Going on vacation should be fun, relaxing, and a time you will never forget – for positive reasons. However, even the most well-thought-out trips can take a turn for the worse, which is why travelers need to develop contingency plans. That begins by detailing all the things that could go wrong and finding quick solutions. Below you will find some of the most common disasters people encounter when on vacation and ways to handle each problem.
Hotel Mishaps
One of the worse disasters is arriving at your hotel to learn that you do not have a reservation, especially when you travel long-distance or are vacationing during a busy week, which limits hotel availability within the area. Before you leave for vacation, always call the venue ahead of time to verify your reservations. If there is a discrepancy, you should have the email confirmations stored in a vacation folder to confirm the booking.
Lost Luggage
It would be best to pack a few outfits and other necessities in a smaller pilot case. If your larger suitcases are lost, you and your family can have a change of clothing until the luggage is located. You should also research local shopping locations and price everyday clothing and accessories if you need to purchase additional items while on vacation.
Car Maintenance Issues
When driving across the country with your family, you could encounter maintenance issues, even on a newer vehicle. You could forget to schedule an oil change, or your windshield wipers could stop working. If this happens, you will need to receive emergency assistance, such as finding a towing company that can assist you and your family. Other issues that require you to call for assistance include running out of fuel. The good news is that the towing company could help you with these issues, or tow your car to a local repair shop or dealership for help.
Missed or Canceled Flights
Getting to the airport on-time is essential when you are going on vacation or returning home. However, there are instances when you leave early and avoid transportation problems, only to arrive at the airport and learn that your flight has been canceled. An excellent way to prevent these disasters is to take an extra day or two of vacation, giving you time to reschedule and make it back to work on time. You should also put money aside to purchase another flight if you must get home immediately.
When planning your next family getaway, romantic trip, or a vacation for you and your best friends, it would be best to use some of the tips mentioned above. These strategies can come in handy when facing common vacation disasters.
Author Bio
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan