Travel Emergencies Tips

Some emergencies are more pressing than others but while traveling, any emergency can seem like a huge ordeal. One emergency that usually isn’t life-threatening is having a cancelled flight. If you need to be somewhere at a certain time and your plane isn’t flying, that can be an emergency. Flight plans change but the airline will offer some alternative flight schedules in case of cancellation. You can also check with other airlines to see if they have a flight that’s suitable.

Another common emergency is arriving at your destination then discovering you’ve forgotten certain items. Personal or travel items are easily replaced but things like medication are a little more difficult to get. Contact your pharmacist to see if he can transfer the prescription to a local drug store. If there’s no time to wait for the arrival of medicines go to the nearest hospital emergency room and you should be able to get the necessary medicines. If the matter is less pressing, contact a family member to see if they can mail your medicines to you, overnight.

Vehicle problems can really ruin a vacation, particularly if the problem is complicated or the parts needed must be ordered. Keep a repair kit in the car for minor problems like a blown fuse or loose battery cable. Always take extra cash on the trip for just this sort of occasion. You never know when it will be necessary to rent a car or pay for repairs. Keep any automotive club cards in your wallet and call them if you’re stranded along the roadside. The automotive plan usually covers towing and help with a rental. If possible, always carry a cell phone at all times during your travels. Emergencies can occur anywhere and it’s likely a phone won’t be handy.

Begin your travels by having a spare set of car keys. Losing the keys during travel can be a real pain since it may be necessary to purchase a key from a dealer. If the key is simply locked in the car, the local police may be able to break in to the car, but not without a kink in your time schedule.

Sudden illness or injury can put a stop to all vacation plans. If you have an insurance card call the toll free number to ask advice. Some travel insurance companies require you to have permission, of sorts, before being treated at an out-of-town facility. This permission is granted for dire emergencies but sometimes the company will decline the payment of treatment for minor ailments like a cold.

Plan vacations well in advance, allow plenty of extra cash for unexpected emergencies, and make sure your vehicle has been serviced before departing. Never pack at the last minute – this leads to forgotten items, some of which might be very important. Be sure and pack medications, cell phone, first aid kit and emergency numbers.