When encountering travel mishaps, never panic. If possible, summon all positive energy and enjoy the situation while it’s happening. Always keep in mind that being a homeless lad in a foreign lad is not an option. There is always a way out and a way to go home safe and sound.
I would often say that traveling boo boos are parts of the adventure. These often count as icebreakers or funny stories that could be used when you try to be funny in awkward conversations. I could easily laugh at the experience once I am safe in the comforts of my home. However, at the moment of the problem, it was definitely not funny and you would really have time to strengthen your relationship with God in prayer. So allow me to tell tales of some of the mind-racking situations and the solutions that came with it. Don’t get me wrong, I am not proud of these feats so I am still including the should-haves.
No credit card and short on cash
I am not a fan of credit cards because of horror stories of debt and fraud. But oh how I wished I had one of those magic plastics which could have solved all of my problems in a recent trip to Hong Kong. The urge to travel came with the shining promise of a cheap airfare and a friend who really wanted to shop in Hong Kong. And though my rule in a foreign land to never compute currency exchange to enjoy spending, it was what wrecked my wallet on the third day of the trip.
Solution: My beloved Western Union. Thanks to roaming technology, my savior was able to text me the control number.
Should have: Spent less on the first days (cup noodles could have been considered as native food; after all, I was in China); join a group of travelers and book at a travel agency even if it means wearing the same neon-colored hats—at least you get to have your own ride around the city.
No place to stay and still no credit card
One of the best things I learned is that promos in the Internet are actually true. Through bookingbuddy.com, I was able to book a hotel for our first night. After reading some reviews from virtualtourist.com, I was confident that the place was decent. So I thought, “We’ll just extend when we get there, when we are so sure that we like the place.” Wrong decision. The room which I booked for HK$230 on the Internet was priced at HK$419 the next day when booked at the hotel’s reception area.
Solution: Borrow a friend’s credit card number, use the hotel’s Wi-Fi, and book a room again. After all, bookingbuddy.com usually does not charge the credit card and allows the traveler to pay upon arrival.
Should have: Taken advantage of the promo since it usually gets more expensive as one nears the check-in date (they know our weakness); book the hotel at a local travel agency for the duration of the trip (they really get cheaper rates).
Cancelled flights
I was sitting so comfy on my seat next the window when they announced that ti plane was malfunctioning. The flight was moved to the next day.
Solution: Walk fast to the check-in counter and register your name on the list of passengers. (The first ones usually get to choose which hotel they want to stay in.) Plane fares usually include travel insurance and this would get you free room and food until the next flight. You could even get a free one-way ticket as additional compensation for the damage. Extended vacation with free food and accomodation—not to mention a perfect good excuse—is not bad at all.
No should-haves. Cancelled flights are inevitable.
Lost luggage
There were two big groups of travelers that arrived at our destination so the airp was full of people welcoming the guests. Assuming that the first pair of hospitable staff who welcomed us was assigned to of group, we gave them our luggage tags and bowed our heads to receive the garlands-only to find out that members of our group were wearing a different type of welcome accessory. When we reached our hotel, it was confirmed that we gave our luggage to the wrong staff.
Solution: Ask the organizers to call the other group and track the bags. Wear the hotel’s bathrobe as a night gown and pray) that the bags would find its way to the room.
Should have: Brought extra clothes in my carry-on bag; never assume that the smile of the welcome committee were assurance, that you were giving your luggage tags to the right staff.
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Tags: cheap airfare, currency exchange, positive energy, western union