These problems are only some of the many that you will encounter if you travel long enough. Every problem has a solution. These are the top 10 travel issues and how to avoid them.
You must accept that a life of traveling will not always be easy. While some trips are successful without any problems, others can be difficult. You can plan for some things, but others you have to be ready to face.
Preparationis the best way to solve most travel problems. While you may need to be innovative and resourceful in your solutions, this is one of the many joys of traveling.
Here are 10 common problems that travelers face and the solutions they have.1. Getting lost
While some people are gifted with spatial awareness, others may not have the same ability, most people have lost someone at least once in their lives. This can lead to panic attacks and a frenzied heartbeat. It is possible to get lost in any place: the airport, town centre, or even the wilderness.
This is one of the easiest travel issues to avoid with modern technology. A map of each country would have been required in the past. Today, almost everyone has a smartphone. Download Google Maps before you leave. Then, you can download the offline map for any cities you are visiting. The offline maps are small -- usually between 20 and 50mb.
You can use the offline map from your phone to browse even if you don't have an internet connection
This plan is not foolproof, however. Your plan will come to an abrupt halt if your battery goes dead. Although a pen and paper are an ancient technology, they don't need batteries. Just in case, write down your destination.
It is important to not panic. Take a seat, and then take slow deep breaths. Strangers are usually friendly and helpful, so if you feel safe, ask for directions. You can ask for directions if you don't know the language. It's best to show the address in writing.
2. Being mugged
I have been mugged only four times in the past 20 years. Two of them happened in my hometown, just minutes from my home.
Certain countries are more dangerous than other. Before you travel, it is important to verify any warnings from the government. You can also check Facebook groups or other forums to get the opinions of fellow travelers.
Be skeptical of everything you read.
I wouldn't have gotten on the plane if I hadn't listened to all of the advice I received about South America. Although I have read many horror stories about Brazil, I still lived there for more than a year with no problems.
There are many articles on how you can stay safe while traveling. But what do you do if your attacker actually attacks?
Don't panic!
First, report the incident to the police. To claim your insurance, you will need a Crime Reference Number. Your host will be able help you translate if you are traveling with Worldpackers.
After that, it's time for the emotional side. After being attacked in Chile, I felt quite emotional. After leaving a bar, I was attacked and robbed. I couldn't leave the hostel for days and was suspicious of everyone on the street.
I questioned myself. I was puzzled. Was it my fault? It was my fault.
It wasn't my fault. It was my fault that I was in the wrong place at wrong time. Although it took me some time to accept the fact, it wasn't my fault. It was not personal. They didn't know me. They just saw me as a tourist. After accepting that they were just doing it for business, I felt a weight loss. Although it may sound silly, this is an important emotional shift.
It's okay to feel anger, rage, and frustration. But, you must learn to let it go. These emotions can be destructive. Most people are great. Do not let a few people ruin your journey.
3. Losing your phone
This might seem silly to add to the list. Why not a camera instead? Laptop? Bag? Because most people do everything via their phones.
Recently, I was attacked with a cell phone in Argentina. I wouldn't be able to:
Tell the time
Top up my prepaid debit cards
Find the closest police station
Alert my family that the item was stolen
Access my travel e-tickets
cancel my contract
Tell anyone about it, because my translator was on the phone
I was forced to use the hotel's public computer, which caused security alerts for my online accounts. Logging in from an unfamiliar computer requires you to answer additional security questions. After that, they will text you a code.
It's not helpful if the phone gets lost.
You should:
Know all your passwords
Before you leave, make sure to update your account information.
To receive the annoying security codes, make sure you have a backup email address
This is one of the most common problemswith travel, as mobile phones are huge business. For a local, your shiny new iPhone could bring in a year's salary.
It is best to keep your valuables safe and not show them off in public. Keep them safe and out of sight.
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