Travel presents an excellent opportunity for enjoyment, whether it’s for business or leisure. However, it comes with a series of challenges that may ruin the entire experience.
Here are some of the common obstacles you may face and ways that you can avoid them.
Travel-related Illnesses
Some ailments result from a change in the climate. For example, diseases like malaria are highly prevalent in the tropics, while they are almost unheard of in Europe. Food poisoning is another unpleasant experience that you would not want on your trip. To prevent food poisoning, you need to observe proper hygiene before handling any food.
If you have to try street food, make sure that it is steaming hot. Vaccinations can protect you against some infectious diseases. It's also wise to have health insurance cover to cater for unexpected medical expenses.
Budgeting
You are having the best time of your life when you run out of money. To make it worse, you cannot find an ATM, or you're unable to use your credit card. A budget can help you to limit your spending and avoid such situations. Share your travel plans with your banker in advance so that you can call them in emergencies.
Everywhere around the world, tourists have always been a target for thieves and fraudsters. To avoid being a potential victim of fraud, secure all your relevant documents, and avoid getting drunk with unfamiliar people. Find out the exchange rates and general prices of things in advance to know how much you will need.
Loss of Important Materials
Imagine checking in at the airport, then realizing that your passport is missing. Alternatively, you may travel to your destination only to find that you left behind some valuable luggage. Many have also lost their luggage during their trips. It is always wise to prepare a travel checklist in advance.
Make digital copies of all your documents to prove your identity. They will come in handy when you lose the real ones abroad. Tag your entire luggage and notify the airline immediately in case it’s delayed or lost.
Language/Cultural Barriers
What if on a solo trip and hardly anyone understands you because you speak a foreign language? Cultural differences can also make it harder to communicate, even in sign language. For instance, some Asian cultures nod when they disagree and shake the head when in agreement.
Learn the basic lingo of the region, especially greetings and expressing gratitude. You can also look for a language phrasebook or beginner's dictionary. Learn the necessary cultural practices and try to enlist some local help where needed.
Fatigue
Jet lag is a common issue for people who spend more than eight hours on a plane. It is also common when you fly over different time zones across the globe. Besides feeling tired, travelers with this condition will also experience extreme hunger pangs and poor concentration. You are also bound to suffer from fatigue after spending many hours on the road.
It is usual for the body to feel tired since you will be breaking away from your usual routine. To beat fatigue, plan to travel at least a day in advance to allow for rest and acclimatization.