Hello, fellow travelers! Whether you're a seasoned explorer or a first-time adventurer, it's important to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Today, we'll be covering a pre-travel checklist that focuses on your safety and well-being. Let's dive in!

I pride myself on being an expert planner, whether as an operations officer in the military or managing a security detail in a developing nation. I always allocate about 70% of my effort to planning for any project, as the idea of preventing catastrophe through careful planning seemed logical.

Do you ever feel like you're constantly bombarded by one crisis after another with no end in sight? I know I do. My newsfeed is an endless stream of one catastrophe after another. Civil unrest, natural disasters, terror attacks, increased crime levels... When will it end? Can't we go back to the good old days when we dealt with one crisis at a time?

Have you ever heard the term "left of bang"? If you are in the security industry, I'm sure you have. This term is just another way of saying, "get out in front of the problem," which seems to be a challenge for government entities and security agencies.

We've all witnessed it, especially with the numerous conflicts unfolding worldwide. The temptation to sensationalize a situation to gain support used to be reserved for politicians. However, increasingly, we see it creeping into the field of professional intelligence analysis.

We're witnessing a profound shift in the landscape of security threats, and a significant part of this shift can be attributed to the inadequate medical treatment of mental health disorders and a lack of comprehension regarding their underlying causes. Consequently, there has been a marked rise in incidents perpetrated by individuals struggling with mental health issues, many of which could have been prevented.

Traveling to foreign or risky locations is undeniably exhilarating, but it's imperative to prioritize safety and take measures to avoid becoming a target of opportunity. Having traveled extensively across the globe, I've witnessed enough to understand that being singled out, be it by criminals or government entities, can lead to financial loss, physical harm, and even, tragically, loss of life.

Traveling has become an integral part of our lives, whether for leisure or business. With the advent of technology, we often carry a treasure trove of personal and sensitive information on our smartphones, laptops, and other devices. Protecting this data while traveling is paramount to ensuring your privacy and security, as well as reducing the risk of becoming a target.

Traveling through conflict zones has become second nature in my line of work. I often find myself journeying into risky regions to provide essential support to organizations despite the potential hazards. Balancing mission success with personal safety is a constant challenge. However, as I learned firsthand, no matter how meticulous your plans, unforeseen circumstances can throw everything off course.