Travel but expect the unexpected.

Travel but expect the unexpected.

When people think of travel, they often have thoughts of all the wonderful things they expect to happen.  Suppose it’s a beach vacation; travelers think of sunny beaches and warm waters.  If it’s a winter vacation, many will think about the snow and the incredible snow activities.  However, for many, vacation expectations can be disappointing and frustrating.  These expectations are because social media often only shows picturesque and positive vacation experiences.  Therefore, it’s best always to have an open mind when traveling and expect the unexpected.  Here are a few things that could go wrong despite all your best-made travel plans.

Missed flights.

Even though travelers may have booked their flights in advance and know the time guidelines for getting to the airport before a flight, many still miss their flights.  Reasons from waking up too late, confusing am times with pm times, long TSA lines, or leaving items at home are common.  It’s always best to prepare and do prechecks the day before departure to ensure none of these scenarios is a factor for your travel plans.

Expired passport.

Many people do not have a passport, but many of those who do, have passports that have been expired or are very close to being expired.  International travel requires having at least six months validity.  Many travelers take the time to plan and pay for their trip then get to the airport with an expired passport.  An expired passport is a traveler’s self-inflicted wound; all related expenses are at the traveler’s cost.  If you plan to travel internationally, check your passport’s expiration date before booking your flight.

Getting sick.

Getting sick is probably one of the most common realities of traveling.  Most often, travelers get sick from consuming contaminated food or water.  However, many often get overexposed to the sun and get sunburnt or are bitten by insects.  Travel, in general, puts us more at risk for sickness as we most often travel to places with persons we are not familiar with.  Traveling by air puts us in close contact with people we don’t know, and the airplanes’ recirculated air makes encountering germs more possible.  If you plan to travel, take precautions like staying hydrated and getting enough sleep.  In addition, traveling with some medicines to combat minor sicknesses is highly recommended.

Lost items.

When traveling, it’s not uncommon to lose personal items.  Items such as passports, mobile phones, losing your wallet or purse, losing luggage, and forgetting to pack certain items are common occurrences for many travelers.  Often, we are so caught up in our new surroundings that we forget our belongings.  It’s best to be organized when you travel.  Use packing lists if you must and keep copies of your important documents like passports, credit cards, and reservations.  If you lose your electronics or wallet, you can more easily make reports if you have more than one way to access your information.

I hope you never experience the unexpected when you travel, but I want to make sure you are prepared if you do.  Have you ever experienced any of these scenarios?  If so, how did you handle it?  Please let me know in the comment section below.

Travel during the Christmas holidays.

Travel during the Christmas holidays.

Travel during the Christmas holidays can be stressful with extra crowds and often densely packed airplanes.  With COVID, holiday travel takes on an even more stressed environment. However, it’s also a chance to visit family and friends, and maybe spend the holiday in a new destination.  The holidays are celebrated worldwide, and they may not be as meaningful in some destinations. However, foreign travel allows travelers to experience Christmas celebrations shared across the globe.  Here are a few tips that may help you navigate traveling during the holidays with less stress.

Pre-trip planning

Plan accordingly and know your flight times. In addition, prepare for extra airport crowds.  Most airlines advise getting to the airport 2 hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international trip.  Typical airport rush hour times are between 5 am to 7 am and 4 pm to 6 pm.  If you plan on traveling around those times, adding some extra airport travel time would be wise.

TSA Pre-check/Clear

Another way to plan for holiday travel is to pre-register for many travel programs that help the travel process go more smoothly.  TSA Pre-check helps to expedite screening at the airport.  It sure helps not to have to remove shoes, belts, laptops, or light-wear jackets as you go through security.  Clear is another program that can help expedite the screening process.  Unlike TSA Pre-check, verification is done through eyes or face, making for a touchless process.

Travel registration

Many foreign destinations now offer travel registration.  Part of any travel research is the know before you go tips available on many country websites.  This research helps travelers know of any visa requirements, but in this time of COVID, it is beneficial also to be aware of any health travel guidelines for your destination.

Travel insurance

As with any travel you purchase, travel insurance is vital for any unexpected travel delays or interruptions.  Now more than ever, it’s essential that your travel insurance include COVID medical insurance.  Travel insurance not only protects the traveler in the event of a COVID infection, but many foreign destinations now require it before allowing entry into the country.

Embassy registration

Many travelers are unaware of the protections they can receive from their government when issues arise in a foreign country. US citizens can find helpful safety and general information about foreign destinations on STEP, The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.  It also helps the embassy, friends, and family contact you more easily in an emergency.

These travel tips can be helpful all year round, but especially during the travel holidays, it’s essential to be well prepared. Are you planning on traveling this holiday season? Are you prepared and ready? I’d like to know.  

https://step.state.gov

https://www.tsa.gov/precheck

https://www.clearme.com