WE often romanticise travel as a grand adventure – breathtaking sights, fascinating cultures and inspiring experiences.

Alongside the excitement, however, unexpected mishaps can happen. Though frustrating, these incidents make our journeys uniquely ours.

Pickpocketing is a classic traveller’s woe. Once, while wandering through the winding streets of a quaint European town, my family noticed a man trailing us, his gaze fixed on my father’s open pocket.

When he came within arm’s length, my father suddenly turned around. The man immediately veered off, feigning interest in something else. Perhaps nothing would have happened, but the near miss left a lasting impression.

Since then, I have been more vigilant, keeping valuables in zippered compartments and holding them close when navigating crowds.

Another incident involved a ride-hailing scam. Instead of showing up, the driver attempted to sell us tickets to a show through the app’s chat. When we told him we already had tickets, he stalled, claiming his car was blocked and then that he was under arrest.

It was clear he was waiting for us to cancel to avoid a penalty. Annoyed but unwilling to fall for it, we stood our ground until he gave up.

Surprisingly, the climate can be just as unforgiving as scammers. In South Korea, winter seemed like a serene paradise but the biting cold and dry air took a toll, leaving my family sick for days and cutting our holiday short.

Having experienced that, I never underestimate the weather. In Shenzhen, China, even when forecasts promised sunny skies, I carried a jacket just in case the weather took an unexpected turn. Along with layering up for harsh elements, I also made sure to pack essential medication.

Besides people and the environment, another essential aspect of travel is cuisine. I once indulged in what seemed like a harmless bowl of roadside noodles only to spend the next two days battling the worst food poisoning of my life. Waves of nausea kept me hunched over, my stomach in knots and my head spinning.

That experience taught me a crucial lesson in exercising caution – always check the freshness and hygiene of ingredients and choose busy stalls with high turnover, especially when it comes to street food.

Getting lost is another common rite of passage for travellers.

At a bustling night market in Thailand, my younger sister and I were accidentally separated from our parents. As we weaved through a maze of stalls, fear set in when we realised how helpless we were without a common language. Thankfully, we had a charged phone with a stable signal.

Later in the trip, before heading out for a snorkelling excursion, my family agreed on a meeting point in case we got separated – a simple precaution that gave us all peace of mind.

Despite these misadventures, I would not trade my travels for anything. Each mishap shaped me into a smarter, more adaptable traveller. They sharpened my instincts, heightened my awareness, and, most importantly, taught me to embrace the unpredictability of travel.

The world is full of surprises, and that’s what makes every trip an adventure.

That said, a little preparation goes a long way. Checking weather conditions can prevent unnecessary illnesses, while avoiding peak seasons helps sidestep overwhelming crowds.

Arranging itineraries and booking flights and accommodation in advance also improves budgeting and the overall experience.

Travel is, at its core, about exploration and discovery. With thoughtful planning, one can have fewer headaches while enjoying the adventure.

She Jia, 21, a student in Singapore, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team.

For updates on the BRATs programme, go to facebook.com/niebrats.