Don’t Get Caught in a Bad Situation
Vacations are exciting, and at our Newark Airport parking company, we know the last thing you want is a disaster ruining your trip. Sometimes it’s hard not to think about worst-case scenarios, but the more prepared and educated you are, the better you’ll be able to handle anything that goes wrong. Here’s what to do if you find yourself in a bad situation:
You End up in Jail
While you may do some things at home without thinking twice, you have to remember that different countries have different laws (and some of them may be strange to you). Before you head to another country, look into what they do differently so that you don’t end up in jail for something you may think is legal or acceptable. If you still find yourself in a legal problem, contact the nearest consulate or embassy. They’ll advise you on your best legal move to make
You’re Robbed
While you don’t want to be robbed at home, you definitely don’t want to be robbed while on vacation. The last thing you want is someone to steal your money, passport, or valuables, so make sure you keep them all in a safe place at all times. If you’re carrying them on you, split them up and keep some in a purse close to your body, some in inner pockets of a jacket, some in your socks, etc. That way, if someone steals something from you, you’ll have “backup.”
You can also look into clothing specifically designed to keep your valuables safe while you travel. There are plenty of belts, jackets, vests, and other items to help you protect what’s important to you.
A Natural Disaster Cancels Your Trip
No one can predict a natural disaster, and having an earthquake, tornado, or hurricane cancel your travel plans can be devastating. If you’re taking a cruise or heading to a country during hurricane season or another dangerous time of year, make sure you invest in travel insurance. If you don’t have travel insurance and your trip gets canceled, you may lose the money you already invested.
You Get Injured or Sick in Another Country
Getting a migraine or cutting your finger can be easily taken care of while you’re abroad, but if you’re in a much more serious situation, ask your hotel concierge to recommend a doctor. You can also search the internet for English-speaking doctors or contact your local embassy for help. You’ll be able to discuss your medical bills with them.
The Airline Loses Your Luggage
If you’ve waited until the very last few bags come around the airport carousel and yours isn’t there, start by checking other luggage carousels to see if there’s anything left behind. (Some people grab other’s luggage thinking it’s theirs.) If you don’t have any luck with unclaimed bags, inform the airline that your luggage is lost and give them a description of what it looks like and what’s inside. Also give them the address of the hotel or home where you’re staying so they can return it to you.
As a precaution, keep a printed copy of your itinerary and your phone number inside the front pocket of your luggage. This way, if someone finds it, they can contact you.
You Lose Your Passport Abroad
Losing your passport may seem like a big deal, but it’s not as bad as you think. If it happens, simply contact the nearest embassy to get a temporary passport. However, make sure you have a form of backup identification, (like a driver’s license). Otherwise, you may run into problems. Also prepare to pay a fee for the temporary passport.
If you were robbed and your passport, backup ID, and money were all stolen from you, you’ll still be able to get back home. Just make sure you get a copy of the police report that you file so you can give it to the embassy.
You Get into an Accident with Your Rental Car
When renting a car, make sure you know exactly what your rental insurance covers. Different companies have different policies and it’s important to be educated about it before you drive off the lot. Ask the company what your best course of action would be if you do get into an accident and if your insurance is through your credit card company, get the details from them as well.