Episode 73 – Ladies Who Travel: When Things Go Wrong, Keep Calm and Travel On

In episode 73 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy chats with fellow Ladies Who Travel Melissa and Shelly. The discussion focuses on how to handle travel when plans go wrong, including the importance of flexibility and having backup options.

They share personal stories about disrupted trips due to weather, transportation issues, and unexpected events, such as political protests.

Listeners will find practical strategies for staying calm, building contingency plans, and making the most of unexpected situations, from maintaining a flexible itinerary to having essential travel items and travel insurance. The episode also offers mindset tips for navigating disappointment and turning disruptions into positive experiences.

Episode 73 – What you’ll learn in this episode

Places, foods and words/concepts mentioned

Places

• Albania: Highlighted as a repeat favourite destination for Shelley, celebrated for its unique charm and off-the-beaten-path appeal.
• Puglia, Italy: Another of Shelley’s top spots, known for its beautiful landscapes and culture.
• Auckland, New Zealand: Melissa’s next planned destination, offering both sightseeing and personal discovery.
• Portugal & Spain (Northern Spain, Barcelona): The scene of Tracy’s disrupted train adventure, prompting important lessons about flexibility.
• Brisbane & Lady Musgrave Island, Australia: Melissa’s cyclone-halted reef trip, illustrating the need to pivot plans due to weather.
• Western Australia & UK: Future destinations mentioned for upcoming travels and comparisons in planning for unpredictability.
• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia & Thailand: Locations referenced by Shelley as sites where spontaneous visits and changing plans led to memorable meetups.
• Paris, France: The location of Tracy’s unexpected encounter with street protests and French police.

Foods

• McDonald’s Ice Cream: Sometimes the best travel stories involve abandoning plans and simply enjoying ice cream at McDonald’s with friends when the weather won’t cooperate!

Words/Concepts

• Travel Insurance: Stressed as a non-negotiable part of travel preparation for everyone on the panel.
• Plan B (and C, D, E…): The philosophy of always having a backup, especially for key travel moments or essential connections.
• esims & Connectivity: Shelley discusses the use of dual phones and eSIMs for solo traveller safety and peace of mind.
• Free Cancellation: Tracy recommends booking accommodation with flexible cancellation to enable easy pivots.
• Buffer Days: Emphasised strategy for smooth travel – don’t stack crucial activities or transport on arrival/departure days.
• Cyclone/Hurricane & Weather-Related Disruptions: Examples and advice on researching climate and local holidays to anticipate risks.
• Travel Meltdown: The importance (and permission!) to have an emotional reaction—but also strategies to move forward positively.
• Government Travel Alerts: Shelley’s tip to check official government sources for information on protests and political disruptions.
• Mindset: Staying calm, treating staff kindly, and keeping perspective – what will matter in a year? Probably not that cancelled train!

Links

Podcasts

• Episode #56 – Essential Tips for Surviving Long Haul Flights [Ladies Who Travel]
• Episode #52 – Travel Safe Travel Smart: Real Tips for Every Type of Traveller
• Episode #65 – Navigating Food Abroad: Tips, Mishaps & Healthy Hacks with the Ladies Who Travel

Articles

• The Ultimate Trip Planner: How to Plan a Trip Anywhere in the World (Step-by-Step Guide)
• How to Plan the Perfect Travel Itinerary for Any Destination
• Destination Travel Guides + Tips for First-Time Visitors