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The joy of travel is in the discovery. However, in these days of Tripadvisor, Instagram and Google maps, the magic of the unexpected has been diminished somewhat; we seem to want to find exactly what we are looking for, rather than simply bask in the newness of it all.

There is a certain kind of traveler that takes this concept to the extreme, and would probably be happier just staying at home. You'll find them in English pubs up and down the Spanish Costas, red as lobsters, tucking into egg and chips and complaining about the lack of Marmite or baked beans, or some other obscure product from the U.K.

Then there are the Instagram hordes who saw a heavily filtered picture of an iconic attraction and join a huge crowd of people with selfie sticks, jostling to get that exact same shot. Hardly the breathtaking and romantic experience you had in mind, was it? When reality fails to match expectations, based on the promise of home comforts or unrealistic Instagram images, people get disappointed and make ridiculous complaints.

These vacation complaints, made to real travel agents and tour companies and based on a Thomas Cook/ABTA survey, are so absurd that it's hard to believe that they are real. Spanish people speaking Spanish in Spain? The brochure didn't tell us it would be like that! Why is the sand yellow? I expected white sand!

I guess the lesson to take from all the disappoint and ridiculousness is this: Travel without expectations, and accept that the world doesn't exist simply to cater to your comforts and photography needs.  Go with an open mind to discover, experience and learn!

Scroll down below to see the list for yourself, and tell your travel stories in the comments!

#1

Funny-Customer-Travel-Complaints

Peter Dickinson Report

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kaisu-reinikainen avatar
Kaisu
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This can't possibly be real, no one can actually be this stupid

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But are we getting more picky about our holidays? How are people's travel habits changing? Let's take a look at the ways that technology and modern life have affected the ways we choose to spend our time off.

We travel more frequently but for shorter durations: "The Office for National Statistics in the UK conducted a survey called the International Passenger Survey in 1996 and 2016 to uncover the biggest changes in the travel habits between the 1990s and now – that’s a 20-year study," Drifter Planet writes.

"The results show that Brits are now going on more holidays than before. In 2016 they went on more than 45 million holidays abroad, compared to only 27 million in 1996, an overall rise of 68%. But despite this, holidays are becoming shorter, proving to be one of the biggest changes we’ve seen over the years marking a huge decline of two week holidays. A week-long break is now much more popular than ever before and there’s been an increase in holidays lasting up to 10 nights."

With budget airlines making the citybreak a more affordable option, it's no surprise that people are exploring their own continent more, rather than save it all for one big summer trip. It keeps you fresh to get frequent little escapes from work and daily life, rather than waiting almost a whole year for the summer to come around again!

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Active holidays are on the rise: As people are becoming more health conscious, so are wellness holidays becoming more popular. Instead of letting it all go with booze and food while away, people are seeking to recharge, repair, and have more of a fitness-oriented break. Things like Ayurveda, Yoga, reiki, body detox, spa and meditation holidays have all seen a huge spike in interest, while classics like hiking, camping and cycling are as popular as they ever were.

Conversely, the old 18-35, contiki tour classics are on the wane, which many people would see as a good thing. While there are still plenty of resort options if you want to get wasted, sunburned and laid, it doesn't quite seem to have the same appeal to the younger generation as it did for us oldies. Maybe kids these days are just more sensible, introverted, health and image conscious to get into wild drunken brawls on the streets of Benidorm or Ayia Napa.

#4

Funny-Customer-Travel-Complaints

Peter Dickinson Report

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james_fox1984 avatar
Foxxy
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your husband is probably making the person bathing topless uncomfortable. It should not be allowed to ogle.

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Social media's effects: Back in the old days, you'd arrive at your destination with maybe a guide book, a map and some interesting new banknotes. These days, we've seen photos of everything, read all the restaurant reviews, know which attractions we want to photo ourselves, as well as the funky 'hidden' bars and hangouts. We all find these things in the same place: Google. 'Top 10 things you must see in Porto' leads tourists to the same few places in the city, all busy instagramming away and trying to keep the crowds out of their image.

If somewhere happens to be particularly popular on Instagram, it will be packed with people trying to get that 'money shot,' rather than simply enjoying the aura of the place. The tumbling, colorful buildings of Cinque Terre; the strikingly blue streets of Chefchaouen, the sun setting over the pyramids of Giza... we've all seen these iconic images in gorgeous photos, and we want to take those exact same photos. Perhaps it has always been that way, but Instagram has definitely 'influenced' the way we travel.

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#8

Funny-Customer-Travel-Complaints

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kaycee avatar
tdbaker avatar
TD Baker
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

and now they're bringing another genius into the world. i am very afraid.

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dariab_1 avatar
Daria B
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Behold! The birth of bed royalty! Will it be a prince or a princess bed? ♥

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getsuyoubi avatar
Monday
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Totally the hotel's fault...everyone knows you can ONLY get pregnant in a king bed.

kristypuffer avatar
Kristy P
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because you can't have unprotected sex on a twin bed!

emory_ce avatar
Carol Emory
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Here's an idea...don't have sex. And if you can't resist the urge to have sex..I believe that most hotels have vending machines and counter service that can provide condoms......

max_lombardi_mi avatar
Max L.
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can introduce you to several people that biologically confirm the countermeasure doesn't work against stupidity

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jamie1707 avatar
jamie1707
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think self control (or lack of) caused her to fall pregnant.

diz_1 avatar
Laugh Fan
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've had the reverse - got twin beds that were on different sides of the room (so couldn't be pushed together). That was disappointing.

rowens4242 avatar
smileyrie avatar
Smiley Rie
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are people that genuinely (apparently) think the Earth is flat and everything is a massive conspiracy... this is just another facet of the same stupidity

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viviane_katz avatar
Viviane Katz
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not sure what's sadder: someone uses a gap between narrow beds as birth control or the fact that someone couldn't be bothered having sex because of separate beds.

louisporter avatar
louis porter
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe the woman slipped and accidentally fell on the guy, who accidentally slipped inside her.

mollyloveswayne avatar
Molly Block
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay, I've had it. I'm not reading another one. BP, this series SUCKS! It's so lame it's not even FUNNY anymore!

mayabaggins avatar
Maya Baggins
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He masturbated, her pu.ssy touched that spot of the sheets... yup, a completely logical complain...

frozengeckolover avatar
Frozengeckolover
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Suuuure. The only thing that could prevent you from getting pregnant was separate beds. Hmmm.

belandriel avatar
Belandriel
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are certain levels of stupidity that make me want to hit people in the face as hard as I can.

justgail68 avatar
Justgail Jones
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I believe this happened. Entitled people can place responsibility for any thing on some one else.

mebeka avatar
Rebekah
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hear ya! I get into a king-sized bed, and dammitall if that penis doesn't just slip right in every time. It's a travesty.

anonymous_8 avatar
Anonymous
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

now what, your gonna get an abortion or put the kid up for adoption? or are you gonna call him/her a mistake. they should name their child: Ami Stake

joolyv avatar
JV
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

With fiancée written in the feminine form, I really wonder how that happened...

chrissprucefield avatar
Chris Sprucefield
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Really? I truly pity your child, and hope it is blessed with a few more brain cells. It is never the stupid people who suffer, but everyone around them...

germanysexy avatar
Leekun
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

''We're so sorry for the mistake. Of course we will re-reimburse you. And we will even add in a free pair of scissors. Just cut your husbands nuts off and we promise it won't happen again''

137317940235429 avatar
未周 陸
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To a Certain Degree, I can See WHY! But, all the TV shows showing daddy and mommy sleeping on Separate beds also had KID(S) in the show ...... How about THAT?!

diana4words avatar
Diana Crawford
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The fought is yours for not taking birth control and using a condom ….I feel so bad for the future of these people blood line seriously I do...

cagwftx avatar
Tinley's Aunt
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Since fiancee is the female form, and you are the one who is pregnant, I call that an immaculate conception. Congratulations. Bed size is proven innocent.

susanbmann20 avatar
Susan Mann
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sometimes I wonder if things like this were submitted as a joke.

lauraellen50 avatar
Laura Martin
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Couldn't you have requested a board to put down the middle of the bed?

philemore avatar
moeless
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is no such charge as a "wrongful life." Despite what many at PP think.

kanna172014 avatar
Bored Moogle
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can choose not to have sex, even if you are sleeping in the same bed.

pmnovack avatar
Kanga9ine
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is beyond stoooooopid. Those flags were flying as he rode that horse hone and put it away wet. Guns don't kill people. People kill people. Horny couples don't get pregnant. King size beds knock up the b***h. Zip it and s**t up.

melayahm avatar
Caroline Driver
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, those twin beds are just the best damn contraceptive ever invented.

nikki_16 avatar
Nikki
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

we fdecided to do the dirty... but it's your fault!

freescotland avatar
Free Scotland
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People post fake or jokey reviews all the time. Many of these are fake.

adam-wassall24 avatar
Ghost_Recon_Waffle
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

suzclark795 avatar
Suzanne Clark
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So are they saying that sex in twin beds would not have resulted in a pregnancy? Sheesh, they are in for some surprises.

raroararoa avatar
RaroaRaroa
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hang on, her fiancee got her pregnant? But a fiancee is a woman, a fiance is a man.

ruthmayfly avatar
Ruth Mayfly
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I -hope- she got fiancé and fiancée the wrong way round. Otherwise this is an entirely new level of stupid.

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misterscooter avatar
Misterscooter
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because with twin beds, the floor is hot lava and can't be crossed. That's it, right?

nanz1956 avatar
NanZ
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A lot of people sure do like to blame everyone else for their stupidity.

reptilegirl30 avatar
Candice Ravel
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These people need to be sterilized so their gene pool dries up. It's probably pretty shallow as it is.

lindahaagsma avatar
Linda
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So people get pregnant from a king bed and not from having sex? Wooow that's news to me...

catmarshall57 avatar
BusLady
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What, does she expect them to pay her hospital bill and 18 years of child support?

romron avatar
Schrödinger's Dog
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It says "fiancee", and "I became pregnant". I'm sorry, but that is biologically impossible.

lmcn avatar
L McN
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

HAHAHAHAHA oh i wish I could hold the hotel responsible, my kids would be so much cheaper to raise right?

davidglover avatar
David Glover
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

right because you are less likely to get it on in with two separate beds.

kjorn avatar
Kjorn
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

my fiancée (with an E... so a girl)… I became pregnante… so 2 girls right? how she get pregnante again?

firstlastother124 avatar
knittin' kitten
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If it's a hotel where I'm from the mattress could have done it. Do not blue light your hotel room you'll puke

jonathantartesse avatar
Kryogen
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's strange, "my fiancée" tells me it's a guy who's talking, but he became pregnant !? A belly beer maybe ?

mariahermida2016 avatar
María Hermida
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Many people cannot spell correctly even in their own language. I bet you anything this idiot cannot spell her own name properly. You've read the complaint, do you really think she has more than one spare neuron?

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#9

Funny-Customer-Travel-Complaints

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vikrant-talponkar avatar
Vic
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a Goan, I apologise for this obviously forsee able error. Next time we'll suck the spices out, before we serve you gravy!

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#14

Funny-Customer-Travel-Complaints

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karinajo avatar
Kwj
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sounds like someone has "sniffed" too much hairdye chemicals already :O

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#16

Funny-Customer-Travel-Complaints

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#19

Funny-Customer-Travel-Complaints

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Rowlie
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would have solved it by pushing them into the water to wait for boat's arrival

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#21

Funny-Customer-Travel-Complaints

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james_fox1984 avatar
Foxxy
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You would hate it in Australia. Shops open 9am - 5:30pm Monday to Friday except late night shopping one day a week, which finishes at 9 pm. Saturday is 9-5 and Sunday is 11-5. Although supermarkets are open from 7 am - 9pm mon to fri.

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