After carefully planning an affordable trip by reviewingyour cheap traveloptions including cheapairplane tickets, cheapfares, cheapdeals, discount hotel rooms, cheap auto rentals, discounttravel deals, and cheap vacation packages, sometrips are disrupted by the unexpected, such as a missed connection, lostreservation, or credit card problems.
The following are suggestions on how to best handleproblems that sometimes pop up while traveling, according to RobertFirpo-Cappiello:
If youfind that the hotel at your destination has no record of your reservationalways remember to be nice. The deskclerk is your most likely avenue to securing a room. Always carry a printout or digital copy ofyour original reservation. If needed,call whichever online booking site you may have used.
Usually hotel reservation problems are dueto either simple misunderstandings or a data entry mistake. If not, and no rooms are available, ask aboutaccommodations at nearby affiliated hotels. You can avoid this situation altogether by calling your hotel a few daysbefore arrival to confirm your reservation and letting the hotel know if youwill be arriving late.
Insteadof letting a lost wallet spoil your trip, prior to departure, obtain a backupATM card, print out a list of all your bank and credit card numbers, and make acopy of your passport. Then if yourwallet goes missing, you will still have access to cash, a list of accounts tocancel, and an ID to prove your identity.
Carrental accidents, particularly in a foreign country can be challengingparticularly when the other drivers, police, and emergency workers speak adifferent language. Ask your rentalagency prior to driving off its lot what you should do in the event of anaccident.
Also prior to departure check with yourhome auto insurance company and credit card company to see if your coverageincludes a rental car overseas. Finallyfamiliarize yourself with local customs and rules of the road. If you do get in an accident, call yourrental company, file a police report, and request insurance information fromeveryone involved in the accident.
A lostpassport can be a daunting problem unless you make a copy (photocopy ordigital) of your passport before departing. Keep a copy of your passport and your drivers license or state IDseparate from your passport when traveling. Write down the following URL (travel.state.gov) so that you can find thenearest U.S. embassy or consulate if you lose your passport and be able toorder a replacement immediately. Emergencypassports can be fast-tracked if you are scheduled to fly within two weeks.
Dontwait until you arrive at your destination to find out if your medical insurancewill cover you when traveling abroad. Make certain you understand your coverage and if needed, investigateemergency travel insurance. If injured,remember that your hotel and/or local consulate or embassy is usually your bestsource of doctor recommendations. Pack amodest first-aid kit to deal with less serious medical problems.
Giventhat over two million bags are lost, damaged or stolen annually, you need to beproactive. Write your name and addressinside your checked bag, as well as on an outside tag, leave a copy of youritinerary in the bag since this will help get it re-routed to the rightdestination faster, and arrive at the airport early and check your bag at the airlinedesk, not at the curb.
Nothingis more upsetting that losing your child at a theme park, boardwalk, oranywhere else. However, if ever facedwith this situation your best course of action is to remain calm, and enlistthe help of qualified authorities immediately. Police officers or theme park security have experience dealing withmissing children and will be understanding and helpful. A picture of what your child is wearing thatday would be extremely helpful. Alwaysprovide children with an ID card that includes your cell phone number and pointout police and security personnel to your children so that they know who canhelp them find you.
If youare arrested for drugs, which is the most common reason Americans are placed injail overseas, contact the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy. Though they cannot simply get you releasedfrom jail, they can make certain that your rights are observed and that you getlegal representation. Before departingfor a foreign destination make certain you understand the sometimes-bafflinglaws of your destination. Rememberpossession of prescription opioids, taking photos of certain buildings, andother seemingly benign acts can result in you being jailed.
If youare surprised by a monsoon, quake, tsunami, or flood, obey the localauthorities and keep informed via the State Department website or those oflocal consulates or embassies, as well as via social media and email fromfamily and friends in the U.S. who may have information not available locally.
Whendealing with missed connections your airline is under no legal obligation tosupply you a hotel room or a complementary meal if the delay is due to weather. When traveling keep a list of hotelsnear your connecting airports and make a point to check on your flight beforeleaving for the airport. Remember thatbeing nice to airline personnel can help you secure alternative flights.
If youleft something important on your plane, contact the baggage service office atyour arrival city to see if the item has turned up. If not, go online and file a report. Major airlines have very efficient proceduresfor reuniting passengers with valuables accidentally left on planes. Always check the seat back pocket in front ofyou prior to deplaning.
www.cheapfares.com