Travel Problems And Tips To Manage Them For Hassle-free Travel

No matter how much you prepare, travel problems seem to find every traveller eventually. Some common issues like cancelled plans, getting lost, or culture shock can potentially ruin an exciting trip abroad. 

Therefore, staying flexible and informed on overcoming typical travel problems can make a difference. This article will list some smart tips to keep your journey exciting and seamless. 

1. Lost Passport

Losing a passport is one of the most annoying travel problems to deal with. Photo by SKT Studio on stock.adobe.com

Losing your passport while travelling is one of the most dreadful things that can happen to anyone. You often have to manage many bags, tickets, and personal belongings. And before you know it, the passport is no longer there. Maybe it fell out somewhere along the way, or worse, someone pickpockets it.

Nevetherless, you should stay calm and cancel your passport immediately. The second thing you should do is report your stolen or lost passport to prevent someone from using it for criminal purposes. Lastly, apply for a replacement.

Contact the local police and the nearest embassy/consulate of your country of origin. Most embassies will require a form of identification, such as a copy of the lost passport, a driver’s licence, or proof of travel arrangements, such as airline tickets.

It’s wise to prevent such travel problems from occurring in the first place. Invest in a shoulder bag, one with RFID-blocking technology, so you never have to worry about losing your passport again.

2. Packing For Varying Climates

Having to prepare clothes for multiple climates is a common travel challenge. Photo by bigy9950 on stock.adobe.com

It is one of the ultimate travel problems. Cramming all those bulky sweaters and shorts, constantly swapping out clothes, hauling around excess weight, it’s a nightmare! You need to be prepared for cold, hot, dry, humid, etc., you name it. 

The key is to pack versatile layers and invest in smart, multi-purpose clothing. You should choose lightweight fabrics that can be layered for warmth. Some common options are cardigans, packable down jackets, and pants you can zip the legs off.

It is also wise to bring clothes made from quick-dry, wrinkle-resistant materials. Then, you can roll clothes instead of folding them to maximise space. You can learn to build a travel capsule wardrobe to minimalise your clothes further.

3. Overweight/Oversized Luggage 

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Airlines usually have strict regulations on luggage to ensure the aircraft cabin's load capacity, plus passengers and the crew's safety. Therefore, when your luggage is too heavy or too big, you will have to pay a hefty sum, spoiling the mood for the trip from the start.

So, how can you avoid these travel problems? Start by choosing luggage that matches your airline's size and weight limits. Check out CabinZero underseat bags, designed to meet all major airlines’ personal item rules. These bags will save you time and hassle, and even the baggage fees.

Here are some more tips to lighten your loads before boarding the plane:

• Wear your heaviest shoes and jacket through the airport.
• Remove any extra bags, toiletries, or liquids you don't absolutely need
• Use travel-sized containers for your toiletries
• As a last resort, repack items into your travel companion's bag if they have extra space.

4. Flight Delays and Cancellations 

Flight delays can disrupt your entire travel itinerary and cause frustration. Photo by Thomas Bethge on stock.adobe.com

Waiting, whether due to weather or technical issues, can be frustrating, right? That’s why smart travellers always know to stay one step ahead. It’s as simple as arriving at the airport earlier, checking the airline's app for updates, or having a backup plan ready just in case.

If delays or cancellations occur, contact the airline immediately to rebook or inquire about vouchers for meals or hotel stays. If the disruption is prolonged, rely on your travel insurance for assistance. Most importantly, take a deep breath and stay calm—it will make handling the situation easier. There are many things you can do at the airports.

5. Delayed, Lost or Damaged Luggage

Staying calm is important for resolving these kinds of travel problems. Photo by Goffkein on stock.adobe.com

According to the Civil Aviation Authority, “Most airlines will reimburse you for the bare essentials you need to buy when your bag is delayed.” If your bag is damaged and your claim is approved, “they may pay for your baggage to be repaired, or may provide replacement baggage.”

Thus, keep your travel documents and baggage claim receipts handy and report the lost or damaged luggage immediately before leaving the airport. Contact your travel insurance as they might also cover lost or damaged luggage.

Some travellers avoid these headaches by opting for carry-on only. With your luggage by your side at all times, you eliminate the risk of lost bags—especially handy for solo travellers. For added peace of mind, consider using a tracking device like an AirTag, or opt for bags equipped with built-in tracking tags, such as Okoban.

6. Jet Lag

Travel broadens the mind, but jet lag narrows the eyes. Photo by Tomasz Zajda - stock.adobe.com

The nature of jet lag is that your body has not yet adapted to the new schedule. Many believe that jet lag is unavoidable after a lengthy flight, and they just ignore this travel problem.

The solution? A few days before departure, slowly adjust your sleep schedule to sync with your destination's time zone. On the plane, avoid alcohol, which can dehydrate you, and try to take a nap whenever possible.

You should also adjust your meal times accordingly - for example, eat 1-2 hours earlier than you would at home. Drink plenty of water pre-flight to stay hydrated.

Once you land, sync your watch with the local time. The earlier you “live” in the local time on the first day, the easier it is on later days. If it’s midnight, sleep. If it’s daytime, stay awake even if you are exhausted until at least 9:00 PM local time. Being outside with the sun and sky also helps.

7. Overbooking at Hotels

Have you confirmed your hotel rental? Photo by Pixel-Shot on stock.adobe.com

Instead of a warm welcome after a long flight, you're met with what feels like a travel challenge - the agent informs you that the hotel is overbooked and there are no rooms available. Where will you stay? You may need a few more hours to find a new place at a reasonable price.

Hotel overbookings, while never the guest's fault, are an infuriating possibility. To minimise your chances, always reconfirm reservations in advance and ask about the property's overbooking policies during peak seasons. Book directly with the hotel for less chance of your room being switched out.

You can also consider paying more for refundable rooms that provide more protection. And make sure to keep your cool while firmly asking to be "walked" to a comparable nearby hotel at no extra cost.

8. Currency Issues

Bring at least three credit cards with you for safe measure. Photo by Farknot Architect - stock.adobe.com

If you are travelling somewhere like Europe, it’s easy to pay with debit/credit cards. It would be best if the card of your choice had no foreign transaction fees. Tips: If you do it right, you can even score great hotel and flight deals with your points.

When withdrawing at the ATMs, don’t accept the currency conversion rate pop-up. Reject and let the bank at home handle it for your. You will get a much better rates this way.

Cash is still king in many countries, especially in Southeast Asia, where smaller vendors, markets, and street food stalls may only accept cash. It’s wise to carry local currency in these regions for ease of transactions.

On another note, bring at least 3 credit cards from different banks. Also, inform the banks of your travel beforehand lest they lock it, and you will have to make an extended phone call to solve potential issues on the road. Last but not least, don’t forget to carry a hip pack or money belt to store them all!

9. Language Barriers

Translation apps makes this a simple travel problem to get through. Photo by THANANIT - stock.adobe.com

Overcoming communication hurdles is one of the most rewarding parts of travelling. It’s not really a challenge; it's just what travelling entails, especially if you go off the beaten path or outside tourist zones.

You could learn key phrases before departing - please, thank you, numbers, asking for the check, where is the bathroom, you are a wonderful person, etc.

Hand gestures, maps, translation apps, a notepad, and a pen can also bridge many divides. Or you can do it with a good ol’ pocket phrasebook and dictionary.

In practice, try using the phrases you’ve learned first (however limited that may be). If it’s not working, use Google Translate. Still stuck? Try asking if they speak so and so language, be it English, Spanish, or German (there may be a pleasant surprise!). Hand gestures, a little patience, good vibes, and smiles can get you very far, too.

The most important thing is to stay positive. It’s rare to see someone criticising you for your lack of language. Most people would appreciate seeing you put in the effort to learn about their culture and way of life. So don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and expand your horizons.

10. Connectivity Issues

In emergencies, mobile connectivity can be a lifesaver. Photo by 9nong on stock.adobe.com

Connectivity headaches disrupt even the best-laid travel plans. This is especially true for digital nomads who rely on their devices to work and stay in touch. For example, a heavy downpour in Cambodia during monsoon season can make any Zoom or Team calls barely possible.

Investing in a local SIM card or international data plan instead of risking roaming charges is the best choice. Also, you can use a portable Wi-Fi hotspot or your smartphone's hotspot capacity.

And just in case, have hard copies of important details like booking confirmations and directions on hand if your internet fails. While going offline every now and then can be refreshing, reliable connectivity helps keep small hiccups from turning into big travel headaches.

11. Cultural Misunderstandings

Keep an open mind, and you may find companions in unexpected places.

What seems like a harmless act in your culture may be perceived as rude or disrespectful in another. Sometimes, these differences can take you by surprise. For instance, in some Hindu temples in Sri Lanka, men are required to remove their shirts before entering.

To sidestep such travel problems, research local etiquette and traditions ahead of time. Download travel apps that offer cultural tips or even language assistance for common phrases and customs. Observe how locals behave and try to follow suit. If unsure, ask a local about it.

If you make a mistake, laugh and apologise sincerely. In many cases, locals will understand you're from a different culture and may even find your mistake amusing.

12. Unexpected Expenses

Various beaches are free to access. You can bring your own foods to save costs further.

We always recommend having a spending plan when you travel to avoid overspending and not experiencing much.

Do your research and read reviews about the prices of the restaurants and entertainment venues you want to visit, as well as the cost of transportation. Helpful sites like TripAdvisor, Reddit, Google Maps, or travel blogs offer a more hands-on look.

Set aside a small emergency fund in a separate account or as cash. Moreover, invest in a comprehensive travel insurance policy as a safety net should the unexpected happen.

One common unexpected expense is baggage fees. Whether you’re flying with a budget airline that charges for checked bags or you’ve picked up extra souvenirs, make sure you’re aware of airline baggage policies. And make sure you choose the right luggage for the job.

Here are some more advice for travelling on a budget:

• Use public transportation
• Stay at accommodation outside of tourist zones
• Consider hostels instead of hotels
• Be flexible on dates and locations when flying
• Eat where the locals eat
• Book flight mid-week and early
• Check out transit, museum, and attraction passes
• Look for “free things to do” at your destination.

13. Getting Lost

Getting just a little bit lost can sometimes lead you to surprisingly delightful places!

Ugh, getting lost is definitely one of the most frustrating travel situations, especially when you’re travelling alone in a new place. 

In fact, there is no better way than to study maps thoroughly beforehand and download offline map apps as a backup. Google Maps and the Live View mode are easy to use. For more specific details, ask hotel staff to highlight suggested routes. 

If you do get turned around, don't be afraid to stop and ask locals for help - a warm smile and some charades can go a long way. Above all, don't let the fear of getting lost paralyse you. Who knows, you might find an incredible place by chance, one that you will revisit again and again in future trips.

14. Overcrowded Tourist Attractions

Surviving in the crowd can be tough for first-time travellers. Photo by BullRun - stock.adobe.com

Everyone dreams about visiting the most iconic landmarks or natural wonders in person. If you are no exception, it is understandable that, in reality, these places might be packed like sardines, hot, and noisy.

The best solution is to research historically less busy days and times to visit popular sites. For instance, many of Bali’s famous waterfalls are far less crowded early in the morning. You don’t have to fight the queue for that one IG shot.

It’s also worth considering splurging for skip-the-queue access at the airport or on a guided tour. Look into combination tickets that allow you to hop between multiple attractions with crowd-dispersing timed entries.

If you are an anxious person or easily overwhelmed, take a deep breath and lean against a wall away from the crowds. In places like the busy streets of Tokyo, for example, simply walking a block or two can lead you to a quieter, less crowded side street to rest and recover.

15. Pickpocketing and Theft 

A hip pack can be an easy solution to this travel problem

It may sound cliché, but everyone needs to be careful of petty theft and pickpocketing when travelling. A little nudge or a fake request for help on the busy street of Las Ramblas can quickly get your phone or even your wallet without you even noticing.

First, when wandering around, you don’t want to carry all valuables together to attract crime. Only bring out what's essential (and god forbid you from flaunting).

Second, you should use RFID-blocking gear to thwart digital card skimming. Cross-body bags and hip packs, which stay close to your body, are safe choices. 

Last but not least, common sense and situational awareness go a long way. You will make sensible choices when you are not drunk at 5 am, stumbling through a dark alley. If you feel like something is wrong, leave right away and don’t think too much about being rude. Your safety is much more matter.

16. Unsafe or Spoiled Food

Find reputable eateries or hawkers with a high turnover rate. Photo by Kenishirotie on stock.adobe.com

Exploring local cuisine is always one of the best parts of every journey. But the last thing you want is to be confined to a hotel room with a queasy stomach.

To avoid becoming ill from unsafe foods, research proper precautions before your trip and exercise caution when eating from sketchy vendors or buffets.

• Stick to fresh, hot, and cooked items
• Drink bottled or filtered water instead of tap water (which is undrinkable in many countries)
• Avoid anything that seems under-refrigerated, reheated, or washed with tap water
• Or better yet, stick to eating foods that you’ve seen cooked before your eyes
• Eat at restaurants frequented by locals with a high turnover rate
• And, of course, pack anti-nausea medication and rehydration salts just in case.

17. Overpacking

While it may seem natural to pack for every possible scenario, overpacking can complicate your trip in ways you might not expect. Think of it like this: you are packing for the best, not the worst.

Start by creating a packing checklist. Lay out everything first and edit down to the essentials. You also need to ditch heavy items like books and opt for lighter clothing made from thin fabrics.  Stick to neutral colours and layers that work in various climates and settings.

Packing cubes are a great way to organise your luggage. Roll your clothes and put them into these little fellas. Voila! Everything stays neat and organised without much effort. Check out more ways to avoid overpacking here.

Wrapping Up

Travel is an adventure, and with adventure comes the unexpected. However, it's how we respond to these challenges that define our travel experiences. This article has highlighted some of the biggest travel problems, along with solutions, so you can note them down.

Leave a comment if you have any travel tips! And don't forget to inspire fellow wanderlusters by sharing this article. 

Ha Ngan