Learn How to Over Come Obstackes to Travel

If you lot travel for long plenty y'all'll experience all these problems and more. You'll also learn that every problem has a solution. Here are 10 of the most mutual travel issues and ways to avert them.

When it comes to travel problems, I've experienced them all!

When you commit to a life of travel you have to accept that it won't always be a smoothen operation. Some trips get perfectly without a single problem, but many don't. Some things you tin can prepare for, others you simply accept to react to.

The best solution to most travel problems is preparation. Sometimes you'll need to be creative and resourceful with your solutions just this is besides one of the joys of traveling.

You can't prepare for every eventuality, but no trouble is insurmountable.

While the situations and specific circumstances may differ, there are common problems that happen to all travelers eventually.

Nosotros'll talk over 10 of the most common travel problems and means to avoid them.

10 common travel problems and their solutions

i. Getting lost

Some people have fantastic spatial sensation, others not so much, merely most people have got lost at to the lowest degree in one case in their life. It can exist a horrible feeling — your center beating faster every bit the panic starts to rise. You can get lost anywhere: a supermarket, airport, town middle or in the wilderness.

With modern engineering science this is one of the easier travel problems to avoid. In the past you'd demand a map for each state. Nowadays most everyone has a smartphone. Earlier y'all get out, download Google Maps and then download the offline map for whichever cities you'll exist visiting. The offline maps are tiny — ordinarily between xx to 50mb.

With the offline map on your phone you tin can browse even without an internet connection.

A word of warning though, this is not a foolproof plan! If your bombardment dies the programme comes crashing down. A pen and newspaper may be aboriginal technology, but they don't require batteries. Write down your destination only in instance.

The most important thing is to not panic. If you can, have a seat and accept some boring breathes. Strangers are mostly nice and helpful so, if information technology'southward safe to do so, ask for directions. If you don't speak the language you can bear witness them the written address (it'south not advisable to flash your phone around).

2. Getting mugged

In most 20 years I've only been mugged four times. Two of them were in my hometown, minutes from my house.

Some countries are more dangerous than others. It's important to check for any authorities warnings earlier you lot visit. It's also advisable to check Facebook groups and other forums for the opinions of other travelers.

A word of advice though — don't believe everything y'all read.

If I'd listened to as of communication about South America I never would have got on the aeroplane. I've read hundreds of horror stories about Brazil withal I lived there for over a year without a single problem.

There are lots of articles near how to stay safety when traveling, merely what should you do if y'all actually get attacked?

Don't panic!

The first thing yous demand to practice is study it to the police. You lot'll need a Crime Reference Number to claim on your insurance. If you're traveling with Worldpackers, your host will know the nearest police station and be able to help you with whatever translation issues.

Once that's done it's fourth dimension to deal with the emotional side. After I was attacked in Chile I became quite emotional. I was attacked afterwards leaving a bar, beaten up and robbed. For days afterwards I didn't want to go out the hostel and I was suspicious of everyone in the street.

I questioned myself. Why me? What did I do incorrect? Was information technology my fault?

Information technology wasn't my fault. I was but in the incorrect place at the incorrect time. It took me a while to accept it, merely it wasn't my fault. It wasn't personal. They didn't know me. I was simply a random tourist to target. In one case I accepted that information technology was only business for them I felt a weight elevator from my shoulders. That may seem lightheaded, simply it'south an important emotional shift to make.

Yous're immune to feel anger, rage and frustration, but you have to learn to permit it go. They're subversive emotions. The majority of the world are awesome people. Don't let a few idiots ruin your journey.

3. Losing your phone

This may seem like a silly 1 to add together to a listing of travel problems. Why non a camera? Laptop? Handbag? Considering near people do everything through their telephone.

I had a phone stolen recently in Argentina. Without it I couldn't:

• tell the time
• peak upwards my prepay debit bill of fare
• notice the nearest law station
• alert my family that it had been stolen
• access my travel due east-tickets
• cancel my contract
• tell anybody about it because my translator was on my phone

I had to use the public computer in the hostel, which then caused all kinds of security alerts with my online accounts. Logging in from a foreign computer ordinarily requires answering additional security questions, and so they helpfully offer to text a code to your telephone.

Not helpful when the phone is lost!

Make certain you:

• know all your passwords
• update all your account details before leaving
• have a fill-in email address to receive those annoying security codes

This is one of the more common travel problems every bit mobile phones are big concern all over the world. Your shiny new iPhone could be a twelvemonth's worth of wages for a local.

The solution is to apply common sense and not moving ridge it around in public. As with all valuables, keep them out of patently sight and, wherever possible, on your person or locked in a safe.

four. Getting ill

Sickness comes in many forms when y'all're traveling.

• Travel sickness

Travel sickness is caused when signals from your inner ear don't lucifer up with your visual signals. For some people information technology happens every time they travel. Others only suffer on sure types of transport. I used to detest buses. The odour of the engine and the rocking motion would cause me to hold my breath. This was a problem for whatsoever trip longer than 30 seconds.

If yous don't have travel sickness medication then there are a few things y'all can endeavour. Commencement I would try and limit the stimulation. Looking out the window at the passing buildings fabricated me worse, so I would focus on the chair in front end and focus on my breathing.

For other people the opposite is true. Distract yourself and take your mind off the feeling, either via conversation, music, counting things out the window, etc. Replace the sensory malfunction with another sensory input.

If you can get access to fresh air and a drinkable of water and so hopefully yous can calm the feeling and focus on other happier thoughts.

• Jet lag

This is one of the lesser travel bug. While many people utilise jet lag only to hateful tired, it is an actual status. It'due south caused when your natural trunk clock gets out of sync afterward crossing time zones. Your trunk still thinks it'south one time merely the world is operating at a dissimilar fourth dimension.

When I flew to Australia I was woken at 2am by the flight bellboy with my dinner. A Thai green back-scratch at ii o'clock in the morning might sound great after a night of partying, but not when you're stuck on a airplane. For the flying staff it was the normal dinner time, but my digestive organization didn't agree.

Symptoms of jet lag tin can include tiredness or restlessness and an inability to sleep. At that place are a few dissimilar approaches to getting over it. You tin can either attempt and sleep it off, but this could mean missing fourth dimension at the start of your trip. I prefer do. When you get to your destination endeavour and be as active every bit possible.

Go out, walk a lot, get lots of fresh air. I don't recommend alcohol as this tin mess with your body clock even more. If you arrive in the middle of the dark and can't walk around, relax. Meditate, read a volume or something which doesn't involve lots of stimulation.

• Insect bites

While some bites tin simply be itchy or a slight annoyance, others can be quite dangerous. If you lot're going to a place where mosquitoes or other bugs are known to bite, wrap upwards. Better than any repellant is a layer of clothing. If yous practise become bitten endeavor non to scratch. Easier said than washed, but this tin can lead to worse bug.

I am a magnet for bitter insects, from fire ants in Republic of costa rica to mbutu in Paraguay to mosquitoes anywhere in the globe. When I step off the airplane, information technology's insect party time. I e'er carry a practiced, non-toxic repellant plus some essential oils to care for the itching for when I do get bitten.

Information technology'due south too important to know the active times for the insects. They vary around the world so get local communication, only most mosquitoes are agile from dusk and dawn. Try to avoid being out at these times. If you are, brand certain you lot're covered up or wearing a practiced repellant.

If you get bitten and beginning to feel sick, seek medical advice immediately.

• Sunburn

Even if it's cloudy, wear protector! Cheque the weather conditions earlier you travel and specially the UV levels. A cloudy heaven can still produce unsafe levels of UV, and that's what does the existent damage.

Apply 30 minutes before going out and then every 2 hours later. If you lot're swimming or sweating then go crazy and do it every hour. The saying "less is more" does Not apply to suncream!

The effects of sunburn can be horrendous. I was unable to walk for 2 days after thinking I was safe on a cloudy day. Information technology felt like I'd been hit past a automobile... information technology was absolute agony for 48 hours.

If you have access to aloe vera, use information technology! It works miracles for sunburn. If you lot don't have any then keep the fire absurd without applying ice directly. Or even ameliorate still, don't go sunburn! Prevention is much less painful than treatment. Sunburn is one of the travel problems with lasting effects then attempt and avoid it at all costs.

• Food poisoning

Nutrient poisoning is a travel problem that can strike at any moment. Symptoms can include nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting or diarrhea. If it's bad so it can hit you within hours of eating or drinking the contaminated thing. Anti-diarrhea tablets tin can be a lifesaver... literally.

Before traveling anywhere I always pack toilet paper. I consider it nearly as important every bit my passport. That may sound dramatic simply I've been in some sticky situations before. If y'all develop food poisoning and so you'll understand.

While I mentioned diarrhea tablets earlier I only use them as a terminal resort. This is your bodies manner of clearing the contaminate from your body. Let the trunk clean itself. This may mean a day or two by the toilet, but at least you'll be clear afterwards.

Potable plenty of fluids but avert dairy and alcohol. Once you lot starting time to experience a picayune better then start with soups or broths and build dorsum upwardly to solid foods.

five. Non speaking the linguistic communication

This is a travel problem I've lived with for years.

Non being able to communicate with the people around you can lead to all kinds of emotions:

• Loneliness (see beneath)
• Acrimony
• Frustration
• Determination
• Encouragement
• Elation

Hopefully y'all noticed how that list went from negative to positive.

While beingness unable to speak the local linguistic communication can cause lots of negative emotions, it can as well be the catalyst to greatness.

Body language, sign language, gestures and smiles. They are all powerful ways to communicate. Utilize every single ane of them. If y'all're afraid of speaking new languages abroad, don't shy away from meeting new people because you don't know words. Apply these other forms of advice as an ice-breaker.

Study languages every bit much as you can earlier yous travel. It's an incredible form of respect that will be appreciated worldwide if you make the effort. Fifty-fifty if it's simply a few words or phrases information technology will aid. There are hundreds of apps, guides and linguistic communication programs you lot tin can attempt.

The best way to learn a language while traveling? Speak. Information technology can be slow, painful or pb to lots of laughter. It all depends on what mental attitude you arroyo information technology with. While some languages are much harder to grasp than others, a lack of words is a travel trouble with an easy solution.

vi. Loneliness

Loneliness is not 1 of the travel problems which affects anybody, but when information technology strikes it can be the worst problem imaginable.

There's no unmarried trigger. It doesn't just impact people who suffer from depression or emotional people.

No matter how strong or independent you are, loneliness can ready in and ruin your trip.

It'due south important to exist aware of your feelings. A sudden change in circumstances can really modify your attitude to traveling. If things start going incorrect and yous don't address them so they can spiral out of control.

Being apart from loved ones for an extended period of time is the classic reason, but it can likewise be as uncomplicated every bit missing a altogether or having nobody to share a special moment with. These pocket-sized things can add upwardly and really weigh on your listen.

If it gets to a certain level yous could exist tempted to cancel your trip and become back to your previous life. Traveling asks you to pace out of your out of your comfort zone and, without enough positive reinforcement, it tin get overwhelming.

In that location's no easy cure for loneliness. Humans are sociable creatures by blueprint so the easiest solution is to reach out. The saying "You're never alone when you're traveling" is mostly true. Unless you're way out in the wild then chances are you'll be able to speak to somebody.

Speak to your Worldpackers host or other travelers.

I'm non saying pour your heart out or cry on their shoulder, but you tin if it helps. Depending on your emotional land it may only require a smile, hug or a beer with like-minded people.

If that doesn't assistance then contact the Worldpackers support team. They're all experienced travelers who've lived the travel life. They've all experienced these travel problems and can offer assurance and support. When you're traveling with Worldpackers experiences, you're NEVER lone.

seven. Running out of coin

This can be a major trouble which you'll definitely want to avoid.

Unexpected things do happen though. Things break, unexpected charges come up, plans change and emergencies happen. It'due south impossible to account for every eventuality.

Before y'all travel research the country you're visiting. You want to have an idea of the general cost of living so yous can budget properly.

Salve every bit much money every bit possible, and e'er try and have an emergency fund which you don't touch on. This can be a credit carte du jour or savings business relationship. It should have plenty coin in for a render flight — that's the terminal resort should an emergency happen and you demand to return home.

Traveling can be expensive then make certain you read near how to save money while traveling, and it's also worth thinking most making money while yous travel.

Unless you lot accept a huge amount of money saved up or you lot've mastered how to travel on a upkeep, it tin can disappear quite chop-chop. The Worldpackers Academy has some dandy material about creative ways to make money while you travel.

If you're a traveller on a budget, bank check out our travel hacking tips.

eight. Missing a flight

This all depends on whose fault it was — yours or the airline.

If information technology'southward your fault, there'south very footling that tin be done. 99% of the time this is one of the travel bug with a simple solution. Always arrive in plenty of time. If yous think in that location'southward even a possibility you won't make information technology then cheque the rescheduling rules for your ticket. If yous exercise miss the flight and it was all your own fault then it's time to beg.

Airlines have no obligation to help you lot if it was your fault.

All you lot can practice is explain to the staff in a calm, reasonable manner what happened. Don't shout at them. As emotional equally y'all may be, it wasn't their fault. They're just doing their task, and then don't be rude to the airline staff.

If you lot can get on the adjacent flight, all good. If not, and you may non be able to fly for a while, it'south time to start thinking about the additional things you've booked. Are you going direct to a Worldpackers host? If so, message them and make them aware of the situation. If you have an Airbnb, hostel or bout, do the aforementioned. Don't let the missed flight snowball and ruin everything.

If it wasn't your fault yous missed the flight, at present you lot accept options.

Different countries have different rules. Speak to the airline staff and, once again, exist calm and reasonable. Some airlines will offer bounty, a free hotel or a free upgrade. Information technology all depends on the individual situation.

I missed a flying transfer in Panama and ended up with a free stay in a 5-Star Hilton Hotel. Admittedly it was only for 5 hours, but it was a overnice surprise.

A missed flying isn't the end of the world. Take it as a travel lesson to learn from.

Continue reading: The well-nigh helpful 26 tips for first time travelers

9. Baggage non arriving

This is one of those infuriating surprise travel problems. Yous check your bags in, get the boarding laissez passer, enjoy the flying and so your bags don't arrive with you lot.

This happened to me and I was devastated! Luckily it happened on the return trip so I could just become dwelling house and wait for the bags to go far. They eventually did iii days later. If it happens on the outbound flight it's a dissimilar story.

According to AirfaireWatchdog, "On average, airlines lose effectually ii bags for every i,000 passengers, and that includes bags that are temporarily misplaced."

That'south a disturbingly loftier number. Certain airlines are ameliorate than others so do some research earlier booking your flying. Even with all the research in the earth it'due south still possible to be the unlucky 1. There's absolutely no manner to predict it.

While you can't predict the future, you tin be prepared.

Take a modify of wearing apparel in your acquit-on baggage. I also always comport my toiletries handbag with me. This way if my big rucksack goes missing I have something to change into and a way to freshen up.

It'due south a huge inconvenience, but you can survive.

If your bags don't arrive be sure to speak with the airline staff and find out the procedure. You lot may take to phone them or they call you.

Some airlines evangelize misplaced bags to your hostel while others need yous to become and collect information technology. Before you leave the airdrome make sure you know the exact procedure, they have your details and you have theirs.

10. Breaking up with a partner

Acommon travel problemis the breakup of relationships. Equally we mentioned earlier, travel takes you out of your comfort zone. This can lead to stress and frustration. If yous're traveling with a partner this tin be magnified.

It doesn't affair if it's a girlfriend, boyfriend, all-time friend or family fellow member, disagreements happen. When you're living in each other's pockets 24/vii there are more opportunities for these disagreements to happen.

The anticipation of traveling is an incredible time. Whoever you're going with, it'south an heady time to plan, wait at photos, make bucket lists and fantasize about the incredible adventures to come up. The reality tin can be quite different as you observe hidden personality traits and dissimilar approaches to problem-solving.

My advice for traveling with a partner is to be honest and to compromise, but don't compromise your happiness.

If y'all really want to do something or go somewhere and the other doesn't, talk about it. The breakdown of nigh relationships occurs when there's a lack of communication.

It may not piece of work for all travel partners but don't be agape to separate and meet again a few days, weeks or months later. That curt break could be the spark you need to rekindle the burn down. For romantic partners I recommend brutal honesty. The 2nd a problem arises, talk about it. Don't let anything fester.

Read my guide to couple travel for more than detailed information virtually taking your relationship on the road.

That concludes my listing of the most common travel problems and means to avert them.

Every problem has a solution. If y'all travel for long enough you'll feel all ten of these and more. Does that mean you should avoid traveling to avoid these problems? Absolutely not!

The benefits of travel far outweigh the negatives. Once you've had these experiences you'll be better equipped to handle whatever life throws at yous, either on the road or back at home.

These 'problems' volition brand you stronger, more resourceful and much more resilient.

Happy travels!

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