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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

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

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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."

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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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    #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.

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    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.

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    #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

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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.

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    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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    #6

    Funny-Customer-Travel-Complaints

    Peter Dickinson Report

    #7

    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

    Afraid to look more closely at my $ 15 Rolex after reading this news !

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

    you over paid - I got mine for $10 - from a guy at a street festival

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    Marky Mark And The Funky Bunch
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Put on you Mike Air shoes, grab you Lewis Vetton bag and run down to the police station to file a complaint.

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

    Same happend to me with my Gucci purse for 20 bucks ... facepalm

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

    DID YOU CHECK THEM OUT ON CONSUMER REPORTS TO SEE HOW THEY RATE? I WOULD DO THAT RITE AWAY!!!!

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

    Well, this is quite common, not only by holidaymakers. People buy s**t at a very reduced price and then they complain because it breaks after two days. What did they expect?

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

    You need to write to the 'Ray-Ban´ fake brand.

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

    Why I am simply shocked stupid! 😲

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

    Better check that Rolex a guy sold you in a dark pub for 50 bucks.

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

    All I can say--one words: SUCKERS

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

    Fake ones still worth it- nobody can tell the difference!!

    BramTheBlackpoolFan
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I bought a house in Mayfair last week, I was playing Monopoly and I can’t believe how small my house is! I want my money back!!

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

    I love the knockoff markets! I've gotta get me some Nipe shoes, a Spoopy (Snoopy) t-shirt, and some Jorashe jeans. Oh, I almost forgot about What What Kitten (Hello Kitty). I have learned that if I declare a long list of stupid s**t at the customs counter, I get to see a government official roll his eyes at me. I also learned that if you say, "I have, like, a ton of tobacco in my bag! Wanna see?" They do not, in fact, wanna see it. They just want you to go away.

    3xtr3m3
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    RayBans for 6.50 dollars?? Sounds like a great deal to me!

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

    I know a guy who bought a bridge in Brooklyn, turns out he doesn't own it!

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

    They wouldn't have known the difference if he charged them the correct price!

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

    Honey, go to Tijuana Mexico they sell the "real" stuff there it's cheap too.

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

    Didn't the flying pig warn you?

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

    while there is understanding Ray Ban is over priced like all other sunglasses hmm

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

    These guys that paid $10 & $15 for a Rolex are suckers. I paid $100 so it has to be real!!!

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

    Really?!!! Noooooooooooooo!! Can't be!!!!

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

    You get exactly what you pay for. Hate to think what you paid for hotel and meals.

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

    Thanks for supporting global economy

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

    I hear the Golden Gate Bridge is up for sale...

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

    No. This is so wrong! I'm so many ways.

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

    no street vendor would ever give such expensive glasses for under 10$. of course you got ripped off!

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

    I once bought diamonds from a homeless person because he had to eat. THEY WERE REAL !!!

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

    Well, if they work...

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

    Too bad you missed the Louis Vuitton purses at the next corner, they were real!

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

    Ah, what a surprise... try to buy a Porsche for $ 5K...

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

    Maybe you could've seen this coming if you'd taken the sunglasses off

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

    I have a bridge to sell to this dumb bunny.

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

    No s***, Sherlock, what was your first clue?

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

    Oh wow. Really? WHO WOULD'VE GUESSED?!

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

    stupid is as stupid does...

    The Girl on Fire
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If it's from a street peddler, it's probably fake.

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

    They probably went to Florence. ;)

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

    Well now we have dishonest street venders...? Mind blown

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

    Well, sounds like you guys got ripped off.

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

    No! It’s truly worth it- you buy this stuff sometimes because it’s fake

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    #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

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    #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!

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    #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. ♥

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    #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?

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    #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

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    #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

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    #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.

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    #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

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    #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.

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    #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.

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    #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.

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