Travel is an often necessary—and often stressful—part of business. But these days, missed flights, jet lag and hotel problems are the least of employees' worries. A new survey by the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies shows that some employees are refusing to travel abroad, citing concerns related to terrorism, political unrest and also infectious disease outbreaks.

Political instability in Africa, South America, and now with more focus on the Middle East in the aftermath of Osama Bin Laden's death, perceived travel risks are reinforced.

After a lull, business travel is on the rise again, with projections of 7 percent growth globally this year, according to the Global Business Travel Association. Employees will be expected to travel, but there are things that can be done to lessen their worries.