Understanding the different disasters that can occur while one is on vacation can range from being robbed to getting in accident, but what happens when a natural disaster hits? As there is no way one will know if a disaster like this will actually happen, there are many steps one can prepare for to deal with the mental and physical challenges one my endure in an event like this. As I have discussed this topic in one of my previous blogs, Tourism and Natural Disasters: A Travels Worst Nightmare, I will dissect additional steps to do before, during, and after a disaster. In addition, I will discuss how the aftermath of one of these natural disasters and how it takes a major hit on the tourism industry. Through thought-provoking scenes in Tsunami, The Aftermath and The Impossible, we will dive deeper into the daunting reality some face when they are traveling. Both of these films help to gain an understanding of just one type of natural disaster that can occur in these scenarios: Tsunami’s.
Putting together the trip prior requires enough planning as it is, tickets, reservations, transportation, the list could go on forever. But another thing that should always be at the top of your list before doing any of these things is doing the proper research. What location are you going to? Does it have a high crime rate and is it typically considered safe? Does it have significant weather patterns in history during the time you want to go? Are you able to access health care and emergency service if needed? All of these questions and many more could provide you with information that you didn’t think you would need prior to booking or during the trip. When traveling to an international country, it is crucial that communication is able to be present at all times especially during an emergency situation. Choosing a location that often doesn’t have any significant weather trends would be ideal as this could prevent a trip from turning upside down. It is also important to know the area by using a map prior and gaining your bearings once you have arrived. Scoping out the area with others on your trip is something that could save you and your group members if a disaster or dire situation were to occur.
The films do an amazing job at showing what people go through first-hand in these types of natural disasters. As the 2004 tsunami in Thailand was the main disaster in both films, we can see the powers that the waters hold when the earth is disturbed. Both movies offer different perspectives, but I think it is crucial the message both bring to the table. The matter of sticking with one another while making the best decisions possible in the moment is what really struck me. Being able to get the resources during or after a storm can often be challenging, which is where some of before the trip steps can come in handy. When medical attention is necessary is it crucial to know where you can receive professional treatment or get safe water to drink. Things like this can have a major impact on whether or not once makes it through the aftermath of the disaster. In addition, it is crucial to be cautious of your surroundings, whether it be the people you interact with or the unsafe conditions left from the storm. More often than not there is debris, downed power lines and other types of dangers that people need to be aware of.
When the storm is over and the tourists leave, the residents will aim to rebuild and return to a semi-normal state for their community. This is often hard as it is costly and takes a lot more time than many realize. Many residents have to come up with the funds to rebuild their homes and the demand is high in these types of situations for builders and construction workers. Also, they are still experiencing mental shock and emotional pain that holds with them after the storm blows over. Not to mention, many people may have been at the forefront of this disaster, whether it be the press or emergency services. Trying to return to this “normal” state is often hard, as it is costly and takes a lot more time than many realize. This challenging hurdle is something that the tourism industry has to overcome after each disaster, and it is a very hard and timely task to do. Many residents and businesses have to come up with a game plan for how they we build, if they do.
In reflection on this blog overall, any type of disaster that occurs while one is on vacation can make a major impact on the travelers and how they do so in the future. Following some of the simple tips plus being resourceful and making the best possible decisions will help to better any horrible situation one has to go through. While the tourism industry takes some major losses during this time, making sure their visitors are safe and return home are at the forefront of their minds during these unusual events. Being a safe and smart traveler can make or break a situation in which you must act fast to save you and your loved one’s lives.
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