We all travel from time to time, some more often than others. It is part of life! But whether you’re traveling for business or for fun, it isn’t always going to be a smooth ride. Frequent travels often encounter challenges during some of their trips, some of which can be quite frustrating if not life-threatening.
Proper planning and preparation may not cushion you against every eventuality, but it will definitely help you avoid most (if not all) of these challenges. Most importantly, you can only be prepared for risks or possibilities you are aware of. Without further ado, here are 6 everyday struggles faced by frequent travelers and how to solve them.
1. Missed Flights
Well, you probably thought of this one if you travel often. Missing a flight is every traveler’s biggest nightmare. This is why most people prefer arriving at the airport at least one or two hours earlier to avoid missing their flight. If it’s your fault that you missed your flight, then there is very little you can do about it because once the plane is gone, it is gone! The good thing is that some airlines allow you to cancel or reschedule your ticket at least a few hours before the departure time if you are sure that you won’t make it. In this case; or if the flight is rescheduled by the airline, then you can get a refund or a discount on the next flight. All you can do is plead with the airline staff to consider your situation if you missed a flight and it was your fault.
2. Missed Mail
This is another common struggle faced by many people who travel for a few weeks or months. When away from home for long, it is not uncommon to miss crucial mail. Perhaps that job or business deal you have been hunting for so long decided to materialize while you are away. You could end up missing the opportunity. Crucial bills or invoices that need to be settled urgently could also be missed.
Thankfully, you can avoid missing your mail by using a virtual mailbox service. Digital nomad Mathew Karsten says that virtual mailboxes are increasing in popularity these days, and they are incredibly helpful to many travelers. The special service gives you a virtual PO box, which allows you to receive your mail and packages even while traveling abroad. All your incoming mail can be scanned and forwarded to you, and you can read them from anywhere. The service also gives you a physical address through which they can forward incoming packages to you while traveling. Some even include a feature that lets you deposit checks remotely despite your geographic location on the planet.
3. Illness
From travel sickness to jet lag, food poisoning, and insect bites, sickness while traveling can present in various forms. This may depend on various factors, including:
- How long you are traveling
- The means of transport used
- The destination
- What you eat
To navigate this challenge, always research your destination thoroughly and prepare yourself adequately for the trip. The last thing you want is falling sick and getting stranded while on foreign land, so don’t forget to get travel insurance if you haven’t. Find out if there are any health risks such as endemic diseases or insects. If you have a chronic illness, bring your medication with you, and choose your transportation options carefully. Especially in this age of the 2019/20 global COVID pandemic where some nations are more badly hit than others, you can never be too careful with your health when traveling.
4. Language Barrier
Not everyone understands English, Spanish, French, or the language you speak. When traveling to some locations, you’ll be better off knowing at least a few words of the local language. It helps minimize frustrations and bouts of loneliness that can stem out of communication barriers related to language.
On top of that, you may want to work a bit on your body language, gestures, or sign language skills. Furthermore, being able to speak to the locals in their language will help you make new friends and even get to know your destination better. This brings us to the next important point.
5. Getting Lost
Frequent travelers get lost in some of their destinations, especially when traveling without a tour guide. You may find your way back to your hotel room eventually, but it can be a horrifying experience. It also puts you at a higher risk of getting mugged or suffering other kinds of harm. To avoid this, ensure you research your destination properly and know how to get around and about in advance. Here are some more tips on how to navigate this struggle:
- Travel with a tour guide
- Get your phone charged before stepping out
- Befriend a local to show you around (watchfully)
- Download an offline map of the area
- Have a physical map where possible
- Don’t panic in case you get lost
Finally, nothing can be more intimidating than losing your luggage in the middle of a trip. You can lose it on the plane, hotel room, or in the busy street. Always be careful with your luggage at every point of the trip.
