15 Common Travel Problems and How to Deal with Them

Traveling is one of the most exciting things I enjoy doing. So, when I say that I have seen it all, believe me. If you are a traveler or want to start globetrotting, you must be prepared for the worst. We know it does not always happen, but it does not make any announcements before striking.

So, what should you do in case you encounter any of the common travel problems? Of course, you wouldn’t want to sit back and pout for the rest of the day. Some trips go smoothly, while some are there to remind us that we are humans and do not have a solution to all the problems on Earth.

Common Travel Problems You Will Likely Encounter

Here are 15 of the most common travel problems and how to deal with them:

Getting lost

Anyone can get lost anywhere – airport, restaurant, local market, or just anywhere. Most people have got lost at least once in their lifetime. This does not mean they are not careful enough because it can happen to anyone. The feeling can be awful, too.

The good news is that modern technology has come to make things easier. However, it does not mean people don’t get lost anymore. If you are traveling to a place you have yet to master, you can download Google Maps and let it guide you. It is a reliable app that has come in handy for me many times when I’m heading to a location I have not been to before or hardly recall much about.

If, unfortunately, you have a low battery, it wouldn’t be bad to ask for directions from strangers. We still have good people, whose hearts are as lovely as their countenances. So, ask for directions if need be.

Don’t ignore this if you are a first-time traveler!

Getting attacked

If you are in a lonely or dangerous place, you can be mugged. Before embarking on any trip, ask questions, read the latest information about the place, or check for government warnings.

With adequate information, you can visit anywhere and avoid certain places to guarantee your safety. If, after being careful, you are still mugged, don’t panic. First, report the incident to the police. If you are traveling on a vacation, your tour guide has the area’s police contact. Once the police are aware, help will soon come your way.

Losing your phone

This is one of the most common travel problems people encounter. Phone loss can keep you defeated throughout your travel because of the relevant information locked in there. Most people do everything through their phone, and losing it leaves them incapacitated for the rest of their stay.

Unfortunately, there is no known help for a phone loss. The best thing to do is to be proactive. Ensure to know all your passwords and let your trusted person do so. Have a backup email and update your account before leaving. If possible, lock up your most valuable phone when you are on a trip.

If you are a digital nomad, this trick will help your travel experience.

Getting sick

People experience travel sickness a lot, and it is normal. To some, it is a usual occurrence each time they travel. Others experience it occasionally or when they are on public transport. The smell of the engine can affect you with its negative signals.

Always ensure to travel with your medications. But if you don’t have it, you can distract yourself by looking out the window and taking in the fresh air. Enjoy a conversation with the next person. Drink water.

Jet lag can also cause sickness during your travel. It happens when your natural body clock crosses time zones and gets uncoordinated, especially during international travel. It could cause restlessness or tiredness. Sleep off, read a book, or meditate on an important issue.

When you get to your destination, try to do some exercise. Walk around and talk to people.

Other causes of travel sickness include sunburn, insect bites, food poisoning, etc. Always prepare for these things in case they happen.

Not speaking the local language

One of the constant challenges you can encounter as a globetrotter is the language barrier. But you can overcome it if you learn the basics of the language before embarking on your journey.

Duolingo, Busuu, Babbel, and other language-learning apps will help you with your international travel. There are also online platforms to learn any language of your choice. Some are free, while some may require a few dollars. Whatever the case, you won’t regret it.

Loneliness

This is one of the most common travel problems people ignore. You can be lonely even in the midst of people. The wrong people can never keep you company.

During your travel, you may feel lonely for no just cause. It is worse if you suffer from depression. There is no trigger to this, and it can happen at any moment.

But if you are aware of your feelings, you can understand when they start seeping in and take precautionary measures. A sudden change in plans can make you feel bad. If you don’t control the feeling, it may become worse.

Humans are sociable and that is the only solution to loneliness. Find a way to mingle and don’t get lost in the pack. You will always locate someone who resounds with you. Be intentional about making friends.

Running out of money

This can be a huge issue if you are in a far place. Unexpected things may come up that require money to solve due to emergencies or changes in plans.

Save as much money as possible before going on the journey. It will save you a whole lot of stress. Research the general cost of living in the country and how much it will cost you to stay for the number of days involved. Check out our guide on how to save money for your travel.

Here is how to make the most out of your travel experience. Don’t ignore the tips

Missing a flight

This rarely happens, but it happens. Before going on the travel, find out the departure time and ensure you are several minutes early. Airlines will not reschedule time because of you. So, do everything you can not to miss your flight.

Baggage not arriving any time

This is one of the common travel problems that can annoy the heck out of you. It could be devastating for your baggage not to arrive as expected.

Most times, the items you need immediately are trapped in there, including your clothing. It is even worse if the bag is never found again.

To solve this issue, put your change of clothes in your carry-on luggage. Carry your toiletries with you so you don’t become stranded. It is not the end of life, but you can survive.

Consider reading this suggestion on how to satisfy your wanderlust

Adapting to Local Cuisines

It is not always a pleasure to experience new culinary delights. You may have dietary restrictions of specific food options or you just can’t eat what you are served.

It would be a great idea to research locations that can cater to your kind of meals. Taking snacks with you will also be great if you cannot get along with the local dishes.

Tricky Currency Exchange

Currency exchange may become one of the common travel problems you are not prepared for. Research the current exchange rate and places to get the best deal. Consider using ATMs instead of going to currency converters, who may cheat you since you may not know the standard fee.

Breaking up with a partner

Breakdown of relationships can be a common travel problem. Traveling can be stressful and may bring out the worst in a person. Traveling with a partner may amplify it.

Don’t let disagreements make you lose your best friend, sibling, lover, etc. Find a way to deal with issues without being pesky. Always know that a little compromise here and there won’t be bad. Talk about any pending issues before leaving the house; if you can’t deal with them, you may find a common ground for peace before embarking on the journey.

Read up on how you can deal with boredom in your relationship or how to become intimate with your partner.

In conclusion, traveling the world can open up numerous possibilities for growth and exploration.

The best solution for these issues is preparation. Preparing for common travel problems can help you take precautionary measures and enjoy your time.

I hope this was helpful. Leave a comment and share it with your friends and others, who may need it.