When Things Go Wrong on the Road

Travel isn’t always picture-perfect. Whether you’re in a campervan, towing a trailer or catching flights across the world, things can and do go wrong. A flat tyre, a cancelled ferry or something breaking when you least expect it — these are the moments that test us. But they also remind us why resilience, humour and flexibility are the best companions you can pack. That’s why we wanted to write about when things go wrong on the road.

A Tohu Way of Seeing It

Believe me when I tell you, Toni and I have had our fair share of incidents while travelling. On our very first day out, we managed to drop into an old sump — $527 later, we were towed free. Another time our trailer’s A-frame snapped just before climbing the Pahiatua Track (the only bonus being that it happened before the climb). Then there was the day the wind caught our back door and slammed it into a post, smashing the window. We were an hour from the nearest town, camping off-grid and a storm was rolling in — thank goodness for cardboard and tape.

The list goes on, and I’ll admit I’m good at exaggerating each story, but that’s part of the fun. Through it all, Toni and I work incredibly well under pressure. We’ve learned to see every mishap as a tohu — a sign. A reason to slow down, pause, or even a way of avoiding something worse. Because in the end, it all becomes part of the journey. That’s the Tohu Travellers way of seeing when things go wrong on the road.

Why Things Going Wrong Isn’t Always Bad

• Accidents happen – no matter how carefully you plan, unexpected bumps will come.
• Stories are born – those “remember when…” tales often come from mishaps. Listening to other campers’ stories can even give you creative solutions when it’s your turn.
• Growth happens on the detours – challenges stretch you and make you more resourceful.

Helpful Approaches When the Unexpected Happens

• Pause before panicking – take a breath and assess. As someone who deals with anxiety, I often run through multiple fast solutions in my head but explaining those ideas clearly to the person on the other end of the phone isn’t always easy. Slowing down and choosing which solution to try first makes a huge difference.
• Understand each other’s solutions – in moments of panic, couples often take frustration out on each other instead of the problem. Try to listen, respect each other’s ideas, and choose a way forward together. Keeping humour is good but understanding is even better.
• Always have a backup plan – roadside assistance, extra snacks or knowing where the nearest town is can save the day. If you’ve hired a campervan, your company should give you a list of emergency numbers. And if you haven’t already, take that insurance — it’s worth the peace of mind.
• Lean on locals or fellow travellers – help often comes from the kindness of strangers.
• Focus on the bigger picture – the mishap is just one chapter in a bigger story.

These steps are part of the way we handle when things go wrong on the road.

Don’t Skip the Insurance

Just because you’re hiring a campervan doesn’t mean it’s going to be smooth sailing. We’ve seen plenty of travellers arrive at campgrounds stressed out after a breakdown, only to find out their hire agreement didn’t cover what they thought it did.

• Always take the insurance – it may feel like an extra cost, but it can save you thousands and a lot of heartache.
• Check the emergency contact number – and make sure you know the hours of operation. Some lines aren’t 24/7, which makes a difference if you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere at night.
• Ask about recovery and replacement plans – a good company will have systems in place so you’re not left stranded or losing half your trip while waiting.

Hiring a vehicle should give you freedom, not worry. Having solid insurance and knowing exactly what your company will do for you keeps your adventure on track even when things go wrong on the road.

Practical Prep Before You Go

• Check your gear before each trip – tyres, trailers, and doors deserve a quick look over. It won’t prevent everything, but it can avoid the easy-to-fix mishaps.
• Carry a basic repair kit – duct tape, cable ties, a multi-tool, and spare fuses have saved us more than once.
• Pack a “just in case” box – include a torch, gloves, a first aid kit, and extra water.

Good preparation won’t remove every problem, but it can make when things go wrong on the road much easier to handle.

Mindset on the Road

• Expect hiccups – when you accept that something might go wrong, it feels less overwhelming when it happens.
• Use the mishap as a pause – sometimes breakdowns or delays are a forced chance to slow down and notice something you might’ve missed.
• Celebrate teamwork – even when you disagree under stress, remember you’re on the same team.

This mindset helps keep us grounded when things go wrong on the road.

Final Thought

At the end of the day, travel isn’t about everything going perfectly. It’s about the people you meet, the lessons you learn, and the way you grow. When things go wrong on the road, it’s never the end — it’s just another sign pointing you toward the next part of the journey.

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
• 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
• 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
• 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
• 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
• 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
• 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.