Lost luggage is often a part of travel and is the last thing we think about when embarking on our exciting trip. As your Mamma Hen Travel Planner, it is my job to think about that for you.
Besides taking out the travel insurance, which I always advise you do, I also recommend you packing your essentials into your hand luggage – just in case! When I say essentials, I mean your face products (for the ladies especially); a change of underwear and a fresh t-shirt (we offer laundry in our lodges and so do most of the properties you go to) – but its always good to have a fresh change of those items; and most importantly – is to keep your medication with you. You won’t believe how many people often forget this!
I have had folks on anxiety tablets and post-chemo medication, who have left their meds in their check-in luggage. It can typically take up to 3 days to get your luggage, and sometimes even longer, depending on how remote you are, and where the airline sent it to. So, it’s really important to pack those essentials into your hand luggage.
We can mostly assist you with clothing. We have safari shops with various things on offer, and always do our best, but sizing is not always guaranteed. It is much easier to go shopping in one of our closest towns and send clothes or shoes (whatever the case may be) on the next plane – but medication is a tough one to assist you with.
And finally, having a sense of humour is always a good idea. I recently received a delightful message from Brian and Andi – repeat guests of &Beyond and myself whose luggage didn’t make it from India to Bhutan. They were given the local garb to wear and sent me this beautiful picture. Brian is the one who lost his luggage and Andi felt envious about his dress-up session, so donned the same attire that women typically wear in the region. I just love their attitude, and theTiger Pic Brian took – which I thought I’d fling in here too!
It’s easy to panic when things don’t go as planned. Especially with travel, there should be an element of adventure, and I believe that is what we look for – stepping out of our comfort zones, challenging ourselves a little bit, and experiencing something new.
So, when it comes to luggage – having an open mind around the solution is always wise!
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