Can’t Make This Stuff Up!

As travel professionals, we’ve seen and heard our fair share of complaints—some reasonable, some laughable, and some that leave us utterly perplexed. We thought we’d share some of the wildest complaints we’ve received (and yes, a few from fellow travel professionals) just to remind everyone that in the world of travel, there’s truly no telling what people might be upset about. Get ready to shake your head and maybe even laugh a little. Here are ten real complaints that still have us scratching our heads:

1. Siesta: Too Lazy, Should Be Banned?

One guest in Puerto Vallarta wasn’t exactly thrilled to find out that many shopkeepers close in the afternoon for their daily siesta. Rather than appreciating the cultural custom, they described it as “lazy” and insisted it should be banned. The concept of afternoon rest clearly didn’t sit well with them, and they felt it was an inconvenience rather than a charming local tradition. Imagine being upset over resting!

2. The Beach Was “Too Sandy”

A guest complained that the beach at their resort was “too sandy” and, upon returning to their room, demanded that someone clean it up. Apparently, the natural graininess of the beach was a problem for them, and they wanted it removed—perhaps a beach with velvet-soft floors would’ve been more to their liking?

3. Topless Sunbathing: A Distraction?

Another guest sent in a complaint about the distracting nature of topless sunbathing. The issue wasn’t with the sunbathers themselves, but rather with the husband who was apparently having a difficult time relaxing by the pool due to the sight. We never imagined that someone would have a problem with others enjoying the freedom of a topless beach. Guess relaxation has a very specific definition!

4. Fish in the Water? Scary!

At a family-friendly resort, we had one parent express concern about fish in the water. Apparently, the sight of the aquatic life was terrifying enough to spook their children, who then refused to swim. While we understand that some people have a fear of fish, we were a bit surprised that the presence of marine life was considered a complaint. It’s a beach vacation, after all!

5. Egg Slicer: An Absolute Must-Have

In an oddly specific complaint, one guest was frustrated when they noticed their well-equipped vacation kitchen didn’t include an egg slicer. While the kitchen had every other appliance and utensil imaginable, the lack of this one tool was apparently a deal-breaker. Eggs just weren’t going to slice themselves, after all!

6. Taxi Drivers in Spain: Speaking Spanish??

A traveler in Spain struggled with taxi drivers because they spoke Spanish. Yes, you read that correctly. This complaint didn’t revolve around language barriers—it was specifically about the fact that the taxi drivers were speaking Spanish in Spain. Apparently, this wasn’t the guest’s preferred mode of communication. Maybe they were hoping for an English-only experience?

7. The “Suite Size” Dilemma

One family voiced their frustration when they noticed their friends' three-bedroom suite was significantly larger than their own one-bedroom. They felt the difference in size was unjust and somehow felt entitled to a larger space despite having only booked a smaller room. A classic case of “keeping up with the Joneses” in vacation form!

8. Noisy Hot Tub Guests: A Warning, Please!

At one luxury resort, a guest complained about a noisy group of people in the hot tub. Apparently, the noise was so disruptive that they expected us to issue a warning about the rowdy guests. It's unclear what exactly would have been considered an appropriate warning—perhaps a “don’t disturb the hot tub vibe” alert?

9. Mosquito Bites: Not in the Brochure

In a truly baffling complaint, a guest who was bitten by a mosquito during their stay claimed that it wasn’t mentioned in the brochure. Apparently, they felt that any possibility of insect activity—even in tropical destinations—should be disclosed in advance. Maybe they wanted a mosquito-free guarantee for the entire trip?

10. The King Bed Mystery: Pregnancy by Proxy?

And perhaps the most bizarre complaint of all—one guest requested twin beds but was mistakenly placed in a room with a king-size bed. As strange as that may sound, it didn’t end there. The guest held us responsible for a pregnancy they blamed on the “close quarters” of the king bed. Yes, you read that correctly. Apparently, the proximity of the bed had an unforeseen impact on their vacation plans.

A Little Perspective Goes a Long Way

We’re sharing these stories just for fun, and of course, no judgment here! But it’s a reminder that when you’re planning your next vacation, there’s always a possibility of an unexpected hiccup. While we strive to make every trip perfect, sometimes things are simply out of our hands—and sometimes, the complaints are just a little... out there.

So, next time you’re thinking of submitting a complaint, just remember—it might end up as part of a fun story to share at a conference or in our next newsletter! 😊 Get in touch with us here to start your next adventure of a lifetime!