Most well-planned trips go smoothly without any problems. However, even the best of plans can go awry. Keep these simple tips in mind when taking your next trip.
1. Lost or stolen wallet or purse.
You should always keep a photocopy of your credit cards at home just in case you lose your wallet or purse. Assuming you’ve planned ahead and have this list available at home, call someone who has a key to your house and ask them to fax the list or read it to you. Immediately call your credit card issuers, as well as your bank, and explain what happened. Your bank and credit card issuers will be able to offer personalized assistance. If all else fails, phone a family member and ask them to wire you some money to tide you over until you can get things straightened out.
2. Stolen or vandalized car.
First, call the local police to give a report and enlist their assistance in catching the criminal or finding your car. Next, call your auto insurance carrier and the car rental company, if the car is a rental. If the car is a rental, the rental company will give you instructions. If the car is not a rental, ask your insurance company for further instructions. If the car is still drivable, consider simply continuing with your trip and having the car repaired once you return home. If the car is not drivable, your insurance company will help you find a local car rental company, as well as a local auto repair facility.
3. Lost keys.
If you have lost your hotel keys, plead your case with the hotel clerk. Be prepared to show identification and to pay a fine for losing the key. If you have lost your car keys, you may need to try several different approaches, depending on the make of your car. Many newer cars require special keys that can only be purchased from the dealer. Try phoning a local dealer and asking for assistance. Older cars may be tougher - for these, try a locksmith. Many locksmiths and auto dealers may be reluctant to provide help for lost keys, as they are wary of helping someone steal a car. Be prepared to offer proof that the car belongs to you.
4. Forgotten belongings.
These days, most forgotten belongings can be replaced while you travel. If you have forgotten something truly irreplaceable that you absolutely must have, a call back home is in order. Call a family member or friend who lives nearby and enlist their help in entering your home, retrieving the forgotten item, and sending it via overnight express to your location.
5. Lost, stolen, or forgotten travel documents.
Many airlines, cruise lines, or other travel companies will not let you board without your travel documents. Sometimes, these documents are irreplaceable, but often, a call to your travel agent will solve the problem. Explain the situation and be prepared to pay a fee.
6. Illness.
First, call your health insurance company and ask for their guidance. Most insurance companies request that you contact them before seeking non-emergency care outside of your “home” area. They may be able to direct you to an in-network physician.
Many hospitals offer free “Dial a Nurse” programs which can help you decide whether you need a doctor and, if so, can direct you to one. Additionally, your hotel concierge should be able to direct you to an area clinic or hospital.
7. Auto Accident.
First, call the police to have them complete a report. Once the police arrive, they will help facilitate the exchange of insurance information. Second, do not admit blame, even if you feel the accident was your fault. Third, call your auto insurance carrier as soon as possible. Also see instructions for “illness” and “stolen or vandalized car.”
8. Flight delays or cancellations.
An airline that needs to delay or cancel a flight will also always provide alternate flight options. If these options are unacceptable to you, try talking with the ticket agent or the ticket counter manager. Do not be confrontational - enlist their help in solving your problem by being polite and treating them with respect. If all else fails, try a different airline or perhaps a different airport.
9. Missed flight departure.
If you have missed your flight, your first stop is the airline ticket counter. Accept responsibility for missing the flight and ask about your options. Usually, you will be able to fly on the next available flight for a fee. Sometimes, this fee can be quite steep, but it will usually still be cheaper than purchasing a completely new ticket.
If your missed flight is the airline’s fault (for example, it was a connecting flight and your incoming plane was delayed), the airline will usually arrange for you to fly on the next available plane.
10. Lost or damaged luggage.
If your luggage was lost or damaged during an airline flight, talk to the airline. Most airports have a counter for lost or damaged luggage near the luggage pick-up area. Airlines will replace lost or damaged items, usually by issuing you a check before you leave the airport. If your luggage has been misrouted, often an airline will issue you enough money to purchase necessary items until your luggage can be re-routed to your location.
