As for coming back to you home country. Not sure if the US has the same thing, but if i travel abroad to a country with possible issues, i'll register my visit at my ministry of external affairs. It's just a webpage and takes 5 minutes. If there are possible issues the ministry of external affairs will try to arrange something to move civilians back home. This varies from millitary helicopters to just charter planes. Being registered, means they will contact you first. If this is needed, i would rather be on the first flight. This recovery of citizens has happened quite a lot of times.

The ministry of external affairs also helps with any legal issues, although to what extend depends on the country you are in.

As always, one of the best way to get things done is money. You might not get back, but you can generally arrange a lot of other things. Just hope your plastic is still working...