Travelling as a PPO.

The essential (but not) all-encompassing guide of essentials to pack when travelling as a PPO.

It's important to note that this list is not exhaustive, as the contents of your kit will vary depending on your location and travel destination.

Now while serving in the military we had several mantras and sayings one of the most prominent was " No plan survives first contact" which in layman's terms and for those with no military background it means you can plan for every eventuality but something will usually always crop up and put you on the back foot.

Unfortunately for me, the trip was plagued with various challenges putting me on the back foot on more than one occasion, such things as a family member falling ill during the flight, leading to a diversion for medical attention, technical difficulties with mobile devices for one of the younger travellers insisting on their mobile phone always being in their hand resulting in my power banks being constantly depleted and of course the family members who thought they knew better and didn't require security at all.

Prelims

We (the team) were fortunate we had around a month to plan for this trip so we had plenty of time to research and get some good ground appreciation in before leaving the UK, our first port of call was the foreign, commonwealth and development office website to find out what they had to say with regards to what our destination held for us.

Now I mentioned earlier this was a holiday not a business trip with this in mind, we looked at what was available on the internet (open-source information) to help us build our plan and give us some backup options should the family be stuck for something to do, this included tourist reports from websites such as Expedia, Lonely Planet, and Smart Traveller.

Passports

One of the most important things to have with you when you travel for obvious reasons is your passport, no passport equals no travel and while it has not happened to me directly it nearly did on an occasion when I had sent my passport away to get a visa added to it to be then told I was going on a fastball trip abroad resulting in me having to dash the Australian embassy in London to collect my passport to allow me to make the trip.

So whats the solution to this problem I hear you saying, well as a British passport holder, you have the option to request an extra passport.

The process for obtaining an additional passport is not extensively advertised, and there is no distinct service category in the passport issuance system for handling such requests.

When applying you must explain to the passport office the necessity for an extra passport, this could be as simple as your employer justifying the need for an additional passport due to the ammount of destinations you will be visiting requiring various different visas etc.

Decisions on applications for extra passports are made on an individual basis, taking into account the applicant's requirements, the desired validity period for the additional passport, and whether they would benefit from a 50-page frequent traveller passport instead.

Having a second passport removes the limitations of travel and allows you to send one passport away to get a travel visa added to it while still being able to travel on the second.

For me it's worth the extra money to have the peace of mind that there are no hidden issues that are going to crop up.

one of the questions I had when i collected my second passport was when my passport is scanned (passport one) will the data retained on the biometric chip in the passport also show the locations i have previosuly travelled to on my second passport (passport two) the answer was No, the biometric details from your first passport will not automatically map over to your second passport.

Each British passport is treated as a separate and independent travel document. Here's what that means in practice.

• When you apply for a second passport, it is processed as a new application, not an extension or copy of the first.

• You'll likely need to submit new biometric data (digital photo and potentially fingerprints, depending on the situation) if requested by HM Passport Office.

• The chip inside each passport stores its own biometric data, tied to that specific document, not to you as a person across all passports.

Border Control & Travel History

• Border agencies do not share biometric data across your passports by default. Your travel history in one passport isn’t visible to systems scanning the other.

• However, immigration officers might ask about your second passport, especially in regions with visa conflicts(e.g., Middle East and Israel). You must not hide its existence.

Best Practices

• Always keep track of visas and stamps in each passport.

• If you’re applying for a visa or travelling somewhere that requires knowledge of your travel history, take both passports.

• Be honest at border checks, holding two passports is legal, but suspicious behavior around them is not.

Communication Equipment.

The sat-phone was the first item we ensured we had, when it is activated, the satphone picks up the nearest satellite, in coordination with the IRIDIUM network which then automatically checked the account validity and the user's location and then depending on compatibility and system availability we could choose between cellular or satellite transmission options to make a call.

included in my day bag was my mobile phone which was now being powered by a local Sim card, the SIM cards were purchased before the trip to ensure that I could immediately connect to the local network upon arrival, rather than having to search for one after landing.

This allowed me to stay in touch with the family our drivers and my ops room.

However, the drawback was that using the in-country SIM card for calls was costly to call the UK, to negate this and to communicate with the family I was travelling with, we opted for WhatsApp as our primary mode of communication as I had unlimited data on the airtime plan I was using.

WhatsApp also enabled me to track their location, ensuring that we could keep in touch and allowed me to co-ordinate the drivers and get them on site when they were ready to travel or move back to the hotel we were staying in all while giving them the space they needed during the holiday to relax.

Medical Kit

With regards to my first aid kit It is crucial to customise the contents based on your specific travel plans, including the nature of your trip, your destination, the duration, and in addition you should take in to account any pre-existing medical conditions the family might have.

Many commercially available first aid kits do not include medications and It is important to be aware of the regulations when travelling and especially regarding the administration of medications to others.

Taking this in to account I removed all the medication and opted to purchase new ones upon arrival at our destination, I packed and carried everything else though to ensure preparedness in case of emergencies.

Below are the essential first-aid items that should be included in either kit; I carry a few in my smaller kit and more in the larger one.

Small Med Kit:

• Pulse Oximeter, measures the casualty's pulse.

• Plasters, dressings and bandages – nice variety of sizing

• Tournoquet, stops catastrophic bleeding.

• Tape – micropore for sticking anything down

• Wipes – for cleaning up dirty wounds, like grazes etc.

• Disposable medical gloves – protect yourself first.

• Tweezers – SO USEFUL, not least for ticks

• Scissors – for cutting through clothing and trimming bandages to size.

• Safety Pins – useful not just for bandages

• Burn gel – or add in something like clingfilm which is great for covering burns.

The medication I carry includes:

• Ibuprofen – for pain relief and swelling relief

• Paracetamol – for pain relief

• Antihistamine – as an intervention for allergic reactions

  
  

Large Med Kit included

• A defibrillator, does what it says on the tin (this was missing from this trip but something i know carry as a matter of course.)

• Digital Blood Pressure machine, to check blood pressure.

• Pulse Oximeter, measures the casualty's pulse.

• More plasters, bandages and dressings, enough for all the family.

• Tourniquet, stops catastrophic bleeding.

• A bag of disposable medical gloves, you can't be too careful.

• Antibacterial wipes: Wipes that kill germs can help clean tools and hands.

• Hand sanitiser: “Before touching any cuts or scrapes.

• Instant cold pack: These disposable packs turn cold quickly to relieve bumps, bruises and minor burns.

• Scissors: You might need this tool to cut gauze, bandages or open medication packages, but if you’re flying, be sure to pack them in your checked luggage, rather than your carry-on.

• Self-adhesive wrap: Wrap up sore knees, ankles or other injuries with self-adhesive wrap, which doesn’t require pins or other tools.

• Thermometer: Check for a fever with a reliable thermometer, and clean it with an antibacterial wipe when you’re done.

• Tweezers: “They’re the essential tool for removing splinters and in some cases ticks.

Essentials for skin problems

Throw these things in your travel emergency kit to take care of skin mishaps:

• Aloe vera gel: This multi-tasker is great for sunburn and irritated skin.

• Antibiotic ointment: Apply antibiotic ointment before sticking on a bandage.

• Antiseptic: “An antiseptic in the form of a spray or wipes is perfect for cleaning dirt and germs from minor cuts and scrapes,” Dr. Vyas says.

  
  
  
  

Medicine for stomach trouble

When travelling no one likes an upset stomach, and it’s even worse when you’re away from home, be ready for digestive troubles with these items:

• Antacids: These will tackle heartburn or mild indigestion.

• Anti-diarrhea medication: “Diarrhea remedies are a quick fix if you get traveler’s diarrhea,” Dr. Vyas says. “If you’re traveling to an area where diarrhea is common, ask your doctor about a prescription antibiotic to treat it.”

• Laxatives or stool softeners: These are helpful if you’re bound up, but be careful, they can cause diarrhoea or painful cramps.

• Motion sickness medication: Even if you’re not prone to flying or motion sickness keep a few tablets in your kit just in case.

Prescription Medicine

If you’re taking medicine out of the UK, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether your medicine contains a controlled drug. If it does, check the rules for the country you’re going to with the embassy before you travel. 

You’ll need to prove it’s yours with either a prescription or a letter from your doctor.

Packing your kit and clothing

During my two-week trip, I had to pack lightly due to baggage restrictions and the need to include a medical kit within my allowance, despite this, I made sure to bring enough clothing to last me throughout my trip.

My personal kit and clothing consisted of outdoor trekking attire, such as ripstop trousers that convert into shorts, approach shoes suitable for both shorts and trousers, T-shirts, polo shirts, jeans, a smart suit, a few long-sleeved shirts, dress shoes, and a couple of ties and of course underwear and socks.

My room was conveniently located next to the laundry room, and I prioritised befriending the house staff not only to assist with my laundry but also to familiarise myself with the surroundings.

Grab Bag

As part of the trip the family had planned a short stay at a private retreat accessible only by a small plane, smaller planes have limited payload capacity compared to larger commercial aircraft, resulting in stricter baggage allowances.

Among the essentials I had to bring were a medical kit and sufficient clothing for a four-day trip.

These items had to all fit into my grab bag, which conveniently served as both my flight bag during commercial travel and was my essential carry-on for this trip.

If I can give you one piece of advice it is this, pack your grab bag with the essentials for the trip and then if you can fit a few creature comforts in then add them in afterwards.

Tech Kit

It was easy for me to pack my Apple iPad, iPhone, and AirPods into my flight bag along with my small med kit, not only because I'm an Apple geek, but also because they all fit perfectly.

In addition, I included three power banks to charge all my devices (and some of the family's) while on the go, along with a car phone holder equipped with a built-in wireless fast charger.

While I value keeping clients happy, I told them that I had only two spare power banks available, reserving one for myself just in case my mobile phone or the satellite phone ran out of battery.

Furthermore, I packed a universal power adapter and a four-gang extension lead in my suitcase, and also opted to include a few apple Airtags for both mine and the family luggage.

an AirTag for tyose who dont kmnow emits a secure Bluetooth signal that can be picked up by nearby devices within the Find My network, these devices relay the location of your AirTag to iCloud, allowing you to locate it on a map through the Find My app which allowed me to relax a little more once I knew all our luggage was aboard our flight before departure.

Money and Credit cards

When travelling internationally, it is crucial to be aware of the restrictions regarding carrying money abroad. If you are transporting £10,000 or more in cash from Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) to a country outside the UK, you must declare it to UK customs.

As a frequent traveller, I opted to bring a combination of cash and a couple of credit cards.

While travellers' cheques are an option, they can be time-consuming to cash.

Therefore, I carried a total of one thousand pounds, consisting of both pounds sterling and the local currency of my destination, in addition to a couple of Revolut cards (Business and personal) which in my opinion should be in every operators wallet.

Why Revolut you might be thinking, well theres a blog to answer that question too.

Remember to let your bank know you are travelling abroad as well as there might be a restriction on your credit cards which could make you look very foolish at the wrong time.

Ettiquette While travelling.

Conduct extensive research on the customs and traditions of the host country you are visiting, familiarising yourself with the subtle cultural aspects will prevent unintentional offence and facilitate the development of important relationships while you are travelling.

Language Proficiency is also important, being able to say even the basics such as hello or good morning shows you are trying to adapt to your surroundings.

Modify your appearance, clothing, and behaviour to blend in with the local population as well so as not to draw any unwanted attention.

Familiarise yourself with local laws and regulations governing the use of force, weapons, and security services.

Not following these rules can result in severe consequences for both you and your client

Conclusion

To succeed as a close protection operative travelling internationally, it is essential to be well-prepared, possess cultural awareness, be adaptable.

By following this guide and ensuring that your equipment is packed and ready to go, you will be well-prepared for success in any foreign assignment.

For security consultants or operations managers reading this, it is vital to assist your operatives in adopting these recommended approaches, this support will establish a solid groundwork for efficient security operations worldwide.

• Conduct a thorough risk assessment before departure.

• Ensure all necessary travel documents are in order.

• Research local laws and customs of the destination.

• Arrange secure transportation and accommodation.

• Pack essential security equipment and communication devices.

• Establish a reliable communication plan with the client.

• Maintain situational awareness at all times.

• Conduct regular security sweeps of the surroundings.

• Stay vigilant and alert to potential threats.

• Have emergency response plans in place.

• Continuously update and adapt security measures as needed.

• Regularly communicate with the client and provide updates.

• Coordinate with local authorities and security personnel if necessary.

• Stay physically fit and mentally prepared for any situation.

• Always prioritise the safety and well-being of the client

I would be interested to hear what you would have done or taken to make things easier so drop you questions and answers in the comments below.