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When Travel Plans Go Sideways – How Women Can Handle Travel Mishaps Like a Pro
- Jessica Seiders
- Dec 13, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Feb 20
Traveling solo for the first time is always exciting, isn’t it?
The thrill of heading out is exhilarating, and you think you have everything planned to perfection—from booking flights and lining up tours to researching a list of local cafes you can’t wait to try.
But sometimes, the universe has other plans.
As a woman traveler, you might have those moments when everything seems to go wrong. Despite getting to the airport hours ahead, your flight gets delayed, your bag goes missing, and your schedule is thrown out the window.
It’s frustrating, stressful, and definitely not what you signed up for.
But here’s the thing: the mishaps are part of your travel story.
The trick is knowing how to roll with the punches and still find joy in the journey.
So let’s talk about keeping cool even when things go sideways and most importantly, how to turn travel hiccups into memories you’ll laugh about later. Let’s dive in!
What To Pack for “Just-in-Case” TRAVEL MISHAPS
One of the first steps to handling an unexpected travel issue is packing smart. No, this doesn’t mean tossing in another pair of undies or socks “just in case,” but building an emergency kit that's designed to save your day.
Pack a “Go-To” Emergency Kit
A small pouch with pain relievers, band-aids, antiseptic wipes, energy bars, gum, or refillable water bottles can be a lifesaver for long flight delays or minor injuries.
Include copies of important documents like printed versions of your ID, passport, or travel documents. Next to flight delays, one of the worst things is to be stuck in immigration or customs because you forgot your paperwork!
Consider a Weather-Proof Wardrobe
Even if you’re heading to a tropical country, it’s smart to pack for unexpected weather. Bring a lightweight, all-around jacket and pair it with pieces you can layer. Choose clothes that you can dress up or dress down so you always have options when the weather turns chilly or if there’s a sudden storm.
Staying Safe and In Touch
Travel may be exciting and fun but safety still needs to be your top priority. If you’re a female solo traveler, safety is even more paramount.
Staying connected and prepared can give you (and your loved ones) peace of mind especially if you're in a foreign location.
Have an Emergency Contacts List
Create an emergency contacts list on your phone, not just for home but also for local resources, wherever you may be heading. Save your hotel number, address, the local embassy, or local health facilities.
You can also go a step further and have a written copy, in case your phone dies. You can keep the list inside your wallet for the duration of the trip.
Use Technology to Stay in Touch
There’s no shortage of apps you can use to keep yourself safe when traveling. Using apps with offline maps is a great option in case you find yourself in an area with spotty Wi-Fi or no signal.
Safety apps like bSafe and Life360, are also fantastic options when traveling alone because they let a trusted contact know your location.
Have Backup Accommodation
There’s nothing more awful than arriving at your hotel after a long flight and finding out that you don’t have a room. So, at least bookmark a few nearby options on websites like Booking.com or Hostelworld ahead of time.
This way, even if you find yourself without a room. You can navigate your way to the nearest place.
Delayed or Canceled Flights?
Here’s What You Can Do
Flight disruptions are more common than you think. While they are stressful, they don’t have to ruin your trip. Here's how you can handle cancellations and flight disruptions like a pro traveler.
Always Know Your Options and Rights
Airlines are required to help you rebook in case of cancellations. In some instances, the airlines even owe you a hotel room, meal vouchers, or compensation.
When filing claims later, keep copies of your correspondence with the airline including the receipts, so you have evidence to back up your compensation claims. Travel insurance can also help with ensuring you’re reimbursed caused by the disruption.
Keep Yourself Calm and Occupied
Long flight delays can eat at everyone’s patience, but stressing out over something you don’t have control over, will only add fuel to the fire. And worse, you still won’t be any closer to your destination.
So, instead of stewing, keep yourself busy by catching up on podcasts, reading a book, or if you have work, then just work. Also, take a mental break. You can use apps like Kindle, Spotify, and Audible to kill time. Just download content in advance in case the Wi-Fi isn’t available.
Start Preparing in Case of a Long Layover
The long delays could lead to an unexpected layover, and if that happens, try and keep an open mind. You can turn it into an adventure by checking out nearby attractions, even if it’s just a nice local cafe.
Some airports offer lounge access so you can rest. Use this time to keep yourself from getting frustrated over things beyond your control.
Keeping Sane When Your Luggage Gets Lost
There are few things worse than standing by the luggage carousel and seeing the last suitcase picked up and yours is nowhere in sight.
Try not to panic, you can get through this mishap with minimal stress by doing the following:
Immediately Report Your Lost Luggage
The moment you realize your luggage is missing, head straight to the airline’s baggage desk and get that report on paper. A lot of airlines offer luggage tracking apps so you know exactly where your bags are. Make sure to get a reference number and keep the documentation they give you.
Keep Essentials in Your Carry-On
Even if your main suitcase gets lost, you can prepare for events like this by keeping essentials inside your carry-on. Make sure to have a change of clothes, important documents, toiletries, and emergency items with you. You’ll at least have the basics until you get your luggage back.
Insurance and Claim Filing
Got travel insurance? Make use of it! File a lost luggage claim and see if the policy covers the cost of replacing your luggage or the items you buy in the meantime.
Having insurance is always a good choice, not only does it cover any flight cancellations or delays, it can be useful when you travel with expensive gear or items.
How to Deal with Health Issues on the Road
Getting sick on vacation is no fun, but it does happen and a few precautions can go a long way to making sure you’re okay.
Keep Your Essential Medications Close
Like having an emergency kit, keep a small stash of your essential medications with you. Whether it’s something you take daily or just over-the-counter medications for stomach issues or headaches, have enough to use when you need it.
If you take prescription medication, make sure to have enough (and more) to last your entire trip. It would also help to find out ahead of time if the country you’re visiting is okay with the specific prescription meds you will be taking.
Take Note of Local Pharmacies or Clinic
Find out the nearest pharmacy or clinic around your accommodations so you have options in case you need a refill of your medications. In some countries, telemedicine options are available which makes consults easier.
Prioritize Travel Insurance for Medical Emergencies
Consider getting travel insurance that has a good amount of medical health coverage. Medical emergencies abroad can get expensive fast and having a good health insurance package means one less thing you need to worry about.
Managing Money SETBACKS on the Road
A final area of concern when dealing with travel mishaps is money matters. Unexpected expenses or worse, losing your money, can be one of the most painful travel hiccups. To help deal with this, you can do the following:
Have a Backup Payment Option
Keep a secondary credit card in case the main one gets lost, declined, or stolen.
It’s also best to have cash with you, especially in the local currency of your destination, so you won’t have to worry too much about not having immediate money.
Always Have an Emergency Fund
Keep a small travel fund especially if you're aiming for long-term travel. A small fund you can tap into for emergencies is a big help when encountering last-minute transport or medical issues.
Keep Your Financial Data Safe
Technology is great but with it also comes a lot of possibilities for scams. When on the road, you can keep your financial data safe by avoiding public Wi-Fi when making online transactions.
Keep your credit card information secure and consider apps like Apple Pay or Google Wallet for additional security. An RFID-blocking wallet is also helpful in protecting you from possible digital theft.
Conclusion – Embracing the Unexpected
Travel hiccups are never fun, but it doesn’t need to dampen your travel spirit.
By keeping calm, packing smart, and having a plan B (even a plan C), you can make the most out of any situation.
Yes, travel mishaps can be stressful in the short term. But, fully embracing the unexpected part of the adventure, is part of the whole travel experience! With each mishap, you also gain stories, acquire confidence, and build up resilience which will serve you on future trips.
Keep these tips in mind and stay flexible. Don't allow a little turbulence in your travel plans to ruin your entire adventure.
Safe travels!
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Unlock the magic of travel and friendship at Traveling Women Official! Connect with Jessica and a supportive community of women as you embark on unforgettable journeys together.
Guess where we're heading next? Guatemala! Are you ready to step out and explore this gorgeous place with likeminded, supportive women? Join us today at Traveling Women Official! We would love to have you!
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About Jessica Seiders (Founder of Traveling Women Official)
After her daughter left for college, Jessica Seiders sold everything and set off on a journey of self-discovery, leading her to create Traveling Women Official—a community empowering women to explore, embrace new adventures, and reinvent themselves.
Through relocation coaching and her book, she helps women confidently start fresh and build a life of adventure.
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