Travel isn’t always smooth sailing. Just like at home, there are tough days on the road.
Those amazing moments—like riding camels on Indian beaches, witnessing sunrises over Torres del Paine in Patagonia, or capturing the Dalai Lama’s teachings in McLeod Ganj—are what travelers cherish. But behind every stunning photo are the less glamorous experiences that often go untold.
Take, for instance, the grueling 18-hour bus ride I endured in Burma, where I was stuck next to a child who couldn’t stop throwing up. Food poisoning also has impeccable timing, often striking during a 10-mile hike or a turbulent flight. Waking up in a chic Cancun hostel only to find myself covered in itchy bed bug bites is a fun memory—just like standing helplessly beside my car on I-40 after my engine failed.
McLeod Ganj, home to the Dalai Lama, is one of my favorite Indian cities and where I often find myself in unfortunate situations.
Then there was the time I tripped and fell into a sewer drain while walking in India. Thankfully, it wasn’t deep, and a kind Tibetan boy helped me retrieve my flip-flop from the grimy water. My leg was so bruised afterward that I couldn’t sit cross-legged for weeks.
And let’s talk about my comical encounter with a massive Australian spider. It’s a tale worth telling!
Life can throw curveballs, like when my purse was stolen in Thailand, leaving me with only my American Express card, which was useless in that moment. I ended up calling my parents at an ungodly hour in Cambodia for help, learning that transferring money to myself isn’t possible—trust me, I tried!
While not every day is filled with sunshine and tacos, the good often outweighs the bad. After 14 years of continuous travel, I wouldn’t change a thing, even the mishaps. After all, nothing worthwhile comes easy.
If my stories make you hesitant, take note from my experiences. Here are four strategies for overcoming difficult travel days:
My stolen purse didn't ruin my first trip to Southern Thailand. (Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand)
1. Embrace Humor
Food poisoning struck while I was hiking in India. I trekked back five miles, feeling ill every 15 minutes. The next day, I barely made it to breakfast and had to endure a two-hour car ride on winding roads to my work village. My room was so hot that I had to take cold showers every hour just to cool off. Despite the discomfort, I thought, “This will make a great Facebook post!”
I cherish a good story. With two journalism degrees, I find that mishaps often turn into the best anecdotes later. Now, as I sit in my comfy, air-conditioned room in Austin, I can laugh about those wild moments.
The key is knowing that tough times pass and become part of a larger narrative. People love hearing about travel blunders, don’t you think?
2. Stay Calm
I've had my purse stolen twice—once in Thailand and later in Spain, where they also took my iPhone. Both times were my fault. After the shock wore off, I realized that panicking wouldn’t help. Staying calm and focusing on solutions was the best path forward. It’s funny how I can be so composed in high-stress situations but can’t decide what to order for brunch.
Remember, crying won’t bring back your belongings. Take a deep breath, assess the situation, and focus on resolving it.
I visited La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and later that day, my iPhone was stolen from the beach.
3. Learn from Mistakes
Both thefts occurred while I was on the beach, distracted. In Thailand, all my cards were in my wallet, except for that useless American Express. In Spain, I secured my valuables in my hostel locker every night, except one night when I was in a rush. That’s when my phone and wallet were snatched.
Fortunately, my experience in Thailand taught me to hide my cash and cards in different places within my luggage. While I lost my iPhone, I didn’t have to wake my parents for money this time—small victories matter.
Now, I carry a crossbody purse, keeping it secure even when seated. In high-risk areas, I lock up my valuables and only carry what I need for meals. I once thwarted a pickpocket's attempt in Buenos Aires, thanks to my past experiences.
These mishaps are hilarious in retrospect! My autobiography will cover it all. The biggest lesson? Learn from your errors and trust your instincts. If something feels off, leave the situation.
My foot fell through a sewer drain on this street in McLeod Ganj, India. (Yes, that’s a stray cow roaming the streets.)
4. Prepare for the Unexpected
It’s wise to plan for the worst to ease anxiety. Consider getting travel insurance and taking small steps to prevent future headaches. Here are some of my go-to preparations:
- Conduct Research. Investigate health and safety issues at your destination. Check travel alerts on Travel.State.gov and consult recent travel guides. Speak to locals for safety tips about places you plan to explore.
- Emergency Assistance. When my car broke down on I-40, I was relieved to have AAA. They towed my vehicle to the dealership at no cost, easing my stress. Many credit cards offer similar benefits.
- Consult Your Doctor. My doctor prescribed antibiotics for food poisoning, which I carry during trips. I also bring rehydration salts to stay hydrated. I always purchase medical travel insurance with no deductible for emergencies.
- Secondary Bank Account. I opened a backup checking account and keep that debit card separate from my main card. If one gets stolen, I can easily transfer funds to the other account. Both accounts are Charles Schwab with no fees. For travel banking tips, check my Travel Banking 101 post.
- Avoid Hangry Moments. Pack snacks to stave off hunger-related irritability. I always carry snacks, from bananas to homemade sandwiches, to keep me fueled, whether I'm on a smooth journey or stuck in a remote bus station.
