Flat Tires, Cancellations, and Floods—The Not-So-Glamorous Side of Solo Travel
Hey there, wanderlust warriors! 🌍✨ Let's get real for a moment. While solo travel is an exhilarating journey of self-discovery, it's not always sunsets and selfies. Sometimes, the road throws a few curveballs your way. If you’re a solo traveler like me, you learn to expect the unexpected and find solutions on the fly. So, let me take you through some of the less glamorous moments of my travels and how I managed to deal with them.
Double Trouble: The Tale of Two Flat Tires in San Antonio
San Antonio and I started off on the wrong foot. One day, I was cruising along, enjoying the city, when—thud. Flat tire. Annoying, but fine. I got it replaced, told myself it was just bad luck and moved on. But then, one week later—thud again. Another flat. I started to wonder if I had offended the tire gods somehow.
How I Handled It:
Called for Help: I pulled over safely and called roadside assistance because, let’s be honest, I wasn’t about to change a tire on the side of a busy road by myself.
Checked the Spare Situation: Thankfully, I had a spare tire, but I also learned that checking your car’s maintenance before a long trip is a must. Lesson learned.
Breathed Through the Frustration: Sometimes, you just have to laugh at the ridiculousness of it all. Two flats in a week? What are the odds?!
The Airbnb Shuffle in Austin
Three days before I was supposed to head to New Orleans, I got an email no traveler wants to receive—my Airbnb host had canceled my stay. Even worse, they tried to bypass Airbnb’s official cancellation process, which meant they were trying to get out of refunding me properly. (Pro tip: never let a host pressure you into canceling yourself—make sure they do it on their end so you get your full refund!)
Cue 24 hours of frantic searching, budget calculations, and frustration. In the end, I had no choice but to piece together my stay across three different places: one for the first weekend, one for the first full week, and another for the remaining three weeks.
How I Handled It:
Knew My Rights: Airbnb has clear policies for when a host cancels. Check them out here. Understanding them saved me from getting scammed.
Acted Fast: As soon as my host canceled, I started searching for alternatives. I had to be flexible with location and amenities, but I made it work. I have some deal-breakers in my Airbnb searches that limit my options, but do what you’re most comfortable with.
Communicated Honestly: One of my new hosts was kind enough to hold the spot for me for three days until my refund came through. Sometimes, honesty really does go a long way!
Zoom Calls from the Parking Lot
The first place I stayed wouldn’t let me do a late checkout, which normally wouldn’t be a big deal—except I had back-to-back Zoom calls that day. I absolutely hate taking work calls in public spaces like coffee shops (hello, anxiety), so the idea of sitting in one was not an option. Instead, I set up my “office” in the parking lot of my Airbnb. Picture me, laptop on my steering wheel, cell phone hot spot in the cup holder, trying to look professional while people walked past, probably wondering what on earth I was doing.
How I Handled It:
Planned for Next Time: When booking longer stays, I now check if late checkout or a dedicated workspace is an option.
Looked Into Co-Working Spaces: Many cities have great co-working spots with day passes that offer a quiet, reliable setup.
Kept a Sense of Humor: Honestly, sometimes you just have to laugh. Parking lot Zoom meetings? Peak digital nomad chaos.
Weather Woes in New Orleans
After checking out of my weekend stay, I moved into my second place for the week—completely unaware that a massive storm was about to hit. The week-long downpour flooded streets across the city, and suddenly, I was very grateful that my car was parked in a safe spot and that my accommodation was on the second floor above a bakery. No risk of flooding for me—unlike many places in New Orleans, as I later learned. Sweet silver lining!
How I Handled It:
Stayed Informed: I now check weather forecasts obsessively before traveling.
Had Backup Plans: Indoor activities became my best friend. Museums, cozy cafés, and bookstores saved the day.
Prioritized Safety: I quickly learned that when it floods in New Orleans, you do not drive through standing water. Better to wait it out!
Unwanted Guests: The Bug Invasion
New Orleans introduced you to some interesting houseguests—bugs that locals insisted were beetles but looked way too much like cockroaches for comfort. A few decided to make unwelcome appearances throughout my stay. Thankfully, this was the same kind and understanding host who had held the spot for me, and they were quick to arrange for pest control to keep the creepy crawlers at bay.
How to Handle It:
Communicate with Your Host: Inform them immediately. A good host will address the issue promptly, as yours did by arranging for spraying.
Keep It Clean: Ensure food is stored properly, and the space is clean to avoid attracting pests.
Stay Calm: Bugs are a part of life in many places. While unpleasant, they're usually harmless.
Unwanted Guests: The Bug Invasion
New Orleans also introduced me to some interesting houseguests—bugs that locals insisted were beetles but looked way too much like cockroaches for comfort. A few decided to make unwelcome appearances throughout my stay, adding a little extra excitement to my accommodations. Thankfully, this was the same kind and understanding host who had held the spot for me, and they were quick to arrange for pest control to keep the creepy crawlers at bay.
How I Handled It:
Told My Host Immediately: Good hosts will act fast to fix issues, and mine did.
Kept My Space Clean: Less clutter meant fewer hiding spots for any lingering visitors.
Accepted That This is Just Part of the Deal: If you travel long enough, you will encounter some kind of wildlife. It’s all part of the experience!
Travel Isn’t Always Perfect—And That’s Okay
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that travel rarely goes according to plan. Flat tires, booking disasters, bad weather, and unexpected houseguests—these things happen. But instead of letting them ruin the experience, I’ve learned to embrace the chaos, roll with the punches, and find the humor in the mishaps. Because at the end of the day, it’s the unpredictable moments that make the best stories.
So if you’re planning a trip, expect the unexpected. And when things go wrong? Just take a deep breath, problem-solve, and remember—you’ll laugh about it later!