An emergency situation while on vacation is less than ideal. But as travelers who found themselves in the path of Hurricane Patricia in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico last week know, it can happen. It is important to keep the possibility of an emergency before leaving to your destination.
Jody Diamond, CEO and president of Diamond PR who has specialized in travel for 15 years, shares some professional advice on how to weather the storm. Diamond had a group of journalists staying at the CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa during Hurricane Patricia with one of her executives, Sasha Hlozek.
“I don’t know that you can ever be prepared for an emergency when traveling, Jody explained. “Both as company policy and personally, there isn’t really anything we do to be ‘prepared’ outside of just being aware of what is going on in the area. Staying calm and focused on resolution and solutions is also an important part of dealing with an emergency situation. “
When an emergency strikes, it’s easy to panic since you’ll be outside your comfort zone in a foreign city or country. Although this is a natural reaction, it is best that you fight against these feelings by being well informed.
“Most people go immediately to panic, which solves nothing,” she said. “ It creates drama, a loss of time and doesn’t allow you to think clearly or respond efficiently. My advice for anyone traveling internationally or in unfamiliar territory in an emergency situation is to basically remain calm, listen and have patience. These are three things we can all travel with that have no cost associated with them and are the best tools when you feel out of control.”
Preparation for a trip should include taking a few steps before departing your home. It is imperative that travelers think ahead in order to make an actual emergency easier to handle from far away. Jody suggests, “Someone at home should always have your itinerary, the contact information where you are staying and a copy of your passport. Travelers should also always have a photocopy of their passport with them as well kept separately from their passport in the event it is lost or damaged. Spend the money on that international plan. Getting news from back home or letting everyone know you are OK, will help keep the blood pressure down.”
If you travel often for work or for pleasure, it is worth staying in touch you’re your primary doctor. “My doctor knows how much I travel personally, so I always have antibiotics, travelers diarrhea pills and analgesics with me, just in case,” she said. “That said, they lose efficacy after some time, so if you don’t use them, throw them out and get new prescriptions before a trip or at your yearly physical if you’re a frequent traveler like me. “
When booking reservations, you might be offered travelers insurance for an extra fee. But is spending the money on the plan worth it?
“I think travel insurance is becoming more and more popular. I have never considered it,” she explained. “But recently a travel writer I know found himself in Panama unable to catch his breath. Turns out he had a collapsed lung. While Panama provides excellent care, he felt more comfortable having the needed procedure back in the states. As he had purchased a yearlong travelers insurance plan, he was flown to the states in a jet (on a stretcher of course) and found himself back in the US in familiar territory in no time. I have recently heard of a traveler’s insurance plan that is only $250 for yearlong coverage. Seeming more and more like a smart investment to me.”
