5 things to consider if you are stranded on vacation

With storms affecting popular travel destinations, many travelers’ plans were altered. Here are five things to consider if stranded on vacation.

For many people, a picture perfect vacation to Florida is a well-planned event. From visiting the Orlando theme parks to the beautiful beaches, Florida is a popular vacation spot. But even the best planned vacation can go awry. Here are a five things to consider if stranded on vacation.

Keep all your documents together in a water proof bag

Everyone has to travel with a clear, plastic sealable bag. Next time you go on vacation, pack a few extras. Keep your passport, medicine, wallet, and phone in that plastic bag. Having everything together in one waterproof pouch makes it easy to keep everything together. With everything together, you can grab it and go in a moment’s notice.

Most Floridians have a special waterproof box for these types of situations. Using a similar approach during travel makes sense. You don’t want to scramble in a moment of panic. Stuff can be replaced, but you will need that driver’s license or passport to get home.

Don’t take it out on company workers

Let’s be honest, everyone is frustrated, scared and stressed. But yelling at the airline, hotel or any service staff isn’t helping. Those people are away from their families trying to help others. A simple word of kindness can go a long way.

Look at Disney during Hurricane Irma. Those workers stayed to help others. So many employees were part of the ride out team. They were worried about their families, but they tried to bring smiles to the guests. Would you be able to sing and play games if you didn’t know if your family had survived the storm?

Recently, I knew of many people who offered to bring coffee and snacks to hotel workers who were accepting evacuated guests in Florida. That $5 spent at Starbucks is a small price to pay to bring a little bright spot to someone’s day. A little kindness can make a world of difference.

Get out early, if offered

If a storm, like a hurricane, is coming, try to get out early. Yes, many other people will want to leave the area, too. Granted, it can be disappointing to cut your vacation short, but what’s more important? Being home with family is the priority. Another vacation can happen.

Many airlines will waive change fees during storm preparation. But, don’t wait till the last minute. Everyone will try to leave right before the storm. Be flexible and work with the airline. The goal is to get home, just like everyone else.

Look for travel alternatives after the storm.

After a large storm, many airports and airlines will take a little while to get up and running. Also, many of the flights may be full or canceled. Airlines aren’t the only mode of travel. Rental cars, buses and trains could be alternative.

If looking to book a rental car, look at different locations than just the airport. Local hotels, car dealerships and local offices could have available car rentals. When renting a car, make sure that you can return it to a different location.

While a bus or train may not be the most convenient transportation, it could get you to another city. If those two options could get you to a bigger transportation hub, it could get you home more quickly.

Travel Insurance

While you can’t buy travel insurance while you’re on your vacation, it should be considered when booking a trip. Many airline companies and travel companies offer travel insurance. These policies can reimburse you for canceled flights, canceled vacations, or other vacation issues.

Yes, these policies add a cost to your vacation. But it could be money well spent in times of need.  No one wants to be stranded on vacation. Sometimes it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Next: When to book holiday travel

Hopefully, you never get stranded on vacation. A little pre-planning and preparation can go a long way to getting you home safe and sound.