20 Really Annoying Things About Travel

When we think about past trips, we usually remember the good and forget the bad. It’s a case of looking back through rose-coloured glasses. But when it comes down to it, travel can be gruelling, frustrating and disappointing. Here are just 20 annoying things about travel. Maybe it’s time to dump the bucket list and just stay home!

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1. Airfare Add-Ons

The airlines are masters of obfuscation. They rarely print the price that you'll actually pay, instead quoting one-way fares or conveniently ignoring the baggage fees. Wouldn't it be nice to see the price you'll actually pay?

TIP: Complaining on social media will make you feel better.

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2. Airport Security

Airport security is no fun either. Long lines and a sea of impatient travellers. The process is even worse if you've had a body part replaced.

TIP: Smile. Tell them your hip replacement story one more time, with gusto!

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

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3. Customs and Immigration

It really doesn't matter what country because, generally speaking, going through customs and immigration is painful. Necessary, yes. But standing in line fretting that you're going to say something wrong and get pulled aside for the dreaded secondary inspection is anything but fun.

TIP: Don't complain. Smile. But don't look creepy. And don't discuss politics!

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4. Bad Weather

You spend thousands of dollars only to end up at your destination in time for the worst floods/blizzard/forest fires in a century. Sadly, there's no insurance for that.

TIP: Hop on social media and become a citizen journalist.

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5. The Pictures Don’t Match the Reality

The resort looked amazing in the brochure. The reality is something entirely different: smaller rooms, broken amenities and surly staff.

TIP: Leave the resort and find your own adventure.

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6. Tummy Troubles

All travellers will experience tummy troubles eventually. It's a badge of honour. Be patient, for this too shall pass.

TIP: Only eat street food at crowded stalls.

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7. Packing

Despite everyone saying it's easy to pack light, the reality is that it isn't. Just trying to figure out which shoes/boots/sandals to take will leave you whimpering.

TIP: Take the bare minimum and use your trip as an excuse to go shopping.

U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

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8. Renovations

The flight was great. The resort is beautiful. And, cue the renovations. Some destinations feel like they're always under construction.

TIP: Ask about renovations, especially if travelling off-season.

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9. Roaming Charges

Surprise! You've got a $500 cell phone bill. It happens all the time.

TIP: The second you book your trip, get a roaming data package or better yet, get a SIM card for the country you're going to.

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10. Sky-High Airport Prices

The handy shops in most airports feature everything you need for your trip at outrageous prices. Don't be tempted.

TIP: Buy your gifts, snacks, water and books before you arrive at the airport.

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11. Annoying Fellow Passengers

They come in all flavours: sick, chatty, loud and smelly. There are few things worse than spending a long flight sitting beside someone with terrible body odour or zero social skills.

TIP: Get an aisle seat (so you can easily bolt to an empty seat) and hope for the best.

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12. Non-Travellers

One of the reasons that security and boarding are such a pain is because of the people who don't travel regularly. You know the ones: they can't find their passport or boarding pass and had no idea that you can't bring liquids on the plane.

TIP: Keep your eyes peeled for travellers who appear out of their element or confused and avoid.

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13. Recliners

It usually starts up at the front of the aircraft when someone reclines and soon, like dominoes, everyone follows suit. Worse are the people who recline as much as they can, with little concern for your knees or the dinner that's now in your lap.

TIP: Ask them to move their seat forward a bit. Be polite and hope that they're reasonable. If not, you can always start kicking their seat.

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14. Parents Who Don’t Parent

Babies cry, and there's little you can do about it. But parents who let their kids run around on the plane or up and down hotel hallways should be banned from travelling.

TIP: Business class.

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15. Smartphone and Tablet Battery Life

If you think your smartphone or tablet is going to keep you entertained for a 12-hour flight, you better hope there are power outlets at your seat. Otherwise, you're going to run out of juice before the pretzels are served.

TIP: Bring a power bank or two.

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16. Stinky Food on a Plane

Another plane faux-pas is bringing stinky food on the plane. A sealed airplane is not the place for fish dishes or Limburger cheese.

TIP: Pack swimmer's nose plugs.

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17. Bank/Credit Card Problems

You're 5000 miles from home, don't know the local language and the ATM has suddenly eaten your only bank card. Yeah, that happens.

TIP: Bring a backup ATM card, credit card and cash. US currency is best.

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18. Lack of Public Toilets

The entire planet needs more public toilets — especially at popular tourist spots.

TIP: Make a mental note of the nearest McDonald's or Starbucks. And never pass one by.

Doug Murray

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19. Crappy WiFi

The dream of travelling the world while you make millions writing your fascinating travel blog is just that: a dream. You won't make millions and the WiFi pretty much everywhere will suck, if it works at all.

TIP: Leave the computer at home and bring a good book.

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20. Armrest Hogs

Not everyone knows the unwritten rule that the person in the middle seat gets two armrests and the people in the aisle and window seats get one. Sorry, thems the rules.

TIP: Use your lightning-fast reflexes when a transgressor moves their arm for a second.