In our dreams, all of our travel goes exactly as we have planned: our luggage always arrives, the rental car always works fine, and everyone stays healthy and on schedule - and sometimes it does! If you plan smart and prepare, you can avoid or mitigate a lot of travel disasters, but inevitably sometimes things just go wrong. Whether it's a missed flight or a full-blown natural disaster, knowing what to do ahead of time can save hours of chaos and help keep a bad moment from wrecking your trip. In 10 years of full-time travel and 60 countries, I have had most everything that can go wrong do at least once - with visits to foreign hospitals, embassies, police stations, and hours spent on the side of the road at one point or another.

What to do in the most common travel disasters, how to avoid them, and what you can do to prepare just in case.

1. Lost or Stolen Passport

I moved to NYC when I was very young and that taught me to always be careful and vigilant with keeping an eye on my things and my surroundings, but once I have failed and was robbed. In a chaotic port in Croatia while hauling three suitcases, I had my wallet and passport stolen right from under me.  

What to do:

First, file a police report - you need it to get your documents replaced or to make an insurance claim. Then call and go to the nearest embassy or consulate - if you are not in a major city, this can be tricky. When my wallet was stolen, I did not have a single ID and was half a country away from the US Embassy. I ended up needing to take an overnight bus to Zagreb to show up in line first thing Monday morning. They can issue a temporary passport or emergency travel document - when this happened to me, they could not guarantee that this could be done on the same day, but because I was prepared (see below), I was able to get in and out in under 4 hours and hop an immediate flight. If your trip includes multiple countries, ask about visa reissues.

How to avoid it:

Keep your passport secure and only taken it out when you need it for traveling or hotel check-ins - you do not need to carry it around with you at all times. To be safe, leave it locked in your hotel safe when not needed.

Make sure that all of your purses are day bags zip closed when in crowded places - a tote style is too easy for someone to reach in and grab from.

Keep your Driver's License/ID separate from your Passport, so if the worst happens you will at least have one. 

How to prepare for it:

Before your trip:

• Take photos of your Passport, ID, visa, vaccine cards, and any essential documents.
  Save them in a dedicated album on your phone. You want to make sure you can still access these if you don't have a cell or internet connection. Having copies of these documents makes a huge difference in how quickly an embassy can help you.
• Email the files to yourself and store them in cloud storage.
  Similarly, if you don't have your phone, you can still access them from any device. Redundancy prevents problems.
• To go above and beyond: Make print copies and store them separately
  If you do need to utilize these documents in an emergency, you will most likely have to find a little shop or post office where you can pay to print them out. Avoid this or prepare for more rural areas or bigger disasters by just keeping a physical copy with you. It sounds a bit like a spy movie, but a great place to keep these is zipped into the lining of your suitcase, which is going to be separate from your wallet, hidden, and keep them from getting squished or crumpled.

Travel Essentials:

2. Lost Wallet and Credit Cards or a Bank Lockout

What to do:

Call your bank or card provider immediately and freeze the account. Many cards offer international emergency services and can overnight replacements or issue emergency funds. File a police report for documentation - especially if theft is involved.

If your bank flags a transaction as suspicious and locks your card while you’re abroad, contact them directly to confirm your identity and unlock access. Most apps now allow secure identity verification or chat-based support to speed up the process.

How to avoid it:

Split your cash and cards into multiple places - it's always a good idea to keep an emergency credit card and some extra cash stashed outside of your wallet, like in a small pocket inside your suitcase. Use a slim RFID-blocking wallet, and never put everything in your back pocket or an open bag. 

Notify your bank ahead of your trip, especially if it is your first time or you don't travel often, so international charges don’t automatically trigger fraud alerts.

How to prepare for it:

• Save your bank and card customer service numbers somewhere offline, like in your phone notes or travel journal. 
• Set up Apple Pay or Google Wallet before you leave home - digital wallets often work even when physical cards don’t.
• Carry a backup card in your luggage that stays untouched unless you need it. If you're traveling long-term, open a secondary bank account with a separate card just for emergencies. It’s an easy fail-safe when your primary account gets frozen at the worst time.

3. Car Trouble in a Foreign Country

What to do:

If you break down or have car trouble, call your rental company’s emergency assistance number. They’ll usually send roadside help or a replacement vehicle. If you're in a remote area, get to the nearest service station if safe, and don’t attempt repairs if you’re unsure.

How to avoid it:

Inspect the car before leaving the lot, and talk to the representatives at the rental car counter about anything you might need to know. Stick to paved roads unless driving off-road is intentional and your vehicle is made for it, and if you are somewhere with questionable roads, pay a little more for an SUV - something we always do on the Greek Islands. And (I made this one a rule after thinking I was going to die on the hills in Cape Town, South Africa) make your life easier by always renting an automatic - especially if you don't drive a manual car in your day to day life. Manual rentals are always cheaper, and are often rented by people that aren't great at using them, making the even harder to drive. Pay a little more for an automatic and save yourself the trouble.

How to prepare for it

Make sure you have a working phone with international service or an offline GPS app, and download your destination's Google Maps area map ahead of time, so you know that even if you have no service you can at least know where you are and how to get to the next town or service station. Choose rental companies with 24/7 roadside service and know exactly what their policy covers.

Travel Essentials:

4. Lost Luggage at the Airport

I am of the opinion that travel style is always worth checking a bag for and sacrificing to travel carry on only is never worth it, but checking bags always comes with the risk. However, airlines have massively improved on this problem with digital tracking of everything - especially when you follow these tips:

What to do:

Report it immediately at the airline’s baggage service counter. They’ll give you a reference number and updates on your bag’s status. 

Many airlines offer reimbursement for essentials if your bag is delayed - push for this if your bag is going to take longer than 12 or 24 hours to get to you, it comes out to *basically* free shopping.

How to avoid it:

Use bright, identifiable luggage tags and trackers, and always make sure to have your name and contact information securely attached to your bag. 

Book direct flights when possible and sufficiently long layovers when not - if you're in a major international airport, never book a layover of less than 2 hours, or 3 hours during peak travel times like Christmas or summer in Europe. 

How to prepare for it:

• Pack a full change of clothes, all valuables, medications, and key toiletries in your carry-on. Before you say goodbye to your bag, make sure you could survive a couple of days without it in an emergency.
• Keep AirTags in your suitcase so you can track it yourself, even before the airline does - we always do this and even if luggage doesn't go missing, the peace of mind of seeing the tag at the arrival airport with us makes a huge difference. 
• Know your airline’s policy on lost bags before you fly.

5. Medical Emergencies Abroad

Sudden illness or injury while traveling is one of the fastest ways for your dream trip to spiral into chaos - but with the new experiences, new foods, and stepping out of your comfort zone, it happens fairly often. Whether it’s a stomach bug, a high fever, a fall off a motorbike or something more serious, quick access to care is critical.

What to do:

Find the nearest hospital or emergency clinic. As an American, the eye-opening experience of how easy and affordable seeing a doctor in a foreign country is is a constant reminder of how horrific our system is. I once contracted a painful rash on my hands abroad and went to a hospital in Taipei, Taiwan - I was sent directly to a dermatology department, seen in less than an hour, and the cost for the visit and prescription cream was less than $25. 

If you have travel insurance, call their hotline for assistance in your language - many will coordinate care, translation, or even evacuation if necessary. For non-emergency symptoms, use telehealth services included in your policy for a remote doctor consult.

Nicer hotels often have a doctor or medical service that they can call to visit you in your room, and while this will generally be more expensive than a clinic, depending on where you are this can still be a very affordable option if you just can't move. 

How to avoid it:

• Pack a travel medical kit with painkillers, rehydration salts, antihistamines, and anything you’re prone to needing. 
• Bring extra of any medication you take in case of emergency
• Always drink bottled water to be safe - however I do not do this in many European countries where I've read explicitly that the water is safe, but after years of travel, my body is not very sensitive.  
• In developing countries, avoid raw, fruits and vegetables unless they are within a peel (fruits like bananas, citrus, passionfruit, coconut, etc that are encased are usually safe, foods like salads, raw vegetables, or fruits like apples and grapes are more risky.) Hot, cooked food is usually safe, but be cautious with street food. Ironically, fried and deep fried foods are often the safest bet.
• Be honest with yourself on your physical abilities and come into strenuous activities prepared - if you do not exercise regularly, a 10 mile hike probably isn't a good idea. If you are not experienced, don't climb a precarious ridge line hike. Remember that people DO die on vacation every year.

How to prepare for it:

• Buy travel insurance that includes emergency medical and evacuation.
• Know what hospitals or clinics are nearby. 
• Bring a small medical kit and have your key health info translated into the local language if needed.

6. Locked Out or Rental Problems

Especially if you are staying in Airbnbs and guest houses, potential home problems like burst pipes, broken windows, or faulty digital locks can happen more than you might expect. 

What to do:

Contact the host immediately - Most rentals have a preferred plumber or handyman on call. If unreachable, contact the platform’s emergency support. For security emergencies like broken locks or windows, find a local locksmith or emergency repair service. If the place is unlivable, request to be relocated or refunded.

How to avoid it:

Read reviews carefully. Choose properties with reliable, responsive hosts. Always carry a secondary contact method in case your phone dies.

How to prepare for it:

Save platform help numbers and host contacts offline. Before heading out, double-check that you have keys and access codes. Have a small go-bag with essentials like cash, phone, backup ID, and a charger, in case you’re locked out late at night.

Travel Essentials:

7. Missed and Cancelled Flights

Whether it's your fault or not, missing a flight can derail your entire journey.

What to do:

If you’ve just missed your flight, go straight to the airline’s service desk. However, while you are in line see if there is a customer service number you can call, which can sometimes get you through much faster. (After a cancelled flight in Miami, we were headed to our airline-covered hotel before the line moved 3 people when we just called instead.) Depending on the reason, they might rebook you on the next available flight - especially if it was caused by delays outside your control. 

If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay, the airline is usually responsible for rerouting you. For cancelled flights, ask about rebooking, meal vouchers, or hotel accommodations (some countries require it by law).
If you're stuck overnight, document everything - screenshots, receipts, boarding passes. And keep your cool. Gate agents have more flexibility than you think, and kindness goes a long way when you're asking for favors.

How to avoid it:

• Don’t book short layovers, this is my number one piece of flight booking advice after hundreds and hundreds of flights - especially if your connection is in a major airport, involves changing terminals, or re-clearing security. Always give yourself at least two or three hours between flights to cover any delays. I fly through London Heathrow regularly and always book a minimum of at least 4 hours here - on a flight home in the summer this made our trip, as there were massive delays and so many people missed the flight back to LA, we ended up getting a last minute upgrade to business class once we had already boarded the plane because so many seats were unexpectedly empty.
• Get to the airport earlier than you think you need to. 
• Double-check terminals and gate changes through the airline app, not just the screens - sometimes last minute changes can give you conflicting information.

How to prepare for it:

• Sign up for real-time flight notifications through your airline.
• Make sure you allow push notifications for airline apps, so you don't miss any updates.
• Download flight tracker apps like FlightAware or TripIt. 
• Always pack an overnight essential kit in your carry-on in case you end up grounded. And have a flexible mindset - delays and cancellations are becoming the rule, not the exception.

8. Natural Disasters and Civil Unrest

What to do:

Stay informed through local news or apps like Alert Traveler. Follow instructions from local authorities. If needed, your embassy can provide evacuation assistance.

How to avoid it:

• Avoid travel during peak hurricane, typhoon, or monsoon seasons. Off-peak travel can be tempting due to the majorly discounted prices and no crowds, and sometimes you can get lucky with a perfect trip at a discount, but in some places the risk isn't worth it. 
• Don't just check government travel advisories, read a bit further on safety for different countries and areas. 

How to prepare for it:

Sign up for STEP or a similar traveler enrollment program. Keep extra food, water, and cash in your accommodation. Know evacuation routes and the nearest emergency shelters.

9. Security Emergencies and Unsafe Situations

What to do:

Move to a crowded or well-lit place. Contact local emergency services. Report the incident to police and your hotel or host. Trust your instincts and leave any situation that feels off.

How to avoid it:

• Stay in areas with good safety reputations and travel in groups when possible. 
• Avoid walking alone at night or displaying expensive items - research if walking or taking public transit at night is common in your area. For example, I walked alone and took the subway at all hours when I lived in New York City, but in Los Angeles I never walk alone after dark.
• Research common scams in the area.
• Don't be afraid to be rude - especially as a woman. Some cultures do not like to take no for an answer and sometimes you have to be forceful. 

How to prepare for it:

• Research local emergency numbers before arrival.
• Share your location with someone you trust - ideally both a traveling partner and someone back home. 
• Use a dummy wallet or backup stash in case of theft in areas that tend to have more risk. 
• Carry a personal safety alarm or small pepper spray if traveling solo. (Technically, these are not always legal, however as a woman I will always  be more cautious of my safety and deal with a small repercussion if I need to.)

10. What to Pack in Your Emergency Travel Kit

Prepare a travel kit and you can take it with you from trip to trip - the most important items that can save you from disaster.

Pack the following essentials:

• Copies of your passport, ID, insurance info, and travel documents (both digital and printed)
• Emergency cash stored separately from your main wallet
• Portable power bank
• A backup credit card
• Basic medications, pain relievers, and a mini first aid kit
• Universal travel power adapter
• Copies of prescriptions (especially controlled medications) in case you need to refill abroad
• A luggage tracker like AirTag or Tile
• Travel-size hygiene items (toothbrush, wipes, deodorant, tissues) for delays, detours, or unexpected overnights
• Contact numbers for your embassy, airline, bank, and accommodation
• A small packable tote or day bag - useful if your luggage gets delayed or if you're forced to downsize on the fly
  

How to prepare for it:

Build this kit before every trip and stash it in your carry-on or personal item. Update it with trip-specific documents and double-check it before you leave. It's one of the easiest things to forget - and the most crucial to have when it all hits the fan.

Happy Travels!