One in ten jobs depend on travel. Things don't always go according to plan, no matter how much we prep for them. Even the most seasoned road warrior can run into hurdles when traveling for business. Problems set off panic, anger, and frustration in many people.
Regular travellers are accustomed to flight delays. Flight delays are caused by things including weather, air traffic control issues, mechanicals, crew problems, delayed aircraft, airport security, etc.
Even UFOs delay them. An unidentified flying object once appeared above China's Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport disrupted a total of 18 flights in July 2010. The UFO hovered in the air above Hangzhou.
Solution: To handle a delay or cancellation, use a free app like TripIt to do things such as keep flight confirmation emails and create a master itinerary.
Meanwhile, with an app called App in the Air, you can determine the best ways to spend your free time (i.e. find the best food and coffee) and to find free wireless internet connections.
When you need to take matters into your own hands, pay $2.99 and download the NextFlight app to negotiate with an airline to reaccomodate you.
The wost nightmare for international travelers: You're traveling abroad and suddenly, you can't find your passport.
"Getting upset and angry will not bring back your passport," Ben Ooi, founder of Australian travel-planning website Travelendar.com said.
Solution: File a missing ID report with the police department then contact the U.S. Embassy.
For avoidance, before you get on your flight, make a digital copy of the first page of your passport - the one with your picture and vital information. You can do the same with all your important documents. It's a lot easier to try and prove your identity.
Anything can happen when you're on the road, whether you realize you've left your suitcase in your cab as it drives away, or your airline appears to have misplaced your checked items. Keep calm. 79% of mishandled bags are just delayed, according to the Société Internationale de Télécommunications Aéronautiques's (SITA) 2016 Baggage Report.
Solution: Go to the airport's baggage claim office and file a report. Then be proactive and follow up with the airline. Get reimbursed for your lost baggage. If your bag is lost, the airline must compensate you for it and your lost items.
4. Your hotel room is disappointing
Your room including the service could be unacceptable for any number of reasons.
Solution: Don't bother calling reception. Ask to see the manager and then very politely and sweetly request a better room and give them the reasons for it. When someone has such a terrible experience that they want a full refund, it depends on the circumstances and the timing of the request.
Complain immediately. Don't wait until the next day. Be polite and remain calm. Be persistent but be flexible if they are offering alternatives.
These problems are avoidable at best and manageable at worst. No worries.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
