Tips for when your travel plans go awry
Whether it’s fog or mechanical problems, natural disaster or human error, sometimes the planets just don’t align and your well-organised travel plans can suddenly turn into the tour bus from hell.
Most of us set off on holidays without a care in the world, highly anticipating our latest adventure, hoping to take better selfie stick shots than our friends and making everyone back home jealous with updates and posts on our social media sites.
We want amazing sights, unbelievable food and awesome experiences and most of the time the travel gods are pleased and hand us just that. We arrive home rested, excited to share our travel stories and with our next destination already in the planning stages.
Occasionally, there are glitches and it’s how we deal with those pesky problems that can colour the whole landscape of our time away from home and turn the adventure into a battle ground. All that’s needed is patience. Sometimes a lot of patience.
Here are some helpful hints and strategies for getting through those problems from the slightly awkward to the downright impossible.
1. Have great travel insurance
While it is time consuming and a total pain, reading the fine print really is essential if you want peace of mind.
Not all things can be covered – that bad haircut or tattoo you could later regret – but a good insurance policy should cover you for most of the normal glitches. As someone famous once said, “Time spent in reconnaissance is seldom wasted.”
2. Research, research,research
Recommendations from friends aside, make sure you know what to expect from your destination. Travelling outside peak times may be easier on the budget, but experiencing cyclone season or travelling into potential conflict zones or being unaware of social etiquette in unfamiliar areas can land you in trouble.
There are enough websites, online forums and travel guides nowadays for this to be unnecessary. Make this part of your travel journey, which can build anticipation and excitement ahead of your departure date.
3. Book and pay ahead of time where possible
Prepaying for accommodation and tours locks you in to a particular time and place giving you certainty and helps budgeting. Many attractions are more expensive on site, so paying up front does save dollars. Also, a well-planned itinerary saves you precious time and allows for flexibility.
4. Keep calm
Try not to lose your temper. While our first reaction may be to rant and rage at airline stewards, hotel staff or tour operator, a cool, calm approach could turn a disaster into something bearable. If the problem you’re facing is unavoidable, a patient, considered approach can sometime win friends and get you upgrades ahead of an angry mob.
Generosity of spirit in the face of adversity may not win any Nobel peace prizes, but when you’re accommodating and understanding you keep your blood pressure down and win admiration.
Think about all the great travel stories you’ll be able to dine out on when you get home!
5. Pack for emergencies
Be a pessimist and pack a carry on bag for the worst case scenario.
Travelling light is what today’s explorer does best. Long gone are the days where two suitcases packed with an outfit for every occasion was the norm. However, bags often go astray and occasionally they never return.
This is why it’s so important to make your carry-on luggage count. Make sure you pack an emergency change of clothes, plus toiletries in your carry-on. If you are unfortunate enough to lose your luggage for a few days, at least you won’t have to wear the same set of undies the next day.
6. Carry emergency funds
Not long ago a couple of volcanoes blew their tops, disrupting the travel plans of thousands of people. Make sure your travel budget has enough backup to cover extra accommodation and living expenses.
Whatever you don’t use can always go into the kitty for your next trip, but if you’re caught out, you could end up in worse debt than you planned, especially if your travel insurance (see first point) doesn’t cover you.
7. Leave home safe and secure
There is nothing like returning home to a disaster. The power went off and your freezer smells like the inside of last month’s kitty litter when you walk in the front door. Or worse still, you’ve been burgled while enjoying the sun beside your five star hotel pool.
Tell neighbours and friends what your plans are and get someone to collect the mail, take in the rubbish bins and give the place a lived-in look.
Getting a house-sitter may be an option, but if not, a few simple precautions will avoid any home disasters.
8. Children have different needs. Be organised
Small children often react with tantrums when they’re tired. Or hungry. Or both. Or bored. Or all three.
Many families resort to electronic devices nowadays to soothe the travel process. Insist that your children only get the use of these devices while in transit or when dealing with delays or their use could not have the distraction effect you’re after.
Other options include books, colouring activities, or keeping a diary of their travels. Keep some fruit, snacks and/or sandwiches and plenty of water for the sudden hunger pangs. Also have a warm jacket and their favourite toy for the times they need to sleep.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Latest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!