This is a busy time of year for travel, and between crowds, weather delays, and technology glitches, the likelihood of everything going as planned lowers significantly! I know it’s a first world problem, but being stranded is one of the worst feelings. It’s happened to me, and it feels easy to panic.

After 30 years of more travel than most people, I can give you some thoughts about where my head goes in situations like these.

-Don’t Panic! I’ve led thousands of guests around the world and every single one has gotten home. Eventually. Somehow.

-Be your best self. Everyone is suffering so be way nicer than you’d be normally. Project sunshine; it will be appreciated.

-Money fixes problems. I’ve seen guests dither about spending to fix travel problems (ticket changes, extra hotels, etc) and let me tell ya, your comfort, safety, and peace of mind are worth more than money. Spend what needs to be spent to fix the problem. 

-Be proactive, and quickly. When you can feel that your flight is going to be cancelled, book a nearby hotel asap or rebook, even if there’s a slim chance that you might not need to. Waiting to see how things will play out almost never ends well.

-Always have your necessities in your carry-on. Medications, change of clothes, toiletries, electronics. Have enough with you that you can easily live for 48 hours without problem.

-Know where you can go. Do your credit cards grant lounge access? I’ve joined Priority Pass on the fly when I’ve been stranded and it was worth the money, but you might already have a free membership to a lounge.

-Attitude is everything. Being stranded sucks but on the other hand, this is free time. Watch a movie! Go buy a book and have a cocktail! I’m a single mother/business owner and having enforced downtime is pretty sweet when you think about it.

Those are some of my strategies, I’d love to hear if you have any of your own, or share words of encouragement for our fellow travelers who may be stuck today. Please comment below!