Getting away from it all for most people means enjoying some rest and relaxation. Even if it is just for a few days on a long weekend, we all look forward to a break from our day-to-day lives. However, travel isn’t without its tedious parts. Not only have you got to do some necessary ‘travel admin’, but you may also have to deal with any one of the below that can quickly turn a break you’ve looked forward to into one that’s a bit frustrating overall.
Here are five of the most common travel annoyances many of us hope to avoid when we decide to go on holiday. In a perfect world, everything would go to plan and meet your expectations, maybe even exceed them, but as travel has lots of moving elements involved from the flight to the accommodation and the overall experience, unfortunately, things can go less swimmingly.
So, if you recognise any of the below, take solace that many of us may feel the exact same way.
#1 – Poor Customer Service
Is there anything worse than not getting the service you hoped for? When you’ve been saving money to put towards a well-deserved holiday, the last thing you want is poor customer service during your stay, ruining the mood.
Whilst language barriers are to be expected, especially if you travel somewhere and don’t know any key phrases, this can be a source of frustration for many, especially when things go wrong. From staff coming across as rude or unattentive to your needs whether at the airport or the hotel, to a general less-than-welcome experience throughout your stay, poor service can quickly be a sore point. Behind only travel delays (33%), poor customer service is something 21% of UK air passengers were dissatisfied with in 2023, according to data from Statista.
Of course, everyone’s perception of poor customer service is different, so it will depend on your own expectations. In any case, being patient and clear will help to ease the situation – if you know there will be a language barrier in the country you’re visiting, it can be a good idea to prepare ahead just in case. Knowing a few key phrases or simply carrying a phrasebook to help can make a big difference.
#2 – Overly Complicated Claims Process with Travel Insurance
If for some reason you have to rely on your travel insurance when away, you want the claim process to be as smooth as possible. However, this can be a source of frustration for many either because the insurer expects you to jump through many hoops before they approve the claim, or the process isn’t as simple as they made out on their website.
Complex forms, ambiguous policy language, and seemingly endless requirements for documentation can quickly put you in a bad mood and even be overwhelming when faced with the stress of a medical emergency, trip cancellation, or lost baggage. The process can become even more tedious if the insurance provider is not clear about the steps to file a claim or if they require extensive evidence, which might not always be readily available during travel.
With just 12% of travellers reading all of their insurance documents according to data from The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), sometimes it can be a case of not taking out the right insurance for their needs. The FCO also found that 50% of all British travellers do not check that they’re covered before an adventurous holiday experience either. This is where choosing the right insurance provider and policy can make a big difference. Award-winning providers such as Staysure will provide a transparent and straightforward claims process, providing a 24 hour medical emergency helpline with medical travel insurance, as well as cover for most pre-existing conditions.
Before purchasing any policy, be sure to read the policy details thoroughly and note the documentation needed for potential claims. If you’re unsure of anything before you travel, contact the insurer’s customer service to clarify any confusing terms that can help prevent future headaches with claiming. If they have a multilingual customer service team, this can be an added bonus if you need assistance speaking to medical providers whilst away.
#3 – Unexpected Fees & Charges
Unexpected fees can catch even the most experienced holidaymakers off guard. These costs can appear in various forms, such as resort fees at hotels, additional charges for using the Wi-Fi, or unexpected baggage fees with the airline. These expenses can quickly inflate your original travel budget, causing significant stress and frustration.
No one likes unpleasant surprises, so it’s a good idea to thoroughly review all booking details and the fine print before making any payments, rather than rush through the process. When booking accommodations or flights, ask directly about the complete cost breakdown and any potential additional charges you might face. Always ask if certain amenities are included or if there are extra fees attached too. By being proactive and asking the right questions, you can avoid many of the hidden costs and ensure a more predictable and stress-free travel budget.
#4 – Unclean or Uncomfortable Hotel Rooms
One of the most common grievances among travellers is arriving at your destination only to find the hotel room in an unclean or uncomfortable state. This disappointment can range from the mere annoyance of finding dust on furniture to more severe issues like unsanitary bathrooms or uncomfortable bedding, which can significantly impact the quality of your stay. According to survey data from Staysure, 63% of UK travellers rated an uncomfortable or unclean room as their number one ‘pet peeve’, and it’s easy to see why. It’s enough to make you demand a room change and start your stay on the wrong foot.
Of course, trying to avoid this issue can be difficult (after all, you can’t control the cleaning schedule of the room), but you can do your research beforehand to see how others have found staying at your chosen hotel. Read reviews on trusted websites and get an understanding of what the rooms are like – if lots of people complain about the rooms, this can be a red flag.
Even if you’ve chosen a highly rated hotel, be sure to inspect the room immediately upon arrival. If it doesn’t meet your standards or the advertised quality, don’t hesitate to contact the front desk. Being prepared and assertive in these situations can help ensure that your room is both comfortable and clean. Most hotels will do their best to resolve this type of issue quickly when brought to their attention.
#5 – Long Waits at Airports
Long waits at airports are something we all dislike. This is often due to extensive security checks, delayed flights, or simply the high volume of passengers when travelling at peak times or seasons. These delays can be extremely tedious and can disrupt the smooth flow of your travel plans, potentially causing you to miss connecting flights or important time-sensitive events like a wedding or birthday.
One way to avoid this particular annoyance is to arrive at the airport well in advance. This will give you a buffer against unexpected delays at check-in or security where queues can become very long. Online check-in will streamline your time at the airport, allowing you to bypass some of the queues at the airport. If you can, consider booking flights outside of peak times too – you’ll be surprised just how much of a difference this can make to the length of queues.
