Being lost or stranded anywhere in your own country is bad enough, but if you happen to be unfortunate enough to suffer through it overseas, it can become a nightmare. But even unfortunate situations like that can become remedied so long as you keep calm and think carefully about how to stay safe.
Assess Your Situation To Get The Answers
Solutions to being stranded can vary greatly because you may be stuck due to a simple matter such as a delayed or grounded flight, or due to a more complex situation such as political turmoil or a natural disaster. Things to consider are whether you’re running into any language barriers, if you have any contacts in your location, how far away you are from your nation’s embassy, and whether or not you’re dealing with any injuries or medical needs. But always think before you panic because remaining calm is the first step.
Keep Your Phone Or Other Means Of Communication Active At All Times
Before traveling anywhere, it’s good to travel in a group that you’ll stick with at all times just in case anything happens. But if you are traveling alone, make sure you’ve told people such as your family, friends, employer and others so that they know where you are and what your itinerary is. It’s also a good idea to keep your phone charged at all times so that you can make emergency calls to your contacts if necessary.
Keep Your Belongings With You At All Times And Know Where Your Emergency Supplies Are
If you have any situation that requires you to get to a sheltered area or stay inside a hotel room, you should do so but make sure you have all your baggage with you and keep it close. It’s good to pack emergency supplies such as a first aid kit, appropriate warm clothing or blankets if you’re in a colder area, or extra water bottles if you’re traveling where it’s hotter. But make sure you know where your supplies are how to use them at all times, and if you’re unable to treat any injuries yourself, week assistance from a local who can then contact appropriate medical personnel.
Have A Source Of Emergency Cash Handy
Your situation could also have financial hardships in it, and if that’s the case, you should make sure you have access to an emergency cash fund. You may or may not want to carry cash with you since exchanging it overseas may present some difficulties. You can use electronic transfer services to have cash wired to a destination where you will be, and then pick it up if you need to. You could also call your family to see if they can help you by transferring money. If you can’t do that, but have urgent unexpected finances to attend to, you may be able to qualify for a payday loan online to help you through the short-term financial crisis. No one wants to find themselves in a financial emergency, especially being stuck abroad, but there are options if it happens.
Use Mobile Apps To Guide You Around
If you’re having any difficulties finding your way to places where you can get help, you may want to use travel guide apps or apps related to the country you’re traveling to help you out. Even certain map apps can help you if you get lost and aren’t sure how to reconnect with your group or find your lodging place. Language apps may be able to help if you’re in a place where you don’t speak the local language.
Know Who To Contact In Case Of Any Legal Issues
If your travel situation involves dealing with any foreign laws or litigation, such as being injured in a vehicle accident, you may need to find out who can represent you or how the laws could affect you as a foreigner. You should make sure you have the right travel insurance policies for certain countries and find out whether your own personal attorney could represent you overseas. If not, you may need to contact the embassy to find out how to go about fighting the legal battle.
The bottom line to being stranded overseas is always be prepared for the unexpected because as good of travel plans as you might have, nothing ever is certain. Just make sure you have a written list of ways to deal with the situation and know who you should contact.