Making Last-Minute Travel Changes Due to Unforeseen Circumstances
You try your best to ensure that your trip goes well. You spend time comparing the flights and hotel rooms. You read reviews and considered referrals. Despite all your preparations, you could still encounter a bump on the road. It’s true especially for people who are traveling right now.
A lot of people who planned to visit different countries got stuck when those countries announced a lockdown as a result of the pandemic. Booking a flight became more difficult and lots of restrictions were in place. If you’re under these stressful situations, these are the things you need to do.
Coordinate with your embassy
When you’re already in another country and you got stuck because of these travel restrictions, you have to ask for help from your embassy. You need to communicate with them as soon as you can and relay your concerns. You might face issues such as overstaying your visa. The embassy will coordinate with local authorities to grant you a visa extension if you have no way of leaving the country.
Take the first flight out
Under these dire situations, you have no choice but to take first flight outside of the country. You need to do whatever it takes to get back home as soon as you can. When you don’t know what the future holds, you would rather take the next flight home. It’s also true when you’re stuck in a country under military tension or civil unrest.
Look for a local contact
It’s time for you to reach to your vast network to ask for help. If you need to stay inside a country for a long time, you can’t afford to pay for hotel rooms. You will spend a lot for your extended stay. Therefore, it helps if you can contact someone to let you in even for just a few days until you can get a flight out of the country. You can return the favor later if you get a chance.
Stay calm
You’re under a lot of stress because of what’s going on. Despite that, you can’t allow yourself to feel overwhelmed. Try to think straight and look for a solution to your problem. You can’t allow the situation to get the best of you. When you panic, it’s easier for you to commit mistakes. Avoid being with a crowd who are also panicking because of the situation. It’s common in airports where people are rushing to leave.
Be willing to spend
If you need to spend more so you can immediately leave the country or find a safer location, you have to do it. Now isn’t the time for you to worry about money. Safety should come first especially if you have your entire family with you. Don’t put them in danger because you’re trying to reduce the expenses.
No one wants to be in this situation, but terrible things could happen while you’re traveling. Try to clear your thoughts and make the right move.
Photo Attribution:
1st and featured image from https://www.airlive.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/os-pictures-delays-at-orlando-international-ai-005-1024×576.jpg
2nd image from https://www.ft.com/content/3df572da-c779-11e2-9c52-00144feab7de
