Guide To Travel Disasters

If you’re planning to go away, you may not want to think about everything that can go wrong! But the more you know about how to cope when disaster strikes, the quicker you’ll be able to sort things out… So here’s our helpful guide to travel disasters.
 
Losing your passport
The classic international holiday disaster (if there is such a thing!), losing your passport is, of course, bad news. Not only does it prevent you from travelling, but while you’re away, your passport is probably your most reliable form of identification. The first thing to do is to get to your nearest embassy or consulate, and it could get sorted surprisingly quickly – sometimes within 24 hours.
 
Missing your flight
If it’s the airline’s fault, don’t worry – it’s their responsibility to get you to your destination. But if it was your mistake (and you don’t have a flexible ticket, or relevant insurance), it’s up to you to sort it out, and that normally boils down to buying another ticket. Try to use cash if possible; maxing out your credit card while stranded abroad could only lead to more difficulties…!

Falling ill
Anything on this list will be easier to deal with if you travel with good insurance, but when it comes to falling ill, it really does make the world of difference. If you’re covered, contact the insurance company and make sure you know where you stand. Otherwise, if you’re going to have to fork out, ask your hotel or embassy for some advice on where to go for treatment.

Getting arrested
Depending on where you’re travelling to, there may well be a number of laws which you’re just completely unaware of, so try to look into this before you go. If the worst does happen, and you actually get arrested, begin by alerting your embassy. Not only will they be in a strong position to help, but you’ll instantly feel less isolated.
 
Getting lost (and not speaking the language)
If you’re lost, it can be all too easy to panic straight away, but chances are people will be more willing to help a calm and polite tourist than a flustered and impatient one! Look for tourist attractions and large hotels, where there’s bound to be someone with at least some grasp of English.  Almost every potential travel disaster can be made a whole lot more manageable with travel insurance, so don’t forget to sort it out before you set off… 1Cover Insurance provide a decent travel advice page.