It’s time to … Survive power outages

Light’s out?
No problem!

Mini Sherri’s Guide to surviving a power outage while travelling

If there’s one thing travel teaches us, it’s to expect the unexpected. And sometimes, the unexpected looks like the entire city of Madrid going dark while you’re trying to find your hotel key. Mini Sherri (yes, she’s okay!) recently found herself in a blackout in Spain, and let me tell you — she is not a fan of the dark. Thankfully, the couple she was travelling with packed a flashlight. Others in the group? Not so lucky.

So, in the spirit of being cute and prepared, here’s your handy-dandy guide to surviving a power outage while abroad. Whether you’re sipping rum punch in the Caribbean or wandering cobblestone streets in Europe, these tips will help keep the lights on — at least figuratively.

Power’s out. Now what?

Blackouts can happen anywhere: big cities, tiny islands, even those swanky resorts with 18 pools. So let’s talk about how to be ready when things go dark (literally).

Light the way (Mini Sherri approved)

Forget the romantic idea of candlelight — when you’re fumbling for your room key or trying to navigate unfamiliar hallways, you need something brighter.

Pack these:

A small flashlight or, even better, a headlamp (hands-free, wildly stylish).
A solar-powered or battery bank to keep your phone alive.
Tiny LED lanterns or battery-operated tea lights (safe and charming).
And if you’re going tropical: a battery-powered fan. Heat waits for no blackout.
I have a little radio that requires me to spin a crank for several seconds (really fast) to get 30 minutes of power. The radio has a power cable adapter that I can use to charge my phone. Trust me, even back home during Sudbury’s MANY power outages, I have worked out my “guns” cranking that puppy to keep my phone working so I can “stay in touch” (which translates to watching some TikTok videos!!).

Pro tip: Keep a flashlight in your carry-on or purse, not buried in your checked luggage next to your forgotten second swimsuit.

How to communicate (without the Wi-Fi we all take for granted)

When power’s out, so is Wi-Fi. If cell towers are impacted, too, here’s how to keep the lines of communication open (BEFORE you go):

Download offline maps (Google Maps lets you do this).
Use Google Translate’s offline language packs for quick communication.
Carry a paper list of emergency contacts, local embassy/consulate numbers, and your travel insurance info. You know — old school, but it works.
If your phone’s alive but the network isn’t: Send a message when you catch a signal, even if it’s just “Power’s out. All’s well. Don’t send the cavalry.”
Another thing to do BEFORE you head out on your trip is download your favourite books or podcasts so you can listen to them without accessing WiFi. Just make sure you also have a means to charge your phone!
As clients of mine, you already know that I provide you with a travel booklet that contains your printed documents, which contain details about your accommodation and flights. Saving the documents that I send you onto your phone, so if you don’t have access to WiFi (your email), you have your documents downloaded onto your phone. Keep your contact info saved digitally and on paper!

What if you can’t leave?

If the power outage lasts more than a few hours, flights can be delayed. Roads can close. That idyllic ferry to the mainland? Maybe not happening. Make sure you:

Bring extra medication—at least three to five days more than you think you’ll need.
Keep your essentials in your carry-on, including meds, a toothbrush, and yes, snacks.
Pack a bit of emergency cash in the local currency.
This is another good reason to carry a refillable water bottle! You may have to be stingy with your money, so being able to refill your water bottle will have you pinch pennies until you have a better idea of the length of the power outage.

How much cash should you carry?

Because “card declined” hits differently when the system is down and there’s no ATM in sight.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how much to carry per person:

Caribbean: $150–250 USD equivalent (islands vary, so check if USD is accepted).
Southern Europe (Spain, Italy, Portugal): €200–300 in mixed bills.
Eastern Europe: €150–200 or local equivalent, smaller denominations preferred.

Split it up: Some in your wallet, some in a hidden pocket, and maybe a little stash in your shoe (kidding, but also … not really).

When the lights go out, don’t panic

A language barrier during an emergency can cause confusion, fast. Locals may be just as in the dark — literally and figuratively. Here’s what helps:

Know a few key phrases: “Is this normal?”, “Is it safe to go outside?”, “Where can I get help?”
Smile. People are more likely to help you if you’re calm and friendly.
Let your travel advisor (*cough* that’s me!) know if something happens. I’m your support squad, even in the dark.

Insurance and delay drama

If you’ve got travel insurance (and you should), here’s how to make it work when the lights are out:

Save your insurance contact info offline. Screenshot it. Print it. Tattoo it. Okay, maybe not that last one.
If your trip is delayed and you need a hotel or meals, keep all receipts.
Document the situation: Take photos of dark terminals, empty streets, etc. Your claim might need proof.

Final pro tips from Mini Sherri:

A mini travel journal can be therapeutic and useful. Write it down when tech fails you.
Carry a small phrasebook or printout of key phrases.
Don’t forget your sense of humour. It’s free, doesn’t require batteries, and makes everything better. Look at it as an unexpected adventure!

So the next time you’re packing for paradise or prepping for a European escape, throw in a headlamp and a few extra euros. Mini Sherri says you’re worth it — and she wants to see you shine, even when the lights go out.