If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
Travel Security Briefings for International Travelers
Based in Northern Virginia, I deliver destination-specific briefings that assess local risks for international travelers and set out practical measures to reduce them. I can provide briefings for any country, and I can advise on choosing a destination.
I am Zach Baumgart, a former federal special agent who spent more than a decade protecting senior U.S. government personnel traveling around the world and protecting U.S. overseas embassies and consulates. About me
Independent Advice, with Nothing to Sell
I do not sell security guards, alarms, cameras, or any other products or equipment. I only provide my services, so my recommendations are never tied to something I am selling. My only interest is giving you honest advice and the best client service.
Who I Serve
Individuals and Families
People planning international travel, especially first-time international travelers.
Businesses
Executives, employees, and teams traveling internationally for work.
Groups
Religious and nonprofit groups, including those on mission trips, as well as student groups, camps, and schools planning international travel.
What You Receive
My standard service is a custom-tailored written report that identifies areas of risk and mitigation strategies and an in-person briefing to answer any questions you have. I also offer additional services, including training for your travelers, support during your trip, and expedited service.
What the Briefing and Report Cover
Your written report and in-person briefing are built around your destination, your travelers, and your trip. They cover your concerns, the issues I see for your destination, and my recommendations, including:
- Crime and personal safety
- Political unrest
- Transportation
- Lodging
- Communications and digital security
- Emergency contacts
- Contingency plans
- Medical emergencies
I rate the level of each risk and give mitigation strategies for it. I walk you through the report in person during your briefing and answer your questions.
Additional Services
Beyond the standard report and briefing, I offer three additional services.
Training for Travelers
I provide training and briefings for your travelers, tailored to your destination and your group. The training builds on the risks and recommendations in your written report, so travelers can minimize their risk and know what to do in an emergency. Topics include situational awareness, transportation safety, hotel safety, destination-specific risks, environmental risks, health and medical risks, and how to handle emergencies, along with other topics your destination requires. See my training page for more details.
Support During the Trip
I provide check-ins, daily monitoring of the regional and local security situation starting two weeks before the trip and continuing until you return home, and support in an emergency.
Expedited Service
The standard turnaround time for the risk assessment and briefing is three to four weeks. I also offer expedited service for an additional fee, which can reduce the turnaround time to about one week.
How It Works
Initial Consultation
A confidential consultation by phone or virtual meeting lasting about 15 minutes. The consultation is complimentary.
Scope and Contract
I recommend a scope that fits your trip and a written contract that proposes the terms, costs, and services needed.
Your Briefing
I prepare your destination-specific risk assessment and briefing, deliver the briefing in person, and give you a written report.
What it costs. Pricing depends on your destination, the services you request, and the number of travelers. For example, a report and briefing for a group of four travelers on a ten-day trip typically costs about $1,500.
What I Need for a Proposal
To provide pricing and a contract proposal, I need the following trip details:
- The proposed destination and the locations you plan to visit
- The proposed dates and length of the trip
- The purpose of the trip
- The number of travelers, with their ages and a breakdown of the group
- The services you need
- A draft itinerary, along with any other details you have
My Experience
As a federal special agent, I protected U.S. embassies and consulates around the world and developed security and safety plans for senior government officials traveling to destinations worldwide in some of the most challenging circumstances such as war, famine, transportation strikes, and weather disasters. These overseas experiences shape how I assess travel risk and develop recommendations to keep travelers safe.
Where I Work
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this only for mission trips?
No. Mission trips are just one example of my travel security service. I also provide travel security briefings and training for individuals, families, businesses, student groups, camps, and schools planning international travel.
What countries do you cover?
I can develop risk assessments and briefings for any country. I can also advise on selecting a destination that minimizes risks to the travelers.
How far ahead should I contact you?
The sooner, the better. Early contact gives the most lead time to change the trip if my risk assessment recommends it. Typically, a travel risk assessment and briefing takes three to four weeks to prepare and deliver. Expedited service is available for an additional fee and can reduce the turnaround time to about one week.
Do you work with clients outside Northern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley?
Yes. I am based in Loudoun County and serve local clients in person, and I provide travel security advice and briefings to clients anywhere in the country. I will discuss how we will work together during the initial consultation.
Can you support us while we travel?
Yes, as an additional service. I provide check-ins, daily monitoring of the security situation starting two weeks before your trip and continuing until you return home, and emergency support. During the initial consultation and contract proposal phase, I will discuss what support you think you need and what I recommend.
How much does it cost?
After learning your needs in the complimentary initial consultation, I will develop proposal options and price points. Costs are based on the specific destination, the services requested, and the number and type of trainings or briefings required. As an example, a report and briefing for a group of four travelers going on a ten-day trip to an Asian country to meet clients and see factories typically costs about $1,500, with a three to four week turnaround time.
Related Services
Each of my services is available individually or as part of a Security Director on Demand contract. Travel security can often lead to or also require emergency procedures, including travel contingency plans, training, and background investigations for volunteers and staff who travel with your group. See my full list of services.