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Traveling the world is the most memorable and exciting activity where we can try new things, gain new experiences, and get new emotions. However, despite all the positive sides of travel, there are always some common travel problems on the way which can destroy our trip entirely if we do not take action to avoid them once they happen.

If we can be better prepared for traveling, we can make it much easier and less stressful, and many travel problems can be avoided or minimized. That’s why I’ve created this list of the biggest and most common travel problems most travelers face and their best solutions.

The Best Solutions to 9 Common and Biggest Travel Problems

1. Getting Sick

We can get sick everywhere and anytime, unfortunately, but it is much worse if it happens when we travel. Therefore, to evade these travel problems related to sickness or minimize the chances, at least follow these simple tips:

To avoid getting food poisoning on the plane, do not eat fish or food you never tried before (if you have a sensitive stomach, that might be a big problem).
If you’re experiencing altitude sickness, drinking plenty of water and taking particular medication with you if you plan to climb high and get used to the environment first is very helpful. You shouldn’t have any shortness of breath, nausea, or tiredness. In case you got it, stop climbing and get back to the lower level until you feel better. In rare cases, you will have to look for medical help.
Wash your hands ALL THE TIME. Especially in some rural places, there can be some sanitarian issues.
If you have problems with veins, wear compression stockings and walk on the plane during your flight to get some exercise.
If you go to hot and tropical places, ensure you have the most effective insect repellent. In addition, wear a hat, covered clothes (when possible), sunglasses, and sunscreen to avoid sunburn.
To avoid substantial medical bills, always get travel insurance. There are many companies and plans, and you can get as cheap as $5 for your trip. Most of the affordable plans cover major cases and can be very useful if there is an emergency.
To avoid or minimize jet lag when flying internationally, try to fly in the evening from your destination and do not sleep during the day once you arrive.

2. Cultural Shock

Some places are so different from the places we get used to. It can be their traditions, culture, people habits, or food.

SOLUTION: To avoid cultural shock, do all the research about the new country upfront. I constantly research the rules of the country or other vital information to avoid being fined or getting into an embarrassing situation. That helps.

3. Getting Lost

Does that sound familiar? Have you ever encountered this common travel problem, or has it happened to you? Getting lost in a foreign place can happen to anyone, even if you’ve never experienced it before. It can occur for various reasons, such as unreliable internet, Google Maps not working, or language barriers making it difficult to ask for directions

SOLUTION: To avoid this travel problem, ensure you have a screenshot with all the necessary info/directions/addresses on your phone and a portable mobile charger.

Uber is not always available at the destination you are going to, which means you won’t be able to use the app all the time. Research what car-sharing app they are using so you can download it earlier.

And, of course, try not to panic. I know how overwhelming it can feel when you’re lost—I’ve been there too. However, most people are genuinely helpful. Even if you’re struggling to find your way or need assistance with something else, don’t hesitate to ask for help.

4. Lost or Delayed Baggage

At first, it sounds awful if your baggage doesn’t arrive at your destination once you land. However, it can be an advantage for you at the same time.

Once you know that your baggage is delayed (it usually happens between international flights if your layover between destinations is too short) or lost, stay calm and proceed to the agent’s desk with your concern.

SOLUTION: To seek compensation, you can file a claim with the airline, your travel insurance provider, or your credit card company (if you purchased your tickets through them).

It happened to me once that my baggage was delayed for a day or two, and I got some compensation from the airline for the inconvenience it caused me.

BONUS TIPS:

To protect your baggage from scratches or any other damage, wrap it up yourself with plastic wrap at home to save money instead of doing it at the airport (Important: make sure you check with the airline/airport first if they accept self-wrapping. Some airlines do not).
Put the address/name tag on your luggage. So in the order it gets lost, it has your information.
Please do not put the primary necessities in your luggage; instead, have them in your carry-on. So you have them with you when needed.

5. Missing Your Flight

Missing a flight is the biggest annoying travel problem, which can happen to anybody and cause a lot of trouble.

SOLUTION: To avoid such situations, make sure to arrive at the airport early. Personally, I aim to get there at least 2 hours before my domestic flights and 2.5 to 3 hours ahead for international ones. After all, it’s better to be early than late, right?!

If you find yourself in a situation where you’ve missed your flight, the first step is to stay calm. While the airline may be less likely to provide a free rebooking if the delay was your fault, they might offer you a standby option for the next available flight, especially if you arrive no more than two hours late. Don’t hesitate to speak with the airline agent to explore your best options.

You might also be interested in learning more about common airport problems and solutions!

6. Overbooked Flight

Sometimes flights can be overbooked, and you might be told by airport authorities that there’s no seat available for you. Has that ever happened to you? It’s definitely not the news we want to hear! Airlines often overbook flights to compensate for no-shows, selling more tickets than there are seats available.

That doesn’t sound very good, but think about it from a different perspective.

SOLUTION: Your best option is to wait until the seats get open, or if you are not in a hurry and can take another flight, do it, as the airline is going to offer you compensation for that plus a free ticket for the next flight if you volunteer to give up your current seat. It doesn’t sound bad at all!

To avoid this situation, always check in as early as possible (it’s not a 100% guarantee, but it can make a difference).

7. You Forgot to Buy a Travel Adapter

I got into a situation when I arrived in Singapore and couldn’t charge my phone because the adapter I had was unsuitable for its country.

SOLUTION:To avoid running into this issue, do your research ahead of time about the voltage requirements and the type of adapter you’ll need for your destination. Purchase the correct adapter before you arrive so you’re prepared. If you forget, check with your accommodation—many places offer adapters for rent or sale.

I found this International adapters guide helpful article you might want to check out.

8. Bad Accommodation

I am sure you triple-checked your hotel online?! Everything was good, but the reality didn’t meet your expectations once you arrived. For example, your room and shower were dirty, there was a bad smell, or you didn’t get the view you requested.

Has this ever happened to you?

Once, I wasn’t satisfied with my room due to its poor conditions, so I asked for an upgrade—and it worked out great for me!

SOLUTION: If you have booked your accommodation with a third party, contact them first to resolve this travel problem. If it was Airbnb, they could assist you with finding a new place or getting a refund. If you booked a hostel or hotel yourself and don’t like your room for any reason, do not be afraid to ask the staff of the hotel/hostel for an upgrade. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AND SPEAK UP!

9. Paying For a Carry-on

Some airlines, like Frontier Airlines, have strict rules about what you can bring as a carry-on. They only allow a small purse or bag on board, which often isn’t sufficient, and paying for additional luggage can end up costing you quite a bit.

12 tips on how to travel cheap

SOLUTION: Always check on the airline website the approved dimensions for a carry-on bag to bring on board to avoid extra charges. Pack as lightly as possible to make sure you can fit all you need in one bag.

Final Thoughts

Traveling nowadays is much easier than it used to be, thanks to the wealth of resources available and the many tips from travel experts that can enhance our journeys.

Traveling has never been without its challenges, but knowing how to solve common problems can make your trips more enjoyable and less stressful. I’ve found these tips really helpful, and they’ve improved my travel experiences a lot. I hope my article on the nine most common travel problems and how to avoid them will help you on your journey.

Happy travel!

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