Student travelling is wonderful, but sometimes it doesn’t go exactly to plan. From lost flights to minor injuries, accidents do occur, and having the right coping strategies in place can make all the difference. Remaining calm, well-prepared, and informed will take you through these moments like a pro. So, here are 8 tips you can use when unexpected travel accidents happen to you as a student.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The very first thing you should do when anything unexpected happens is to calm down. Worrying only makes it that much harder to think. Just take a step back and consider what happened and what to do next. Be it a delayed flight, a suitcase that hasn’t arrived, or even just a minor accident, calm will get you through it.
2. Have Travel Insurance and Know How to Use It
Insurance may seem like a frivolous expense, but it can save your life if you get into trouble. From emergency medical bills to trip cancellations, it’s worth every cent. Always know your policy and keep a copy of it with you.
Tips for Using Travel Insurance:
- Maintain a printed and an electronic copy of your policy.
- Write down emergency numbers for your insurance company.
- Document accidents thoroughly using pictures and receipts.
- Submit claims as soon as possible.
- Verify coverage details before your trip.
3. Locate the Nearest Medical Facility
When you have a health emergency, it’s best to know where to turn. Check the area to find the nearest clinic or hospital before traveling, especially if you’re going somewhere remote. If anything goes wrong, don’t be afraid to contact professional help. This is also true for academic help on the go. Just Google, “Can someone write my research paper for me?” and find a reliable writing service. If you’re overseas, bring along a translation app or card that has some basic terms in the target language to communicate more easily.
4. Keep Emergency Contacts Handy
Prepare an emergency contact list before you go. These should include your relatives and friends and your country’s embassy or consulate at the point of destination. This will ensure that you have access to emergency services in the event of an accident. Store these numbers in your phone and keep them in a notebook so you won’t be without them if your phone is unavailable.
5. Deal with Lost or Stolen Items Immediately
It’s stressful if you lose your passport, wallet, or other precious things. Take action fast so the impact is minimal. Inform the police in the area, and if your passport is stolen, contact your consulate or embassy for help.
Tips for handling lost or stolen items:
- Be sure to have photocopies of important documents such as your passport.
- Keep backup funds somewhere else.
- Cancel lost credit/debit cards immediately.
- Track valuables such as your cell phone or laptop using tracking devices.
- Secure your belongings in hostels or hotels with locks or safes.
6. Prepare a Basic First Aid Kit
An all-purpose first aid kit is your best friend when you’re having a minor mishap. Take bandages, disinfectants, antiseptic, and a painkiller along with your personal medications. Don’t go overboard – just make sure you are prepared for cuts, bruises, or headaches. A lot of pre-packaged travel kits are small and cheap.
7. Know Your Rights as a Traveler
Learning what your rights are can save you time and frustration. Airlines will give you money or rebook your flight, for example, if your flight is canceled or delayed. The same goes for hotels which can provide a refund or alternative accommodation if it is overbooked. Research travel rules in the place you’re visiting so you know what to expect. When things don’t go as planned, information is power.
8. Stay Connected and Informed
Keep up to date with news and weather while on vacation. With a head-start on what’s happening, it’s easy to stay out of trouble when a road is closed or the weather isn’t cooperating. Google Maps, weather app, and translation software are all very useful for navigation. Remember to inform someone of your whereabouts and schedule so that they can aid you if something goes wrong.
Embrace the Adventure, Stay Prepared
Travel accidents happen sometimes; it’s part of the process, but you don’t have to let them ruin your trip. If you are able to remain calm, ready, and informed, then you can deal with anything. Just remember the hiccups you have on the road make for the best travel tales. Be safe, be smart, and enjoy the ride!
