
Travel is an incredible adventure, but not every part of it goes as planned. From missed flights to unanticipated delays, things can go wrong – but it’s all part of the journey. What matters most is how you handle the unexpected. Even as a solo traveller for over nine years, things still don’t always go to plan. Here are five personal travel mishaps I’ve experienced and the solutions I found to keep things on track.
1. Nearly missing my flight back to the UK (Oslo, October 2019)
In October 2019, after a rushed afternoon at the National Museum of Norway, I miscalculated the time I needed to get to the airport. I ended up catching the late bus to the airport from the city centre and to make matters worse, my airport pass didn’t work at the gate. My heart sank as I watched the clock tick closer to my flight’s gate closure. By the time I made it through security, I was just one minute from my gate closing.
Solution: When planning your trip, allow for extra time, especially for unforeseen delays like transport or technical issues. When heading back to the airport, always plan to leave earlier than you think you need. If you’re running late, stay calm, assess your options quickly, and remember that airport staff may not always be able to prioritise you. Having the right documents and knowing your backup options, like other nearby transport or flights, is essential. For the next time, I’ll leave an extra hour for transport and check my pass before heading to the airport!
2. Travel disruption and additional costs (Sofia, October 2023)
In October 2023, a fire at Luton Airport’s car park caused massive disruptions, and my flight from Sofia was delayed by eight hours. I had to book a new flight to Heathrow and pay for an additional hotel stay, which cost me an unexpected £300.
Solution: Disruptions can throw your budget off, but having a contingency fund and travel insurance can save the day. For situations like this, allocate a portion of your travel budget to handle unexpected costs, like last-minute flights or hotel bookings. Travel insurance is also essential for covering delays and additional costs. It’s worth investing in a policy that helps ease the financial burden of unplanned events. Always expect the unexpected, and you’ll feel more at ease when things go awry.
3. Tour cancellation (Ljubljana, December 2023)
In December 2023, my scheduled tour in Ljubljana was cancelled last minute, forcing me to alter my itinerary. Rather than letting it spoil the day, I decided to visit Ljubljana Castle, which turned out to be an incredible experience.
Solution: While it’s disappointing when a plan changes, this situation taught me the importance of being spontaneous. Sometimes the best parts of a trip come from unplanned moments. When your plans fall apart, ask at local tourist information spots or, like I did, a souvenir shop for recommendations. You’ll often uncover hidden gems that weren’t on your radar. Being open to spontaneity can make your trip more interesting and lead you to places you didn’t research before.
4. Running low on cash (Rotterdam, April 2024)
In April 2024, I found myself in Rotterdam with a few days left on my trip, and my budget had been stretched by higher-than-expected costs for entrance fees, meals, and transport. Running low on cash, I had to rely on low-cost supermarket food like pre-packaged sandwiches and ready meals. While this helped stretch my budget, it wasn’t the healthiest option and didn’t provide the energy I needed to fully enjoy the rest of my trip.
Solution: When you’re travelling on a tight budget, it's essential to plan ahead.
Research the cost of daily expenses before your trip and set aside some extra funds for emergencies. Having a more balanced strategy for budget and health will make trips like this easier to navigate. It’s a good idea to research affordable dining options ahead of time to avoid having to settle for unhealthy options when your funds run low.
5. Missing transport and incorrect documents (London to Newcastle, June 2024)
In June 2024, I made a mistake with my Megabus booking. I showed up at the bus station late at night only to realise I had the wrong documents and couldn’t board the bus. With no other options, I was stranded in London, facing additional transport costs. The bus company didn’t offer rebooking or compensation, so I had to take a late-night train back home, which didn’t get me back until 3 am.
Solution: Always double-check your documents, especially when travelling late at night. I could have prevented this by reviewing my booking earlier in the day. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get rebooked, but I took immediate action by heading to the train station. I’d recommend looking into alternative transport options for peace of mind and possibly saving money, especially when you’re stuck in a tight spot. Remember, sometimes the unexpected is just another adventure waiting to happen, but it’s important to stay calm, even when the situation feels frustrating.
Travelling is full of surprises, and while things can go wrong, they don’t have to ruin your trip. The key is to stay calm, flexible, and prepared. Whether it’s missing a flight, dealing with delays, or encountering unplanned detours, there are always ways to make the best of it.
In fact, the unexpected moments often lead to the most memorable parts of a journey. Embrace spontaneity, allow room for flexibility in your plans, and remember to keep a safety net for emergencies. At the end of the day, travel is about the experiences – even the unplanned ones – and those are often the ones you’ll cherish the most.
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