From terminal 5 chaos at Heathrow to violence in Oaxaca City, today's travellers can encounter a myriad of emergencies, often complicated by language barriers. That's why BCAA Travel is now offering its customers a new 24-hour traveller's helpline service, putting them in toll-free touch with professional travel assistance, anytime, anywhere in the world.

Some predicaments that BCAA's new service can counsel customers on include:

!!! You're in the centre of a civil unrest or natural disaster. In the event of a disaster, pay close attention to your personal security and monitor media for updates on the situation. Keep a low profile, avoid protests and large gatherings and maintain contact with your family to inform them of your situation. Canadians are encouraged to sign-up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) service to be contacted and assisted by government officials during an emergency.

!!! There's no record of your reservation. Arrive at the hotel or the car-rental counter with a confirmation number and a printout of your reservation. If there's no evidence of your booking, think about how it was made - third party or in a spouse's name - and ask the front desk clerk to search again. If nothing turns up and you've booked through BCAA Travel, call BCAA's 24-hour traveller's helpline for assistance. Confirming reservations and special request a few days before arrival (late arrival, non-smoking room, car seat), can help prevent mishaps.

!!! Your flight has been cancelled. The airline is responsible for getting passengers on its next departure with open seats. Waiting at the airport counter isn't the only option - calling BCAA's 24-hour traveller's helpline may be a quicker way to rebook.

!!! You've lost your passport. Notify your consulate immediately and local police department in case your passport is handed in. To replace your passport, you will need to establish your identity. One idea is to make digital copies of your driver's license, passport, visas, insurance policy and credit card and e-mail the files to an account you can access through the web. Also leave paper copies with a family member.

!!! Your luggage is damaged or lost. If luggage is destroyed or lost, you must list all the items inside to get reimbursed. When delays occur, airlines may advance passengers cash or reimburse them for necessary items, such as toiletries and a change of clothes. Ask how to proceed before leaving the airport as you'll need to fill out forms and keep receipts. Always label your bags clearly.

!!! You've been a victim of crime. If you have been assaulted, robbed or threatened with violence, contact local authorities immediately. At the same time, you should report the matter to the nearest Canadian government office abroad. The web address is http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/foreign/fordest/foreign_view_client-en.asp

!!! You're really sick. At this point in time you'll realize the value of travel medical insurance, as quality international health care comes with an international price tag. Trip cancellation or trip interruption insurance will compensate you for lost monies if you're too sick to begin your travels or need to return home unexpectedly. If you don't have coverage and are critically injured, the nearest Canadian government office abroad – at http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/foreign/fordest/foreign_view_client-en.asp -- can arrange medical evacuation and support, at your expense.

Travel emergencies do happen - and sometimes, it takes more than a band-aid to make things better. BCAA's 24-Hour Traveller's Helpline will be a saving grace for troubled travellers wanting immediate access to a friendly travel advisor. Customer service representatives contracted by BCAA on behalf of its customers will answer and manage calls.

“We not only want to help our customers before their trip, but during and after as well," says BCAA Travel services director, Dale Urquhart.

“Obviously we want to mitigate any foreseen problems before they go, but sometimes travel plans don't always work out perfectly. That's where BCAA's 24-hour Traveller's Helpline can make a real difference – it gives travellers' the tools to nip the problem in the bud before it completely destroys their holiday.”