How To Handle Travel Disasters

Every vacation should be perfect, but life's mishaps can strike you anywhere at any time. While smaller obstacles might put a damper on your day, some tough situations can be terrifying when you're traveling abroad.

Here are some tips to help you avoid these difficult situations, and some ideas on what to do if the worst should happen.

You lose your passport

You're having a good time when you reach into your pocket and suddenly realize that you don't have any idea where your passport is.

Preventive tips: In some countries it's a must to carry your passport with you at all times, while in others you can get by with regular ID. If you don't need to have your passport on you, leave it in the hotel safe. But, no matter what, make copies of your passport. Take one copy with you and leave another at home with a friend who can fax it to you if necessary. That'll help speed up the replacement process.

What to do if it happens: Run to your nearest embassy or consulate. You'll pay to replace the passport, but since you can't travel without it, you really have no other choice. In a crunch, you can get a new passport in 48 hours.

You get robbed

Theft happens everywhere, but on vacation, with few possessions on you, one incident can be devastating.

Preventive tips: You can't stop crime, but you can take precautions. First, try and be aware of your personal safety at all times -- keeping your wits about you will prevent most crimes. Secondly, don't put all of your eggs in one basket. Use a money belt, and keep a second credit card and some extra cash in there (reserve it for emergencies only).

What to do if it happens: If you are the victim of theft, report it at once to the local authorities (you might need a police report to show your credit card or insurance company). Cancel your credit cards and see what can be done about getting replacements (most credit card companies have offices around the world). Finally, have that friend who you left your vital documents with fax them to you (and possibly wire you some money).

You get lost & don't speak the language

Getting lost is part of traveling, but going too far off the beaten path can mean trouble.

Preventive tips: The first thing to do at a new hotel is to take down its name (or grab its card) so that locals can help you find your way back if you get lost. Beyond that, take a few short walks around your hotel to learn the area, then go out exploring. Finally, if you use a guidebook (recommended), take advantage of its language section -- a few phrases can go a long way.

What to do if it happens: First, don't panic. You're only lost, but there is no immediate danger. People can be quite helpful whether you speak the language or not, but if you panic, you're less likely to attract friendly people who will help. Look for a police officer or other public official who can help. Finding a tourist information center is a great way to regain your sense of direction, and you can do that by finding a major tourist attraction. Remember; tourism is a big business the world over and, while you may not speak the language, most people know what tourists come to see in their city. Alternatively, a major hotel can also help -- you're likely to find a concierge who speaks English and can put you in a taxi for a small tip.

You get sick

Health ailments are a common problem when traveling. Usually you can cure most of what ails you with a first aid kit, but sometimes you need a doctor.

Preventive tips: Never travel without traveler's insurance. You can buy it online, through your travel agent or at the airport. No matter where you buy it, make sure that your policy covers evacuation (getting you to the nearest appropriate hospital) and repatriation (getting you home) and allows for a cash wire service (as some hospitals won't discharge you without cash payment).

What to do if it happens: If you didn't buy insurance, you'll have to pay for your treatment, but you don't have to be on your own when it comes to finding it. Ask your hotel or your embassy for a recommendation. But get an idea of the cost structure up front, and be prepared to have someone wire you money.

You get into a car accident

Car accidents happen the world over, and if you drive while you're on vacation, they can happen to you.

Preventive tips: Before you rent a car, buy the insurance. Any reputable rental agency should be more than willing to sell you insurance. You can also check with your credit card company to see if you're already insured. If you are, use that card for the rental.

What to do if it happens: Notify your insurance carrier or credit card company. If you're not insured, and there is significant damage or injury, you'll need to contact a local lawyer to find out what your rights are. If you're unsure, call on a policeman to guide you through the procedure.

You find yourself in a natural disaster

No matter where you are, a natural disaster can be quite scary. If you're traveling and Mother Nature strikes, you'll need to remain calm and be prepared for an extended lack of services.

Preventive tips: Your first point of contact before a natural disaster hits is your hotel. They should have knowledge of these types of disasters, supplies and a plan. Such preparedness, however, will vary from country to country and even from hotel to hotel.

What to do if it happens: If the disaster is a serious one, you may not be able to phone home or get out of the country right away. But you can and should contact your embassy. They'll be collecting names of their nationals affected by the disaster (to notify loved ones back home) and organizing evacuation (if necessary).

You get arrested

Going to jail is never a laughing matter, but going to jail in a foreign country can be a disaster.

Preventive tips: If you're traveling abroad, it's a good idea to read up on the local laws (your guidebook should tell you what you need to know). Never assume that what's legal in your country will be legal where you're going. It's also a good idea to have a lawyer you trust back home. Should the worst happen, he can put pressure on your government to help, as well as help find you local counsel.

What to do if it happens: If you're arrested, contact your embassy immediately. Depending on the country, they can do everything from give you guidance to refer you to a local lawyer. But regardless of your embassy's powers, you need to let them know that you're being held.

You miss your flight

If you miss your flight because of something in the airline's control, don't worry: They have a duty to get you to your final destination. On the other hand, missing a flight because of something you did wrong can be quite costly.

Preventive tips: You have two options here. First, you can buy a traveler's insurance policy (which you should have anyway) that covers a missed flight. Second, you can book a ticket with flexible options, which will work only if you know you're going to miss your flight and can reschedule according to the terms and conditions of the ticket.

What to do if it happens: Assuming you didn't have insurance and you couldn't reschedule the ticket, you'll need to buy a new ticket. First, make sure you have the cash or credit to do so (in other words, don't charge to your absolute limit while traveling). Then, price out your options. In some countries, Internet fares are the way to go, while other countries do a booming business in travel consolidation (check out the local English language paper for deals). If you're staying at a nice hotel or resort, see if the concierge can't use his contacts with the airline to help you out. Pleading your case to a compassionate ear at the airline might also work -- you'll never know until you ask.

be careful on vacation

Nobody likes to think about what can go wrong while they're on vacation -- after all, the whole point of travel is to have fun. But, as you can see, disasters do happen. While you can't always avoid them, you can plan for them. By taking the right precautions, you'll be more than likely to survive any disaster abroad.

Resources:
http://money.cnn.com/2005/05/27/pf/saving/willis_tips/
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2002-07-18-croc-hunter.htm
http://www.consumerreports.org/main/detailv4.jsp?CONTENT%3C%3Ecnt_id=500145&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=162675
http://www.roadandtravel.com/travelsafety/creditcards.htm
http://www.honeymoon-packages-europe.com/Travel/Package.asp?dest=9&pid=118&title=Ferrari+Fantasy+Tour&destname=Europe
http://www.cheap-fly.com/travelinsurance.html
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