Dealing with Travel Obsticles

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Travel is exciting and a wonderful way to broaden your horizons and enrich your life.  The unfortunate truth about travel is that sometimes things go wrong that can derail the entire trip.  So how do you go about preparing for and dealing with the most common travel landmines?  Read on and learn some of the most basic tips we can offer.

 

Air travel is the most convenient way to get from point A to point B but it is also the most frustrating.  So many things can go wrong.  So much is riding on that flight that quite often if something happens with your flight the rest of the vacation can fall like dominos.  Here are some tips for handling the most common airline issues.

 

          Flight Delay or cancelation:  Be sure to sign up for text message alerts when booking your flight.  If nothing else, you will receive advance notice that something is amiss with your flight.  Many of the airlines have their own apps which allow you to rebook or reschedule your flight.  No longer do you have to stand in line or wait on hold to get your flight back on track.

          Flight Oversold:  We have all been there while they make announcement after announcement that the flight is oversold and they are looking for volunteers to give up their seats.  Sometimes this can be a good thing if you have a buffer in your schedule.  You still get to take the vacation and get some extra perks along the way.  We often schedule an extra day on the front end of our vacations so that if the need arises, we can take them up on the voucher offer and still get to our vacation.  If your schedule does not allow such a concession, check in early and opt for the slightly higher ticket.  You have a little bit of an edge of those flying the lowest fare.

          Overhead Bins are Full:  This is one inconvenience that I don’t always mind.  Sure you have to check your bag, but it is free.  Sure you have to wait for your bag to be brought to you from underneath the plane, but unless you have a really tight schedule, it’s not a terrible wait time.  But if the thought of these inconveniences sends you over the edge invest in a carry on that fits in the space below the seat.  Be careful when purchasing and make sure the dimensions listed include the wheels.

          Your Passport is Invalid:  This one sneaks up on a lot of people.  Don’t assume that because your passport has not expired, that it is still valid.  Many countries require that your passport is good for at least 6 months after your travel ends.  What does this mean?  Check your passport expiration date long before you want to travel.  If it expires with within 6 months of your dates of travel, get it renewed before you depart.  Save yourself a lot of grief.  Also, take pictures of your passport on your phone in case it gets lost or stolen.

          Lost Luggage:  There is almost nothing you can do to prevent this scenario but there are things you can do to lessen its impact.  I almost always bring a carry on bag with me that contains a couple changes of clothes.  That way if the checked bag gets lost, I’m not completely helpless.  Be sure to file a claim before leaving the airport and keep track of receipts for anything you have to purchase until your luggage is returned to you.  Those can be reimbursed.

          Gate is Closed:  Just because your ticket says the flight departs at 7:10 p.m. doesn’t mean you have until 7:10 p.m. to board your flight.  They often close the gates 10-15 minutes prior to departure.  Once those gates are closed you are out of luck.  Instead of yelling at the gate attendants, politely ask for their assistance in finding you the next available flight.

 

So you made it through the landmine that is the air travel segment of your vacation.  There are still some items to look out for.  Here are some tips for handling the most common ones.

 

          Your Room is Not Ready:  If you are checking in early, this one should not derail your vacation, nor should it upset you.  You are checking in early.  Rather than get upset, ask if they will hold your luggage and see if they can give you access to the gym or the pool while you wait for your room.  If you need to, you can always use the shower in the gym to freshen up and change clothes.  That way you can still get out and have some fun without checking into your room.

          If it is after the official check-in time and your room is still not ready, ask politely for some compensation.  This could be some free drinks or a compensation for the room rate.  I always say, “you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar” and it holds true in most situations.  Keeping a cool head and a polite demeanor can get you a long way with the front desk staff.

          Your Reservation is Lost:  This happens more frequently than you might think.  Always carry your confirmation information with you.  Either print a paper copy of it or have a copy of it on your phone.  This is your proof of reservation and can help the staff find your reservation.  It’s always a good idea to have copies of all of your travel plans.  You just never know when you might need them.

 

As travel agents, we always provide paper documentation as well as electronic receipts for our clients.  We even have an app that will hold all of your travel details to assist you with your travel.  You don’t have an app?  Contact us!  We can set you up and plan your vacation and provide you with all the tools you need to enjoy your next vacation to the fullest.  We are your travel experts whether it’s a sophisticated luxury trip, a family adventure, or a bucket list experience we can plan it all and provide you with the back up you need.  Happy Travels!