Four P’s of Vacation Problem Prevention

No one likes problems on vacation.  Vacation is supposed to be an escape from problems, not the cause of them.  Sometimes, though, things do happen. Never fear, here are some things you can keep in mind to smooth your way.

1) Be protected.  We tend to sound like a broken record in our office talking about travel insurance.  I hate that it sounds to some people like the “protection” one is offered when you buy electronics at Best Buy. Travel insurance, though, shouldn’t be lumped into that category.

Says Personal Finance Authority Clark Howard: “Travel insurance policies should always be purchased when you are taking a cruise, a tour or traveling on a trip that requires pre-payment of thousands of dollars. Policies are designed to protect consumers in the event of illness or to provide a refund in the case of company, tour operator or airline default.”

Buy the insurance.

2) Be Polite.  Your mother was right.  You do catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.  I can’t think of a single situation made better by being rude.  Clerks you encounter along your way almost always have something they can do to make your trip better.  Motivate them to help you instead of the guy screaming at them.  Be a light in the darkness.  It will pay off on vacation.

Don’t be taken advantage of though.  Think “velvet over steel”.

3) Be prepared. Have everything in writing.  Print out every confirmation and have it with you.  If you’re expecting certain amenities included with your hotel rate, take a print screen with you.  Hotels are absolutely notorious for advertising a spa credit or a food and beverage credit, or kids eat free, or any one of a million other things.  In a significant number of cases, upon arrival at the hotel the front desk has no idea what you’re talking about.  I truly do not believe it’s a matter of dishonesty.  It’s more a matter of the marketing department and the operations department not knowing what the other is doing.  Having proof will help the appropriate people track down the information they need to make sure you get the amenities you’re expecting.

4) Be practical. Understand what your resources are.  Does the agency have an in resort representative whose job it is to help resolve issues for you?  If not an in resort representative perhaps at least an in destination representative reachable by phone?  Many tour operators have a 24 during travel phone number intended for customers needing help on vacation.  The best ones are staffed with people who are experts at resolving in destination issues.  Are you able to reach your own agent by phone?  Sometimes time zone differences make this difficult.

Another of the benefits of travel insurance is access to people 24 hours a day who are there to help you in various situations.  Of course, your insurance people aren’t there to help you if you don’t like the room you’ve been assigned, but if your husband has just slipped by the pool and broken his leg, they’re you’re second phone call.  (Right after calling for medical help, of course.)

What else?  What techniques do you use on vacation to make your way smooth?