6 surefire ways to survive a travel crisis:

Travelgirl founders Stephanie Oswald and Renee Werbin want to be sure you’re enjoying every destination to the fullest. Collect their “savvy six” picks and make the most of your time away.

1. Research Before you React! Floods in Nashville, ash clouds over Europe, demonstrations in Thailand, an oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico… the travel industry has been hard hit by disasters in recent weeks. Be a smart traveler — if there’s a red flag flying over a place that’s on your travel itinerary, get online and research the reality. Don’t cancel your beach vacation in Destin when there’s no sign of the spill in that region — but keep abreast of the situation in case the scenario changes. When it comes to international trips in unstable regions, be sure to check the State Department website (www.travel.state.gov) to get the latest advice for U.S. citizens.

2. Use a Travel Agent. Find one who specializes in your desired destination or mode of travel. By establishing this key connection, you will enlist a destination specialist who has insight on hotels, the most important sights to visit and, usually, the best rates available. A savvy agent can save you time and money. If your plane is delayed or you missed your transfer you don’t need to stay on hold with the airlines. Call your trusted travel agent and she or he will do the rest.

3. Consider Travel Insurance.  Don’t leave home without travel insurance, especially when you have prepaid your vacation. Check the fine print to see what is refundable and what isn’t. Travel insurance is your best protection against an unknown occurrence, especially when you’re taking an extraordinary vacation such as a safari or a high-end cruise. There are companies such as Access America that offer comprehensive plans. Call your travel professional for more 411 on how to purchase and to find out which company will best match your needs.

4. Flexibility is the Key to Vacation Success. Okay, so it rains the entire time you’re at the shore. There are still countless opportunities for families to relax, bond or explore a new activity. If you’re with the girls, spa time works rain or shine — and if it’s a family affair, find a flick to match the youngest attention span in the group… or consider a museum or indoor sports facility for skating, yoga or swimming.

5. Know the Rules. For example, many Florida beach communities have relaxed their cancellation policies since the BP oil spill began in April. And, to fight consumer fears that all beach vacations need to be put on hold, they are offering fabulous deals. Trustworthy resorts and hoteliers will provide honest and steady communication during times of crisis; they realize that gaining consumer confidence has a lot to do with managing expectations and being upfront. The internet is a key aid. For example, many of the Gulf Coast properties have webcams set up in order to present real time scenes to potential guests. 

6.Keep it Real. We know a couple of travelgirls who once missed the boat — literally — when their car ran out of gas on the way to the dock where their cruise ship was waiting. But in the end, some expert frequent flyer mile juggling and a tiny splurge on one night’s hotel room (in the Bahamas!) allowed them to meet the ship at its first stop. And now they have a legendary travel story to talk about for a lifetime. Countless travel plans were dashed by the volcanic ash that stalled flights for days — but you can bet some friendships and probably a few romances were born from the travel crisis. A positive attitude and ability to go with the flow may be the two best items to keep in your carry-on.