Business travel is often seen as a career perk, with many professional and personal benefits, but a new survey reveals that it also comes with safety concerns particularly for women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and younger professionals.

The survey of 2,000 international business travellers, conducted by Opinium on behalf of travel risk management organisation, World Travel Protection, finds that 67% of business travellers say it is less safe for women to travel for work than men, yet only 16% receive any pre-travel information on women’s rights and safety considerations. A quarter (25%) of women also say they are uncomfortable travelling to countries where women’s rights are not well protected, compared to just 14% of men.

Safety concerns are also higher among younger business travellers. More than half (52%) of under 34s say business travellers are a target for crime, compared to only a third (33%) of over 55s, with 62% of under-34s also saying their employer could do more to ensure their safety while travelling, compared to a third (36%) of over-55s.

For LGBTQ+ travellers, there can also be added safety complications. 52% believe business travel is less safe for LGBTQ+ individuals, with one in ten (15%) saying they have witnessed or experienced sexuality-based harassment during a work trip. Despite these concerns, only 13% of respondents say their organisation provides pre-travel information about LGBTQ+ rights and safety in destination countries, while just 21% receive information on risks for religious and ethnic minorities.

Top 10 Proactive Safety Measures by Business Travellers:

Regularly checking in with family or colleagues (31%; 35% of women).
Researching risks ahead of travel (27%).
Concealing valuables to avoid attention (26%)
Adjusting behaviour to avoid unwanted attention (26%)
Taking extra precautions after dark when alone (26%; 30% of women).
Avoiding after-hours events when travelling solo (22%; 25% of women).
Carrying self-defence items like pepper spray or alarms (20%; 23% of women).
Physically reinforcing hotel room doors with obstacles, like a chair, or a doorstop alarm (17%; 20% of women).
Avoiding dining alone (16%; 18% of women).
Raising safety concerns with employer (15%).

Kate Fitzpatrick, Regional Security Director at World Travel Protection, said: "From regularly checking in with family or colleagues to using simple devices like a rubber doorstop, small actions can make a big impact on your safety. It is important to be proactive when it comes to your personal safety when travelling.”

She continues: “When organisations are developing travel risk management policies, it’s essential they recognise how factors like gender, age and identity can shape a traveller’s experience and risk exposure. A one-size-fits-all approach is no longer sufficient. Every traveller should receive a comprehensive pre-trip briefing that includes location specific advice, especially in regions where LGBTQ+ protections and women’s right are not well protected, alongside ongoing support while they're on the road.

“At World Travel Protection, our Travel Assist app supports travellers with destination-specific briefings, real-time safety alerts, and a 24/7 emergency button that connects directly to our global command centres - ensuring that expert medical and security assistance is never more than a tap away."

*Opinium online survey conducted with 2000 people, who travel for business at least once a year in each of the countries, the UK (500 respondents), the United States (500 respondents), Canada (500 respondents) and Australia (500 respondents), from 3 – 10 February 2025.