, and communicated with clarity and control via their interpreter. The result? No panic. No conflict. Just the right mindset and behaviours applied at the right time.

Prepare2Go is built on real-world experiences like this, drawn from professionals who have operated in some of the world’s most complex environments. These lessons are now adapted for energy sector personnel, NGO workers, journalists and international business travellers alike.

Risk isn’t confined to conflict zones. Disruptive events, such as large-scale protests and demonstrations, localised theft, traffic incidents and checkpoints can happen anywhere. Situational awareness gives every traveller the tools needed to be able to respond decisively and confidently when confronted with unexpected challenges.

Twelve years into my career, I considered myself a confident and experienced traveller. I’d spent years moving between client sites and project locations across the UK, Europe, and parts of Africa, handling the usual challenges of business travel with ease.

But one night, during a work trip in the UK, the fire alarm in my hotel went off around 2am. My first thought was that it was a mistake, perhaps a routine test, albeit at a rather unreasonable hour. But as I gathered my thoughts, it became clear; this could be real.

That’s when the questions started.

Could I just walk out as I was? What was I wearing, and was it appropriate, not just for public view, but for the weather outside? It was a freezing winter night, but my room had been warm and comfortable.

Where exactly was the fire? I’d not studied the fire escape map on the back of the door. If there had been smoke in the corridor, I’d have been relying on instinct, or chance!

And where was the assembly point? Could I simply follow others, or would that leave me more disorientated in an emergency?

I hesitated. I opened the door, looked to see what others were doing, and only then made the decision to get dressed and evacuate. Even then, I wasn’t prepared for the cold, and I’d left my mobile phone behind. Some guests remained in their rooms until hotel staff began knocking on doors. We stood outside in the cold for over two hours while the fire service investigated. Thankfully, it turned out to be a false alarm triggered by a toaster.

But that moment reshaped how I approach travel, whether for work or leisure. If I’d received security and situational awareness training at the time, I’d have been far better prepared. Now, I always check the nearest fire exits, learn where the emergency assembly points are, and make small but important preparations before settling into any accommodation.

Because safety doesn’t just apply to high-risk environments, it’s relevant to everyday scenarios. Being aware, prepared, and ready to respond can make all the difference.