Stranded in Quito: Our Yellow Fever Vaccine Misadventure

In the heart of Ecuador, nestled among the Andean peaks, lies the vibrant city of Quito. It was here, during our four-month World Adventure in 2018, that we encountered an unexpected twist—one that left us stranded, anxious, and scrambling for a solution. Our journey to Trinidad and Tobago took an unforeseen detour, all because of a tiny vaccine that we hadn’t even considered.

As seasoned travelers, we prided ourselves on meticulous planning. Our passports were stamped with adventures from around the world, but this time, we overlooked a critical detail. We were American citizens, accustomed to the rules back home, where yellow fever vaccinations weren’t mandatory. However, our flight wasn’t departing from the United States; it was leaving from Ecuador—a country where yellow fever posed a real risk.

At the Quito airport, our excitement turned to dismay. The airline staff informed us that without proof of yellow fever vaccination, we couldn’t board our flight to Trinidad and Tobago. Panic set in. Our carefully crafted itinerary hung in the balance. We had no choice but to face the reality: we were stranded in Quito.

With adrenaline pumping, we huddled over our smartphones, searching for a lifeline. Our options were limited. We needed a flight out of Ecuador, and we needed it fast. Europe seemed like our best bet. A late-night search yielded a glimmer of hope: a flight from Quito to Europe for approximately $500. It departed the next day. We booked it without hesitation, our fingers trembling as we entered our credit card details.

**A Collective Sigh of Relief** : As the plane taxied down the runway, our hearts raced.

The following morning, we boarded the flight, our hearts still racing. As the plane ascended, we gazed out at the lush Ecuadorian landscape—the same land that had thwarted our original plans. But sometimes detours lead to unexpected discoveries. We marveled at the snow-capped peaks of the Andes, the patchwork of green valleys, and the vibrant markets dotting the countryside. Ecuador had a beauty we hadn’t fully appreciated until now.

Our stopover in Quito taught us valuable lessons. First, always research vaccination requirements for your departure country, not just your destination. Second, flexibility is essential in travel. Sometimes the unexpected becomes the most memorable part of the journey. And finally, when life throws you a curveball, find a way to hit it out of the park—even if it means rerouting through Europe.

Once in Madrid, we felt so happy to overcome this misadventure

As we touched down in Madrid, Spain, we exchanged relieved glances. Our detour had saved our trip, and we vowed never to underestimate the power of a tiny vaccine again. Quito, with its cobblestone streets and colorful markets, would forever hold a place in our travel memories—a reminder that even when plans go awry, adventure awaits.

Yellow fever vaccinations are crucial for travelers to certain regions. Always check the requirements for your specific itinerary and stay informed about health guidelines.

Have you ever faced unexpected travel challenges? Share your stories in the comments below!