I’ve had my share of travel mishaps, from staring at an empty baggage carousel to scrambling for a new flight home.
The good news? Seasoned trips come from simple habits that keep things smooth.
Here’s what I’ve learned from fixing these common travel problems on the road.
How to Fix Common Travel Problems
1. Lost or Delayed Luggage
Airlines are only liable for up to $2,175 per passenger for lost, damaged or delayed baggage on international flights, so you need to secure your belongings. When traveling, always pack one change of clothes, essential medications, chargers, travel documents and basic toiletries in your carry-on. This way, all your most important items are with you when flying.
Choose colorful luggage and add a unique luggage tag or a ribbon — this makes your suitcase easier to spot on the carousel and prevents someone else from grabbing it by mistake. For ultimate peace of mind, add an AirTag or Tile tracker to locate misplaced bags. In the event of delayed luggage, file a report before leaving the airport and keep all receipts for toiletries and clothes you’ve had to replace for reimbursement.
2. Flight Cancellations and Delays
Flight cancellations and delays can be one of the most frustrating travel problems, especially since your trip hasn’t even started yet. To reduce the risk of cancellations, make sure you book flights directly with the airline — it makes communication and rebooking easier. Choose morning trips, as they are less likely to be affected by cascading delays from earlier flights.
Book airlines with a history of on-time performance and purchase travel insurance that covers cancellations. They cost you more up front, but they are worth the peace of mind. Make sure to also download the airline app for real-time flight alerts and updates. To get a refund for your airfare, check the airline’s policy on canceled flights to see if you can get all or part of your ticket’s cost back.
Related read: Top Tips for Booking Flights in Europe During Summer
3. A Lost Passport or Wallet
Keep a calm and clear mind if you lose your passport or wallet. The first thing you should do is file a police report. They are required for embassy visits and insurance claims. Then make sure to prevent identity theft by reporting lost passports either online, by mail or in person. Embassies can issue an emergency travel document for your flight home. Immediately call all credit card providers and banks to cancel your cards so you won’t have to deal with fraudulent charges.
Before your trip, make sure to have digital copies of your passport, driver’s license and credit cards. Save them in a secure cloud storage so you can access them on your phone. Carry one credit card and just enough cash when you are outside. Leave the rest in a locked safe back at the hotel.
4. Navigation and Transit Woes
Everyone has moments where they get lost in travel. You can embrace it by discovering hidden gems like aromatic bakeries, quiet parks or whimsical knick-knack shops. However, it’s also a good idea to have a plan for getting back to your lodging.
Before going, familiarize yourself with the common modes of transport in your destination. Large and complex systems like the Tokyo Metro system can take a while to figure out on your own. Check how and where to buy tickets online. Additionally, download an offline version of Google Maps and bring a power bank.
When you find yourself truly lost, head to a safe location such as a cafe or shop. From there, you can sit down and look at your map closely, away from crowded streets. You can also try walking in one direction until you reach a known landmark or a major road where you can reorient your bearings. If you’re tired and overwhelmed or it’s late, don’t hesitate to hail a taxi. Show the driver the address of your hotel in their local language.
5. Travel Scams
Always do your research before a trip and look up travel tips for your specific destination. You should also check travel advisories from official websites to learn about news, crimes and common scams in your destination. A few well-known scams include broken taxi meters, fake ticket vendors and friendship bracelet sellers. Be wary of overly friendly strangers, especially when they give gifts out of nowhere.
When you think something might be a scam, just disengage and walk away. Never hand over important items to strangers, and be vigilant at chaotic locations. A good tip is to leverage technology to help avoid scams. Check restaurant reviews and taxi fares online to get reliable information.
Check out our guides on scams in Cuba, scams in Bangkok and scams in Paris.
6. Communication Barriers
Rural places are some of the best travel destinations for backpackers as they provide fresh and unique places you don’t typically see online. However, they can be difficult to navigate as there may not be many travel tips and information online.
Additionally, language can be a significant barrier in remote regions like Ha Giang province in Vietnam and rural Paraguay. You can still travel to these regions with ease, provided that you prepare beforehand.
Learn everyday phrases like “Hello,” “Please,” “Thank you,” “Excuse me,” “Where is this place?” and “How much?” That alone can significantly improve your experience. Download Google Translate with the language pack installed. Don’t hesitate to use the app to communicate. Communicate using your body as well by pointing, smiling and gesturing — ones that everyone across different languages can understand.
Related read: The Benefits of Learning a Language Before You Travel
7. Accommodation Nightmares
To avoid booking lodging that looks very different from what it did online, do your research three to six months before your trip. Use reputable booking sites that offer customer support and reviews. Find photos from previous guests as they are more accurate than those posted by the hotel.
When you do find yourself in a sketchy accommodation, document everything — take photos and videos of the room. Show management the pictures of the dirty or unsafe room and explain your issue clearly. If they are unhelpful, contact your booking platform. Post these photos and videos online so future travellers can avoid the place.
8. The Wardrobe Mismatch
Being unprepared for specific climates or activities can turn your dream destination into a nightmare. For instance, going on a safari typically takes 6-8 hours as you ride under the sweltering sun and along a bumpy road. Bringing thin and sleeveless summer clothes for national parks like Serengeti in Tanzania isn’t enough. You need to wear specific fabrics to stay comfortable throughout the day. Use moisture-wicking materials such as cotton, linen and merino wool.
For colder destinations, master winter layering. A ski trip will need thicker and sturdier layers compared to sightseeing in the city. Avoid buying specialty gear, such as ski pants or dive wetsuits, at the destination, as prices are typically inflated.
9. Getting Sick or Injured Abroad
One unexpected situation that can arise during your travels is getting sick or injured. Before you go on your trip, make sure to get travel insurance that covers medical care. Visit your doctor to get any vaccinations and prescriptions you might need for your trip.
Around 10% of pharmaceutical products in low- or middle-income countries may be counterfeit or of poor quality. So make sure to pack a first-aid kit with items such as pain relievers, bandages, antiseptic wipes, motion sickness medications and personal medications. In case you need hospitalization, contact your insurance provider for a list of approved local hospitals or clinics. Keep all medical records, reports and receipts for insurance claims.
Related read: How to Find a Doctor While Traveling Abroad
10. Plan-Derailing Bad Weather
Bad weather can ruin your entire itinerary. When planning activities, you should always hope for the best but plan for the worst. Research the destination’s climate so you know what to expect. Regardless of the weather, always bring rainy day essentials. Pack a small umbrella and a waterproof jacket. These items don’t take up much space but can save you on rainy days. During high-risk times like the monsoon season, make sure you book tours that allow rescheduling or refunds.
You can also plan indoor alternatives. Create a list of a few activities that you know you will enjoy, such as visiting museums, trying indoor food markets or going to a historical building. For example, rainy-day activities in Vancouver include watching a soccer game, catching a show at the Orpheum Theatre and dining at the Top of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant. You might even enjoy these experiences more than the original activities.
Other activities you can try include taking a local cooking class, visiting a famous cathedral or temple, and trying out different cafes and bakeries. Just make sure to prioritize your safety, especially for severe weather like blizzards, hurricanes and heat waves.
Related read: Things To Do in Barcelona When it Rains
Embrace Preparedness, Enjoy the Journey
Many travelers will experience one of these common travel problems. The most important thing is to prepare in advance and keep a level head when they happen. Frame the issue as part of the adventure or a problem you can solve. This can help reduce the stress or overwhelm you might feel when encountering them.
Remember, these problems are temporary. You are on a trip to enjoy yourself and have fun.
