Before I became a travel writer, I spent decades working as a paralegal—mostly in personal injury litigation. I was the one behind the scenes organizing the files, tracking the details, and helping piece together what happened when someone’s life went sideways. I got an education in something far more important: what happens when people aren’t prepared. It’s time for an essential travel plan.
And here’s the truth—most of them weren’t.
That’s stuck with me over the years, especially now that I spend so much time on the road. Because as much as we love the freedom of travel, things can and do happen.
This isn’t about being dramatic. It’s about being ready. This came full circle for me when I was involved in a car accident while on a trip. It made me think about how much better I need to plan.
Disclaimer: I am not an attorney, CPA, or financial planner. Those are experts you can seek out to help you plan for the ‘just in case’ situation.
My goal here is to share a few things to consider as you put your plans together.
A Will (and Someone You Trust to Carry It Out)
At its core, a will answers one simple question: What happens to everything you’ve built?
For travel writers, that’s not just personal belongings—it can include:
- Your blog and digital assets
- Photography archives
- Affiliate income streams
- Social media accounts
You’ll also name an executor, someone who can step in and handle your affairs. This should be someone organized, trustworthy, and ideally familiar with your work.
Financial Power of Attorney
If you’re injured, delayed, or unable to manage your finances, someone needs the legal ability to step in.
A financial power of attorney allows a trusted person to:
- Pay bills
- Manage bank accounts
- Handle subscriptions and hosting services
- Keep your business running
Without this, even simple things—like paying your website hosting bill—can become complicated fast.
Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
This document allows someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you can’t.
When you’re traveling—especially internationally—this becomes critical. Hospitals may need immediate decisions, and having someone legally authorized removes uncertainty during already stressful moments.
Advance Healthcare Directive (Living Will)
This is where you make your wishes known in advance.
It answers difficult but important questions:
- Do you want life support?
- Under what conditions?
- What kind of care do you want—or not want?
These are deeply personal decisions, but writing them down gives clarity to the people who care about you most.
Your Digital Life: Passwords, Access, and Accounts
For most travel writers, our business is online.
If something happens, can someone:
- Access your blog backend?
- Renew your domain?
- Reach your email subscribers?
- Retrieve your photos and content?
Consider using:
- A password manager with emergency access
- A secure document listing key accounts
- Clear instructions for accessing your site and income streams
Emergency Contact + Travel File
Before any trip, create a simple, shareable document that includes:
- Your itinerary
- Flight and hotel details
- Copies of your passport and ID
- Insurance information
- Emergency contacts
Share it with someone you trust. It’s a small step that makes a big difference. This is something that you should consider for all trips.
A Trusted Person on Standby
This might be the most important piece of all.
Choose someone who:
- Knows where your documents are
- Understands your wishes
- Can act quickly if needed
For solo travelers, especially, this person becomes your safety net. If you’re married or have a partner, this may be a no-brainer, but it’s always good to have a backup.
Final Thoughts: Planning for Peace of Mind
From my time in the legal world to life on the road, one thing has stayed consistent: the people who handle tough situations best are the ones who took a little time to prepare before anything went wrong.
This isn’t about expecting the worst—it’s about giving yourself the freedom to travel well.
Think of it as part of your packing list:
Passport. Camera. Backup plan.
I created a brief checklist of documents that can be useful to have prepared and in easy reach.
Have you put your travel safety plan in place? Or is this something you’ve been putting off?
Summing it up
My years as a paralegal taught me how quickly life can change. Later, after being involved in a car accident while traveling, those lessons took on a whole new meaning. Thankfully, I walked away, but it reminded me that a little preparation can make a big difference.t
Travel is one of life’s greatest adventures. Preparing for the “just in case” isn’t about expecting the worst—it’s about protecting yourself, the people you love, and the journey you’ve worked so hard to enjoy.
If this article inspires you to spend a little time organizing your plans before your next trip, then it has done its job. Pack your passport, grab your camera, and chase the adventure—but don’t forget to pack a plan.
Thank you for following Roadrunner Journeys. I hope you’ll continue exploring with me here on the blog and on our YouTube channel. Until next time, Enjoy the journey!
