We vacation to unwind, but travel can be stressful, too. Whether you’re dealing with takeoff delays or lost luggage, flat tires or sold-out hotels, illness, theft or getting lost, there are myriad potential pitfalls that can disappoint or ruin even the best-laid vacation plans.

And then there are our travel guardian angels. People we encounter when in a difficult spot who offer assistance and save the day.

Do you have a story of how someone saved your vacation? If so, Travel Guard North America, a top travel insurance and assistance company, wants to hear about those random acts of kindness in its “World’s Unluckiest Traveler 2: The Rescue” contest.

There are just four more weeks to share your tale—entries will be accepted on www.worldsunluckiesttraveler.com through Labor Day, Sept. 5, 2011. During the month, a panel of eight travel experts, including Spud Hilton, travel editor of the San Francisco Chronicle, Eileen Ogintz, a syndicated family-travel columnist, and Kim Orlando, founder of TravelingMom.com, will review the entries and select the 10 best stories, to be announced on Sept. 27, 2011, World Tourism Day.

Throughout the month of October, the public will vote for the ultimate act of kindness from these 10 finalists. The winning hero, announced after voting closes on October 31, will be awarded a $10,000 Hero’s Vacation, and the person who nominates the winning story will win airfare for two to anywhere in the United States. Examples of already-submitted entries include “Baboon Rescue in Kenya” and “Attack of the Gallbladder.”

“From unlikely rescues to medical emergencies, I am encouraged by the random acts of kindness that shine through the hectic nature of travel,” said Carol Mueller, vice president, Travel Guard North America. “Whether it’s one traveler helping another or a travel industry employee who saved the day, we believe the travel tales of kindness we continue to receive will inspire individuals to take a minute and help someone in need.”

Travel Guard’s “World’s Unluckiest Traveler” app, available for Android and iPhone, makes it easy to stay up-to-date with the contest while on the run. The public is also encouraged to spread the love by sharing their favorite stories of travel good deeds via Facebook, Twitter and other social networks. For more information on the contest and a full set of rules and regulations, visit www.travelguard.com.

Photo: Travel Guard

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