Travel delays are the worst, aren't they?

Yesterday, my wife and I eagerly headed home from vacation, looking forward to a relaxing Sunday before the workweek. That plan quickly fell apart. Our flight was canceled due to a hydraulic issue on the plane—a severe safety concern we were ultimately grateful was caught in time.

While the day could have been overwhelmingly stressful, we somehow managed to turn it around and enjoy ourselves. This experience taught us a lot about handling travel disruptions.

If you are stuck with a canceled flight or unexpected delay, here are seven tips we learned to help make the best of a bad situation.

You may actually enjoy your travel mix-up.

Allow For Extra Time

Always build in extra time for potential delays.

Planning for contingencies will reduce stress when things go wrong. Give yourself a buffer between connections and events.

At the end of our long trip, we had an extra day. We were not concerned about missing another day of work or trying to force a change that would not happen. Having the extra time made everything less stressful.

The extra time allows you to handle unexpected delays without panic.

Expect Travel Challenges

Anticipate that things might not go as planned.

Expecting hiccups can mentally prepare you to handle them better. Recognize that travel is inherently unpredictable. When you expect challenges, you’re less likely to be caught off guard and more likely to handle them with a calm mindset.

After our first delay, we didn’t bother to wait around the gate for more bad news. We found a nice place to hang out and get a drink away from the rest of the stressed-out passengers. We expected the delays to get worse, so it was no big deal when they did.

A prepared mind can turn challenges into manageable inconveniences.

Pack Distractions

Bring along items to keep you and the family entertained.

Whether it's a book, a movie, or a puzzle, having something to pass the time can make delays more bearable. We saw families with plenty of card games and toys.

I worked on my laptop and caught up on the Tour De France. My wife read and watched the news (crazy what happened yesterday, but that's an entire article in itself)

Distractions help you stay relaxed and entertained during unexpected waiting periods.

Make It Fun

Turn the delay into an opportunity for fun.

Explore the airport, try a new restaurant, or try something new. Treat the situation as an adventure rather than a setback.

For instance, my wife and I tried drinks we don’t usually try. We had deep conversations about our trip and did a lot of people-watching, trying to guess their travel plans.

Changing your perspective can transform a stressful situation into an enjoyable one.

Be Kind To Yourself

Take care of your needs and comfort.

Use delays as a chance to relax. Find a quiet corner to unwind, take a nap, or meditate. Carry a travel pillow or blanket to make yourself more comfortable.

My wife and I tried to make the best of the situation. We found a comfortable spot and tried to make the best of it. After figuring out there were no great options to get home that night at a reasonable hour, we decided to wait it out to see if they could fix the plane.

Prioritizing your well-being helps you stay calm and collected.

Be Kind To Others

Remember, everyone is in the same boat.

Be patient and courteous to fellow travelers and airline staff. A smile and understanding attitude can go a long way. Being kind may also win you some perks.

We tried to be as understanding and kind with the airline staff as possible. There were many ‘please’, ‘thank yous’, and ‘we understand.’ Because we were taking it in stride, the airline staff were kind to us in return. They tried to get us the best flight seats the following morning. They made sure we had a voucher for a great hotel. They even gave us an extra meal voucher.

Our airline did a great job communicating with us. We understood they didn’t want to be in the situation, just like we didn’t want to.

Kindness can create a positive atmosphere and reduce overall stress.

Let Go Of What You Cannot Control

Accept that some things are out of your hands.

Focus on what you can control—your reactions and attitude. Let go of frustration over things you cannot change, like mechanical issues or weather delays. Use this time to practice mindfulness or reflect on your trip.

Accepting the situation helps you maintain peace of mind and enjoy the moment.

Next time your travel plans go awry, try these tips and see how much better you feel. You might even find small enjoyment in the unexpected delays or cancelations.

7 Tips to Enjoy Yourself When Travel Plans Go Awry

Use these tips to bring a little enjoyment into your unexpected delay or canceled flight.

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