ADVERTISEMENT

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

Kaisu
Community Member
6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

View more comments

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."

ADVERTISEMENT

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!

RELATED:
    #3

    Funny-Customer-Travel-Complaints

    Peter Dickinson Report

    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.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT

    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

    Foxxy
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created 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.

    View more comments
    #5

    Funny-Customer-Travel-Complaints

    Peter Dickinson Report

    Rowlie
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I heard that his wife saw it too and left him for the elephant

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT

    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.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #6

    Funny-Customer-Travel-Complaints

    Peter Dickinson Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #8

    Funny-Customer-Travel-Complaints

    Peter Dickinson Report

    Kay Cee
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The dumbest thing I've ever heard

    View more comments
    #9

    Funny-Customer-Travel-Complaints

    Peter Dickinson Report

    Vic
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created 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!

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #10

    Funny-Customer-Travel-Complaints

    Peter Dickinson Report

    Daria B
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mosquitoes love imported food. ♥

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #11

    Funny-Customer-Travel-Complaints

    Peter Dickinson Report

    Max L.
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I won't suggest to use blades to people this smart, they can seriously harm self or others.

    Load More Replies...
    Rowlie
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    However did You manage?

    Peta_C
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    WON'T SOMEBODY THINK OF THE CHILDREN!!

    Huib van Wees (hvwees)
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OMG! Your complete vacation was ruined because the egg slicer wasn't in the kitchen!... How awful!

    Rebekah Blankenship
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What's an egg slicer? Is that a real thing

    Max L.
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Kim, Bubble, all here want to read you got in touch and went home depot

    Load More Replies...
    Kim Mahood
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wtf is an egg slicer? A cheese grater I get...

    Dogloverz17
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cheese grater??? Do you mean the new macbook pro?? You must be rich!

    Load More Replies...
    knittin' kitten
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I use my egg slicer to slice mushrooms they break often but 2 months for $3 seems good to me

    Frozengeckolover
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've never thought of using an egg slicer to cut mushrooms. Silly me, over here, using a knife to slice my stuff. Lol.

    Load More Replies...
    Leeanne Mouser
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wtf is an egg slicer? Did you try a knife?

    Anonymoose
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She clearly didn't use her brain to cut the egg, it wasn't sharp enough

    Maryse Delacoure
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wth is an egg slicer ? Don't you know how to cut a simple egg less " technology " ? Desperate..

    no_name
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I too do not have egg slicer in my fully equipped kitchen

    Rebecca Cote
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've never even heard of an egg slicer until now... is that like an apple slicer?

    Frozengeckolover
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    An apple slicer cuts the apple into wedges. An egg slicer cuts the egg into slices, kind of like a banana slicer.

    Load More Replies...
    Cindy Collins
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some people are just neve satisfied

    Makayla Bolton
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    wtf? why do you need an egg slicer? like why do you need that that badly? "there was also no electric egg beater, silicone spatula, or baking mats"

    Ana M
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Whaaaaaaaaaaaat? Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!

    Karin Gibson
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Did someone uninvent the knife????

    Lisa Wright
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well that’s just so not right! Every room should have an egg slicer in the drawer!

    enjoyinglife
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Everyone raise your hand if you have the all-important EGG-SLICER! Yep that's what I said too

    Wenya Wang
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And there probably isn't a professional chef either.

    Leesa DeAndrea
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OMG. I hope they asked for a full refund. 😂😁😀😆

    Diana Crawford
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    elitist need to have their assistants do the mini little work next time

    Mike Procaccini
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i bet they didn't have a cocktail spoon neither. Liars! Bait and Switch!

    Mike Procaccini
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OMG! No Egg slicer!!! I want as refund!!

    Nancy Baldauf
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I use my egg slicer a lot. I think there should be one.

    Eric Soliday
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can't imagine, it would crumble everywhere then you'll have to throw them out. They should come with cheese cutters meat cutters and why not bread cutters too

    Ashley Wright
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A traveler who expects way too much.🥚

    Kanga9ine
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You knew you should have had mom come along. What about the crusts on your bread. You poor abused fool. Can you walk and chew gum at the same time. Sorry. Trick question

    Dasha Gubina
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can believe this one. When my ex-bf moved in with me he was very surprised that I don’t have egg slicer. I suggested using knife , he went and bought the slicer. When he moved out, slicer was on the list of things I was asked to return

    Nikki
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    who tf needs an egg slicer? why are these a thing? that's so lazy.

    Barbar Stewart
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What!!!!!!!!!!! Um does knife sound familiar.

    Shirley Heyn
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The last occupant must have taken it, it was there the last time I looked.

    Max L.
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    as long as you didn't recognized yourself in one of those complaints, all is fine

    Load More Replies...
    Id row
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I bet this shabby establishment didn't even have a lemon zester or garlic press either.

    Shinomi Chan
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tbh this would be mildly annoying, until you realize that a knife would work.

    Annabell
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh no! Breakfast is totally ruined!

    Minnie-me
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    who tf still uses an egg slicer?

    Loretta
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What the f**k is even an egg slicer??

    L McN
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It is a HOTEL, do you expect EVERY tool to be handy?

    Bruce Scheiman
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't you know that all fully equipped kitchens come with an egg slicer! DUH

    Monday
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    TIL that egg slicers exist....what a world we live in.

    View more comments
    #13

    Funny-Customer-Travel-Complaints

    Peter Dickinson Report

    Rose the Cook
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Who would wear a swimsuit that had been worn by others anyway?

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #14

    Funny-Customer-Travel-Complaints

    Peter Dickinson Report

    Kwj
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #16

    Funny-Customer-Travel-Complaints

    Peter Dickinson Report

    Kaisu
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wish people like this would just stay in their own countries

    View more comments
    #17

    Funny-Customer-Travel-Complaints

    Peter Dickinson Report

    Tiffany Marie
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think One Person.. Made all these stupid comments.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #19

    Funny-Customer-Travel-Complaints

    Peter Dickinson Report

    Rowlie
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created 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

    View more comments
    #21

    Funny-Customer-Travel-Complaints

    Peter Dickinson Report

    Foxxy
    Community Member
    6 years ago (edited) Created 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.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #22

    Funny-Customer-Travel-Complaints

    Peter Dickinson Report

    Christopher Rhind
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ginger Nuts likely the nickname the shop keepers had for these tourists.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #23

    Funny-Customer-Travel-Complaints

    Peter Dickinson Report

    Foxxy
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Plot twist, they were the noisy and unruly guests.

    View more comments