5 Tips to Turn Nightmare Travel into a Dream Vacation

Our honeymoon was one of those trips that just when you think nothing else could go wrong it did! From an alarm clock that was ignored to a volcanic eruption each and every step of our perfectly made travel plans disappeared into thin air.

Travel tips for oversleeping

I admit it; we slept right through the alarm clock. If this happens to you, first be prepared the night before by making sure your bag is packed and if possible print your ticket. If you should be "alarmed" about the time left to travel to the airport grab your bag and run. Health and beauty products can be purchased when you arrive, after all they will probably just be taken from you at security anyway.

Travel tips for arriving at the ticket counter after your flight has departed

Did you fly to the airport only to arrive and find out that the flight has departed or that they have closed the gate? If so explain what happened to your ticket agent. Politely request another seat on a later flight, the option to fly standby or at the very worst you may have to pay a re-ticketing free. But at least you will be on your way. I have actually had this happen more than one time, and usually ticket agents try to accommodate you, especially when you are polite. After all, "You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar."

Travel tips for when your flight is cancelled

Thanks to the volcanic eruption our flights were cancelled, until further notice, leaving hundreds of passengers stuck in Charlotte, North Carolina. It wasn't the first time, nor has it been the last that one of my flights have been cancelled so we knew exactly what to do. My husband got on the phone while standing in line at the ticket counter and I got on the phone to find a place to stay once he confirmed flights. But more importantly we listened to the instructions that they airline provided us with, carefully considered the alternatives provided and managed to make the most of a bad situation by enjoying the next day in sunny Miami while waiting for notice that flights had been resumed.

Travel tips for when your flight is re-scheduled for the next day

It is an inconvenience, but why not take advantage of the gift of a whole day and plan your own adventure? Use your cell phone to make some calls, purchase a map and look for landmarks, parks, or stadiums to help you enjoy the "downtime" you have. In our case we actually were able to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, dine at the Hard Rock Café and take in a major league baseball game. Not what we expected, but it was a great start to our honeymoon travel. Not sure where to go or what to do? Ask around, your wait staff at a local restaurant or customer service at a hotel check in counter should have plenty to help you get on your way.

Travel tips to help you expect the best but prepare for the worst

Travel nightmares happen. Flights are missed or cancelled and in our case a volcano erupted on Montserrat stopping all travel to the Caribbean. Anyone would be disappointed but instead of dwelling on the "bad" explore the good. After all, it could be worse, we could have been in the air when the volcano erupted causing an extremely unsafe travel situation much worse than a few days delay. High expectations can come crashing to the ground, so why not be prepared for them?

Throughout it all, when your dream vacation turns into a travel nightmare remember to be polite, ask for help and listen to the advice provided. Your ticket agent holds the keys to the airline kingdom, and "be very careful all ye who enter here." And, if you are traveling with a friend, partner, spouse or colleague remember that fighting, fussing and freaking will get you nowhere, fast.

Of course not matter what your attitude, not all travel comes out perfect as you can see in "Airlines, Airports, Storms and Out of Fuel Make for Nightmare Travel" and "My Toddler Daughter's Experience with Airport Security (TSA)"

Sources:

Personal experience

Families.com

Buzzle.com Business Travel Tips

Independent Traveler.com