Our Number 1 Travel Tip!

A hurricane came through Houston last week and we found ourselves using many of our travel skills to handle staying safe during the weather as well as resulting power outages and problems with local infrastructure, like traffic lights and lack of supplies at restaurants/grocery stores. 

We did our best to be prepared, but when the heat set in we had to make some changes to our plans.  

It reminded me of times when we've been on a trip and things didn't happen the way we planned. 

The more we travel, the more we learn how much is out of our control! 

Being prepared is a great travel tip, but our number one tip is…

Be Flexible

Did you know that when you book a cruise, you are entering a contract with the cruise line?

In the terms and conditions, it is stated that the ports can change at any time.

While it is actually rare,  weather or other issues can arise requiring a change in the cruise itinerary. 

This can be very disappointing. 

River cruises can often require a complete change in your cruise experience when there are problems with the water levels of the rivers. 

If the river gets too low, the ship risks running aground and it is not safe to set sail. 

There are quite a few bridges along the European rivers. 

When the water levels are too high, the ships cannot sail under them.

Flights can be delayed or canceled. 

Weather can close shops or cancel excursions. 

Illness can affect you or your destination experience.

Being flexible simply means that you take a minute to evaluate the situation and try to find an alternative. 

Sometimes you can find another way to do what was planned, but it could also mean canceling one plan for a totally different one. 

It is a simple travel tip, but I know it is not as easy as it sounds. 

Investing in a vacation, only to have it interrupted, is very frustrating. 

It is ok to vent and express your frustration for a moment. 

However, I encourage you to take a deep breath and try to find enjoyable alternatives. 

You never know when you will be making some beautiful unexpected and unique memories.

Here are some tips for working through problems that might interrupt your vacation:

Be kind

Being unkind to crew members, especially when it is out of their control, does not help the situation. 

Express your concerns to the company and always do your best to be kind. 

Ask for help or give a suggestion as to how they can resolve the issue for you. 

Most companies want to do what they can to resolve problems and have happy guests.

Ask Yourself 'How can I do what I want?'

Instead of seeing the problem and saying 'I can't', try to step back from the problem and ask 'How can I still do what I would like to do?' 

Discuss the problem with someone and see if some creative thinking can save the day. 

If not, can you find a fun alternative that still creates fun memories together?

Try to schedule something special for the end or last day of your vacation.

It is amazing how a great trip that ends on a sour note can remain in our memories as a 'bad trip'. 

Try scheduling a special dinner or activity for the final day. 

Consider splurging on private transportation as you leave your destination, when you know you will be tired from traveling. 

Ending your vacation with a happy memory can dim some of the frustrations that may have happened during the trip.

Travel Protection

Storyline Travel recommends travel protection on every trip you book. 

Medical coverage is recommended for travelers to protect from injuries or other incidents when away from home.  

Other coverages are also available such as baggage delay, trip cancellation, cost of your trip and the broadest 'cancel for any reason'. 

Research each option to find the best one for you.