Journalist Seeks Coping Strategies for Vacation Disasters

[Michele Herrmann]

Hello. I'm writing a piece for a dating website on what couples can do to recover from common travel-related setbacks without affecting their relationship status. How can they prepare for each one before they happen? What tricks/tips do you suggest for dealing with delayed flights, car trouble (breaking down/accidents), weather woes and unexpected illness while keeping their budding relationship on track. If you have a story to tell yourself, I would love to hear it.

[Christine Negroni]

I'm a firm believer that life conforms to one's own expectations and that people who start a trip planning to have a good time can make that happen with a consistent reminder to see each event with fresh eyes. Sure, getting bumped off a flight is bad news but consider how a delay may give you time to explore the city in which you are stranded, or hunker down in a comfy airport hotel and get some rest. Airline lose your luggage? Its an opportunity to shop.

Before you accuse me of being a Pollyanna, the underlying theme here is that nearly every seemingly unfortunate turn of events has an upside. The challenge is to fide it. And if this opportunity to look on the bright side is shared by two people in a relationship, its a bonding opportunity too. See more on my thoughts on this subject at my travel blog, GO HOW KNOW HOW. http://gohowknowhow.com/?p=1278

[Michele Herrmann]

Hi Christine,

Thank you for your response. Would you be interested in speaking with me more for my article? Please let me know.

Best,

Michele

[Geri Bain]

Use a good travel agent. I write a lot for honeymooners, and I advise them to work closely with a savvy travel agent who is affiliated with a good consortium or chain. That way, when something goes awry, the couple can relax, knowing their agent is taking care of them and using their agency's pull with the suppliers to ensure everything will work out in the best possible way. For example, when the volcanic eruptions were grounding planes all over Europe, my friends who had booked with a personal travel agent--not a big online agency-didn't have to waste time worrying about re-booking flights (travelers with top agencies generally got on the first flights out) and finding hotels. Knowing the logistics were in good hands, they were able to enjoy their extended stay. See more about the value of using a travel agent at:  http://geribain.wordpress.com/

--Geri Bain

[Michele Herrmann]

Hi Geri,

Thank you for your response. Would you be interested in speaking with me more for my article? Please let me know.

Best,

Michele