Travelers Share the Worst Things That Happened on Vacation

A vacation should be an escape. It lets us loosen the shackles for a little while and experience how life would be if we didn’t have to work. 

Sometimes life has other plans, though, offering brutal reminders that things don’t stop just because you’re on vacation. Here, travelers share the worst things that happened when they were supposed to relax. 

Toothache

Woman smiling in a dentists share with a dentist behind her, their hands are near her mouth.
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One day we’re okay, and the next, we’re curled up in agony over a toothache. One user shared that they developed a horrific toothache while exploring the wilderness in Wyoming. They had to take precious vacation time for an emergency dental visit. 

Quarantine

A patient inside a hospital quarantine room. The doctors are in Tyvek biohazard suits.
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Some countries have severe and deadly diseases, enacting quarantines to ensure public health. One traveler was detained in Tanzania and held under quarantine on suspicion of Ebola. Thankfully they didn’t have it. 

Covid

A woman wearing a hospital mask looks longingly out the window.
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Thousands of travelers had their trips canceled or involuntarily extended when the COVID pandemic shut the world down. Some spent thousands of dollars to enjoy the inside of their hotel rooms for ten days. 

Food Poisoning

A woman covers her mouth while eating and looks like she's about to be sick.
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Eating Thai food in Bangkok airport before boarding a 14-hour flight to Los Angeles isn’t the answer. Food poisoning is one of the worst ailments a person can suffer, and it’s even worse when you’re experiencing it thousands of feet in the air. 

Terrorism

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We can’t know when terrorists will strike. Far too many travelers find themselves in the midst of a terror attack. 

“I got to Manhattan on September 9th for a nice stress-free week visiting friends who lived in NYC,” said one user, referring to a trip from 2001. “I still have nightmares.”

Missing the Point

A man sits alone in an airport terminal burying his head in he lap.
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One traveler said they were traveling to see their favorite band, but their flights were delayed, so they missed the concert. 

Broken Bones

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Suffering an injury is awful regardless of where you are, but it’s even worse when you’re far from home in a place where you’re supposed to be having fun. 

An Invasion

Ruins of buildings representing a warzone.
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We don’t consider possible invasions when planning our luxury vacations. Some folks find themselves in the middle of an unexpected warzone, especially those who decided to visit Ukraine last spring. 

Protests

Woman holding up a sign that says "we need a change" in a crowd.
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Protests can erupt at any moment. You never know when the government will enact a new law that the people view as a final straw. Tourists traveling through the Middle East during the Arab Spring know all too well how dangerous that can be. 

Earthquake

A collapsed road and power line.
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You never know when nature will unleash its fury. One traveler shared that they were in New Zealand when the massive 7.8 quake rumbled through the country. It cracked roads and decimated the infrastructure, leaving them stranded without water or electricity for three days. 

No Power

Tourist standing in front of a cruise ship, looking at the ship.
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Cruises are the easy option. You simply arrive, and everything is handled for you. That is unless a fire destroys the engine room and your ship loses power. When that happens, you must battle the crowds for food and do your business in a hazmat bag. 

You Only Have to Worry About Earthquakes When Visiting California

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California is a massive state with a huge variety of cities, ecosystems, and things to do. Find out the best the Golden State has to offer and start planning your visit!

Check out the 41 Best Things To Do in California

Bad Things Happen Anyway, So You May As Well Enjoy Your Life

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Here are the best things to add to your bucket list for a life of fullfilment. 

Very Little Goes Wrong in Texas

barn with the Texas Lone Star flag painted on the roof
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Planning a trip to the Lone Star State? With four iconic cities and miles of wilderness, it’s tough to decide what to do!

Here’s What You Should Do and See When You Visit Texas

The Best Places to Visit in the US

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The US bursts with cool cities, gorgeous national parks, and niche cousines. There’s something for everyone to enjoy in the diverse country!

Here’s the Best Places to Visit in the US for your specific travel goals!

Things To Do in Georgia

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Head on down to Georgia for a plethora of fun activies. Here’s what you should see when you visit the Peach State!

Source: Reddit