How often do you travel? Have you ever taken a trip where everything seemed to go wrong? What was supposed to be a stress-free holiday or productive business trip is the opposite. Although no one enjoys thinking about the worst-case scenario, the adage “hope for the best, and plan for the worst” is sound advice. There are a lot of potential hiccups that can be avoided with a bit of forethought and preparation. There are a variety of issues that can and probably will arise on occasion while on vacation, including travel delays or accidents, hidden fees, and costs, lost or delayed luggage, medical or dental emergencies, travel accidents, damaged rental cars, alerts about the possibility of terrorist attacks, issues with emergency assistance, and identity theft. Could most of the difficulties encountered on that trip have been avoided or made more manageable with enough preparation for the unexpected? Some advice on how to achieve it is provided below.
First, get a head start on your trip preparations. Planning might begin as early as four to six weeks before departure. Do your homework on the company before buying an all-inclusive or comprehensive bundle. Some plans promise no hidden fees or extra costs. Make them explain their policies and package rates to you in detail until you do. If you take the time to ask the appropriate questions in advance, you can avoid being let down by unmet expectations. Find out exactly what you’re paying for. Never accept something as valid unless it is adequately explained, and a written guarantee is provided. Use a reliable service if you need to make last-minute arrangements for a business trip.
Keep a suitcase ready at all times if you frequently find yourself making last-minute travels or know that an unexpected journey may be necessary due to an emergency. Put in at least one complete change of clothes and all the amenities you’ll need. If applicable, provide a sample of your regular medication, contact information, and account details. If you’re limited in packing space, buy travel-sized toiletries to keep in your “short notice” bag. Make sure it fits inside the airline’s carry-on size restrictions. If hasty decisions are ever required, this will help alleviate some of the pressure. You’ll be relieved that you spent the extra time packing your carry-on properly if your checked bags get lost or delayed.
Plan and read up on your destination. The Internet is an excellent tool for this purpose. Knowledge is power when finding the best discounts and comfortable lodgings that fit your needs. These days, the Internet is a treasure trove of knowledge and contains a wealth of resources for planning vacations. It is now possible to purchase tickets, obtain permits online, and print them from the comfort of your home. Online services simplify reserving a rental car or a hotel room, allowing you to compare costs and amenities easily.
Third, prepare for the unforeseeable: problems might arise when you least expect them, so bring peace of mind and safeguard your trip investment by buying travel insurance. Ensure you are covered for job loss or relocation, uninhabitable lodging, emergency assistance, travel accidents, delays, lost or delayed luggage, weather-related cancellation, medical and dental expenses, terrorism, and identity theft if you decide to acquire travel insurance. Pre-existing conditions should be covered longer or shorter, depending on the plan. Pick a business where a human answers the phone, not an answering machine. Make sure there were no hiccups by double-checking your purchases and reservations later on the website or by phone.
Get your plane tickets, passport, visa, maps, car rental and hotel reservations, permits, and proof of health and travel insurance in order before you leave. Keep some spare cash in an emergency or cover any unforeseen expenses. Don’t walk around with a lot of money. Credit cards and traveler’s checks are preferable. You should compile a list of your crucial identification and contact information, including credit card, driver’s license, visa, passport, ticket, reservation, and prescription numbers. If any of these things get lost or stolen, include any relevant emergency contact information. You should always carry one copy of this list with you and store the other in your carry-on.
If you must leave your home unattended for any time, consider hiring a reliable house sitter. Plan beforehand for the tasks that must be done while you’re gone, such as pet sitting, plant watering, and mail collecting. A house or pet sitter is preferable, but if you can’t find one, at least leave a light on in the place so it seems lived in. Have your trusted friend or relative who checks in on you occasionally change the bulbs in your lamps and pick up your mail and newspaper as needed. You can also choose to stop receiving newspapers and mail temporarily. Put your lights on cheap timers that almost precisely mimic your usual schedule.
Before leaving, give a trusted friend or family member a written copy of your itinerary. Details such as the names, addresses, and phone numbers (especially cell phone numbers) of all group members traveling and any relevant medical conditions that may affect you or your traveling companions should be included in this notification. Include the names, numbers, and beneficiaries listed on your travel insurance policies, the names and addresses of the hotels you will be staying at, the times you anticipate to arrive and depart, and any other information relevant to your return journey.
The person possessing your travel plans should be contacted at specific times before, during, and after your trip. Discuss with your point of contact the steps to be taken if you fail to check in by the agreed-upon time. This is something to remember when traveling abroad, especially when visiting potentially dangerous regions. This person can be your point of contact with a trustworthy pet or house sitter if you need their services.
In a nutshell, being prepared for the unexpected is crucial to having a pleasant journey. While most of us hope that everything will go off without a hitch, we know that sometimes, despite our best efforts, things go awry. The peace of mind and assurance that comes from having a plan to deal with the unexpected if it does occur is well worth the time spent planning, researching thoroughly, double-checking arrangements, coverage, and documentation, and writing out an itinerary.
Travel insurance and assistance services are provided by CSA Travel Protection, which helped Rita R. Powers write this article. Visit http://www.csatravelprotection.com to learn how purchasing travel insurance might improve your trip. You must include a working link to CSA Travel Protection with any reprints of this material.
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