Travel Troubles: Strategies For Staying On The Road When Plans Unravel

Travelling is fun, but it can also be stressful when things go wrong. From losing your luggage to getting sick, there are many potential issues that can arise when you're in an unfamiliar place. However, it's important to remember that you're not alone in facing these challenges. Even experienced travellers make mistakes and encounter problems on their journeys. The key to dealing with travel setbacks is to stay calm, be prepared, and have a good plan in place. Here are some tips to help you keep travelling when things go wrong:

- Take a moment to breathe and reset. It's normal to feel overwhelmed, but try to assess the situation calmly and figure out your next steps.

- Keep a clear head and make a list of short-term actions to move forward.

- Allow yourself to feel frustrated, but don't dwell on the negative. Let it go and focus on the positive aspects of your trip.

- Be respectful and calm when dealing with others, especially those who may be able to help you resolve the issue.

- Remember that most problems can be resolved, and it's unlikely to be a life-or-death situation.

- Be prepared by having important contact information, electronic copies of your passport, and travel insurance.

- Stay informed about common scams and areas to avoid, especially when travelling solo.

Keep calm and assess the situation

When things go wrong while travelling, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed. However, it's important to keep a clear head and assess the situation calmly. Here are some tips to help you keep calm and handle the situation effectively:

Take a moment to breathe and reset: When things go wrong, it's natural to feel anxious or panicked. Take a few deep breaths, find a quiet place to sit down, and give yourself a moment to calm down and collect your thoughts. This will help you approach the situation with a clear and level-headed mindset.

Evaluate the severity of the problem: Ask yourself how bad the situation really is. Do you need immediate medical attention or police assistance? Are there any urgent steps you need to take, such as filing a report or contacting your insurance company? Assessing the severity of the problem will help you determine the next steps and prevent you from taking impulsive actions.

Seek advice and support: Consider reaching out to local authorities, tourism offices, or even your accommodation staff for guidance. They can provide valuable information and support to help you navigate the situation. Additionally, if you are travelling with companions, don't hesitate to seek their help and input.

Make a list of next steps: Once you have assessed the situation, create a list of actionable steps to address the problem. This can include practical tasks such as contacting your insurance company, adjusting your travel plans, or taking preventive measures to secure your belongings. Having a clear plan will help you feel more in control and reduce feelings of overwhelm.

Remember that problems are often temporary: It's important to maintain perspective and remember that most problems encountered while travelling are temporary setbacks. They may feel overwhelming in the moment, but they are usually minor blips in the grand scheme of your trip. Try to focus on the positive aspects of your journey and don't let a single incident ruin your entire experience.

By keeping calm and assessing the situation, you can effectively handle challenges that arise during your travels. Remember that every problem has a solution, and with the right mindset and practical steps, you can overcome these obstacles and continue creating memorable travel experiences.

Have a plan for your personal safety and security

Travelling is exhilarating, but safety should always be a priority. Here are some detailed tips to ensure your personal safety and security while travelling:

Research and Planning

Before your trip, research your destination thoroughly. Learn about the culture, customs, and dress code to help you blend in and avoid standing out as a tourist. Check recent news and government advice for any potential safety issues, such as weather events or civil unrest. Familiarise yourself with local laws and customs to avoid unintentional offences. Enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) or your country's equivalent, so your government can contact and assist you in an emergency.

Documentation

Make several copies of important documents such as your passport, driver's licence, insurance, and itinerary. Save digital copies online and print out hard copies to stash in different bags. Leave a set with a trusted contact back home and carry vital contact information on your person, including accommodation and embassy details.

Security

Be vigilant and trust your instincts. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times, especially in crowds and busy areas. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or displaying valuables that could make you a target for theft. Use secure bags with features like slash-proof straps and locking zippers, and keep them in front of you or between your feet when sitting. Use travel locks to secure your bags to your seat or chair when dining or in transit.

Accommodation Security

When staying in a hotel, lock and deadbolt your door and keep windows shut. Use a portable jammer for added door security. Give the impression that someone is in the room by using the "Do Not Disturb" sign and keeping blinds closed. Do not let strangers into your room, even if they claim to be hotel staff. Contact the front desk to verify their identity if needed.

Health and Insurance

Research any required vaccinations or immunisations for your destination and consult a doctor or travel medicine specialist. Carry additional prescription medications, glasses, or contact lenses in your carry-on luggage. Ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage for your trip, including international medical evacuation insurance for remote or volatile areas.

Emergency Preparedness

Know who to call in an emergency. Have the contact details for local emergency services, the nearest embassy or consulate, and police readily available. Make a basic emergency plan with your travel companions in case you get separated, such as agreeing on a meeting point.

Technology

Back up your devices before your trip and be cautious when using public Wi-Fi or computers. Avoid accessing sensitive information or entering passwords on unsecured networks. Use a virtual private network (VPN) for secure internet access.

By following these tips, you can help ensure your personal safety and security while travelling, allowing you to enjoy your journey with peace of mind.

Take out comprehensive travel insurance

Taking out comprehensive travel insurance is a crucial step in ensuring you are prepared for any eventuality while travelling. It is a non-negotiable aspect of travelling, as it provides financial protection in case of unforeseen events and emergencies. Here are some key reasons why taking out comprehensive travel insurance is essential:

• Financial Protection: Travel insurance covers expenses arising from unexpected events such as trip cancellations, interruptions, medical emergencies, evacuation, lost or delayed baggage, and more. This protection is especially important for international trips and cruises, where resolving issues can be costly.
• Medical Coverage: Comprehensive travel insurance provides ambulance services, medical treatments, hospital stays, and evacuation to adequate medical facilities if needed. This is crucial when travelling internationally, as your domestic health insurance may not provide coverage abroad.
• Trip Cancellation and Interruption: If you need to cancel or cut your trip short due to covered reasons, travel insurance reimburses you for non-refundable expenses such as flights, accommodation, and tours. This protection ensures you don't lose money on your travel investments.
• Baggage Coverage: Travel insurance covers lost, stolen, or damaged baggage and belongings. It provides reimbursement for the depreciated value of your items and covers expenses for necessities during baggage delays.
• Additional Benefits: Many comprehensive plans offer optional add-ons like rental car damage coverage, adventure sports coverage, pet coverage, and more. These add-ons cater to specific needs and provide extra peace of mind during your travels.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have financial protection and assistance in case of emergencies allows you to travel with greater confidence and peace of mind. This sense of security is invaluable, especially when exploring new and unfamiliar places.

When purchasing comprehensive travel insurance, it is essential to review the policy details, exclusions, and coverage limits to ensure it meets your specific needs. Additionally, buying travel insurance as early as possible, ideally when you book your trip, maximizes your coverage period and makes you eligible for time-sensitive benefits. While it may be an additional expense, the benefits of comprehensive travel insurance far outweigh the risks of travelling without it.

Be prepared for common travel problems

Travel is unpredictable, and even the most experienced travellers make mistakes. However, being prepared for common travel problems can help you deal with them more effectively and ensure you can continue your trip. Here are some tips to help you be ready for potential issues:

• Do your research: Before you go, research your destination thoroughly. This includes checking for any government warnings, reading up on common scams and areas to avoid, and learning about the local culture and language.
• Have the right tools: Make sure you have the right tools to navigate and stay connected. Download offline maps and language apps, and consider investing in a VPN to protect your cybersecurity when using public Wi-Fi.
• Keep important items safe: Always keep your passport, visa, and other important documents in a safe place, such as a hotel safe. Keep electronic copies of your passport and other important documents, and back up your photos and other data regularly.
• Protect your possessions: Keep your valuables out of sight and, whenever possible, on your person or locked in a safe. Avoid walking around with too many valuable possessions, especially in areas where the risk of getting robbed is higher.
• Be mindful of your health: Travel can be tiring and disruptive to your body's natural rhythms. Stay hydrated, get enough rest, and consider carrying motion sickness medication if you're prone to travel sickness.
• Expect the unexpected: No matter how well you plan, unexpected things will happen. Build some flexibility into your itinerary, and have a backup plan for if things go wrong.
• Get travel insurance: This is essential. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. Make sure you have adequate coverage for your specific needs.
• Stay calm and be resilient: When things go wrong, stay calm and don't panic. Take a few deep breaths, assess the situation, and think about the next steps you need to take. Remember that every problem has a solution, and you can handle it.

Learn from your mistakes

Travelling is all about discovering the unknown, so it's no surprise that there can be a few hiccups along the way. The good news is that learning from your mistakes can help you become a more resilient and resourceful traveller. Here are some tips to help you learn from your mistakes and improve your travel experiences:

• Be prepared for challenges: While you can't predict every problem, having a basic understanding of common travel issues can help you stay calm and make informed decisions when things go wrong.
• Stay calm and assess the situation: When faced with a travel setback, take a moment to breathe and evaluate the severity of the problem. Is it a minor inconvenience, or do you need to take immediate action?
• Be flexible and adaptable: Understand that plans can change due to unforeseen circumstances. Be open to adjusting your itinerary or trying new solutions when challenges arise.
• Learn from your experiences: Reflect on what went wrong and identify areas for improvement. For example, if you forgot to buy travel insurance, make a mental note to prioritise it on your next trip.
• Practice self-compassion: Everyone makes mistakes, and it's important to treat yourself with kindness and forgiveness. Acknowledge that mistakes are a normal part of travelling and focus on moving forward.
• Share your experiences: Talking about your mistakes with other travellers can help you process and learn from them. It can also provide an opportunity for others to learn from your experiences.
• Implement preventative measures: Use your past experiences to inform your future travel preparations. For example, if you lost important documents in the past, consider making digital and physical copies before your next trip.
• Maintain a positive mindset: While it's normal to feel frustrated or disappointed, try to maintain a positive outlook. Focus on the lessons learned and the new opportunities that arise from your mistakes.

Frequently asked questions