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New York: Sally French, a travel expert with NerdWallet, is no stranger to losing important items while traveling. From leaving her wallet on a plane to misplacing her passport in Croatia, she has learned how to handle these situations without panicking. French advises remaining flexible and always having a backup plan. Losing a travel essential can be stressful, but there are solutions to recover or replace the lost item.

If you lose a rental car key, it is best to contact the rental car counter or roadside assistance. The car rental industry does not have a standard policy for lost keys, but most companies will provide a spare key or a new vehicle if necessary. However, it may take some time to receive a replacement key, as car rental companies are currently facing low inventory. If you have insurance that covers lost keys and emergency assistance, you should not have any out-of-pocket expenses. AAA members can arrange a tow back to the rental car lot, but inform the company that the car is keyless. If you did not purchase insurance, you will have to pay for roadside help and a duplicate key.

Losing your driver’s license is not a major issue for air travel within the United States. The Transportation Security Administration accepts alternate forms of identification, such as passports and trusted traveler cards. If you do not have these, the officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process before allowing you to proceed through the screening checkpoint. It is recommended to arrive at least two hours before your flight to account for the additional screening. For domestic car rentals, a valid driver’s license is usually required, so it is important to have hard proof. If you have a travel companion with a valid license, consider switching the reservation to their name. Some rental car companies may accept a scanned driver’s license through their app as a form of ID. Alternatively, you can show an official duplicate of your license or a police report if you booked through other portals. An International Driving Permit can also serve as a substitute for a driver’s license in certain destinations.

If you lose your passport, notify the nearest US embassy or consulate immediately. Report the loss and share your travel itinerary with them, especially if you have imminent plans to leave the country. To obtain a replacement or emergency passport, you will need to physically appear at the embassy or consulate during business hours. Bring identification, proof of US citizenship, and your trip itinerary. You will also need a passport photo and completed application forms. If you receive an emergency passport, you will have to reapply for a regular passport once you return home. If you lose your passport within two weeks of your trip, schedule an in-person appointment at a passport agency or center.

Losing your wallet can be a major inconvenience, but there are steps you can take to mitigate the damage. Before you travel, review the contents of your wallet and only bring essential cards and IDs. Make sure your contact information is visible in your wallet, so it can be returned if found. If you lose credit cards, activate the lock feature online or through the company’s app to prevent unauthorized use. Call the companies to report the lost cards if you don’t have online access. If you believe your wallet is gone for good, order replacements with new card numbers. In the meantime, consider using electronic payment methods such as Apple Pay or scanning your phone at an ATM for cash.

Losing a phone can be a stressful situation, but there are ways to handle it. If you lose your smartphone, contact the appropriate authorities or service provider for assistance. It may be possible to track or remotely wipe the device to protect your information. It is also advisable to have a backup of important data and contacts. Consider taking out insurance for your phone to cover loss or damage.

In summary, losing travel essentials can be a daunting experience, but with the right approach and backup plans, it is possible to recover or replace the lost items. Remaining calm and resourceful is key when faced with these situations.