It is virtually impossible to prevent all problems related to travel, but it is possible to solve every sort of crisis imaginable and go on to have a pleasant, memorable holiday or business travel experience. Seasoned travelers know that the worst mistake anyone can make is to leave home even slightly unprepared, either physically, emotionally, or financially. Here are five great tips for ensuring your next trip is a good one – even if problems pop up.
I Lost My Passport – Now What Do I Do?
For international travelers, the single most important item to have on hand is one’s passport. Instead of opening yourself up to the multitude of problems a lost passport leads to, prevent problems by preparing in advance. Make color copy of your passport and keep it in a safe place such as a hiding spot in your hotel room, leave a second color copy with someone you trust at home, and scan a third copy into your computer and store it electronically in the cloud, where you can access it from anywhere. You should do the same for your ID, your credit cards, and your airline tickets – all of them can help to verify your identity if your passport is lost. In the event you lose your hard copy, contact your consulate or embassy right away, and alert your travel insurance company and airline if you are going to have to change your travel plans as a result.
There’s a Protest Happening.
Protests happen, and it’s often normal to feel an urge to join the fray. Protect yourself by leaving the area. Resist the urge to take photos, and go back to your hotel or cruise ship right away. If that isn’t safe, go to the nearest consulate or embassy; if violent protesting begins, leave the country.
My Credit Card Has Been Denied!
To prevent this problem, be sure to let credit card companies know about your travel plans so fraud detection measures don’t come into play and cut you off. When planning for international travel, ensure that your card has a microchip, a signature, and a PIN number – if you need one, contact your card issuer. If your card is denied, contact the issuer immediately to discuss the problem. Be sure you have cash, travelers checks, and a debit card available as well.
I’ve Been Scammed. Now What?
Scamming happens everywhere – jewelry deals that are too good to be true and special travel packages and time shares that leave you holding a big bill with nothing to show for it are just a couple of examples. If you have been scammed, dispute the charge with your credit card, notify police right away, and report the scam via social media. Be wary of pitches made in places where tourist activity is high – they’re favorite scammer hangouts.
There’s a Natural Disaster.
Natural disasters are happening more frequently than ever, thanks to climate change. When visiting new places, familiarize yourself with warning systems such as tsunami sirens. If you are forewarned about a disaster that’s about to strike, you might wonder whether it’s safest to leave, but this isn’t always the case. Seek shelter instead of trying to outrun a hurricane or storm, and leave the area only after it is safe to travel.
These are just some of the problems that can occur during travel, but they’re among the worst. Think about issues that could arise during the course of your own travels, and prepare in advance. Whether a problem arises or not, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your journey – and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re covered.