How To Avoid Travel Drama, Disruptions And Issues

When you travel, you should always be aware of the things that can go wrong, especially if we are traveling with kids. That is why it’s good to be as prepared as possible.

There are many steps you can take to be safe and to ensure that your trip goes smoothly and I have experienced many of these over the decades I've traveled, here are my tips:

• If traveling by plane, be at the airport at least 90 minutes before the departure of domestic flights, and 2-3 hours before the departure of international flights. Try and use an electronic boarding pass which is a more eco-friendly way to travel, it means you don’t have to print them out and can keep them on your phone at all times. (I typically always take a screenshot of my phone and store that image in my photos so I don't have to worry about getting into my email or wallet, I have found this is MUCH faster.)
• Bring photocopies of important documents, including passports and prescriptions (there is a GREAT list here). It helps if something should happen and you need to replace them.
• Have your prescription drugs (best if they are in the original box or bottle depending on the country you are traveling to) and be prepared for your entire trip with enough supplies.
• Use luggage tags and write down your work address instead of your home address. Also, include your email address and phone number.
• If you are traveling with children, take a recent photo of them with you – if you can, save it to your mobile phone just in case they get lost.
• Avoid traveling with valuables such as expensive jewelry.
• Put your money, credit cards, and passport in a small purse or wallet under your clothes or in another hidden secure location. Be discreet and do not spend a lot of money in public, this can attract thieves. Also, spread out your money in various spots so if something does happen, you still have cash.
• Beware of possible theft of personal items. Usually, the experts work in groups – one or more, can distract you while others steal your valuables; so always have your valuables on you.
• Use padlocks for your bags even when you’re walking the streets, just in case.
• Familiarize yourself with the laws that govern the area or country you are visiting as well as any weather updates that may disrupt your travel.
• If you do not speak the local language, learn some key phrases in case you need help or take a book. Also, download Google Translate which is a more helpful tool. Use a pocket guide too.
• Use common sense. Do not walk in unfamiliar areas at night, do not board unmarked taxis, do not accept parcels with unknown content, and have Google (offline) maps installed so that you can always find your way back to your accommodation.

In addition to this, you may want to ensure that your luggage is kept safe too. If you have a late-night flight you need to keep your luggage somewhere, you can look into this more at radicalstorage.com. This is helpful if you’re in a big city such as London, Paris or Rome. don’t be caught out on your next trip and ensure you are doing things the right way.

Mr. Misadventures and I often land in Paris around 10 am and have to wait until 3 pm or later to get into our hotel or rental property. We take long trips so have lots of luggage and equipment so this is something we do so that we can store our stuff and not lose half a day waiting for our accommodations to be ready!

How about you? Do you have any tips or tricks to add to my list? Do share!

Like it? PIN it!