Five things that could derail your next vacation and what to do about it

A vacation is something we all look forward to. It’s a chance to get out of your regular routine, rest, relax, and let someone else take care of all the stuff that makes life monotonous, like dishes and making the bed. Not to mention, you’re likely to have a lot of fun!

Unfortunately, your vacation isn’t guaranteed to go off without a hitch. There’s still a lot that can go wrong, but there are also things you can do to stop your vacation from going off the rails completely.

Serious Car Accident

Whether you’re renting a car on vacation or you’re driving your own car, an accident can really bring down the mood. No one wants to deal with a crinkled bumper or a scratched car door, but regular fender benders are nothing compared to a serious accident.

You especially have to pay close attention to the road if you are going to be spending a lot of time driving on highways and interstates. Car accidents can turn deadly, which will ruin more than just your vacation.

Avoid a head-on collision with a truck driver and rear ending another car at high speeds by making sure you don’t drive drowsy. If you’re feeling tired, pull over and take a break or switch off driving with another adult. Rent a car with safety features, like lane assist and automatic braking, to reduce your chances of getting into an accident even further.

Illness

Few things are as frustrating as getting sick while you’re on vacation. Dealing with a minor cold is manageable, but if you end up with the flu or a serious cold that leaves you exhausted and unable to breathe through your nose, you could find yourself returning home early.

Don't give up on your vacation quite yet! There are things you can do if you get sick while you’re traveling.

First, make sure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and real fruit juices. Avoid pop and alcohol that can dehydrate you and make your recovery slower.

Then, make sure you get plenty of rest. Don’t be afraid to ask hotel staff if they sell any travel packs of medication, or where the nearest pharmacy is.

Lost or Stolen Belongings

Losing your luggage might mean you’re without a toothbrush, clothes, and clean underwear while you’re on vacation. It can be even more frustrating if losing your luggage means you can’t splash in the pool or go out to that nice restaurant you had planned.

Prevent your luggage from getting lost by:

· Keeping your contact information inside and outside your bag

· Removing old tags and stickers

· Taking nonstop flights or flights with long layovers

· Adding a GPS tracker to your bag

Having your belongings stolen can ruin your vacation too! Keep money and credit cards in your front pockets and hide items in your room where thieves can’t find them. Skip the safe, which is easy to crack, and instead hide money in unopened toilet paper tubes, for example.

Missed or Delayed Flights

Flying to your destination can be a faster way to travel. Depending on your final destination, it could be your only option. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean it’s relaxing. Missed and delayed flights can ruin your vacation.

If your flight is canceled or delayed, act quickly and you may be able to find another flight to your destination relatively soon. Be nice to customer service and you're more likely to get a better replacement flight.

In the meantime, try to make the most of wherever you are, even if it means staying a night or two near the airport and checking out local restaurants and activities.

Bad Weather

Whether you’re planning a trip to the beach or you want to walk through New York City, the weather can ruin your original plans. The best way to make sure that doesn't happen is to try not to plan too many activities before you leave. If you’re flexible, you can find things to do indoors when it’s rainy and cold and still have time to do your outdoor activities when the sun peeks through the clouds in the afternoon.

A lot can go wrong on your vacation, but that doesn’t mean you have to return home early! Whether you’re dealing with an illness, you lost your bag, or it’s raining on your beach vacation, there are things you can do to salvage your trip as best you can.