How To Prepare For A Travel Emergency

Have you all been looking at the travel news lately? Spirit and American Airlines have been making headlines, and not for the right reasons. While problems they are facing are being faced by every major airline, they are getting most of the bad publicity. Some speculated that airline workers and pilots were on strike, but that is not the case. Due to staffing shortages, American Airlines has had to cancel and delay more than 3,000 flights since August first, while spirit canceled close to 400. This means a lot of stranded people at airports domestic and abroad. If you do not want to be in a similar situation, it’s best to learn how to prepare for a travel emergency.

Travel Credit Card

If you have a travel credit card, use it. They can come in handy for a number of reasons. I like mine because they come with travel rewards credits that can go towards purchasing tickets and extras. They are also good for trip protection. Protection often comes in the form of travel reimbursement for delayed or canceled flights. Some cards also cover lost baggage and rental reimbursement. Several cards in my wallet offer these perks to include my Bank Of America travel card and my AMEX gold.

Travel Fund

Another way to prepare for a travel emergency is to stack your savings. Create a travel fund. Do not just put in enough money for an upcoming trip expense. You can not account for things that may go wrong while on your trip. Have some money stacked away so that a problem does not become burdensome and a financial disaster. Think how much extra you may need if you incur rental expenses, hospital or medical visits, or problems with your car breaking down. An extra $300-$400 could go a long way.

Have Your Documents In Order

Travel emergencies can require more than money. It is important to keep the necessary documentation with you on your travels as well. This can include information like a passport, visa, and other identification. If you are traveling internationally it would not be a bad idea to keep a copy of your birth certificate and social security card information with you. Be sure to identify hospitals near you, have quick access to your medical files if needed, and have an emergency contact list.

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