General tips for international travel

General tips for international travel The following is a non-exhaustive list of tips that may be useful when travelling across international borders: Starting out on a trip  If the trip is potentially stressful, have a transition ritual where you take the time and space necessary to 'transition' into the next phase of your work. This is a personal practice and its nature will vary from person to person.  Consider what resources you need to take with you for your emotional well-being:

sentimental items, pictures, jewellery, etc.  Have enough cash for emergencies.  Avoid connecting to free, open wireless networks in airports and other transport hubs, unless you have a VPN or use TOR.  Consider using tamper tape on your bags and devices (USB ports, hard drive covers) so that you know if they have been tampered with.  Avoid sending sensitive messages via SMS from areas in or near airports, as they are likely to be monitored.  Remember to bring chargers for your devices.  Consider buying a World SIM that you can use in a large number of countries.  If it's a long trip, consider bringing some of your own food and a cushion (or similar items) to avoid discomfort.  If travelling in a group, consider travelling by different routes to not attract attention.  Consider what resources you need to take with you for health, recreation or relaxation (e.g. medication, running shoes, sports equipment).

At border crossings  If necessary, agree (in some detail) about a ‘back story’ with colleagues. Be careful! Being caught lying may be worse than a ‘true story’ about attending a training or conference. If you have ‘back story’, be sure to have some supporting evidence when you leave the country, as you may be asked questions again.  Agree on a meeting point and time with your colleagues.  Provide only minimal information when asked for it.  Be polite but firm.  Stay with your belongings. At your destination  Relaxation and energy management: Make clear, dedicated spaces for relaxation and stress relief (according to your own needs) that are non-negotiable except in emergencies.  Avoid walking alone at night.  Consider advising hotel staff not to provide information about you.  Avoid meeting unknown people at locations you don't know well.  Memorise phone numbers of sensitive contacts rather than save them in your phone.  Agree on a simple 'discreet signal' to alert your colleagues of an incident.  Separate sensitive information on devices.  Type up any handwritten notes you take before travelling again.

Send notes digitally to yourself or to colleagues, and consider encrypting them.  Consider using shorthand or code names when writing by hand.  Consider securely deleting unnecessary sensitive information from devices. When leaving a country  Ensure all paper with sensitive data is disposed of safely.  Assume you will be searched.  Have files backed up remotely if possible.  Agree on your story. It should be consistent with whatever you said when you entered the country.  Stay with your belongings.  Consider transporting sensitive data on a MicroSD card which is easier to conceal if it can't be stored safely online.

Creating a plan/checklist This session can also be used as an example of applied security planning. It may also be useful to include the basic elements of a security plan:  The objective of the activity.  The threats identified.  Preventative actions and resources (before, during and after).  Response and emergency actions and resources (before, during and after). - Including: WHEN is it an emergency? WHAT defines an emergency?  Communication and devices. - What kind of sensitive information will you have during the activity? Which devices is that information on? - Who can access it? How? - How can you protect it?  Well-being and self-care. - Adequate food, rest and relaxation.