Travelling can be one of the greatest joys in the world. However, it can also be one of the most stressful. Whether it’s an international extravaganza or the next town over, problems can arise at any time.
Simply being out of your element is enough for forgetfulness, relaxed vigilance, and confusion to overtake even the most seasoned travellers. This is a list of the most common travel problems and how to avoid them. So, if you’re a frequent traveller, read on.
1. Missed Flights
Every now and then, we’re all bound to miss a flight. Whether it’s running late to the airport or simply not hearing your last boarding call – it happens.
How to Solve It
Speak with your airline’s customer service department for more information. Ideally, they’ll be able to help you in person at the airport and get you on the next flight possible.
But if not possible, they may ask you to call the airline’s hotline number or even book you for next-day travel.
If you’re on a business trip or have connecting flights and a seriously packed schedule, purchase travel insurance ahead of time to help protect the rest of your trip.
2. Illnesses
No one is immune to getting sick while traveling, and there are many ways to do so. Eating the wrong thing, being in the heat for too long, or even a poisonous bug bite can wreak havoc on your body.
How to Solve It
In the case of a bite, closely monitor it. Some situations may warrant an emergency room visit, while others may get by with close monitoring. In the event that you become symptomatic, head to the local healthcare for assistance.
If your health is deteriorated due to jet lag or a bug picked up on the plane – monitor your symptoms, pick up the appropriate supplies, and phone a doctor when necessary.
Sometimes, in the case of food poisoning or similar, some rest and plenty of fluids may be all that you need.
3. Losing Your Baggage
A nightmare for any traveler, losing your baggage can be the worst way to begin a vacation. Whether it’s an airline misplacement or thieves at baggage claim, you’ll have a few options for redemption.
How to Solve It
Firstly, speak with your airline representative at baggage claim to see if they have any information on your bag.
Perhaps if you took too long to make it to baggage, they saved it for you in their offices or something similar. If not, ask what their policy is on reimbursement for lost luggage.
If they’re responsible, they may be required to give you a voucher worth your luggage and contents, up to a certain amount.
4. Getting Lost
Winding up lost in an unfamiliar place is a frightening situation for anyone. Whether it is rough terrain with no markers or a dense city you don’t know the language of, it’s enough to ruin any travel experience.
While these tips won’t help if currently stuck in that situation, they can certainly be useful for the next trip.
How to Solve It
The actual way to solve this will depend on the nature of your trip. If you’re city-dwelling and get turned around, your phone or a physical map will be most helpful.
If you have neither, stop to ask a local. If it is night or in a dangerous area, make sure to stay in well-lit, busy areas and speak to shop owners or friendly locals.
If you’re hiking out in the middle of nowhere, be sure to bring a compass (a physical one, not your phone in case it dies) and a physical map. Teach yourself how to read it before your trip, and always bring emergency supplies just in case!
5. You Don’t Speak the Language
International travel is a dream, but not knowing how to ask for help when you need it or basic necessities is not.
How to Solve It
The most technologically advanced and easiest way to communicate while abroad is to have a translator on your phone. This way, you can translate things on the spot to get your desired outcome.
If you’re ordering at a restaurant or need to ask for directions, type it or speak it into the translator and let the other person do the same.
Technology is amazing, but don’t make it all you have. Be sure to learn a few basic words before travelling to ensure you can get by.
Sometimes phones die, or we forget them at home, so it’s important to know enough to survive. Carrying around a physical translation book can also be helpful, even if as a last resort.
6. Nowhere to Park
If you’re traveling with a wide load, as in an RV, van, or truck, there are bound to be times when your accommodations can’t… accommodate you.
How to Solve It
The best option here is prevention, which means researching truck-friendly hotels ahead of time.
A little attention beforehand can spare a big headache in the end as you avoid relocation or parking far away if at all!
If you’re road tripping with no rigid schedule and are planning as you go, be sure to travel at least with an idea of which chains are friendly for your type of travel vessel ahead of time.