Trust us when we say that traveling will always bring you surprises, good or bad. It’s almost a rule! No matter how carefully you plan your trip, things might go wrong when you least expect them. Whether you lost your phone or missed your train connection, what’s important to remain cool, flexible, and prepared for any situation. Here’s how we’ve learned to deal with unexpected travel situations and turn them into unforgettable stories to tell.
Balance Trust with Caution
When things go wrong during a trip, it’s natural to panic, but staying calm is your best chance to navigate unexpected events. There’s always a solution—often better than you first think—as long as you approach the situation with a clear head.
We learn this during our trip to Vietnam, we accidentally forgot one of our smartphones at a bus agency. Naturally, we were anxious about loosing all our pictures and contacts, but instead of letting panic take over, we took a deep breath and contacted the bus agency’s customer service. After some negotiation with the personnel, we were able to get our phone back for a small fee. What’s the catch? The receptionist quoted us a lower price than what the bus driver requested. In situations like these, it’s important to reach a compromise, learn how to haggle, because sometimes “help” comes at a cost.
The lesson here is to expect the best from people but keep your guard up. Most people are kind and willing to assist you, but there will always be individuals who will try to take advantage of you if you’re in a vulnerable situation. Balancing trust with caution is a valuable skill to learn.
Questioned Everything
We encountered another surprise when we arrived to Thailand. We needed a visa on arrival, and after a long journey, the last thing you want is to be taken advantage of. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened. The immigration officer told us that one visa costed 100 USD and we had to pay cash, which we did under pressure. But later, after exiting the airport, something didn’t sit right with us.
We went to the airport’s reception desk and requested a visa receipt. We knew we had been duped when the immigration officer claimed they were unable to provide a receipt due to a “system down!” It was a tough realization, so we calmly asked how we could get our money back. Of course the solution they provided us wasn’t straightforward and every employee we encountered tried to make the process as difficult as possible. Still, with perseverance, patience, and a cool temperament eventually we managed to recover the difference.
What was the lesson of this situation?
Never be afraid to ask questions. Even if it means having an awkward moment and having to confront someone (without going to the extreme and being a “Karen”). It’s important to always remain polite and composed and try to understand the other person’s perspective. Stand your ground when you know something isn’t right. Situations like this will inevitably happen, and your ability to stay calm and persistent can make all the difference.
Conclusion
Travelling is as much about overcoming difficulties as it is about discovering new locations. Unexpected things will inevitably happen to you, but how you respond to them will truly matter.
Transform potentially stressful situations into stories you can laugh about later by remaining calm, and being light on your feet . When you’re prepared for anything to happen, the journey turns into an adventure. So seek for help, but do your research, stay vigilant, and listen to your gut when something doesn’t feel right. Safe travels!
