What Happens When Travel Goes Wrong | International Traveller

Turn hiccups into manageable adventures by finding the coverage you’ll wish for when plans hit a bump.

Embarking on a travel adventure is a journey filled with excitement and anticipation – and rightfully so. However, seasoned travellers understand that the road often comes with bumps, and unexpected challenges can arise at any turn. This is where the true value of travel insurance shines, and you’ll be thanking your past self for doing the research.

A comprehensive travel insurance policy can be a godsend when travel takes an unforeseen detour. From flight cancellations to medical emergencies, let us help you navigate the terrain of travel mishaps and explore how the right insurance can make a world of difference.

Your flight’s cancelled – now what?

Picture this: You arrive at the airport, ready to jet off to your dream holiday, only to be greeted by the dreaded announcement of a flight cancellation. While airlines often provide alternatives or compensation, a robust travel insurance policy steps in to offer additional support.

all flights cancelled at the airport — Flight cancellations are some of the most common issues that occur while travelling.

If you want to save yourself the headache of the logistics (aka the last thing you want when you’re in holiday mode), look for coverage that not only reimburses your non-refundable expenses but also offers assistance in rearranging travel plans. Whether it’s finding an alternative flight or covering unexpected accommodation costs, having this safety net means a cancelled flight won’t derail your whole journey.

travellers lining up at the airport — Don’t let a cancelled flight derail your travel plans.

Personal delays or interruptions

Of course, there’s also the chance that you’ll need to cancel your plans last minute for another, personal reason. If you think your pooch might convince you to stay home with his sad puppy-dog eyes, or your flaky travel companion will forget to renew their passport, opt for insurance with trip cancellation coverage, trip delay coverage, and trip interruption coverage to be on the safe side.

people moving back and forth at the airport — Safeguard against a last-minute need to cancel your plans.

Medical emergencies abroad

One of the most important aspects of travel insurance is covering medical emergencies abroad. It’s bad enough getting sick or injured on your holiday – the last thing you want is to be in a foreign country with no support.

signing a travel insurance form — Make sure your policy includes coverage for pre-existing conditions.

Look for a travel insurance policy that covers medical expenses as well as aiding in coordinating emergency medical evacuation if needed (this is especially relevant if travelling to a remote area).

Make sure your policy includes coverage for pre-existing conditions (which may require a premium), and don’t be shy to clarify the extent of that coverage in different regions. Knowing your insurer has your back in times of health crises abroad is essential in keeping your holiday low-stress. Remember – your home health insurance is useless outside of the country.

signing travel insurance forms — Purchase travel insurance that can cover your medical bills in an emergency.

Vanished valuables

Losing belongings during travel is a common fear (we’ve all heard the horror stories). While you’ll always leave your most treasured items either at home or with you, there’s no need to forego your fanciest evening outfits or beloved designer luggage when you’re off on a romantic adventure.

a blue luggage at the airport — Check your coverage limit to take the stress out of lost luggage.

Check your policy to ensure the maximum limit is sufficient, review the categories of covered personal items, look into exclusions, and familiarise yourself with any documentation requirements (such as proof of ownership).

If you can’t imagine anything worse than losing your belongings, consider a policy that goes beyond merely replacing items. Instead, look for one that helps in reporting incidents to local authorities, covers delayed luggage, and offers guidance on any necessary steps needed in frustrating scenarios.

Natural disasters

Travelling to exotic destinations often involves exposure to different climates, and, occasionally, unexpected natural disasters. Whether it’s a sudden earthquake or tropical storm, your travel insurance can serve as an essential safety net in the immediate aftermath.

a tornado approaching — Natural disasters can impact your holiday but travel insurance can get your home. (Image: Nikolas Noonan)

Seek a policy that covers trip cancellations or interruptions due to natural disasters and aids in rearranging plans. Understanding the extent of coverage for such events ensures you can enjoy Mother Nature’s splendour whilst simultaneously navigating any unexpected twists she might throw your way.

View of the Acropolis and the Parthenon against the background of smoke from fires in Athens — Travel insurance will give you a plan b when things don’t go to plan.

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Other extreme scenarios

When you’re planning your dream holiday, the last thing on your mind is political unrest or terrorism. But, depending on your destination, it may be something to be aware of. For the ultimate peace of mind, make sure your travel insurance covers trip cancellations due to government advice and includes evacuation coverage in case of civil unrest. This way, you can smoothly and safely exit the affected area if needed.

an empty airport lounge at sunrise — In the case of civil unrest, you’ll want an insurer who can evacuate you swiftly.

Legal and liability matters

When travel mishaps extend beyond personal inconvenience, you’ll really want an insurer who has your back. Think accidental damage to property, unintentional injury to others, or unexpected disputes.

empty escalators at the airport — Make sure your coverage includes personal liability insurance. (Image: Juan Ortiz)

Your travel insurance should include personal liability coverage, offering protection in case you find yourself legally responsible for damages or injuries, and providing guidance on navigating unfamiliar jurisdictions. This is especially crucial when travelling to countries where legal processes differ significantly from your home country. While we all hope for smooth sailing, having this additional layer of protection ensures you’ll be much better prepared for unexpected situations that have legal implications.

Safeguard your thrill-seeking soul

For outdoor enthusiasts who relish adventurous pursuits, regular travel insurance may fall short. Engaging in activities like scuba diving, bungee jumping, or even skiing and hiking introduces distinct risks. Make sure that your travel insurance adequately covers any ‘high-risk’ activities you might be indulging in – or consider adding specific adventure sports coverage. This way, your adventurous spirit can fully embrace the thrill without the added concern of potential injuries and medical expenses.

scuba diving beneath the deep blue ocean — Consider adding sports coverage if you’re a thrill seeker. (Image: Joseph Northcutt)

For more tips and advice, read our travel insurance hub to help you navigate the ins and outs of what to do before you head overseas.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

Here’s what you’ll really want from your insurer when travel goes wrong