Advertiser Disclosure: The Rewards Mom has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Rewards Mom and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

---

It happens to every traveler at some point: the flight is delayed, the room isn’t ready, the weather ruins the big day you planned—or your kid gets sick the night before you’re supposed to leave.

Or in my case? Starts throwing up on the way to the airport.

Because of course.

But here’s the thing: I don’t panic anymore.

Not because everything always works out (spoiler: it doesn’t), but because I’ve learned how to build in margin, expect the unexpected, and use points and tools that give me the flexibility to pivot without blowing the budget—or my sanity.

So if you’ve ever had a trip unravel right before your eyes (or you’re dreading that it might), here’s exactly what I do when things fall apart—and how I adjust without letting it ruin the whole experience.

---

First: I Zoom Out and Reframe

I used to think every travel hiccup needed an immediate fix. But now, I pause and ask:

• Is this a true emergency or just a delay?
• What’s actually in my control?
• Will this matter in 48 hours?

Sometimes, it just takes a snack, a deep breath, or a mindset reset. I’ve learned that travel days don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.

---

I Lean on Flexible Points (This Is When They Shine)

One of the biggest reasons I focus on flexible points over fixed-value or cashback cards is because they give me options when things change.

If a flight is canceled or we have to reroute:

• I use FlightConnections or Google Flights to find alternate routes
• I rebook using points—either through a travel portal or by transferring to a partner airline
• I book a backup hotel on points if we’re unexpectedly stuck overnight

When you’re using points (especially the kind that transfer to multiple airlines or hotels), you’re not locked in—and that freedom is everything during a change of plans.

Need help understanding how transfers work? This post breaks it down.

---

I Always Build in Buffer Time

Now that we’ve had enough trips go sideways, I plan with flexibility in mind:

• We fly in the day before cruises or big international trips
• We give ourselves a slow day at the beginning and end of every trip
• I build extra time between activities so a small hiccup doesn’t derail the day

I’ve learned that the best way to reduce stress when something shifts is to stop overscheduling in the first place.

---

I’ve Learned When to Let It Go

Sometimes, the best thing I can do is release the pressure I’ve put on a specific plan to go “perfectly.”

We’ve had days with rainstorms, sick kids, or exhausted moods that completely changed our agenda. But the memories we made pivoting—eating lunch under umbrellas or doing puzzles in the hotel lobby—have stuck with us just as much.

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s being present.

---

Tools I Use When Plans Go Sideways

These are a few of the systems and resources I rely on when I need to reroute or regroup:

• Flexible credit card points: These are my favorite cards for flexible travel rewards
• Travel portals: I can rebook flights or hotels fast without long customer service calls
• Thrifty Traveler Premium: If I need to cancel a trip we planned a year in advance, I still want our points to stretch. Thrifty Traveler helps me find last-minute award deals and rebook smart when the timeline changes. (Use code Rewardsmom for $10 off)
• Max My Point: For finding hotel availability with points when you don’t have time to dig through every brand’s website
• Google Flights: To scout new routes fast if something gets delayed or canceled
• Travel protections from the right cards: This is big. When a bag is lost, a flight is delayed, or a rental car is damaged, I breathe easier knowing we have coverage. These are my favorite cards for travel protections and why I always make sure to use one of them for booking flights and rental cars.

---

Final Thoughts

If you travel enough, something will eventually fall apart. But it doesn’t have to take the whole trip down with it.

Give yourself room to pivot. Use the right tools. And remember that flexibility is part of the experience—not a failure of the plan.

Some of our most memorable moments didn’t come from perfectly-executed itineraries. They came from making the best of what we got—and having a system that gave us room to adjust.

---

Want to build more flexibility into your family travel?

Download my free beginner guide and learn how to use points and perks to give yourself more freedom—before, during, and even after your trip.

---

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
Advertiser Disclosure: The Rewards Mom has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Rewards Mom and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.