Travelling is not always smooth and it's completely normal for occasional hiccups to occur. From unexpected mix-ups to frustrating problems, as you become a seasoned traveller, you’ll experience some of these problems or even more but on the bright side, every problem has a solution so don’t panic just yet. Preparing for a trip is a very crucial part of your journey and would prevent you from basic travel challenges. Here are common travel challenges and how to overcome them.
10 common travel challenges and their solutions
1. Language barrier
This is one of the most common travel challenges. It can be a problem not being able to communicate smoothly with people when you visit a country that speaks a language you're unfamiliar with. It's not exactly easy to learn new languages every time you visit a new city and as much as you'll learn basic words and phrases, it's not going to be the same as speaking in your language. Not being able to communicate with the locals might make you feel lonely, frustrated, and determined to break the language barrier.
To ease the language barrier, you can use body language, sign language, and gestures. You should not let the language barrier stop you from meeting people. It is also nice to study the languages of the country you’re travelling to. The effort of learning the language is just as important as the effort that goes into planning the trip. A few words and phrases will go a long way and you can make use of apps such as Duolingo and Drops to learn a new language.
For longer words and conversations, you can use travel service apps like Google Translate to help you translate words or instructions.
2. Missing a flight
This has to be one of the worst mishaps that can happen to you. Missing your flight can derail your whole plans and sometimes ruin your trip.
Missing a flight can either be your fault or the airline's. If you miss your flight due to a mistake on your end, little to nothing can be done to remedy the situation. To avoid situations like this, you need to arrive early before your flight and if you know it won't be possible to meet up with your flight maybe due to traffic or an emergency, look into rescheduling your ticket.
You've missed your flight so what next? Beg. It's time to start begging, hoping, and praying that you'll have a little luck. Airlines don't have any responsibility towards you if it's your fault for missing the flight.
While begging, calmly explain to the staff why you missed your flight. Some airline staff can be nice and might be able to get you on the next flight and if not, you'll have no option but to wait till the next available flight.
If missing the flight was not your fault, then there are options to overcome this challenge. Explain to the airline staff calmly and either based on the airline's or country's rules, the situation will be fixed. You'll either be compensated by the airline, get a free hotel or get a free upgrade. Overcoming this challenge majorly depends on the individual situation and the airline.
3. Getting lost
You can be constantly aware of your surroundings and still get lost. So imagine how someone who has zero awareness of their environment would navigate getting lost. Being in a different environment for the first time has a high chance of getting lost.
At least 8 out of 10 people have gotten lost once in their lifetime. Either at the mall, airport, park, or supermarket. It can be a terrible feeling trying to navigate a strange environment and cause you to panic.
Modern technology has made things increasingly easier, especially for travellers to navigate new locations and avoid this type of travel challenge.
All you need now to navigate your trip are good GPS apps like Google Maps. Before travelling, make sure you have all the necessary apps downloaded and you can also download the offline map on Google Maps for the destination you're visiting. Offline maps come in handy when the Internet connection is bad or nonexistent in that location.
Having a good GPS app is not a foolproof plan, though, as your phone battery could run out and you might not have an alternative to charge. To prevent situations like this, you should also print out maps or write important details of your destination direction.
If you do get lost on a trip, do not panic. Take a nice deep breath and ask for directions from nice strangers. Don't be shy and try not to get lost.
4. Currency exchange
Currency exchange for travellers has become easy but different countries have their own processes for currency exchange and you need to be aware of them before going to change money.
It's not advisable to carry lots of cash at hand as it can raise red flags at the airport and also put your safety at risk.
Before travelling, check in with your travel account bank and see the options for your target destination. ATMs are easily accessible in some areas and you can withdraw money with your debit card.
Your bank might exchange money for you if requested before your trip so you have some cash on hand to navigate your arrival to your destination. This doesn't apply to countries like Morocco that have a closed currency.
Also check on the basic requirements, like a passport or ID you'll need to exchange currency at your destination to avoid going back and forth.
5. Getting mugged
In all honesty, not all countries are safe. It is very important to gauge the situation of the destination you're travelling to for any government warnings or conflicts before you visit. The last thing you'd want is to get in the heat simply to go on a vacation.
Read up on traveller forums and tourism reviews of that location to know the safety level. This doesn't mean you need to believe everything you read because a lot of people base their reviews only on their experience and opinion.
You're in charge of safety so take all the necessary precautions to avoid getting mugged. Keep your properties safe and out of reach from possible muggers.
If you unfortunately get robbed, stay calm and report. Go to the nearest police station and contact your insurance if you have one. Anger and frustration will certainly overwhelm you in such a situation but don't panic and let that ruin your vacation.
6. Getting sick
This is one of the most annoying travel challenges and I don't wish it on anyone. You could get sick while travelling in many ways, like travel sickness, infectious insect bites, terrible sunburn, food poisoning, and any other emergency sickness.
Travel sickness happens to some people every time they travel and it could be on specific types of transport.
If you get travel sick and don't have any medication at hand, look out the window if on a plane or distract yourself by listening to music, reading a book, or watching a movie. Try to focus on your breathing and take your mind off the feeling.
Drink some water and get fresh air if you have access, which will help you calm the sick feeling.
For insect bites, if the location is known for mosquitoes or other dangerous bugs, make sure to cover up well and get an insect repellent for extra caution.
If you get bitten by an insect and feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately.
To avoid sunburn in locations that have extremely hot weather, always put on sunscreen. Sunscreen is essential to have in your bag to prevent the UV rays from damaging your skin, as some weather can have extreme levels of UV rays.
It is important to reapply your sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours and don't be stingy with it.
If you do happen to get burned, don't worry, there's a remedy.
The sunburn effect can be terrible and annoying but if you have access to Aloe vera, it would work miracles for your sunburn. Applying ice indirectly can also help reduce the burning sensation.
Do not have the misconception that dark skin does not get sunburn, as you'll be surprised. Prevention is key so hold your sunscreen like gold.
Food poisoning is one of those illnesses that can be a travel challenge out of nowhere. You'll have to be cautious with what you eat to prevent getting food poisoning. The symptoms include nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, and vomiting. It is caused by eating or drinking contaminated substances.
To prevent being in such a bind, having anti-diarrhoea will save you the headache of visiting the toilet the whole day. Try to drink plenty of water and let it out of your system but use medication once it seems to be getting out of hand.
7. Lost baggage
Losing your luggage can destroy your entire trip and I do not mean to exaggerate. After the stress of checking in your bags, get your boarding pass and enjoy the flight only to find that your bags didn't arrive.
Frustration might get the best out of you as you try to handle the situation. Certain airlines are not so good with their customers' luggage so research before booking that flight might save you this headache.
But regardless of the precautions you take, the possibility of losing your bag still stands, as you can't predict the future.
Be prepared for this kind of emergency by having a simple change of clothes in your carry-on luggage and a small toiletries bag. So if your luggage goes missing, you can still get a nice clean-up to tackle the challenge.
Speak to the airline staff if your luggage doesn't arrive and find out the procedure to get it back.
Share your details and get their contact details as well to keep in check with the procedure. You've got this!
8. Losing your phone
Heaven forbid you experience this challenge because it can be the most frustrating one on this list.
If you lose your phone or get stolen in a foreign country, find the nearest police station to report the situation and alert your family or emergency contact of the situation.
For situations like this, you should know all your passwords or have them written down somewhere and have a backup email address to get access to yours and get your necessary information.
Stealing a phone is a common travel challenge so be careful to avoid such a situation and keep it safe like every other valuable thing with you.
9. Luggage weight limits
You need to be aware that there are certain luggage weight limits when travelling.
Do research on the required weight limit at the airport and get free resources on how to pack light for a trip. A great hack for shopaholics and souvenir addicts, you can carry an empty suitcase, duffel bag, or tote bag to bring back all the gifts and goodies for your family and friends.
10. Transportation issues
Transportation is not perfect, regardless of where you find yourself. Some countries come close to perfect but you can't rule out the possibility of one or two hiccups.
Transportation challenges are mostly out of your hands, like missing the train or bus so prevent being in such situations. And if it happens, use an alternative like taxis.
Do research on all the modes of transportation that fit your budget and style. Also, have backup plans if things don't go as planned.
That concludes our list of the most common travel challenges and how to overcome them.
There is a solution to every problem and travel challenges aren't exempt. The more frequently you travel, the more chances there are of experiencing one or more of these challenges. But that shouldn't stop you from travelling.
The benefits that trip will do for you outweigh any negativity so go ahead and book that vacation and have the best time of your life.
