The weirdest travel tales of 2010
Catching up on last year's Christmas presents, I finally got a chance to look at Thomas Kohnstamm's Do Travel Writers Go to Hell? last week.
It's a tell-all memoir that tracks his dubious research practices and mildly self-destructive habits as a Lonely Planet guidebook writer.
I didn't finish it, largely because I don't much like travel books -- or, in this case, books about travel writing. But I am willing to lend a sympathetic ear to tales of just what can go wrong when you get off the couch.
Like the vacation planner with the Royal Caribbean cruise line who lifted clients’ addresses from her work database so that her husband could rifle their homes while they were cruising.
Or the chilly guests at British Holiday Inns who paid an extra fee could have a staff member in a one-piece sleeper suit crawl between their sheets to preheat the bed.
My favourite ... "The Bag of Tricks Award to a Transportation Security Administration worker at Philadelphia airport for his warped sense of humour.
After college student Rebecca Solomon had passed through a metal detector, the man pulled a plastic bag filled with white powder from her carry-on. “Where did you get it?” he asked. Turns out the substance was creatine powder, not cocaine, and had been placed by the worker as a prank. He said she would have to admit it was funny. She filed a complaint. The worker is no longer with the TSA."
Been on the road this year? Whether it cost you time or money, what's the worst thing that happened to you on your travels?
By Gordon Powers, MSN Money
Posted by: Ashamed to be Canadian | Jan 2, 2022 12:51:36 PM
Due to high prices and lower wages plus the cost of gasoline I am unable to afford to travel anymore.
Instead all I can afford to do is to stay at home.
The reason people stopped spending money on luxuries is because the cost of living skyrocketed, if you want us top start spending money again lower the prices and be happy with mamking a reasonable profit margin isntead of the super profits your used too.
Also with the new scanners and gate rape procedures I have no interest in travelling.
Posted by: Clia | Jan 3, 2022 10:40:45 PM
Excellent first post and you made the point clearly. We are all in the same boat. Except, of course, for the CEO-s and other spoiled brats. The most annoying country to travel to is the US. Try going there by plane and they will look into the toothpaste, every single page a book has and other paranoic procedures. Nobody else does that, but them. Absolutely abusive, pathetic, disgusting and shameful.
No free food or drink on the plane, United Airlines are the worst and extra costs for luggage, more space in the place, you name it. They will soon make us pay for going to the washroom.
Keep on doing this, guys, raise the prices and you will end up bankrupt!
Posted by: Michael Werboweckyj | Jan 4, 2022 8:45:59 AM
I Live In Vancouver B.C. and work In Nassau some winters . 1/2 time for me Is Christmas , and I go back to Van. for a few days during the holidays . In reality , I actually spend a couple days sleeping At Toronto's snowbound airport every Christmas and only a couple days at home ! I'm now In the habit of carrying a good long book ! Also , If your traveling to any 3rd world country make sure you book a 3rd rate hotel for the first few nights , with a guarantee they pick you up at the airport , the person picking you up will more than likely have a brother In law or good buddy working for customs , and for a few Colones you'll be whisked through a side gate , while everyone Else's luggage Is being strewn all over the airport floor ! It's so funny , but not really !