One of the best features about traveling is its unpredictability. But it’s important to be prepared for curveballs that can sabotage your trip by taking these steps.
1. Take Out Travel Insurance
The number one way to plan for the unexpected when traveling is to take out a travel insurance policy.Travel insurance can cover a broad array of unexpected incidents, even before you leave home. Whether you fall ill and need to cancel your trip, the airline loses your bags, your pro golf equipment never makes it to the tournament or something similar, travel insurance can protect your investment.
2. Keep Copies of Important Documents
It’s common for travelers to become separated from vital documents due to outright thieves or accidental loss. Before you go, make copies of the important cards in your wallet, such as your driver’s license and credit cards. Include the backs as well as the fronts. Copy your visa and passport, including the front and back covers. Keep these copies with you, but store them at the hotel. Email digital copies to yourself so they’re available no matter what happens.
3. Have Backup Payment Options
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, money-wise. Carry sufficient cash to pay with should your credit card get lost or declined. Don’t change all your money to local currency; keep a reserve of your home currency, just in case.
4. Pack a Basic Emergency Kit
Be as self-sufficient as you can by packing a basic emergency kit. Fill a transparent, zippered pouch with OTC pain relievers, bandages, antibiotic ointment, motion sickness tablets, an extra phone charger, a flashlight, and anything specific you may need, such as a spare set of contact lenses, etc.
5. Familiarize Yourself With Local Emergency Contacts
As soon as you arrive, make a list of local emergency contact numbers, or learn their locations so you know immediately whom to call or where to go if you need help. This should include your country’s local embassy or consulate if you’re in a foreign country.
6. Plan for Transportation Issues
Delays, missed connections and last-minute schedule changes are common around the world. Install a local rideshare app on your phone and make contacts of local taxi services to avoid being stranded. If you encounter a taxi driver who knows your language and you trust, get their direct contact information so you can call them to come get you if you get stuck somewhere.
7. Keep Valuables Safe
Wear your backpack on your front, use an RFID wallet, and wear a money belt. Hide a stash of bills in your shoes or somewhere else in case you’re mugged. Avoid displaying large amounts of cash when paying for items. Consider using hotel safes for passports and extra money.
8. Stock up on Water
Keep a supply of bottled water in your accommodation. It’s common for the water supply to be cut off for hours or days without warning in some countries.
Take these simple precautions so you can quickly rebound from unexpected hiccups during your travels. Contact us for more information about travel protection.
