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10 travel stories & tales from around the world, get inspired by these amazing travelers, young and old, who have journeyed to the world’s furthest reaches, from the highest peaks to the hottest deserts, and everywhere in between. they share their incredible travel stories online, so you can take inspiration from their extensive travel experiences..

There are many different ways to travel around the world and for some, your basic all-inclusive resort experience just won’t cut it. If your kind of travel is more about self-discovery than selfies , find inspiration for your next journey from these ten adventurous world travelers who went off the beaten path and share their incredible travel stories with all who are ready for a dose of armchair travel. They grab their bags , fill their waist packs with photography gear, and pack their travel journals so they can bring you stories, videos, and photos from all over the world.

You never know what you’ll learn about yourself when you challenge yourself and experience the unexpected as you look to find your unknown.

Best Travel Stories

These 10 recommendations feature epic travel stories about current, recent, and a few little know past travelers and bloggers exploring the globe. These famous travelogues will take you around the world right from your couch.

A Journey to Rival the Odyssey

“People sometimes refer to me as an explorer, but I am not. Those who follow maps are adventurers, those who wrote the maps were the explorers.” – Karl Bushby

Karl Bushby is attempting to be the first person to completely walk an unbroken path around the world. He began his quest, known as the Goliath Expedition , in 1998 at the tip of South America and is still on the move. He hopes to reach his home in England soon, and as of 2020 he was encountering some visa obstacles, but is still committed to finishing his walking adventure. At journey’s end, he’ll have walked over 36,000 miles, through icy seas, mountains, and deserts , across four continents and two dozen countries. You can find updates on his whereabouts on his Facebook page .

Forbidden Travels to a Forbidden City

"Ever since I was five years old, a tiny precocious child of Paris, I wished to move out of the narrow limits in which, like all children of my age, I was then kept. I craved to go beyond the garden gate, to follow the road that passed it by, and to set out for the Unknown." – Alexandra David-Neel

Famous French explorer Alexandra David-Neel made history in the early 1900s by walking, disguised as a male beggar, across China and Tibet and into the forbidden and fabled city of Lhasa. She then wrote over 30 books about Eastern religion, philosophy, and her travels, until her death at age 101. It is said that her teachings influenced beat writers Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. She is surely one of the greatest female adventurers of the 20th century , and her travel stories also rank as some of the best travel books of our time. Check out her entire collection of stories and be inspired—we particularly love her journey to Lhasa .

In the Footsteps of Genghis Khan

“Mountains never meet… but people do” – Tim Cope

Tim Cope is no stranger to unusual travel methods. His feats, which have included traveling by bicycle, rowboat, skies, horse, and camel, caught the attention of National Geographic. He has been awarded by the famous publication both Adventure Honoree and Australian Adventurer of the Year. 

His travel story? In 2004, he set off to cross the 10,000 km between Mongolia and Hungary by horse, on the trail of Genghis Khan—a journey that took over three years to complete. He later wrote a bestselling book and created a documentary series about his journey. He now has h alf a dozen travel books detailing each part of his amazing experiences, and each one is worth a read.

In the words of Tim himself :

“Journeys are integral to all our lives. They present testing challenges, moments of exquisite reward and insight, and times when you are racked by self-doubt and problems. Battling it out involves confronting fears, making yourself vulnerable, aiming for something worthy and clinging onto self-belief and passion even when it seems that everything is stacked against you. In the end a journey invariably offers us a chance to learn and grow and reach out for our dreams.”

Dancing, Badly

“The dancing gives me an opportunity to see places I'd never get to otherwise. I love to travel. The people and experiences have taught me a great deal.” – Matt Harding

In 2003, Matt Harding quit his day job to embark on a journey that would lead him to more than 39 countries in seven continents. Best known for a dance that looks very similar to running in place while snapping, Matt and his dance eventually attracted the attention of Stride Gum. The company then then paid Matt to travel, dance and record videos.

Matt has danced with locals in Mulindi, Rwanda; in a narrow canyon in Petra, Jordan; on a lush hillside overlooking Machu Picchu in Peru; and in a crowded street in Tokyo, Japan, all on his sponsor's dime. Although he no longer actively updates his website, the videos live on, as does his collection of short travel stories on social media and elsewhere, and make for an entertaining and inspiring journey around the world.

From Peak to Peak

“It’s important to try to encourage kids to go outside and protect public land.” – Matt Moniz

Every state has its highest point, and Matt Moniz has climbed them all. By the age of 12, Matt had already earned the record of being the youngest climber to summit all 50 high points in the United States in the least amount of time. 

His journey , which lasted just 43 days, took him from the lowest high point in Florida to the highest point in Alaska . Matt's travels have extended beyond the U.S. as well; he has climbed Mount Elbrus in Russia and Mount Kilimanjaro and is planning to hike all of the Seven Summits. In 2014, he became the youngest climber to make the trek up Makalu in the Himalayas, the fifth highest mountain in the world.

From Ice to the Desert

“That I was the first woman to reach the pole on a solo expedition was unimportant to me. It was the learning experience and the struggle to overcome the challenges that made the journey so rewarding and the prize so precious.” – Helen Thayer

Helen Thayer became the first woman to ski solo to the North Pole, at age fifty. Along with her husky Charlie, she traversed the landscape, temperatures, and threat of polar bears. At age 63, Helen walked across all 1,600 miles of the Gobi Desert. This unconventional explorer also kayaked 2,200 miles of the Amazon River and lived above the Arctic Circle, near a wolf’s den, all of which she’s written books about. Hint: You should read them!

Travelers Exploring Every Corner of the Earth

These adventurous travel bloggers, storytellers, and photographers are inspiring explorers in their own right—their travel stories entertain, their adventures inspire, and they live their passion for travel.

• Paul Nicklen is an award-winning polar photographer using remarkable imagery to share stories of our rapidly changing planet on all seven continents.
• Wandering Earl is an off-the-beaten path adventurer who has visited many places that other people either cannot, or don’t want to go. He sheds light on offbeat destinations adventurous travelers just might want to explore
• Oneika Raymond is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and perpetual explorer—she is a passionate traveler using her travel stories to inspire others to discover the most unforgettable places.
• While certainly not the first family travel bloggers  to set out to explore the world, the Bucket List Family does an amazing job sharing the wonders of the world through videos and imagery that homebound travelers can enjoy with their kids.

Where Will You Go Next?

While your travels may not be as epic in scope as these adventurous travelers, every time we leave home we open ourselves up to new opportunities and color our experiences. 

Best of luck on your next adventure as you make every step around the world one of inspiration sustainability, and adventure!

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6 Remarkable Short Travel Stories – Be Inspired By These Short Stories About Traveling

Looking for some short travel stories? Reminiscing on my travel memories, whether good or bad, is always nice.

I love telling my own travel stories and of course hearing others. Stories have been used to make others laugh, learn, and cry for centuries.

They connect us with our humanity because it helps us relate to others as they tell their experience.

Even now, we can still learn from the first storytellers through cave paintings. How cool is that? These short travel stories are bound to surprise and entertain you!

6 Short Stories About Traveling

Travel stories allow me to relive the exploration. As I think back to what I’ve encountered and the people I’ve met, I’m transported back to those vibrant moments.

Even short travel stories can hold a lot of significance. These tales, though they are shorter, can still connect people across time and space, bridging cultural divides and nurturing a sense of shared humanity.

Each story is a treasure trove of experiences, emotions, and profound lessons that have shaped my worldview and enriched my soul.

By sharing these, I want to awaken a sense of wanderlust and inspire others to embark on their own transformative journeys. Here are 6 awesome short travel stories for you.

Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links that will cost you nothing extra but offer me a little commission for any purchases made. I receive a small fee when you get a quote from  World Nomads  using this link. I do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. These commissions helps me continue to offer helpful tips. Thank you so much for your support.

#1 Scary & Fun Travel Volunteering Experiences

Travel bloggers share some crazy, fun, and scary experiences they had while volunteering through work exchanges .

Read about volunteering at a farm in Scotland, doing Peace Corps in South America, helping a yoga retreat in Australia, volunteering in Nepal, helping an Alpaca farm, volunteering at a big cat rescue in South Africa, and a work exchange horror story from Costa Rica.

#2 Stuck In An Albanian Hostel

After finishing volunteering at a Workaway project in Montenegro, I crossed the border into Shkoder, Albania .

I had visited before and loved it. I was so excited to get back to the amazing Balkan country, Albania . The day after I arrived, the whole country froze.

#3 Amazing Local Experiences In Europe

It is so normal to see travel displayed traditionally like cruises, resorts, big hotels, that finding more authentic experiences in touristy places seems impossible.

When you think of Europe, maybe the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, and the Colosseum come to mind.

Though the big touristy sites are so cool to see, there are so many great experiences to discover beyond them.

If you want to hear about some seriously remarkable local adventures that travel bloggers have gone on, check out these articles.

Irish Sea Cliffs, Mud Volcanoes, Olive Farm Volunteering, Visiting A Russian Banya

Armenian Wine Tasting, Danish Chalk Cliffs, Learning Spanish In Spain, Home Cooked Montenegrin Food

Transformative Local Art, Half Abandoned Albanian Village, Peak District Wild Swimming, Romanian Drinking Lessons

#4 Why Traveling Is Good For The Soul

People can have many different reasons for traveling. Maybe they want to relax on vacation or be immersed in a new culture.

For me, traveling didn’t even seem like a possibility because life could be difficult where I grew up.

When I was a teenager, I had no idea I would amount to anything, let alone graduating with two degrees and becoming a travel blogger.

Read why traveling is good for the soul and 5 amazing things I’ve learned!

#5 Helping At A Budapest Hostel

My worst travel nightmare happened. I came down with food poisoning as soon as I arrived in Budapest.

Now don’t go judging Budapest, it probably happened from something ate the day before I left.

Regardless, it was terrible. It got so bad that I even had to go to the hospital (and I hate hospitals).

Here are some things I learned during my two weeks in Budapest helping at a hostel.

#5 Experiencing Daily Life In Denmark

During my visit to Denmark, I was lucky enough to stay with some friends there.

Besides a short trip to Iceland, I had not gotten to see the Nordic lifestyle was all about.

Since I was staying with Danish friends in their home, I had a quick snapshot of what life is like for them.

I must say I liked it a lot. The interior design, their healthy food, and of course the people.

#6 What I Learned About Northern Ireland

While living in the Republic of Ireland, I traveled up to Northern Ireland (part of the United Kingdom).

No one ever discouraged me from visiting but I could tell there was some type of disdain whenever I mentioned going there.

Even though I shouldn’t have let it, it made me feel like I wasn’t going to like it there.

There are many stereotypes about Northern Ireland because of the country’s troubled history.

Why Travel Stories Are Important

Travel stories foster empathy and understanding. Through vivid descriptions of foreign places and encounters with diverse cultures, I strive to show world we inhabit through my eyes.

By evoking empathy, these stories encourage open-mindedness and acceptance, eroding the barriers that separate us. They remind us that despite our differences, we are all united by our shared experiences as human beings.

Telling travel stories also serves as a form of preservation. Memories, like sand slipping through our fingers, can fade with time.

By recording my adventures, I’m able to keep the essence of those moments alive, ensuring they are not lost. Travel stories often become heirlooms too, passed down through generations, connecting loved ones to the experiences too.

Recounting travel stories allows me to reflect upon my own personal growth and transformation.

As I weave together the tapestry of my adventures, I notice hidden threads of resilience, courage, and self-discovery that have defined my journey. In a way, sharing stories can also be an act of vulnerability.

Final Thoughts

In essence, telling travel stories is an art form that transcends time and space, cultivating connections, fostering empathy, preserving memories, and illuminating personal growth.

By embracing the power of these narratives, we can weave a rich tapestry of shared experiences, ultimately uniting us all in the universal tapestry of humanity.

Check out all Maptrekking travel stories for more inspiration!

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Best Short Travel Stories: 15+ Bloggers Share Their Favorite Travelling Story

Table of Contents:

Every tourist has at least a few interesting travel stories to share. The more you are exploring the world, the greater the chance that you have experienced something unique. We’ve asked our blogging friends to share their most memorable experiences. Check out these awesome short travel stories and get inspired!

Best Travel Stories Including Romance

Love at first lettuce.

by Juliette from Snorkels To Snow blog

4 years later the hunky builder became my husband.

Adventure With A Stranger In France

by Barbara from Jet Settera blog

After our short meeting, we kept on chatting for about a month on Facebook and then we decided to meet up in Florence in a hotel room and explore Tuscany together.

We agreed on the itinerary and he flew in from Vienna and I arrived from Milano. We rented a Fiat500 and we traveled all around Tuscany for a long weekend.

We visited some of the most romantic cities in Italy , such as Siena, Lucca, Pisa, and Cinque Terre. It was an amazing adventure together.

We had lots of fun on the trip and we went on more trips after that. The conclusion of the story was that sometimes it is good to come out of your comfort zone and take a chance on a stranger, maybe he will be an excellent travel partner.

Scary Travel Stories That Will Give You Chills!

Jumped by an adult puma in the bolivian jungle  .

by Aaron from The Dharma Trails blog

Cheap, Bolivian vodka . That’s what got me there. Isolated, deep in the Bolivian jungle, with an apex predator wrapped around my body (and hot breath on my face).  

Volunteering at a Bolivian animal sanctuary I saw all kinds of monkey bites and scratches. It was common for backpackers to show off their fresh wounds at the end of each day. But no one had a story like this…

The weekly volunteer party got out of hand (the night before). Those with the appropriate big-animal training didn’t wake up or sign in to the morning’s meeting. I was there. Hungover, but there.   So, I agreed to help out with the puma (even though it normally requires months of training and animal integration/familiarity).

After an hour of trekking through the jungle, one of the team members and I reached the puma’s enclosure. The huge cat growled at me with a distinct sense of dislike. But that didn’t stop us from continuing our task.   We entered the caged area, attached two ropes to the puma’s “collar” and begun to walk him through the jungle.   

The puma, completely unpleased with my intrusion, stepped forward hesitantly. After only a couple of minutes, he stopped, looked back at me, and growled directly into my eyes. I watched helplessly as the puma leaped 10ft into the air towards me. In a split-second, his powerful legs wrapped around my waist, arms wrapped around my throat and fangs pressed into my forehead.  

I heard my team member scream. But I couldn’t move. Completely still, I assumed the worst. Yet, somehow it felt completely natural. The circle of life. The scream faded as I began to lose consciousness. Then, all of a sudden, I was released.   The animal let me go and stepped backwards.  

After swearing profusely, my team member yelled “stick your palm out towards him”. For some reason, I did.   The huge cat stepped back towards me and licked it. And, that was it. He knew that I knew, who was king of the jungle. After that we were friends.  

Volunteering with animals is a great way to give back while you  eco travel . Just be sure to pick places with adequate training if you don’t want to have bad travel stories like mine!

Getting Arrested in Gansu, China

by Wendy from the Nomadic Vegan blog

My short story about my travel experience is from Asia. On our first trip to China , one of the destinations my husband and I were most looking forward to, was visiting the Labrang Monastery. Located in remote Gansu province in the west of China , Labrang is a holy site and a place of pilgrimage for Tibetan Buddhists. 

At that time, neither one of us spoke any Chinese, and we were finding it frustratingly difficult to get where we wanted to go. We didn’t understand why all the bus drivers were refusing to let us get on the buses heading towards the transport hub from where all onward transport to Labrang left.

When one of them finally did let us on, he then forced us to get out on the outskirts of town, well before we reached the bus station. Confused, and not knowing what else to do, we started walking in the direction we thought the station was in. We didn’t get far before two police cars skidded to a halt next to us, and we were suddenly surrounded by six cops wearing S.W.A.T. badges on their sleeves.

They brought us to the head of the prefecture, who luckily was a very friendly Tibetan man who spoke enough English to explain what was happening. Unbeknownst to us, the Chinese government had recently made that part of Gansu off-limits to foreign tourists in light of protests by ethnic Tibetans in the area.

After treating us to a tasty lunch of vegetarian Chinese food , the head of the prefecture drove us back across the prefecture border himself and made sure that we got on a bus back to where we had come from.

We never made it to the Labrang Monastery on that trip, but at that point, we were just happy not to be in a Chinese jail. As I write this, we are in Mongolia, planning to cross back into China in a couple of weeks. We have been told that Labrang has reopened for foreigners, so 10 years later we are going to give it another shot. Hopefully, we don’t get arrested this time and we will only have amazing travel stories to share!

Snake Attack In Vietnam

by Lina from Divergent Travelers blog

We were just about to take a final stretch of country road and head onto highway 1 for the next leg when we saw something in the road ahead of us.

It was up ahead of Jon and it was the kind of thing you couldn’t really tell what it was until you were right on top of it. In an instant, we saw Jon whip his legs up as a huge snake lunged at his leg when his scooter sailed next to it. I was mortified as I am very afraid of snakes. The last thing I wanted was to have this thing striking at me as we cruised by.

We pulled over, laughed, and discussed the size of it while noticing a local man running down the road with a long stick. He was hollering at us excitedly and pointing at the road. Apparently, snakes of that size are worth well over 1.2 million dong and the man was bursting with excitement about catching the venomous beast.

Asking where it went, he moved into the grass at the edge of the rice field in pursuit. The movement caused the snake to flee into the rice paddies and the local man immediately gave chase into what became a dance between him and the snake. Each challenged the other until the man lept to the opportunity and seized the snake by the head with his bare hands.

He smiled proudly as he came back to the road, showed off the snake then as swiftly as he appeared, left us standing there while he made his way down the road back to his house. Snake in hand. You don’t see that every day! It was definitely one of these fun travel stories that we will never forget.

Dangerous Night Trip In Peru

by Danielle from the Like Riding Bicycle blog

Not every travel story is fun. I have many scary travel stories to share, including the one from Peru. Many years ago, when I’d just started traveling , I took a bus going through parts of the Amazon… at night. Apparently, this wasn’t the best call. Around 3 am I was alarmed to wake up to the bus stopped, and a man in a black mask with a huge black gun pointed at us all. He yelled in Spanish and everyone’s hands went up into the air, so I flung mine up following suit. Before long the men were marched off the bus, leaving us women, hands still in the air, to wait for what would come next.

I had a moment in which I thought: “What are they about to do with the men? What are they about to do with the women? What are they about to do with me, the only foreigner on the bus?” I was far from rich, but they didn’t know that.

After some time another man came on the bus, this time with a small silver pistol which he pointed at each of us as he robbed us blind. No one was physically harmed, though I knew that people who weren’t as fortunate to be a Westerner like myself lost more than they could afford to replace, which was a hard thing to realize. I couldn’t help, only sit there with my arms in the air.

So go to Peru – it’s amazing! – just don’t take a night bus through the Amazon!

Mutant Bugs Attack

by Nathan from Foodie Flashpacker blog

Although at the time it happened I wouldn’t have called it my best travelling story, now, looking back on it, it’s one of the best/funniest stories of my nearly three years of traveling. This all took place during my visit to Fez , Morocco in 2016.

The time I survived a direct attack to the face by killer mutant bugs from outer space. And then visited a vagina doctor with the world’s oldest x-ray machine to put my face back together again.

Long story short- one day I woke up with a face full of bug bites. The concerned guest house owner sent me to a pharmacist who then sent me to a doctor.

More specifically, I later learned, was that I had been sent to a gynecologist. We established that some large insects had attacked my face and I was in need of multiple medications. And, for reasons still unknown to me, an x-ray. At least I think he x-rayed me.

Being A Suspect In The Disappearance Of Girl In France

By James from The Portugal blog

One of the funny adventure stories that I have is from the time I found a 5-month housesit in the middle of the French countryside. It sounded idyllic, and perfect for me and my girlfriend at the time who had just started out as digital nomads. 

In reality, it wasn’t quite as idyllic as advertised. The biggest issue was the lack of internet; something which was supposed to have been installed by the time we arrived. But, we made do. We bought French sim cards with 3 GB of internet each (the max we could get at the time) and vowed never to look at YouTube or anything that might use lots of data for the entire 5 months.

It was all going perfectly until one day there was a knock at the door and two local French policemen were standing there. They began asking us what we were doing on the property and where the owners were. In the best French, I could manage, I explained the concept of house-sitting but I could see it wasn’t going over. 

Then, they showed us a picture of a girl who was missing. We hadn’t seen her and, in fact, didn’t know anyone in the town. We apologized that we couldn’t be of more help, thinking that was that. 

It wasn’t. One of the policemen then pulled out a printout of a forum conversation between the missing girl and someone who they believed was her biological father. Then in the forum conversation, they showed me a mobile number: my French mobile number. 

I didn’t know how to explain it apart from to say that it must be a typo, but that wasn’t good enough. They asked to see my computer and began looking through the search history. Then, obviously not buying my house sitting story, they asked where the owners were again.  

Unsatisfied, they told me to come into the station that afternoon for more questioning at 2 pm. I didn’t know what to do. There wasn’t enough time to find a lawyer or even a translator as they would probably have had to come from the nearest city. I opened Google Translate and tried to come up with as many useful sentences as I could, but it was hard to concentrate. 

At 2 pm on the dot I walked through the doors of the police station and when the policeman saw my worried face he burst out laughing. “Lucky for you, she showed up,” he said. And that, amazingly, was the end of that. I’ve never heard any more about this again. 

Lifechanging Short Travel Stories

Stepping out of a comfort zone in dubai.

by Michaela from Awe Inclusive blog

In 2014, I was scrolling through a Facebook group when I spotted a post claiming $200 roundtrip tickets to Duba (btw if you want to save on your next trip, check out this trip com coupon ). As is routine in that group, I confirmed the deal, checked my calendar, and booked tickets – no asking friends, no waiting for job approvals, and no overthinking. It would be my first trip alone.

I met Jibri during the layover. She got my attention and started chatting about travel deals and groups. During our small talk, I considered putting my earphones back in or making up a reason to excuse myself. Instead, I decided to embrace a new person and see where it could lead.

Not only did we exchange contact information to meet-up in Dubai, but we joined other travel group members who rented out a yacht for an afternoon cruise along the Persian Gulf.

It was totally outside of my comfort zone and totally what my comfort zone needed – to be stretched out of shape! I met amazing people and forged exciting friendships.

Dubai was life-changing. I learned to trust my abilities and instincts even when I had to improvise. I learned that strangers are just friends who haven’t met you. Most importantly, I learned that my suitcase was much lighter when I didn’t fill it with fear.

This year, I took a solo trip to Thailand and it was the absolute best. More solo trips are in my future as I continue to challenge myself to get uncomfortable and do more than I thought I could.

See also: Best travel stories from Thailand .

Beautiful Travel Friendship

by Viki from Chronic Wanderlust blog

I’ve been in Playa del Carmen, Mexico for a few weeks now for my divemaster training. I spent every day in the water with customers and my instructor. I loved it! We shared the boat with another dive shop and I started to notice that they were also training a divemaster to be.

She seamed to be my age and so I started talking to her. Janice is from Canada and also madly in love with the ocean and all things diving. We started to hang out more and more and even became very good friends then.

She left Mexico a few days before I left, but we managed to stay in touch. For almost two years now we talk several times a week, she helped me through many things as a stupid breakup.

Last year I told her I was going back to Mexico for a few weeks and if she wanted to meet me there. She told me that she couldn’t manage with work. I had wanted to see her so badly! And I knew she wanted to be in sunny Mexico with me as well.

I remember the 30th of December when she told me that she had just bought the ticket and will be in Mexico the next day! I was beyond happy, I was going to see my best friend again. I was going to see her for the second time in my life and yet she knows more about me than any other person that I see more often.

I love how friendships can last over distance and time zones. Meeting Janice is definitely one of the best solo travel stories that I have.

Best Adventure Travel Stories

Hawaii adventure.

by Carole from Berkeley and Beyond blog

Even though I have many short stories about traveling the world, I want to share the one from Hawaii. I’ll never forget the time I landed on the remote Hawaiian island of Molokai and was told, “We have a wedding and two funerals on the island, and so we have run out of cars.” It was at about the same time as a popular movie with a similar title was out, so the statement had a humorous overtone.

However, since this was hang-loose Hawaii , I was assured by a mellow employee that all would work out and so there was really nothing I could do but relax into it. The car agency arranged for (and paid for) a cab to deliver us to our condo so we could check-in, and told us that the next morning someone would pick us up and deliver us to the mule ride.

Done, though we did almost miss our morning ride due to confusion regarding the meeting spot, but the point is we didn’t  miss it, and we were told by that driver that our car would be waiting in the parking lot for us after our ride.

And there it was! Pure Molokai magic.

Visiting A Real Quechua Village

by Gabor from Surfing the Planet blog

Although Machu Picchu is simply indescribable, it turned out that a totally improvised adventure left a much stronger mark on us. When we were staying at a Couchsurfer’s place in Cusco, we asked him whether it would be possible to visit a real Quechua village.

He said we could try, although we would have to find it out ourselves since these Quechua communities live quite far in the Andes and there’s no public transport to get there.

In the end, we got very lucky, since looking for transport in Ollantaytambo, we found out that the local doctor and other social workers were going to visit some of these tribes and they let us join them.

We were really happy because we had the chance to stay in a Quechua community, learn about their traditions, see the colorful clothes they wear every day and take part in their daily routine for some time. We often had to use hand gestures to communicate, since most of these people don’t speak Spanish, only Quechua. This is one of our most interesting travel stories and a real heart-warming experience that we will never forget.

Funny Short Travel Stories

Mistaking a brothel for a massage spa in china.

by Talek from Travels With Talek blog

Ah… cultural confusion.  One weekend I was in a part of Beijing I was not familiar with and decided to get a massage.  I remembered what appeared to be a massage spa nearby. The location didn’t look exactly like a typical spa, but I went in anyway.

The inside of the location had all the spa-like features which reassured me.  However, when the hostess approached me, she appeared apprehensive and asked me something in Chinese. I pantomimed a massage.  She disappeared into a dark room behind a beaded curtain. I could hear her and another woman speaking animatedly.

After some uncomfortable moments, the woman returned and lead me to a dimly lit, rectangular room with a massage table in the middle. I positioned myself as I normally would. A different woman came in and gave me a lackadaisical massage for about an hour. I paid and went back to my hotel.

The next day my colleagues and I discussed our weekend. I mentioned my massage at a location next to the Wanda department store. “Oh! That’s a high-end brothel” they said. They’re probably still laughing.

Crazy Travel Stories

Free helicopter ride.

by Kris From Nomad By Trade

My favorite travel story is from a business trip I took to a small town in Kentucky. One morning, my co-worker noticed that there was a helicopter parked out on the hotel’s lawn, which we thought was odd but pretty cool.

That week, we ended up befriending the helicopter’s pilot and his wife and talking to them at breakfast and the evening periods of light snacks.

He somehow offered to take us up for a free ride, so one morning before work, we each took a turn hopping in his helicopter and flying up and over town. He banked, dipped, and shot up to the sky like a rocket during our jaunt through the Kentucky skies.

I still find it funny that I wouldn’t get in a car with a stranger, but I had no qualms about hopping in a helicopter with one. I’ve been traveling on an almost weekly basis for work for six years and that’s still one of the coolest things that I’ve gotten to do on the road.

My Birthday In A Private Castle Near Prague

Crazy Flight With A Hyperactive Child

by Alexis from World Travel Adventurers blog

We’ve had our fair share of unforgettable and funny travel stories as parents traveling with a spirited 2-year-old and 4 years old, but this one still takes the cake. We think every parent who has ever flown with young children can relate.

We were on our way home from Salt Lake City to Baltimore, which is a 5-hour flight, so my husband had the brilliant (or so he thought) idea to sedate our energizer bunny son (whose nicknames include Taz, tornado, hurricane, wrecking ball, the destroyer) to make the long flight easier.

Having a wild toddler restricted to a seat for 5 hours is no fun for anyone, but a sleeping toddler sounded much more appealing.

We had given him Benadryl before when he was sick and it put him right to sleep like a charm, so we thought we were in the clear. It turns out, some kids have the opposite reaction to Benadryl and turn into hell on wheels.

Well, our son turned into that kid. I think everyone on the flight, especially the person sitting in front of him, wanted to kill him or at least put him in a straightjacket and a muzzle. The flight attendant, who used to be a nanny, could tell early on that something was up and had a hunch it was from Benadryl gone wrong.

In the midst of his craziness, I took him to the bathroom at the front of the plane to change his diaper. When we headed back to our seats, he took off running down the aisle full speed ahead. He was so fast and agile (being much smaller than me and able to maneuver through the narrow aisle like a star football player) that I couldn’t catch up to him until he had run the entire length of the plane.

My husband said he saw a flash go by his seat, and then saw me running after yelling my son’s name. He thought it was hilarious. I did not. We can both laugh about it today and will NEVER make that mistake again.

So to all my fellow parents of traveling youngsters, beware and never use Benadryl for a stress-free flight unless you’ve tested it a few times and are sure that your child will not turn into a Tasmanian devil. Unless you want to add something to your funny holiday stories collection, then go for it.

Meeting The President Of Ecuador

by Dane from Holiday From Where blog

My best travel story is from a time I was in a small city called Salinas on the south coast of Ecuador . I was just hanging with a local friend and surfing every day before I started to head north. I kept hearing about this wave that was really good and you couldn’t surf because you had to sneak through an air force base to get to.

One day my friend was telling me it was going to be really good, so, we decided to try and sneak in. In hindsight, it was really stupid. We were crawling on our hands and knees through some bushes on the bad side of a shooting range while they were actively shooting. We made it to the beach got changed and ran for the ocean.

We were in the water for all of 15 minutes when two large me with AK-47s appeared on the beach and started to yell and whistle. We got a few more waves and went in. The men were extremely un-impressed and very angry.

We knew we were doing the wrong thing but obviously played dumb. As we were about to get dragged off a man and his wife came over a small dune and just walked up to us. The man asked us how our day was and if we had a good surf we replied we did and he just smiled at us and walked off.

As he did my friend informed me that it was the President. Everything happened so fast and in no time we were in the back of a military vehicle being taken to a small building. I was out a short time later with a stern warning never to return. 

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Did you enjoy reading this post? Share your best travel story in the comments below!

71 Responses

Love it! Thanks for including our story. Traveling opens you up to so many incredible (sometimes hilarious) experiences so it’s great to hear about other memorable moments from fellow travel addicts!

It’s our pleasure, Alexis! Your story is great, thanks for sharing it :)

Pinoy TV is one of the few international channels that provide high-quality entertainment.

These stories are great. Thanks a lot for sharing.

Thanks for the inspiration Karolina! Traveling the world is something I’ve always wanted to do, but have found it hard to make the leap.

Hey Karolina,

Very inspiring travel stories! Makes me want to book a flight now and create an amazing travel story ever told! ;) There is nothing more gratifying than traveling, yes you spend but you learn more. Been to many places and every story is just different and amazing!

These stories are inspiring and it makes me want to travel more. Cheers!

Some amazing stories in there! It’s amazing what opportunities can present themselves when you are travelling abroad.

There’s some incredible stories in there. It’s amazing to see what opportunities can present themselves to you when you are travelling abroad. We’ve got a lot of great memories and stories from our time abroad, can’t wait to get even more!

Getting arrested in China must have been an exciting experience. Luckily, no jail. So happy end.

Thanks for the inspiration Karolina!……,! great story

Glad I enjoyed the post! Thanks for sharing this.

You’re welcome!

The only way to achieve happiness is to cherish what you have and forget what you don’t have

I really liked reading your post! Very high quality content and useful information. With such a valuable blog I believe you deserve to be ranking even higher in the search engines.

Thanks for your comment, Maria.

Wow, interesting crazy stories! good stuff!

Incredible stories. Frankly, I envy people who travel freely, I hope that I succeed.

Such a kind of knowledge give by this stories.

Much Appreciated! Get your travel and tourism guide of top tourist places, attractions about travelling and exploration of the world.

Hey really Incredible stories.Appreciated your blog.Such interesting travel story.The details are very informative.I also love to travel.This stories inspires me to travel to my dream place.Looking forward to see more from you.

Thanks for your comment!

I’ve got no idea what I’d do if a snake lunged at me while on a scooter! Hopefully, I’d have the commonsense to hit the accelerator and keep going. Even non-poisonous snakes can be dangerous. And I’m guessing that the snake ended up as someone’s dinner or that seems be have been implied :/.

I also love to travel the world. Your story inspires me a lot

Your travel stories are awesome. I love to travel to other countries and experience every culture.

Wow, interesting crazy stories! good .

thanks for sharing this info superb

Wow this is very interesting and amazing article for all travellers and I hope they will get lots of information from this article. It will also helpful for all beginners. Thanks for sharing this article to us..

Hey, it’s amazing way for our time . Thanks for sharing.

These short travel stories always teach me something new.

Its really amazing post for me. Thanks for sharing

Excellent post with rich knowledge for travelers. Thanks for sharing

Amazing stories! Thank you so much for sharing them. As a traveler it is exciting to hear new stories. It certainly makes you want to go out and travel again.

It was nice to be inspired by you, Karolina! Although I have always dreamed about traveling the world, I have struggled to make this step because it seems so risky.

Hey, I think it’s a great way to spend our time these days. That’s great that you shared that with us.

I love your all content keep share with us, keep shared with us.

thanks for sharing this info, superb article

I have been wondering where to travel across Europe. And getting exposed to this amazing stories has energised my travelling plans and the countries to visit. Thanks so much for sharing such a wonder and useful stories. Looking forward for more stories.

I am really happy with the quality and presentation of the article. Thanks a lot for keeping great stuff.

Travelling is one of the best way to create memorable stories.

What a great idea for a post and a wonderful collection of stories!

Thank you for this great sharing!

Thank god! The housesitter did not have to go to a Chinese prison. The whole incident was quite amusing.

Thanks for this site i like it.

Article was very lovely and all stories are great

All stories are lovely and amazing.

There is no better way to create memorable stories than by traveling.

Traveling is one of the ways to create and be a part of stories. The travel stories in the blog are all interesting. I have also read stories on how travelers are set up by placing drugs in their luggage at airports.

Yeah however I am not sure if it’s true.

Thanks! i loved this site thanks for recommending.

Excellent post with rich knowledge for travelers.

Unforgettable

Such a great post thanks for sharing this with us and keep posting these are soo amazing.

There is no better way to create memorable stories than by traveling. :)

thank you so much

Thank you. you have explained almost everything.

Great post.Thanks for sharing. You have explained almost everything.

all the stories shared are good and well explained.

Thanks for sharing this article it was quite insightful.

Thanks for sharing such information. I appreciate your hard work

Great post, Thanks for the information provided! Your post is so awesome. Keep it work and share your amazing post with us. Thanks again!

Thanks a lot for sharing this post. Your travel story is so amazing.

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks!

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We are Karolina, Patryk, and Mia, the lazy traveling family. After spending 5 years as digital nomads, and living in many countries in the world, we decided to make Poland our base.

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Famous Short Stories About Travel that will Invoke the Wanderlust in You

Are you one of them who ended up picking a different career path instead of the one you have been dreaming for years’? Well, the good news is that you are not alone and it is not too late to embark on a life-altering journey. In this blog, we have attempted to list out famous short stories about travel from mythologies of various lands that will invoke the wanderlust in you.

3 Famous Short Stories about Travel

Travelling – as a lifestyle – goes against the grain of what a ‘normal life’ is considered. But, how many of you clamour for a normal life? If you gear up to follow the path, not only will your inner voice support your choice, but also plenty of other factors that will persuade you to ditch the daily grind. Without much ado let’s embark upon the journey to know famous stories that talk about the place’s greatness.

1. The Story of Romulus and Remus

As legend has it, the story of Romulus and Remus (twin brothers) talks about the origin of Rome, one of the world’s greatest empires in ancient time. Born in Alba Longa to Rhea Silvia and Mars (according to Virgil and other writers), the twin brothers were a threat to King Amulius who later ordered to abandon the kids on the banks of the River Tiber. Fortunate as they were, the brothers were saved by the Tiberius, the mythological father of the river, and later, a female wolf suckled them in a cave. Faustulus, a shepherd, was believed to have adopted them.

As the kids grew up, their inbuilt leadership skills and regal roots got them into arguments and fights with the supports of Amulius. Remus was captured and imprisoned in the place where he was born. Eventually, they got to know about their real identity and joined forces to restore the throne, ultimately killing Amulius. Upon returning to the Seven Hills, Romulus and Remus couldn’t decide about where to build the city. While Remus preferred Aventine Hill, Romulus wanted it to be on Palatine Hill. This gave birth to a new dispute where Remus was killed and Romulus founded the new city called Rome.

Today, Rome, located in the central region of the Italian peninsula, is a sprawling, cosmopolitan city with staggering 3,000 years of culture, art and architecture to brag about. Ancient ruins like the Colosseum and the Forum conjure the power of the former Roman Empire.

2. Gulliver’s Travels

The adventures (actually, misadventures) of Lemuel Gulliver is not a secret. For an adventure enthusiast, Gulliver’s Travels (also known as “Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World. In Four Parts. By Lemuel Gulliver”) is a must-read book. Lemuel Gulliver, first a surgeon and then a Captain of several ships, embarked upon four different voyages, had to face-off storms, and then ultimately, stranded in absurd situations in foreign lands – either getting captivated by the tiniest people called Lilliputians or becoming friends with the Houyhnhnms, the talking horses.

Lilliput, Brobdingnag, Laputa, Balnibarbi, Luggnagg, Glubbdubrib, Japan and Houyhnhnms comprise the foreign lands that Gulliver traversed across. Though these destinations are imaginary, Jonathan Swift had well-envisaged. He had inculcated sufficient ingredients to pique your interests for an adrenaline rush.

3. Percy Jackson & the Olympians

Known as Percy Jackson (shortened), Percy Jackson & the Olympians, comprising five books “The Lightning Thief”, “The Sea of Monsters”, “The Titan’s Curse”, “The Battle of the Labyrinth” and “The Last Olympian”, is a pentalogy of fantasy adventure of Pery Jackson. For all Percy Jackson geeks, Greece marks the base that the series of events took place. Head to Peloponnese, tour around and explore the routes that Percy along with his friends took to reach the capital of Greece, Athens – to join “The Battle of Olympics”.

Take a tour of “The Parthenon” and visit the Acropolis of Athens, where the last battle took place. Delphi Oracle is another destination where the protagonist and his friends went through adventures. Wander around the place and unravel stories related to the archaeological site.

Often called the cradle of Western civilisation, Greece is peppered with some of the most renowned historical sites in the world. Along with historical and archaeological sites, the country boasts more than 6,000 islands for endless sun, sand and surf.

Are you all set to conquer the world? Looking for a reliable travel operator to plan your tour? Trust Sharjah Airport Travel Agency (SATA Travels), a leading travel and tour operator with a team of highly-trained professionals.

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True Tales of Adventure to Inspire Your Next Epic Trip

Between the covers of these nine books, the authors cover a lot of ground, from a trek in australia to a perilous journey in antarctica..

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Epic trips are made not only of towering mountains or grueling treks. You can have an epic trip in your home country, by making an unexpected move to a new one, or on a quest to recapture your sense of wonder about the world. At least, that’s what these adventurous souls show in the following collection of true stories. These memoirs, autobiographies, and historical accounts are sure to enthrall anyone seeking insight into a different place or time—and maybe provide the nudge needed to set out on an adventure of your own.

All God’s Children Need Traveling Shoes By Maya Angelou (Random House, 1986) In 1962, Maya Angelou traveled to Accra with her son to help him get settled at the University of Ghana. But when he was seriously injured in a car accident, her two-week stopover became a three-year stay. In the resulting autobiography, she notes that Ghana was a place where “for the first time in our lives the color of our skin was accepted as correct and normal.” All God’s Children Need Traveling Shoes is the fifth in Angelou’s seven-book series of autobiographies. Her poetic prose touches on themes of motherhood, race, and identity, and with her characteristic grace, Angelou introduces her audience to the characters she meets and the customs she learns as she navigates local culture and becomes involved with the expat community of black Americans.

Braving It: A Father, a Daughter, and an Unforgettable Journey Into the Alaskan Wilderness By James Campbell (Crown, 2016) The idea of spending a vacation doing grueling outdoor work with a teenager is scary enough for most parents without adding the threat of grizzly bears. But Aidan Campbell is not every teenager, and her father James Campbell isn’t every parent. In Braving It , Campbell chronicles their three trips to Alaska , including a summer spent helping family members build a log cabin in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and a fall visit to set trap lines for hunting. Their adventure culminates in a final backpacking and canoeing trip that takes them through the Brooks Range and along the Hulahula River all the way to the Arctic Ocean. If the descriptions of rugged living in the Alaskan landscape don’t keep you reading (or at least inspire you to do some image searches of the National Wildlife Refuge), the tender evolution of the relationship between a father and his teenage daughter will. And it may even offer some ideas for your next family vacation.

Patagonian Road: A Year Alone Through Latin America By Kate McCahill (Santa Fe Writers Project, 2017) Like many travelers, writer Kate McCahill found inspiration for her journey through Latin America from a book. In her case, it was Paul Theroux’s 1979 travelogue, The Old Patagonian Express . Unlike Theroux’s narrative, which relies on observations about train travel, McCahill veers thematically (if not geographically) from his itinerary. She travels from Guatemala to Argentina as Theroux did, but spends more time on buses than locomotives. Along the way, she takes on a few teaching jobs and tries to get a sense of local life. The account is introspective and personal, and the vivid descriptions transport readers to pockets of the 10 countries she visits. The work is a sound example of literature’s power to move people outside their comfort zones.

Tracks: A Woman’s Solo Trek Across 1700 Miles of Australian Outback By Robyn Davidson (Bloomsbury, 1980) In 1977, at age 27, Robyn Davidson decided to make the long journey on foot from the central Australian town of Alice Springs west to the Indian Ocean. Her companions for the journey? Four camels and a dog. As Davidson’s adventure progressed, she was forced to confront the obstacles solo travel presents in the Outback—a harsh landscape, feelings of loneliness, the realities of the Australian codes (both social and legal) that discriminate against its Aboriginal people, and the challenges of keeping herself and her traveling unit safe. Davidson’s deeply personal narrative shows how, when someone moves from idea to action, the resulting journey can be truly transformative. Tracks went on to win the 1980 Thomas Cook Travel Book Award; a film adaptation starring Mia Wasikowska and Adam Driver was released in 2013.

Here Is Real Magic: A Magician’s Search for Wonder in the Modern World By Nate Staniforth ( Bloomsbury, 2018) After years as a professional magician, Nate Staniforth was very tired. He was tired of homesickness, of cynical hecklers, of long hours of travel, and of even longer working days. Worse, he had lost the sense of wonder that drove him to magic in the first place. So Staniforth embarked on a quest to recapture it in India, a land where ancient magic inspires its modern counterpart. At turns funny and heartfelt, his memoir Here Is Real Magic reminds readers why a childlike sense of awe is an important asset that helps us appreciate our great, big world, and how the pursuit of a long-held passion can lead to the best sorts of travel. Read a teaser .

Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage By Alfred Lansing (Hodder & Stoughton, 1959) More than 100 years ago, polar explorer Ernest Shackleton and his crew set sail to Antarctica . Their goal was a daring one: to walk across the continent. But before they reached their destination, their ship the Endurance became trapped in the ice and sank. What followed was the men’s harrowing attempt to survive on the ice floes and, thanks to a risky open-boat expedition to South Georgia, a return to land. We don’t recommend replicating the events of this book , but the true story of their will to live—and Shackleton’s leadership—is as inspiring as it is thrilling. (And if you want to see the continent for yourself, it’s considerably easier and less dangerous to travel to Antarctica these days.)

All Over the Place: Adventures in Travel, True Love, and Petty Theft By Geraldine DeRuiter (PublicAffairs, 2017) Anyone who has spent time in the travel blogosphere has likely heard of The Everywhereist , a website run by the hilarious and incisive Geraldine DeRuiter. After she was laid off from her copywriting job, DeRuiter began traveling with her husband on his work trips and writing about them on her blog. Her first book , released in May of 2017, is less a single narrative of a specific, transformative trip (she says as much in a disclaimer) than a collection of stories about getting lost, having motion sickness, and gaining a better sense of the world and her relationship as she travels with her husband over the course of more than five years. DeRuiter’s writing is laugh-out-loud funny, even when she’s tackling the tough stuff (brain tumors included), and her anecdotes will encourage you to find humor in the process of travel.

The Hundred-Year Walk: An Armenian Odyssey By Dawn Anahid MacKeen (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2016) Every family has legends, but Dawn Anahid MacKeen’s was exceptional. Many times while growing up, she’d heard the story of how her grandfather, Stepan Miskjian, escaped the genocide in Armenia by crossing the Syrian desert on foot with only two cups of water. It never captured her interest until her mother discovered Miskjian’s long-lost journals. Unable to ignore her family’s remarkable history, MacKeen embarks on a singular expedition: to retrace his route to modern-day Syria and Turkey (two countries that continue to deny the Armenian genocide). Part history, part memoir, MacKeen’s story speaks to the power of family, the horrors of war, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Catfish and Mandala: A Two-Wheeled Voyage Through the Landscape and Memory of Vietnam By Alexander X. Pham (Picador, 2000) In 1977, soon after the Vietnam War ended, Alexander Pham arrived in the United States from Vietnam with his family. He was 10 years old. The rest of his childhood was spent in California, and he eventually graduated from UCLA. But 17 years after his family’s relocation to the States, his sibling’s suicide prompts Pham to quit his engineering job and begin a 4,000-mile bicycle journey. Over the course of a year, he goes up the Pacific Coast from Mexico to California, then cycles Japan and, ultimately, Vietnam, his country of birth. Moving deftly between Pham’s past (his father’s imprisonment in Vietnam during the war, his own childhood memories) and present, Catfish and Mandala is not a travel narrative with a glossy sheen. Rather, it’s an honest account of an experience written by a young man grappling with what it means to be Vietnamese American in a postwar world.

Want to read more with us? Join fellow literature lovers online at AFAReads , our digital book club.

>>Next: 10 Must-Read Books for Every Type of Summer Trip

45 Funny, Heartfelt, Unforgettable Travel Stories

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

I tell travel stories for a living. I do this because I can’t NOT tell travel stories — every experience I have is shaped in the moment and waits in anticipation to shoot out of my fingertips.

And I live to share those stories with an audience. As humans, we’re hard-wired to be influenced by storytelling, and I feel like stories are what inspire people to actually book a trip.

To be honest, though, compelling stories are what’s missing from most travel blogs today, where SEO-driven travel planning posts make up the majority of the content.

We have SO many great travel stories to tell. But we’re not telling them as often as we should. So I decided to share some of the best stories in one place.

I reached out to my travel blogger friends to share their most entertaining posts of all time. Nothing travel planning-oriented, nothing keyword- or affiliate-stuffed — just fun, entertaining stories that would make a stranger smile or laugh. And did they EVER pay off!

Each of these stories is a treasure. I hope you enjoy them.

Note: Due to COVID-19 and a dwindled demand for travel worldwide, travel bloggers have lost significant portions of their incomes. Between people not researching or booking travel and advertisers reducing their spend, many travel bloggers will be making a small fraction of their usual income for months.

The best thing you can do right now is find a story you like on this list and visit several pages on their blog. It costs you nothing, but your eyes on their display ads (no clicks necessary, we get paid by views!) will earn them some much-needed cash in a difficult time.

Want to help out even more? If you love one of these blog posts, sign up for their email newsletter. You can find mine here.

Table of Contents

Funny Travel Mishaps

Are you looking to read about crazy mishaps that happened on the road? Here are some good ones!

Possibly My Favorite Travel Poop Story Ever

Nomadasaurus

OMG. I had never read this one before but this is one of the funniest travel stories I’ve ever read!

Jared tells the story of when diarrhea hit at the worst time ever — on a Chinese bus — and where he ultimately ended up pooping!

Embarrassing Stories From My Travels

Legal Nomads

Jodi is well-known for being pooped on while traveling — 14 birds and one bat so far — but this post shared plenty more of those stories.

If you’ve ever wanted to know the most embarrassing way to ask where to catch the bus in Argentina, here it is.

Hooked on the Cook Islands: My Giant Wedgie

Neverending Footsteps

Lauren is well-known for her extensive list of disastrous “travel incidents” around the world.

This one involves a snorkeling trip where she accidentally flashed her vag to an entire boat of people, including a family with young kids.

I Have a Confession to Make

Journalist on the Run

Imagine being a travel writer who gets paid to stay in a luxurious resort in the Maldives. Dream job, huh?

Now imagine that you get hit by the worst diarrhea of your life while pretending that everything is normal as the staff gives you a tour! Janet lays out her experience in excruciating detail.

When a City Girl Goes Camping

Suitcase and Heels

I may be a city girl who took her first steps in a tent — but not all city girls take to camping so easily.

Melissa shares a camping adventure in Newfoundland that did not go as planned! (NEVER forget the bottle opener!)

An Ode to Señor Frog, The Worst Car in Cozumel

Emily Luxton Travels

What happens when you rent a weird pea-green car that looks like an emaciated Volkswagen Beetle? Well, you definitely get an adventure out of it, Emily shares.

Know this before you rent a tiny car on a Mexican island!

How to Have the Worst Day Ever in Phuket (and How to Turn It Around)

Why Wait to See the World

Sometimes you have a travel day when you hit disaster after disaster after disaster — and sometimes it’s when you’re on your first full travel day with your boyfriend, ever.

That happened to Steph in Phuket, but soon she found a way to turn it around.

Learning From Your Travel Mistakes

Mexico Cassie

In this round-up, Cassie shares tons of stories from her adventures around the world — from climbing a mountain overnight without any warm gear to letting a guy kiss her and having him follow her around Laos for two weeks.

She’s had a lot of hilarious-in-retrospect mishaps on the road!

The Time I Got Pissed On in Manila

Aussie on the Road

Continuing the bodily fluids theme, Chris shares a rather disgusting late-night incident in a hostel dorm.

This proves that sometimes fellow backpackers are the most horrifying thing you could run into on the road!

Terrible Travel Tales: Mishaps, Setbacks, and Comical Foibles of Globe Trotting

Year of the Monkey

From missing a flight at the last minute due to a nosebleed to getting mistaken for a child at the age of 32, this is a big list of stories.

Paroma shares her favorite travel mishaps she’s collected over the years, all in excruciating detail.

That Time We Got Held Hostage by Monkeys in Ubud

Bridges and Balloons

And I thought I was terrified in the Monkey Forest in Ubud — Victoria and Steve got TRAPPED in a house surrounded by monkeys and couldn’t escape!

One of my worst nightmares. They seemed to handle it well.

My Embarrassing Driving Experience in Ourzazate

Norbert had never driven stick before in his life — so when the car he rented in Morocco turned out to have a manual transmission, he figured he could just wing it and learn to drive stick that day. NOT SO MUCH!

As a fellow driver who has never driven stick, I felt this one.

Ayurvedic Massage, Not for the Modest

Jessie on a Journey

If you had the chance to get a massage for just $16 in the heart of Kerala, India, you would go for it, wouldn’t you?

Then Jessie found out that this massage was done naked. COMPLETELY naked. With lots of oil and boob massage.

Scary Travel Mishaps

Sometimes mishaps can be on the dark side — though often you’ll find aspects of them humorous in retrospect. Either way, you won’t want to miss these posts.

Disaster Strikes

Escape Artistes

When horseback riding in rural Mongolia, Theodora’s son fell and severely broke his arm…in the middle of absolute nowhere.

This kicked off a breathless emergency of trying to find healthcare in one of the most remote places on Earth. It’s a gripping read.

When Traveling Sucks: A Hospital Visit in Fez, Morocco

Foodie Flashpacker

What’s worse than getting bitten by a bunch of bugs in the night? Getting bitten by giant mutant insects whose bites swell up enormously…right in the middle of your forehead.

Nathan details the story of his medical incident in Morocco and a doctor’s office that looks straight out of Chernobyl.

When a Man Comes Knocking

Borderline Crazy Bloggers

One of the scariest things while traveling is when a man has fixated on you — and because the culture is so different, you’re not sure whether you should be afraid or not.

In this story, Marieke shares the story of an Indian man who showed up at her door and kept refusing to leave.

Tales of Romance and Love

Do you love stories about love? I bet you do!! Here are three stories that will make you believe in finding love on the road.

The Last Time I Saw You (Part Five)

This Battered Suitcase

This is an ongoing series on Brenna’s blog where she tells the stories of the loves she’s met while traveling.

This is a short story that feels like it’s much longer — an incredibly romantic dalliance with a French man on a tropical island, then how it all crashes down once returning to real life.

10 Love Stories From My Travels

Adventurous Kate

It’s been years, but this is still one of my favorite posts I’ve ever written. I share ten different love stories from my travels, and tell you the ten locations where they took place — but you have to use logic and deduction to figure out which location matches with each story.

Nobody has ever guessed all 10 correctly. Maybe you will.

Nacpan and Calitang Beach: One of the Last Starry-Eyed, Lovestruck Journeys of the Previous Chapter

Nomadic Experiences

Looking back to days on one of the most beautiful beaches near El Nido in the Philippines, Marky tells the story of a special girl and the sweet moments they shared on one of the most idyllic islands in the world.

They’ve long since broken up, but he gently holds the experience in his hand, frozen in time.

Unforgettable Travel Experiences

These are the moments that got us out of our comfort zone, introduced us to memorable characters, and turned us into better travelers — and people.

How I Met Gunther, The Best Taxi Driver in Vienna

Budget Traveller

Every now and then, you meet someone who restores your faith in humanity. Gunther the taxi driver was one of those people.

Not only did he defy the odds to get Kash to his bus on time, he was unbelievably kind about the dilemma that happened next.

The Hardest Thing I’ve Ever Done: Two Weeks Hiking Japan’s Kumano Kodo Iseji

Adventures Around Asia

The Kumano Kodo hike in Japan is one of the most famous spiritual pilgrimages in the world. Richelle was excited to get out of her comfort zone — then ended up doing the hike in convenience store waterproof pants.

Despite a very tough start, it turned out to be a fantastic experience.

Hiking in the Atlas Mountains, Morocco

Inside the Travel Lab

Sometimes the most magical travel experiences take place in the most remote areas.

Abi extols the romance and beauty and culture of these isolated villages of Morocco, yet wonders if bringing more travelers here would be a good thing.

What I Learned From Giving Up Meat, Alcohol, and Complaining in India

Ashley Abroad

When Ashley went to Rishikesh, India, for yoga teacher training, she went out of her comfort zone by staying sober, sticking to a vegetarian diet, and giving up complaining.

Did it work? In some ways, yes, and she learned a lot about herself from the experience.

The Thrilling Adventures of Super Boyfriend

No Place to Be

So your girlfriend has dropped her camera in the Nam Song river in Laos. Surely a lost cause, isn’t it?

Not for Poi — a.k.a. Super Boyfriend — who leaped to the rescue, underwater among the sharp rocks.

Alaska Road Trip: Our Top 12 Adventures

Alaska is a destination that so many travelers dream of — but the reality ends up looking different from what you pictured.

Mike and Anne share gorgeous photos and stories from their multi-year honeymoon.

Controversial Takes

A lot of bloggers swear that controversial posts are the way to get traffic. I agree, as long as you go about it the right way. By that, I mean make a point, be fair, and defend it well. And PLEASE don’t trash the Philippines just to get crazy traffic.

5 Reasons to Stop Hating on “The Instagram Girl”

Follow Me Away

It seems so fashionable to hate the “Instagram girl” with the popular travel account — after all, who really wears a ball gown on top of a mountain?

But in this post, Victoria points out why the hate is misguided and the reasons why we should be supporting women with unconventional careers.

8 Reasons Why You Should Never Go to Wales

A Dangerous Business

Sure, Wales is beautiful and fun and interesting to explore, Amanda writes — but do they REALLY need all those castles and myths? Come on, now.

(Let’s say some people didn’t quite get the sarcasm.)

5 Reasons Travel Just Totally Isn’t Worth It

travelingmitch

I’m sorry, why are we even traveling, anyway? It’s so annoying, Mitch says!

What if people don’t speak English? What if you’re forced to challenge your preciously held views? WHAT IF YOU GET LOST AND CAN’T GET UN-LOST?! Better stay at home.

Is a Backpack Just Another Word for “Female Mid-life Crisis”?

GrrrlTraveler

Turning 40 and continuing to backpack around the world as a single woman with no kids. It’s what Christine enjoys — but is this what she really should be doing at this age?

For her, the answer is yes — and this post really shows how deep our cultural norms can set.

8 Reasons Hiking Sucks

Food Fun Travel

When people love food and wine and music as much as Tommo and Megsy, it’s not surprising that they’re equally passionate about what they hate: hiking.

Who needs to go back to nature? Who likes going somewhere without pubs? Is it a bonding experience? Bonding in misery, maybe!

How-To Guides You Never Thought You’d Need

Travel blogs are a great place to learn something new! And often it’s something you NEVER thought you needed to know…

How to Throw Out Your Garbage in Germany

Ali’s Adventures

Who knew just the act of throwing out your trash was so ridiculous and complicated in Germany?!

Ali shares what she’s learned as an expat in Berlin. Also, the comments are a gold mine.

How to Use the Toilet in India

BreatheDreamGo

Worrying about stocking up on toilet paper? Indians don’t use toilet paper at all!

India expert Mariellen shares all the tips for using the toilet in an unconventional (better?) way, and shares a hilarious video from Wilbur Sargunaraj.

How to Survive a Power Outage like a Puerto Rican

Indecisive Traveler

Reese spent years living in Puerto Rico, and during that time she went through quite a few power outages, including a four-day outage in 2016.

Step one? Immediately buy all the cold beer you can and take it home!

Big on Bidets: How Do You Use a Bidet and What is a Bidet For?

LL World Tour

Have you ever stopped in your tracks at the sight of a bidet in a bathroom in Italy or France and not known exactly how to use it?

Lisa shows you what you need to know. Because there’s nothing better than a clean anus!

Quirky Stories from the Road

All of us love to travel for the unusual things we discover on the road. Here are some of the best stories of unusual discoveries while traveling.

The Peens of Pompeii

Domestiphobia

Did you know that the ancient ruins of Pompeii are filled with penises? WELL, YOU DO NOW!

Katie visited the ruins for a day and was struck by how you can find a peen outline just about everywhere you look.

The Funniest Farm Market Sign in Southwest PA

Around the World L

Proof that there’s lots to be loved here in lesser-known parts of the US.

I love this sign that Lillie shared from a farmer with a side of sass!

Pictures of Cats and Dogs in Naples, Italy

2 Food Trippers

Naples is one of the greatest food cities in Italy — if not all of Europe — so it’s no surprise that the felines and canines of this city are as plump as they are adorable!

A cute post from Daryl and Mindi.

Sheep Driving Distractions in the Lake District

Raulerson Girl Travels

The Lake District of England is a wonderful place for a scenic drive…if it weren’t for the kamikaze sheep who leap right in front of your car!

I didn’t believe how fearless the sheep were until I saw Heather’s crazy photos.

How Creepy is the Ringling Brothers Circus Museum in Sarasota, Florida?

My Wanderlusty Life

You don’t have to be afraid of clowns to be creeped out by this weird museum, Ashley opines.

If you’re a hardcore circus fan, sure, knock yourself out! Other people? You don’t know what you’re getting into…

Lady Fails at Grocery Shopping

A Lady in London

Who knew it was so hard to grocery shop in the UK as an American? (Me. Boy, do I know that.)

Turns out none of the items are the same as what you would look for in the US (no tomato sauce ANYWHERE!) and Julie struggles to find normal items she just wants to cook.

Transportation in India: What the Tuk-Tuk?!

Traveling Canucks

Tuk-tuks are one of the most common forms of transportation in India — and they can be TERRIFYING.

Nicole and Cam vividly share every detail of a typical tuk-tuk ride, from near-accidents to carefully maneuvering around cows, and you’ll be white-knuckling it along with them.

That Time Angie Made Us Stay in a Sex Motel

Living the Dream RTW

When Jeremy and Angie had to spend the night in a Colombian border town, Angie chose a nondescript hotel.

Well. Turns out it was filled with a wide cadre of “hourly” guests all night long — and the walls were paper-thin.

You know…these funny posts don’t fit anywhere else, so here they are.

50 Amazingly Achievable Things to Do Before You Die

Fevered Mutterings

Forget those usual bucket list items — go skydiving! See Machu Picchu! — and focus on things that you CAN do. Trip on a shoelace. Use a leaf as a bookmark. Walk into plate glass.

Mike makes sure you’ll finish this post with a smile on your face.

8 Places to Travel in Case of a Zombie Apocalypse

Amateur Traveler

So once the zombie apocalypse actually hits, where should people be going? Chris shares his favorite spots, including Louisville, home to the famous baseball bat.

I have to admit, the isolated Atlantic island of Tristan da Cunha is an inspired choice.

8 Funny Facts About Traveling With Your Twin

Slow Spirit

Guilherme and his twin brother Gregório are identical twins who travel together — and they are VERY distinctive-looking. They get photographed nonstop, people who meet them individually refuse to believe there are two of them, and yes, they play a lot of pranks.

I laughed out loud at their hostel prank!

Thanks for reading! We loved sharing these posts with you.

Which one of these stories was your favorite? Share away!

10 thoughts on “45 Funny, Heartfelt, Unforgettable Travel Stories”

Thank you for doing this!!! I truly miss the days when travel blogs consisted of mostly stories, and truth be told there are a lot of blogs that I’ve unfollowed because the planning/SEO content got to be too much and I was significantly less interested. Hopefully more of you guys will use this as an opportunity to return to your roots!

I miss those days so much, Allison. And honestly, I think we’ve reached a major moment in our industry. The SEO chickens are coming home to roost. Bloggers who staked their sites 100% on SEO and Pinterest and 0% on retaining a regular audience are realizing that an event like this can make their income disappear. Whereas personality-based bloggers still have an audience.

Thanks so much for compiling this hilarious and dramatic list, Kate! I so appreciate how you think about and loop in the wider writing community and work to make sure everyone has a voice!

Lillie, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — thank you for being a Boston girl who blogged her trip around Southeast Asia a year before I did so I could use you as an example to show my parents I would be okay! 💕

Thank you for sharing these! Planning to make my way through these today and this week as I need a break from working from home. Please continue to let us know if there are more ways like these that we can support you during this time. I have loved following your blog for years and always appreciate you using your voice to amplify others; that is needed more than ever right now, and I want to help however I can. I’m sure others do as well.

Thank you, Veela, and I truly appreciate that. I have something coming out soon that I think you’ll really enjoy. 🙂

Thanks so much for this post!

I’ve spent all morning reading it instead of doing an SEO course I’d signed up for! A much better use of my time I’d say. I particularly like the way you are encouraging everyone to support each other, that’s what we need in an industry that’s supposed to be based around helping people.

No I don’t want to make $$$$ in just 10 days! I want to have a career I love and help people live out their travel dreams.

OH GOOD! This is not a waste of time — finding ways to smile and laugh in hard times is absolutely worth it!!

Love this idea for a roundup…you surfaced so many gems! All about the achievable bucket list and zombie apocalypse travel tips, not to mention that fabulous Titanic ship. Thanks for sharing our Alaska journey too!

Thanks so much for compiling this post. I have been looking for more bloggers to follow who actually have personalities. Have you ever read the blog The Sharonicles? She has a hilarious story about being flashed in Cuba.

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30 Short Stories For Your Commute

The 30 best short stories you can read on your commute, more from books & art, r29 original series.

Examples of famous travel stories that amaze students and the world

Traveling around the world is one of the most enlightening experiences you could have. Going abroad, even though it is just for a few days, will leave you full of energy and good vibes. Students love traveling as it expands their horizons. You get contact with a new culture, a new cuisine, new habits, and traditions.

You simply see others’ perspectives on life, spirituality, education, and not only. And this experience can truly be enriching. Traveling is something we all need in our lives. And sometimes, we are looking for that glimpse of inspiration and motivation to pursue our dreams.

Finding Your Soulmate

Anything can make an awesome trip. For some, it is finding out more about the local dishes and the ingredients characteristic to the traditional cuisine. For others, it is finding their soulmate in a place where they least expected to. This is the story of traveling blogger Juliette who was on a trip with her recently-married sister.

They were traveling across New Zealand and discovering the flabbergasting landscapes. As part of their trip, they were accommodated at a place that was still in construction. So, a lot of tanned and shirtless builders were there.

She made friends with one of them, asked him for recommendations and all kinds of things just to get closer to him. Four years later, they have become husband and wife and are living happy life. Traveling is about discovering things, but about finding your love too. And sometimes this happens when you least expect it.

Arrested in China

Looking back to this story ten years later makes it funny. But back then, it was not funny at all. Wendy and her husband were visiting China, especially an area where there are many Tibetan monasteries. So, they chose to visit one of them. But getting there by bus was really difficult as no one was speaking English. However, one bus finally accepted to take them but left them somewhere in the woods. A few moments later some police officers and SWAT members encircled them.

They were taken to the local police station where someone explained to them that tourists are not allowed to go to that monastery. They were freed afterward, but the experience was an interesting one, similar to a movie.

As a student, you might need to write a college essay on a given topic. And sometimes, your assignment might be to write a movie review. You can find online movie review examples to get you on the right track . Any example of film or movie review essay example will come with even more inspirational traveling stories, so do not steer away from these thought-provoking movies.

Out of the Comfort Zone

Traveling is often about stepping out of your comfort zone . You may interact with ideas that are challenging your beliefs. And sometimes, you may do things that take you out of your comfort zone. As is the case of Michaela from the Awe Inclusive blog. She spontaneously decided to go on a solo trip in Dubai as she found some cheap tickets.

Going on solo trips might be scary at the beginning. But you discover more about yourself and meet new people for sure. Which is exactly what happened to Michaela. She met Jibri, a nice girl during her trip. Even though she was not so talkative at the moment, she decided to go out of her comfort zone and start talking with her.

They exchanged numbers and met in Dubai , which made Michaela’s trip even more awesome. Going out of your comfort zone might not seem appealing, but it always comes with rewards.

Final Thoughts

Traveling comes with a lot of new experiences and discoveries. You do not only discover new places and traditions, but you also get to know yourself better. As a student, this might be one of the most enriching experiences you can partake in. and hopefully, these inspiring travel stories will amaze and urge you to plan your next trip.

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43 of the Most Iconic Short Stories in the English Language

From washington irving to kristen roupenian.

Last year, I put together this list of the most iconic poems in the English language ; it’s high time to do the same for short stories. But before we go any further, you may be asking: What does “iconic” mean in this context? Can a short story really be iconic in the way of a poem, or a painting, or Elvis?

Well, who knows, but for our purposes, “iconic” means that the story has somehow wormed its way into the general cultural consciousness—a list of the best short stories in the English language would look quite different than the one below. (Also NB that in this case we’re necessarily talking about the American cultural consciousness, weird and wiggly as it is.) When something is iconic, it is a highly recognizable cultural artifact that can be used as a shorthand—which often means it has been referenced in other forms of media. You know, just like Elvis. (So for those of you heading to the comments to complain that these stories are “the usual suspects”—well, exactly.) An iconic short story may be frequently anthologized , which usually means frequently read in classrooms, something that can lead to cultural ubiquity—but interestingly, the correlation isn’t perfect. For instance, Joyce’s “Araby” is anthologized more often, but for my money “The Dead” is more iconic . Film adaptations and catchy, reworkable titles help. But in the end, for better or for worse, you know it when you see it. Which means that, like anything else, it all depends on your point of view—icon status is (like most of the ways we evaluate art) highly subjective.

So, having acknowledged that there’s no real way to make this list, but because this is what we’re all here to do, here are some of the most iconic short stories for American readers in the English language—and a few more that deserve to be more iconic than they are.

Washington Irving, “Rip Van Winkle” (1819) and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” (1820) I agonized over whether I should pick “Rip Van Winkle” or “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” from Irving’s oeuvre. Both have many, many adaptations to their name and are so ubiquitous as to have drifted into the folklore realm. The latter certainly has more memorable recent adaptations, but the former  is the only one with a bridge named after it . Ah, screw it, we’ll count them both.

Edgar Allan Poe, “The Tell-Tale Heart” (1843) Poe’s early stream-of-consciousness horror story, unreliable narrator and heart beating under the floorboards and all, is certainly one of the most adapted—and even more often referenced —short stories in popular culture, and which may or may not be the source for all of the hundreds of stories in which a character is tormented by a sound only they can hear. (Still not quite as ubiquitous as Poe himself , though . . .)

Herman Melville, “Bartleby, the Scrivener” (1853) Once, while I was walking in Brooklyn, carrying my Bartleby tote bag , a woman in an SUV pulled over (on Atlantic Avenue, folks) to excitedly wave at me and yell “Melville! That’s Melville!” Which is all you really need to know about that .

Ambrose Bierce, “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” (1890) I will leave it to Kurt Vonnegut, who famously wrote , “I consider anybody a twerp who hasn’t read the greatest American short story, which is “Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge,” by Ambrose Bierce. It isn’t remotely political. It is a flawless example of American genius, like “Sophisticated Lady” by Duke Ellington or the Franklin stove.”

Charlotte Perkins Gilman, “The Yellow Wallpaper” (1892) Odds are this was the first overtly Feminist text you ever read, at least if you’re of a certain age; it’s become a stand-in for the idea of women being driven insane by the patriarchy—and being ignored by doctors, who deem them “hysterical.” This is another one with lots of adaptations to its name, including a memorable episode of The Twilight Zone , which concludes: “Next time you’re alone, look quickly at the wallpaper, and the ceiling, and the cracks on the sidewalk. Look for the patterns and lines and faces on the wall. Look, if you can, for Sharon Miles, visible only out of the corner of your eye or… in the Twilight Zone.”

Henry James, “The Turn of the Screw” (1898) Technically a novella, but discussed enough as a story that I’ll include it here (same goes for a couple of others on this list, including “The Metamorphosis”). It has, as a work of literature, inspired a seemingly endless amount of speculation, criticism, unpacking, and stance-taking. “In comment after comment, article after article, the evidence has been sifted through and judgments delivered,” Brad Leithauser wrote in The New Yorker . Fine, intelligent readers have confirmed the validity of the ghosts (Truman Capote); equally fine and intelligent readers have thunderously established the governess’s madness (Edmund Wilson).” And nothing that inspires so much interpretive interest could escape the many interpretations into other media: films, episodes of television, and much other literature.

Anton Chekhov, “The Lady with the Toy Dog” (1899) Widely acknowledged as one of Chekhov’s best stories, if not  the  best, and therefore almost no students get through their years at school without reading it. Has been adapted as a film, a ballet, a play, a musical, and most importantly, a Joyce Carol Oates short story.

W. W. Jacobs, “The Monkey’s Paw” (1902) So iconic—be careful what you wish for, is the gist—that you probably didn’t even know it started out as a short story. My favorite version is, of course, the Laurie Anderson song .

O. Henry, “The Gift of the Magi” (1905) According to Wikipedia, there have been 17 different film adaptations of O. Henry’s classic short story about a couple’s thwarted Christmas; the essential format—Della sells her hair to buy Jim a watch chain; Jim sells his watch to buy Della a set of combs—has been referenced and replicated countless times beyond that. I even heard Dax Shepard refer to this story on his podcast the other day, and so I rest my case.

James Joyce, “The Dead” (1914) The last story in Joyce’s collection  Dubliners and one of the best short stories ever written; just ask anyone who wanted to have read some Joyce but couldn’t crack  Ulysses . (Or anyone who could crack  Ulysses  too.) And let’s not forget the John Huston movie starring Anjelica Huston as Gretta.

Franz Kafka, “The Metamorphosis” (1915) Everyone has to read this in school, at some point—which is probably the reason why it’s been parodied, referenced, and adapted many times in just about every format . And why not? What could be more universal than the story of the man who wakes up to find himself transformed into an enormous insect?

Richard Connell, “The Most Dangerous Game” aka “The Hounds of Zaroff” (1924) “The most popular short story ever written in English” is obviously the one about aristocrats hunting people. Widely adapted , but one of my favorite versions is the episode of Dollhouse in which a Richard Connell (no relation except the obvious) hunts Echo with a bow.

Ernest Hemingway, “The Killers” (1927) I was tempted to include “Hills Like White Elephants” because of the number of people forced to read it to learn about dialogue (happily, there are other options ), but “The Killers,” while less often anthologized, is more influential overall, and gave us not only two full length film adaptations and a Tarkovsky short but Tobias Wolff’s “Bullet in the Brain,” which I do think is a very good story to learn from, if not for dialogue, then for story-making.

Zora Neale Hurston, “The Gilded Six-Bits” (1933) Hurston is most famous for  Their Eyes Were Watching God , but those who know will tell you that this story of love, marriage, betrayal, and love again—which was also made into a 2001 film—is a classic, too.

Shirley Jackson, “The Lottery” (1948) The short story that launched a thousand letters to  The New Yorker —or if not a thousand , then at least “a torrent . . . the most mail the magazine had ever received in response to a work of fiction.” Still taught widely in schools, and still chilling.

J. D. Salinger, “A Perfect Day for Bananafish” (1948) The very first story to destroy many a young mind. In a good way, obviously.

Ray Bradbury, “There Will Come Soft Rains” (1950)

Bradbury’s work has thoroughly permeated pop culture; plenty of his stories are widely adapted and referenced, so I could have chosen a few others here (“The Veldt” is my personal favorite). But every year, the image of a smart house going on long after the death of its occupants becomes more chilling and relevant an image; we can’t help but keep going back to it.

Daphne du Maurier, “The Birds” (1952) I know it’s really the Hitchcock film adaptation that’s iconic, but you wouldn’t have the Hitchcock without the du Maurier.

Flannery O’Connor, “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” (1953) Another oft-assigned (and oft-argued-over) story, this one with so many title rip-offs .

Elmore Leonard, “Three-Ten to Yuma” (1953) I know, I know, it’s “Fire in the Hole” that gave us  Justified , and we’re all so very glad. But “Three-Ten to Yuma” has more name recognition—after all, it was adapted into two separate and very good films, the former of which (1957) actually created contemporary slang : in Cuba, Americans are called yumas and the United States is  La Yuma .

Philip K. Dick, “The Minority Report” (1956) As a whole, Philip K. Dick’s work has had massive influence on literature, film, pop culture, and our cultural attitudes toward technology. Most of his best-known works are novels, but when a short story gets made into a Steven Spielberg/Tom Cruise film, you’re basically assuring iconic status right there. (Or at least that’s how it used to work…)

James Baldwin, “Sonny’s Blues” (1957) Baldwin’s best known short story pops up in plenty of anthologies, and can be thanked for being the gateway drug for many budding Baldwin acolytes.

Alan Sillitoe, “The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner” (1959) Not only is the story itself widely known and read—just ask Rod Blagojevich ( remember him? )—that title has been rewritten and reused thousands of times for varying ends—just ask the reporter who wrote that piece about Blagojevich. Or Adrian Tomine .

John Cheever, “The Swimmer” (1964) Cheever’s most famous story nails something essential about the mid-century American sensibility, and particularly the mid-century American suburbs, which is probably why everyone knows it (it’s also frequently anthologized). Or maybe it’s more about Burt Lancaster’s little shorts ? Either way.

Joyce Carol Oates, “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” (1966) Another frequently anthologized and unwaveringly excellent short story; and look, it’s no one’s fault that Laura Dern turns everything she touches iconic.

Toni Cade Bambara, “The Lesson” (1972) Yet another story often assigned in schools (the good ones, anyway), which hopefully means one day we’ll wake up and find out that everyone has read it.

Ursula K. Le Guin, “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas” (1973) As others have pointed out before me , Le Guin’s most read and most famous short story is almost always chillingly relevant.

Donald Barthelme, “The School” (1974) This one might only be iconic for writers, but considering it’s one of the best short stories ever written (according to me), I simply couldn’t exclude it.

Jamaica Kincaid, “Girl” (1978) Another staple of a writer’s education, and a reader’s; “are you really going to be the kind of woman who the baker won’t let near the bread?” being a kind of bandied-about shibboleth.

Raymond Carver, “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love” (1981) I struggled choosing a Carver story for this list—”Cathedral” is more important, and probably more read, but “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love” has transcended its own form more completely, at least with its title, which has spawned a host of echoes, including Haruki Murakami’s What I Talk About When I Talk About Running , and Nathan Englander’s What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank , to the point that I think it’s recognizable to just about everyone. A quick Google search will reveal that the framing has been used for almost everything you can think of. There’s—and I kid you not—a What We Talk About When We Talk About Books/War/Sex/God/The Tube/Games/Rape/Money/Creative Writing/Nanoclusters/Hebrew/The Weather/Defunding the Police/Free Speech/Taxes/Holes/Climate/The Moon/Waste/Cancel Culture/Impeachment/Gender/Digital Inclusions/Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease/COVID-19 . You see what I’m getting at here.

Stephen King, “The Body” (1982) Otherwise known, to the general public, as  Stand By Me .

Amy Hempel, “In the Cemetery Where Al Jolson is Buried” (1983) Want to feel bad about your writing? This was the first short story Amy Hempel ever wrote.

Lorrie Moore, “How to Be an Other Woman” (1985) A very very good short story that has given rise to so many bad ones.

Mary Gaitskill, “Secretary” (1988) Bad Behavior  is iconic as a whole , but probably the story to have most acutely permeated the wider culture is “Secretary,” on account of the film adaptation starring Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader—despite the fact that it totally butchers the ending.

Amy Tan, “Rules of the Game” (1989) This story originally appeared in The Joy Luck Club , Tan’s mega-bestseller, so probably almost everyone you know has read it. The film version didn’t hurt either.

Tim O’Brien, “The Things They Carried” (1990) Why, it’s only the most anthologized short story of the last 30(ish) years. That’s why even the people you know who haven’t picked up a book in their adult lives have read it.

Denis Johnson, “Emergency” (1992) When I left New York to go get my MFA, a friend gave me a copy of Jesus’ Son with the inscription “Because everyone in your MFA will talk about it and you don’t want to be the girl who hasn’t read it. (It’s also really good).” He was not wrong.

Annie Proulx, “Brokeback Mountain” (1997) Everybody knows this story—even if they only know it from its (massively successful and influential, not to mention the true Best Picture Winner of 2006) film adaptation—and not for nothing, coming out when it did, it went a long way towards making some Americans more comfortable with homosexuality. Open the floodgates, baby.

Jhumpa Lahiri, “A Temporary Matter” (1998) The story that made Lahiri a household name.

Ted Chiang, “Story of Your Life” (1998) Otherwise known as  Arrival . (Also technically a novella.)

Alice Munro, “The Bear Came Over the Mountain” (2001) At this point, almost everyone has read at least some  Alice Munro, right? This story is one of the best from one of the greats, and was also adapted into a fantastic but heartbreaking film,  Away From Her .

Kristen Roupenian, “Cat Person” (2017) Sure, it’s recent, so it’s not quite as ingrained as some of the others here, but it’s also the story that broke the internet —and quite possibly the only New Yorker  story that thousands of people have ever read.

Finally, as is often the case with lists that summarize the mainstream American literary canon of the last 200 years, it is impossible not to recognize that the list above is much too white and male. So for our future and continuing iconography, your friends at Literary Hub suggest reading the following stories, both new and old:

Eudora Welty, “Why I Live at the P.O.” (1941) Clarice Lispector, “The Imitation of the Rose” (1960) Leslie Marmon Silko, “The Man to Send Rain Clouds” (1969) Ralph Ellison, “Cadillac Flambé” (1973) Octavia Butler, “Bloodchild” (1984) Bharati Mukherjee, “The Management of Grief” (1988) John Edgar Wideman, “Fever” (1990) Sandra Cisneros, “Woman Hollering Creek” (1991) Christine Schutt, “To Have and to Hold” (1996) ZZ Packer, “Brownies” (2003) Edward P. Jones, “Marie” (2004) Karen Russell, “Haunting Olivia” (2005) Kelly Link, “Stone Animals” (2005) Edwidge Danticat, “Ghosts” (2008) Yiyun Li, “A Man Like Him” (2008) Claire Vaye Watkins, “Ghosts, Cowboys” (2009) Ottessa Moshfegh, “Bettering Myself” (2013) Amelia Gray, “House Heart” (2013) Zadie Smith, “Meet the President!” (2013) Carmen Maria Machado, “The Husband Stitch” (2014) Diane Cook, “The Way the End of Days Should Be” (2014) Kirstin Valdez Quade, “Five Wounds” (2015) NoViolet Bulawayo, “Shhhh” (2015) Mariana Enriquez, “Spiderweb” (2016) Ken Liu, “State Change” (2016) Helen Oyeyemi, “Sorry Doesn’t Sweeten Her Tea” (2016) Lesley Nneka Arimah, “What Is a Volcano?” (2017) James McBride, “The Christmas Dance” (2017) Viet Thanh Nguyen, “War Years” (2017) Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, “Friday Black” (2018). . .

Honestly, this list could go on forever, but let’s stop and say: more short stories of all kinds in the hands of the general public, please!

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Blog – Posted on Sunday, Jun 17

Best short stories and collections everyone should read.

If you are on the lookout for great storytelling but don’t want to commit to a full-length novel, then short story collections are the answer. Whether it’s just before bed, during your commute, or waiting to see your doctor, small chunks of time are perfect for reading short stories.

Here we have gathered thirty-one of the best short stories and collections , from all sorts of backgrounds and sources, to help you grow your “To Be Read” pile.

For your convenience, we've divided this post into two parts: 1. the ten best free short stories to read right now , and 2. best short story collections. Feel free to jump to the section that you prefer!

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the number of great short stories out there, you can also take our 30-second quiz below to narrow it down quickly and get a personalized short story recommendation 😉

Which short story should you read next?

Discover the perfect short story for you. Takes 30 seconds!

Free Short Stories to Read Right Now

These individual short stories are the best of the best — and the even better news is that they're available for free online for you to peruse. From classics published in the 1900s to a short story that exploded in late 2017, here are ten of the greatest free short stories for you to read.

1. “Lamb to the Slaughter” by Roald Dahl

While not exactly a philosophical or political tale like our first two examples, this twisty short story from Dahl does delve into some shady moral territory. We are introduced to Mary Maloney: a loving wife and dedicated homemaker. In just a few short paragraphs describing how she welcomes her husband home, Dahl makes us sympathize with Mary — before a rash act turns her life upside down and takes the reader with her on a dark journey.

For those who haven’t read it, we won’t spoil the rest. However, it’s safe to say that Dahl serves up a fiendish twist on a platter.

2. “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson

A perennial feature in many a high school syllabus, Shirley Jackson’s best-known short story clinically details an unusual ritual that takes place in a small town. There’s not exactly a lot of plot to spoil in The Lottery — but within a few short pages, Jackson manages to represent the mob mentality that can drive reasonable people to commit heinous acts.

3. “How to Become a Writer” by Lorrie Moore

Told in the second person point of view , this story from Moore’s debut anthology Self-Help takes an honest look at the inner life of a struggling artist. Through the use of an unusual POV, the author manages to turn her reader into a confidante — making it abundantly clear that the ‘you’ the narrator is speaking about is actually herself.

This story is a standout, but the entire collection is well worth a read for its insight, humor, and disregard for literary norms.

4. “Cat Person” by Kristen Roupenian

In the Social Media Age, no short story has gone viral the way this New Yorker contribution from Roupenian has. Arriving at the height of #MeToo, it begins with 20-year-old Margot embarking on the early stages of flirtation with an older man, Robert. As she gets to know more about this man (as well as filling in the gaps with her imagination), the power dynamic in their relationship starts to fluctuate.

Lauded for its portrayal of Margot’s inner life and the fears many modern women face when it comes to dating, it also has its fair share of detractors — many are critical of the central character, some are downright outraged by the story’s success. Still, this story undeniably struck a chord with the reading public, and will likely remain relevant for some time.

5. “Cathedral” by Raymond Carver

First published in The Atlantic Monthly in 1981, “Cathedral” is today known as one of Raymond Carver’s finest works. When it opens, we meet a narrator whose wife is expecting a visit from an old friend, a blind man. Dissatisfied and distrusting of people not like him, our narrator struggles to connect until the blind man asks him to describe a cathedral to him. 

 “Cathedral” is one of Carver’s own personal favorites, and deservedly so. His characteristic minimalist style is devastating as the story builds up to a shattering moment of emotional truth — an ultimate reminder that no-one else can capture the quiet sadness of working-class people like him. 

6. “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” by Flannery O’Connor

Innocuously titled, “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” is nevertheless Flannery O’Connor’s bleakest — and most famous — work. It begins unassumingly with a Southern family who’s planning to go on a road trip. Yet the journey is rudely interrupted when their car overturns on an abandoned dirt road — and they are met by an enigmatic group of three men, coming up over the far hill. 

This short story inspired some strong reactions from the public upon publication — and the conversation continues today as to its frank depiction of the nature of good and evil. Again, we won’t spoil anything for you, except to say that “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” is well worth your time. 

7. “Symbols and Signs” by Vladimir Nabokov

The famous author of Lolita wrote “Signs and Symbols” in 1948. Its premise is seemingly simple: an elderly couple visits their mentally ill son in the sanatorium in America. Yet their background and trials come into sharp focus as the story develops, until an explosive ending disrupts everyone’s peace of mind. 

As you might expect, the somber “Symbols and Signs” diverges sharply from Lolita in terms of both tone and subject — but its ending will keep you awake at night thinking about its implications.  

8. “Sticks” by George Saunders

Not so much a short story as it is flash fiction, “Sticks” is written from the perspective of a young man whose father has an unusual habit: dressing up a crucifix that’s built of out a metal pole in the yard. One of America’s greatest living short story writers, George Saunders explained: "For two years I'd been driving past a house like the one in the story, imagining the owner as a man more joyful and self-possessed and less self-conscious than myself. Then one day I got sick of him and invented his opposite, and there was the story." 

The result is a masterful piece of fiction that builds something out of seemingly nothing — all in the space of only two paragraphs. 

9. “The Veldt” by Ray Bradbury

If there’s anyone who you can trust to deliver thought-provoking, terrifying science fiction on the regular, it’s Ray Bradbury. In “The Veldt,” George and Lydia Hadley have bought an automated house that comes with a “nursey,” or a virtual reality room. Worried about the nursery’s effect on the kids, George and Lydia think about turning off the nursey — but the problem is that their children are obsessed with it. 

As an ominously prescient prediction of the downside of technology, “The Veldt” is a short and shining example of how Ray Bradbury was an author before his time. 

10. “Flowers for Algernon” by Daniel Keyes

In this classic short story, we are privy to the journals of Charlie Gordon, a cleaner with an IQ of 68. ("I reely wantd to lern I wantid it more even then pepul who are smarter even then me. All my life I wantid to be smart and not dumb.”) Charlie’s luck changes when he is selected for an experiment that purports to turn him into a genius — but everything that goes up must come down in the end. 

“Flowers for Algernon” won the Hugo Award in 1960 for its groundbreaking presentation. Heartbreaking and rich with subtle poignance, it is likely to remain a staple for centuries to come.  

Best Short Story Collections to Devour

If you'd like many short stories at your fingertips all at once, short story collections are where you should look. Here, we've collected 21 of the best short story collections — along with the standout story in each volume.

11. A Manual for Cleaning Women by Lucia Berlin

Standout Story: “A Manual for Cleaning Women”

12. Blow-up and Other Stories by Julio Cortázar

Standout Story: “House Taken Over”

13. Drifting House by Krys Lee

Standout Story: “Drifting House”

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14. Dubliners by James Joyce

Standout Story: “The Dead”

15. Everything’s Eventual: 14 Dark Tales by Stephen King

Standout Story: “Riding the Bullet”

16. Ficciones by Jorge Luis Borges

Standout Story: “The Garden of Forking Paths”

17. Florida by Lauren Groff

Standout Story: “Above and Below”

18. Fragile Things: Short Fictions and Wonders by Neil Gaiman

Standout Story: “The Flints of Memory Lane”

19. Kiss Kiss by Roald Dahl

Standout Story: “The Pig”

20. Men Without Women by Haruki Murakami

Standout Story: “Samsa in Love”

21. Nine Stories by J.D. Salinger

Standout Story: “For Esme - With Love and Squalor”

22. Rashōmon and Seventeen Other Stories by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa

Standout Story: “In a Bamboo Grove”

23. Runaway by Alice Munro

Standout Story: “Runaway”

24. Strange Pilgrims by Gabriel García Márquez

Standout Story: “The Trail of Your Blood in the Snow”

25. The Collected Stories by Grace Paley

Standout Story: “A Man Told Me the Story of His Life”

26. The Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway by Ernest Hemingway

Standout Story: “Hills Like White Elephants”

27. The Complete Stories by Flannery O’Connor

Standout Story: “A Good Man is Hard to Find”

28. The Essential Tales of Chekhov by Anton Chekhov

Standout Story: “The Lady with the Dog”

29. The Refugees by Viet Thanh Nguyen

Standout Story: “I’d Love You to Want Me”

30. The Thing Around Your Neck by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Standout Story: “The Thing Around Your Neck”

31. The Youngest Doll by Rosario Ferré

Standout Story: “When Women Love Men”

Ready to write your own short story? Check out these short story ideas for all your inspiration needs.

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Famous Short Stories About Travel

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short travel love stories ? Then you’re in the right place!

This guide shares some of the best travel stories you can find.

Discover funny anecdotes that will make you laugh, inspiring love stories from the road that will warm your heart, wild travel tales that will have you glued to your screen, travel horror stories that will take you out of your comfort zone, scary travel stories that will creep you out, and more.

Alongside perusing my very own brief tales about venturing to the far corners of the planet, you’ll hear from different travelers who have extraordinary stories to share.

On that note, scroll down to read some truly interesting travel stories that will make you giggle, cry, scream, and more.

Table Of Contents Crazy Travel Stories Short Travel Stories About Kindness & Love Funny Travel Stories Travel Experience Stories Inspiring Travel Stories Short Travel Stories FAQ

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17 Solo Travel Stories – From Fears, Lonelyness and the best time of the Life!

Here you can discover beautiful solo traveler stories, created by those brave souls that dared to venture to unknown places by themselves. But as every solo traveler knows, travelling alone never means being lonely. There are so many people to meet, especially when you stay in 5 star hostels !

All of these stories are written by friends, readers and only real-life solo travelers.

Keen for even more entertaining and inspiring travel stories? Check out are huge collection below.

Read all the great stories from around the world. You can instantly share them as well if you enjoy them!

Find all 180+ short travel stories here.

What happens in Venice stays in Venice – my Selfie Stick Fiasco

There I was. In Venice. In Italy. For real. A backpacker visiting a house transformed into a beautiful museum. I had just discovered there was a magnificent terrace perched on the Grand Canal. I completely fell in love with the place. The colors, the sparkling water, the calm of this hidden gem, a real happy place.

I wanted to immortalize this singular moment.

So I took it out, for the first time, this mystery object that everyone was talking about, this thing that is supposed to be an essential because it takes your pictures to the next level. I had finally given in and purchased a selfie stick.

I was shy to use it, a bit of a rookie technology.

So I waited to be alone. I deployed it and put my phone on it like it should have been. But it was not. Unfortunately.

It fell apart, and it was not supposed to.

My phone dropped on the floor, and it was not supposed to.

It slid and went directly underneath the small opening of the fence. And it was not supposed to.

So there I was. In Venice. Admiring and cursing the Grand Canal. For real.

– – – Our guide to Venice: When heading to Venice, make sure you take a look at our tips to discover the hidden Venice with our 6 secrets. Does it still exist? Yes, and we will help you find your own piece of Venice.

Food on a budget: Here is our guide to where to eat in Venice – 22 places recommended by locals.

A stunning hostel: Check out as well the best hostel in Venice, the COMBO Hostel – it is a former monastery. Here is our full hostel review of COMBO Hostel .

Update : brand new complete guide to the best hostels in Venice

Falling back in love with travel in Luang Prabang, Laos

I arrived in Luang Prabang feeling exhausted and very unhappy with Laos. In the last couple of weeks, everything had gone wrong, from being stuck at the border with a passport that wasn’t mine to mini buses going the wrong way . At that point, I had decided that Laos and I just weren’t going to become friends.

Determined to leave, I walked through the city looking for a travel agency when the sun started to set.

Monks were making paper lanterns and decorating the streets, kids were running around in between. The river was sparkling in the evening light. Milkshake in one hand, camera in the other, a smile slowly came back to my face . Maybe the city wasn’t so bad after all. I stayed until my visa expired.

Read : best hostels in Luang Prabang

Flattering Disasters in Paris – Kissing in France?

Before exploring the city of love, I wandered into a nearby park to enjoy some long-awaited downtime. Unbeknownst to me, my blissful repose would be cut short by a disheveled, meandering charmer.

He made his way over, sat down, and began his flirtations, selectively oblivious to the fact that I was deep in that whole writing alone thing. No matter, within minutes he somehow managed to kiss my hand, write his number in my journal, and propose that “all French and Americans kiss on the lips.”  With swift persistence, I joked my way on out of there, oddly curious about his disastrous forwardness and, at the same time, infuriated by his violation of my journal.

As a relatively new traveler, this encounter provided a humorous insight into the differences of men throughout the world. Interestingly, I do prefer to experience new cultures and culture shock right in the face, but maybe not so much on the mouth…

Make yourself familiar with France and read a proper guide to backpacking France before coming over.

– – –

Heading to the French capital? You can find +28  fun things to do in Paris , collected by us. Rollerblading, boat party, and pizza picnic – enjoy!

For the best budget accommodations in town, read 3 best hostels in Paris .

How Istanbul put My Life in Order – Never give up

I arrived in Istanbul with a negative bank balance and a dire need for employment. I was couch-surfing to tide me over and set out one day to explore the Megapolis.

Before I knew it, I was on the Asian side – literally a different continent – in a giant bus hub with no English speakers in sight.

Lost and overwhelmed with life in general, I asked for a sign that everything would work out OK. Then I looked up and saw my couch-surfing host – the only person I knew in a city of 20 million. We went back together, I got offered a job that week and stayed for a year.

If you are now restless and want to head off to Istanbul, here is our detailed guide to the 3 best hostels in Istanbul . This guide will help you to spot the coolest budget hostels to stay in and safe places to mingle with fellow mates. And hopefully, your Istanbul experience will be as glowing as the travel story above.

Read: Real Travel Love Stories – Travel the World to find your Soul Mate

My Au Pair Experience was terrible – I traveled Europe instead

The taxi dropped me off at the Ostello Villa Olmo, a youth hostel in Como, Italy. Sore after carrying a heavy backpack on my back plus a large suitcase that was broken, I stumbled into the reception room. I had just fled a bad situation with a family I had au paired with. I thought things were going well, but then they started placing more and more demands on me until it got to the point where I couldn’t even go out with friends. Even that made them angry. I was expected to place their family first at all times. I felt like a slave. I had to get out fast! Thankfully I did, but when I arrived at the Ostello in Como, I was desperate to find support.

Much to my relief, a man greeted me and took care of my luggage . Since I had no cash to pay for my stay, I had to pay by credit card. Thankfully, the lady at the desk accepted credit cards. I paid for one night.

Fear gripped my heart, but through the pain, I was thankful I was safe and that I had a place to lay my head at night. I decided to travel through Europe instead of staying any day longer with this family!

Read: 77 Short Travel Stories from around the World

Meeting the nicest person in Lithuania

I arrived at Siarliai, a small Lithuanian town by bus, to look at the “hill of crosses”. I had just missed the connecting bus that was supposed to take me there , so took a taxi, spending much more than I had planned. We drove through the fields, far away from the city. When we reached the hill, the driver looked at me: „Wait? The bus is far away“ – “No, thanks, I can walk” – “no, I’ll wait, you can’t stay here.” – “No, thanks.”

I got out of the car and walked towards the hill, hoping I would find my way back. When I came back an hour later, the driver was still there: “I will take you to the city – no money” . That was the moment I fell in love with Lithuania.

A Burning Love For Solo Travel – Not the conventional way to meet People

A long time ago, in a continent far, far away, I was travelling around Australia with two friends when I decided to go my own way and take a sailing trip around the Whitsunday Islands. It wasn’t that we’d fallen out, but one had to work in Sydney and the other had a flight to catch, and I was determined not to let their plans stop me from seeing everything the Gold Coast had to offer.

Note : Traveling around Australia? Find the guide to the 3 best hostels in Sydney here . Here you find the 3 best hostels in Melbourne .

And so I signed up to the first catamaran cruise I could find and rocked up on the morning of the tour with only a crate of beers for company. I figured this would be the best way to make friends.

Everyone on the boat, except me, was with a group of buddies, and – not wanting to foist myself on anyone – I started the trip casually taking photos of the gorgeous turquoise seascapes, rather than risk being labelled the weird hanger-on guy.

Any external stimuli was a great excuse to occupy myself, and seeing a lush island crop up behind us, I walked to the back of the boat to get my shot. If only there was something to lean on I thought… and hey presto I spied a metal box with a lovely slanting lid perfect for steadying my forearms on. Only the metal box was not a container: it was a lit barbecue that had been heating up all morning, ready to cook lunch.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t a round of tasty kangaroo burgers that got burned, but the flesh on my arms.

Screaming in pain, I (obviously) removed my arms immediately.

“My god that f@#€ing hurt!”

The worst thing though was that, to begin with at least, no marks appeared on my skin and no one took me seriously when I said I was in a huge pain. The captain of the ship was reluctant to use the limited water supply to allay the damage, and I didn’t have any friends even just to sympathize with me.

“In short I sat on deck, suffering in silence, trying not to cry.”

Eventually, my arms started to turn purple and people started to take my injuries seriously at last.

One girl, learning of my wounds, offered me a special cream she had for burns. It turned out she was from Beckenham… a small town in South London that just happens to be where I was born!

What a co-incidence, to meet here, on a boat, pretty much in the exact opposite corner of the world from where we both grew up. I’m not sure what I was pleased with – the medical treatment she offered me, or just the fact that I now had a new friend and a shoulder to cry on!

In the end, after a bit of treatment – and a few beers – the pain dulled enough that I was able to enjoy the astonishing beauty of the Whitsundays and have fun with all the cool people I did eventually get talking to on the boat. Although the burns actually got infected when I went swimming in the tropical sea, I did at least get some professional medical attention a few days later, and some awesome Ninja-style bandages.

It’s not the conventional way to meet people, and I don’t really recommend it.

But it just goes to show that even burning your arms on a barbecue can become part of your travel adventure, part of your story, and can turn out ok in the end.

This Short Travel Story was sent to us by Duncan. Duncan is a world-traveler and chief-editor of one of the top 100 travel blogs in the world, Urbantravelblog.com

Check out all our best hostels in Australia .

Here you can find the

• 3 best hostels in Sydney
• 3 best hostels in Melbourne
• 3 best hostels in Cairns
• 3 best hostels in Alice Springs , central Australia

Heading to Alice Springs? Here’s our guide to cool things to do in Alice Springs .

I had the Worst Coffee of my life in Ramallah, Palestine

I love to think back and getting reminded about my travels in Palestine. It was fascinating to experience both Israel and Palestine by my own, to talk to people, and see the daily life outside the news. I left Jerusalem in the morning, and when I arrived in Ramallah, I felt like a coffee . So I looked around, and walked into an old café: heart-warming people, Arabic music, and the worst coffee of my life!

The coffee had the spice caraway in it, which is a great spice but not within a mix for coffee. However, as a caffeine-lover I drank it all, and now I can say for sure: it was the worst coffee of my life!

This story was written by Matt from Hostelgeeks

Unexpected Kindness from a Stranger in Bruges

I arrived in Bruges late at night and I could not understand my map. I therefore couldn’t find my way to my hostel, so asked a woman for directions. She said she was going that way so would point me in the right direction, and she ended up walking me to the door.

She told me she worked at the belfry, a medieval bell tower. Furthermore, she told me to come the next morning, and she would let me in to this prime tourist attraction for free.

I went, she welcomed me, and she handed me a free ticket! I am always thinking about this story when it comes to Bruges.

Read : Best hostels in Bruges

In Paris I helped an elderly couple and they surprised me!

I was moping in my French-speaking-blues on the metro en route to the 7th arrondissement. I decided to exit and walk off my foul mood. As I departed, I heard a mixture of laughter and Irish-accented bickering from an elderly couple in front of the metro map . I established they believed their destination was, “sortie,” which means, “exit” in French, much to my amusement.

I located their hotel and guided them . They were exhausted, and I left them to recuperate on a park bench. I proceeded trying on expensive boots. Flustered, the man interrupted, asking me to find his vanished wife. As I approached the bench, she was just as I left her. The man returned, holding a shoebox in his hands.

My heart pooled over with gratitude when I saw the boots.

Life is only as fantastic as the enthusiasm of your attitude and willingness to help others .

Heading to the French capital? Read our handwritten guides:

• +24 fun things to do in Paris , collected by us. Rollerblading, boat party, and pizza picnic
• best party hostels in Paris
• 3 best hostels in Paris – with map

Getting lost in Berlin and finding a friend

I arrived in Berlin after a confusing train ride and was happy to be just a few subway stops away from my hostel. When I sat down, a girl came to me and pointed at my hands: “ I like your nail polish ” and then at my suitcase:

“ Are you visiting or leaving? ”.

She told me that she was from Sweden and had just arrived to Berlin after traveling the world for a year.

We talked for 20 minutes until I realized that I ended up far away from where I wanted to go – I did get on the wrong subway after all. Maybe I was lost in Berlin but had found a new friend.

Tears from Palestine – My homage to a friend’s wedding

Sometimes when I’ve been on the road for a while I get so used to living in the moment, day in day out, that I don’t even realize what I am doing at the time. It’s just a spontaneous action that creates memories.

When I woke up that morning, I knew where all my mates back home were going to be that day: at the wedding of two of our friends. I always enjoyed the big events, but I wasn’t going to be there. Instead, I was taking a tour through Palestine. Months of planning had gone into this four-week trip around the Middle East.

All day I had my eye out for a gift for the happy couple, but it wasn’t until we stopped at the dividing wall between Palestine and Israel, and the tour guide handed me a can of spray paint, that the idea hit me.

So without much thought, I got to work. I only had a small window of opportunity to create my own little piece of art, and I finished it in a few minutes. It wasn’t my best work, but I still stood back proud of what I had created. I snapped a photo, posted it on the wedded couple’s Facebook page , and was back on the bus ready for the next stop on the tour.

Not until later that evening did I realize the moment I had created. Sitting at the backpackers bar, I read their response to my photo, and a teardrop fell into my glass of whiskey.

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13 Short, Funny Travel Stories Guaranteed To Cheer You Up

We all need some laughter in our life after the year that’s just gone, so to try and cheer you up I asked 13 travel bloggers to share their favourite short, funny travel stories.

There’s quite a range in here, from hot policemen to an angry nun, unintentional nudism to lizard fishing.

And if these stories have taught me one thing, it’s stay away from animals!

I hope you you enjoy them, if you have any funny travel stories of your own then drop them in the comments at the bottom.

The Never-Ending Bus Ride   

There was this time when we wanted to travel from Puerto Princesa to the tropical paradise of El Nido (Palawan, the Philippines). The journey was around 260 km and I had done plenty of research online to see what would be the best transportation option.  

After careful deliberation, it seemed that a trip with Roro Bus company would be the best value for money. In fact, based upon the recommendations and reviews online, my expectations were actually quite high… 

The promises made were all very appealing:

• The bus would be air-conditioned!  (I guess it technically was, if open or simply missing windows count )
• The bus would be modern!  (It made the Temples of Angkor seem thoroughly modern )
• The bus would leave on time!  (Forget leaving on time it ARRIVED three hours late)
• The bus would take five hours! ( It did. Plus another three. And that’s not including the three hours it was late)
• The bus wouldn’t stop to pick up people along the way!  (Um, well, no. It stopped everywhere. And I mean everywhere. At one point, there were around 20 school children standing in the middle of the bus, rice bags stowed under every seat and I swear I heard a rooster’s crow coming from a paint can)

No, Roro bus was definitely not what I expected it to be. Despite the fact that our trip journey took twice as long as advertised and I for sure wasn’t too happy about it at that moment, looking back it’s one of my fondest travel memories.  

Because who cares that the bus trip was not what I expected. And that I was six hours late. Late for what? I didn’t have anywhere to be! In that moment I learned that, sometimes, you just have to let go instead of getting upset or annoyed. Though needless to say, we didn’t book a ticket back to Puerto Princesa with Roro bus!

By Lotte from  GezondWeekmenu  

An Aggressive Nun

As an atheist who has travelled to sixty-five countries, I’ve always taken pride in respecting local religions (even if I disagree with them) and erring on the side of being overly conservative when I visit places of worship.

When I was travelling in Armenia I made a special detour to Tatev , a monastery built at the edge of a cliff, at the end of a long aerial tramway.

I made sure to dress very conservatively that day, with my legs fully covered in loose pants, a loose top with long sleeves and a scarf covering my head. I kept my camera and phone safely inside my purse, as per the posted rules and, to respect the actual worshippers, I stayed towards the back of the monastery, sitting silently, even as other groups of local tourists snapped photos with flashes, wore miniskirts and generally caused a ruckus.  

So, imagine my surprise when a nun walked past me and gave me a firm slap on the arm! 

This was no gentle tap – the nun full-on smacked me, then stood there staring. I tugged at the scarf over my head, thinking maybe some of my hair had slipped loose. It hadn’t. I looked at the bench I’d sat on, thinking maybe I’d missed a sign saying it was off-limits. It wasn’t.

The nun smacked me again, harder this time, and on the leg.

In shock, I shifted my position to move my legs out of her reach, in the process uncrossing my legs. 

At that moment, the nun smiled, gave me a sharp nod, and walked away. I realized that my offence had been my crossed legs – an offence not forbidden on the list of rules posted at the entrance, but that one nun apparently so found so horrifying, so distasteful and so vulgar that she had to smack me… twice. 

By Carly from Fearless Female Travels

An Eight-Legged Visitor

Sitting in the breakfast boma at Quatermain’s safari camp in South Africa I was enjoying a leisurely breakfast after an early morning safari and chatting to our guide about the animals we had spotted.

READ NEXT: Where To Go On Safari in Africa – 4 Countries to Consider

My son, who was 12 at the time, casually turned to me and said “I think I’ve just seen a spider run up your leg”.

Thankfully I don’t have even a small fear of spiders, but looking down at my leg and realising it wasn’t there I have to admit to being a tad concerned.

I turned back to him “did you see where it went?”.

I wasn’t expecting his answer, but then who would be? It turns out our little friend had gone shooting up my back, used my hood as a little diving board and was now entwined in my hair.

At this point a dark thought crossed my mind.

Spiders in Africa have the unfortunate nack of being a little bigger than their cousins in England . Whilst my fear of British spiders was non-existent, the beads of perspiration forming on my brow suggested my brain was filling in the blanks on how big this guy would be.

Our safari ranger heard our conversation rushed over and rummaged through my long hair to retrieve my eight-legged visitor. To say I wasn’t prepared for what he showed me was an understatement, this spider made your average house-cat look small.

My eyes must have popped out on stalks and the ranger couldn’t help but laugh. He was nice enough to tell me I had stayed really calm compared to other guests who had had a similar experience – including one who had gone into a frenzied screaming fit and run naked out of the shower cubicles! 

It turns out that it was a rain spider and I had been sitting beneath its nest. It had just come out to say hello!

From Angie at  WhereAngieWanders.com

Jurassic Lark

It was late in the evening and I was wandering through Sky Avenue in Genting Highlands eating some ready-to-eat noodles before boarding the cable car back to Kuala Lumpur.

Suddenly, I heard sounds of hysterical laughter from behind one of the pillars near a subway kiosk. I decided to approach and see what was going on, but little did I expect to see a giant dinosaur come bursting around the corner snapping its jaws .

“Oh, Jesus!” escaped instantaneously out of my mouth. 

Of course, I knew that that the dinosaur wasn’t for real. Malaysia has some pretty exotic wildlife, but even I figured that this had to be some clever trick.

However, by now my heart was beating rapidly and some natural instinct kicked in. I turned, ran and managed to spill the noodles I was eating all over the street. For some unknown reason, I was also laughing uncontrollably!

A far less natural and more modern instinct then took over. This would make a great selfie! I stood in the path of the dinosaur which was now a few feet behind me. It opened its big mouth as if it wanted to take a huge chunk of me for dinner, but I still managed to force out a smile.

As soon as I heard the sound of the camera shutter, I ran away from there without looking back. 

This has to be one of the most amusing farewells I’ve had from a place!

From Anukrati at bulbulonthewing.com

Smuggling in the Galapagos

We were on our honeymoon in the Galapagos and had spent a relaxing week sailing around the islands, snorkelling with sealions, and meeting marine iguanas. It was the culmination of a month travelling around Peru and Ecuador, and we were sad to be returning home.

However, as we arrived at the tiny rustic airport and put our backpacks through the scanner, all hell broke loose.

Several armed guards suddenly appeared and marched Hubbie off without a word of explanation. I ran pathetically behind, assuming there had been some sort of mix up, but as they took him behind a make-shift screen, I could see his bag lying forlornly on the ground, surrounded by suspicious officials.

My heart sank. Had we unwittingly been used as drug mules or something?

The guards began barking at Hubbie in Spanish, who didn’t understand what they were asking. Trying to eavesdrop from outside, I offered to translate but they ignored my pleas. Eventually it transpired they’d found a small bag of white powder in the bottom of his rucksack.

Panic set in.

Not only might we miss our flight, but were we going to jail?

Finally, they allowed Hubbie to unpack his bag, and the culprit was revealed.

An innocent packet of salt that we’d purchased at some mines in Peru.

And definitely not Galapagos sand, which was what they thought he’d been trying to smuggle!!

Ironically, after all the effort of getting it home, that salt still sits in our kitchen cupboard 13 years later. Yet another souvenir that seemed a good idea at the time.

Heather Cole at Conversant Traveller

READ NEXT: What Happens If You Don’t Show Up For a Flight?

A Lizard Lasso

I spent a year of my university studies in Malaysia and at the end of this year I went to an island for the weekend with some friends. 

We decided to stay in some cute little huts with ensuite bathrooms which were very basic – think student budget!

My first plan when we got to our apparently vacant apartment was to use the bathroom, only to find to my horror that we were not alone. Staring back at me when I opened the door was a one-metre long monitor lizard minding his own business, chilling out on the toilet.

Obviously freaking out, I turned to my Malaysian friend thinking he might be more comfortable and have a clue what to do. He immediately hid behind me – not overly useful! 

I went to the reception and tried to explain the situation and you can only imagine their faces when I gestured that they need to follow me to the toilet . The staff had an in-depth discussion and called more and more people to join, each turning up with different tools, implements and devices.

They then created what I can only describe as a lasso to try and it. But by this point, she’d (we’d named her Lizzy the lizard by now) got scared and disappeared down the pipes. 

The staff left us with strict instructions that when she came back we had to pull the lasso sharply and fish her out of the toilet and bring her to reception. Sounds simple enough, all part of the normal contract between a hotel and the people staying!

Let’s just say that our lizard-toilet-fishing skills were not up to scratch and Lizzy was still living there when we left. Good luck to future guests!

From El at ElOnTheMove.com

A Stylish Baboon

Cape Town, renowned for its dramatic landscapes, wineries and natural coastline, is also well known for the abundance of animals living in the surrounding region . One afternoon, during a visit to the beach, I had a very close encounter with a group of Chacma Baboons, one of the cities most visible and brazen creatures.

Shortly after midday, with the African sun at its peak, I made my way to the beach. Despite the waters along the Cape Coast being some of the coldest, I decide to go for a swim, leaving my belongings enveloped in a towel on the beach. There was no-one else around and seemed like there was very little risk involved.

I couldn’t have been more wrong!

After about ten minutes in the water, I looked back at the beach to see a troop of baboons rifling through my stuff like a baby with its first bowl of jelly.

I got out of the water as fast as I could and swiftly sprinted up the beach scatterring them into the surrounding shrubbery.

When I finally got to the devastation that was once my belongings, there was not much left behind, including my clothes.

Fortunately, they haadn’t quite got the hang of money so left my money behind, they clearly just needed a new wardrobe ( Homer’s brain: money can be exchanged for goods and services ).

That was small comfort to me though, as I was forced to spend the rest of the day in nothing but swim shorts and an embarrased smile, including a rather awkward trip back to the hotel on public transport.

Rai at A Rai of Light

An Alternative Love Story

After Boys Over Flowers , a popular Korean series, hit Asia by a storm, I got curious about Macau. So when my former employer asked me where I wanted to go for my next all expenses paid vacation as part of my incentives for finishing our biggest campaign to date, I chose Macau. 

Days later, I found myself in Macau with our three staff that we chose to join me. Like Jan-di, I enjoyed the free delicious snacks they offered me in Senado Square – jumping from one stall to another, because….. well, free food!

Munching on the best pastéis de nata  (Portuguese custard tarts) that I ever had while walking the busy street of Senado, I reflected on my life’s choices.

Food can do that to you, you know, so don’t judge me.

I was 24 at that time, single and a promising young executive who just finished a successful campaign with one of the two major political parties in the US. I should be celebrating and feeling proud but being in Macau made me feel a bit melancholic and realized I wasn’t content with what I have achieved at a young age. With my mouth full of pastéis de nata, I was having an existential crisis, right in the middle of Macau. 

Then, someone blocked my way, which disturbed the growing emotional turmoil.

I looked up and boy, forget the existential crisis.

I just found my Gu Jun Pyo!

The hot man in front of me was flashing something at me but I couldn’t understand what it said or what he was saying. It wasn’t just that I can’t speak Cantonese but I was also fairly distracted by planning our wedding in my head . 

This is it.

I need a boyfriend.  

Then he flashed his wallet in front of me again.

Does he want my number?

A girl can dream. 

Oh my god, what’s my number? Why I can’t recall my phone numbeeeers? 

These were just some of the thoughts running through my head, alongside cakes, photographers and venues for our future nuptials.

All thoughts quickly disappeared though when one of my colleagues shouted to me, crying and surrounded by scary looking men.

Confused, I turned back to my future husband and realized he was flashing me… a badge. So much for our wedding and two kids – Andres and Damaris Cristina. 

My supposed love story turned into a shit-show in a matter of minutes. The hot guy in a black jacket wanted me to give him my passport. 

In South-East Asia, there’s a popular scam where people pretend to be police so they can ask unsuspecting tourists to hand their passport over. Once they get your passport, they will then ask you for money or say goodbye to your passport. Yes, passport-napping is a thing. So I told him I wouldn’t give him my passport but I could show it to him.

Due to the language barrier, he misunderstood this as resisting. And then he started giving signals to his colleagues to take us.

There was no way I would allow anyone to drag me in an empty narrow street.

So what a well-respected lady gotta do?

Hug a lamp post of course!

I managed to combine this by screaming petulantly that I wouldn’t be going with them unless I see men in uniform! The hot policeman tried to drag me but I just held and embraced the lamp post like it was my one true love. The guy was getting frustrated as I started getting attention and he tried to intimidate me by showing his gun. I don’t know what kind of demon possessed me that day but I just shot him a dirty look and even had the guts to even tell him not to ever touch me. Ah, the beauty of the language barrier. 

Frustrated, he got his radio and minutes later, over 20 policemen with a couple of men from some special units (probably a local version of SWAT) arrived and started surrounding us.  Be careful what you wish for, Christine. 

They then took us to an empty parking lot. By this point I was co-orperating, as it had become abundantly clear that they were legitimate agents of the law!

But when the hot guy told me to face the wall and raise my hands I lost it and started laughing. It felt surreal I thought I was in the movie. I was surrounded by guys holding MP5 submachine guns, this simply couldn’t be real.

Most of the SWAT team just stood around scratching their heads, probably wondering why they were there in full battle gear surrounding dainty looking ladies in their early-twenties who could barely even open a wine bottle, let alone fight back against what was now a crowd of nearly 30 people.

Feeling secure and more confident, we went with them to the police station and got detained there for more than 4 hours that we almost missed our flight back home.

They interrogated me until they got bored with my answers. Eventually, the hot policeman handed over my stuff and passport and when he mentioned the words “ legal ”, I couldn’t help but do an “ In your face! ” mental note.

If you’re confused as to why they arrested us, don’t worry, you’re not the only one. To this day I still have no idea why.

by Christine Rogador of TheBackPackingExecutive.com

A Needless Journey

It was the 8th January 2020, my birthday, and we were wanting to get from the town of Chefchaouen in Morocco to the city of Fes. We bought two tickets for a 10am departure aboard one of the cheaper buses.

The first sign that our journey wasn’t going to be pleasant was when we were charged double the usual amount by the baggage handler. There was nothing we could do, so we just paid and put it down to experience. 

The bus set off late and crawled southwards, stopping frequently and seemingly at random to pick-up more passengers.

Half-way through the journey, the bus stopped at a truck stop. The driver shouted back that we had five minutes to grab food and visit the toilet. As we tried to get off the bus, a flurry of traders selling food and trinkets piled on. It was chaos. I was bursting for the toilet and pushed my way through the throng.

Having been ripped off earlier by the baggage handler, I had no money for the toilet and had to beg a fellow passenger to give me some coins. I made it back to the bus just in time.

The bus rolled on. Without functioning air-conditioning, it was really hot. After several hours, we arrived in Fes over an hour late, tired but relieved.

A couple of weeks after our return from Morocco, I found some files on my computer. As I double-clicked, I recognised the acronym ‘CTM’ in the file name and remembered what they were. A few weeks before our trip, I had pre-booked two tickets aboard a CTM bus, Morocco’s government-run bus company. CTM runs modern, air-conditioned buses that almost always arrive on time.

I’d forgotten about them. Our entire ordeal aboard the other bus had been completely needless and could have been avoided if only I’d remembered these other tickets.

It certainly wasn’t funny at the time, but looking back on the experience now I allow myself to laugh, just a little!

by Matt Morelli of HereToTravel.com

The Scott Gold Incident

I wasn’t pleased to find myself on a layover in the Dallas/Fort Worth airport , only to learn that my flight to Little Rock, Arkansas had been cancelled. So I ran to the American Airlines help desk and got myself put down as number 11 on the standby list. There was a good chance I would still manage to make it to Little Rock that night.

A few minutes later I took a seat and looked at my standby ticket had noticed it had been issued to “Scott Gold”.

I still have no idea how this happened because my legal name is Estella Gold, and the American Airlines employee took my name from my passport. I went back to the same woman, and she apologised and gave me a new ticket.

The only trouble is that now I was 47th on the standby list. 

I asked if I could have my original spot back on the standby list, and I was told no.

The conversation that followed felt like the plot of a badly written sitcom.

“So despite the fact that this problem is entirely American Airlines’s fault, you’re going to force me to spend the night in Dallas, at my own expense, and you’ll do nothing to help me?” I said.

“That’s correct,” she responded.

“Why can’t I just have Scott Gold’s spot, since he doesn’t exist?” I asked.

“What if Scott Gold shows up and wants his seat?” the American Airlines employee demanded.

“THERE IS NO SCOTT GOLD! I AM SCOTT GOLD!” I wailed.

A crowd had started to gather around, and I realized there was no point in continuing this conversation.

When the flight to Little Rock started to board, and Scott Gold’s name was called, I went up to take my seat. The flight attendant didn’t even notice that my name didn’t match.

As I boarded the plane, I could hear the cheers from my fellow passengers, “WOOO! GO SCOTT!”.

Their support almost made the whole experience worth it.

from Estella Gold of Around the World in 24 Hours

Smile and Wave

A few years back, I was on a solo trip in Norway, to spend as much time in nature as I could and indulge in some outdoorsy activities. I decided to explore the fjords in a kayak, and joined a 3 day group tour, kayaking each day and camping at night. It was idyllic.

I’m pretty used to roughing it, so the notion of not having a flushing toilet for three days wasn’t too alarming for me. At night there were long-drop toilets where we camped, but in the day, while we were kayaking, you just had to pull over and find a spot behind a bush or something.

By day three, I was pretty used to this and maybe got a little complacent. We were paddling away and weren’t due for an official break for another hour and I really had to pee. I told the guide and he said we could stop on some rocks at the side.

It was a little exposed, and I basically had to ask everyone else in the group to look the other way, as there was nowhere to hide. I was wearing a wetsuit, so in order to pee, I had to take everything off.

In case you already haven’t got this image clear – I was squatting on the top of the rocks, practically naked, with my wetsuit around my ankles. What a look!

Mid-flow I looked up and to my dismay, a cruise ship rounded the bend with about 50 people looking over the side, cameras in hand. Overcome with embarrassment as everyone stared, all I could think to do was smile and wave.

I got a few bewildered waves back as I hastily pulled up my wetsuit. 

It was utterly mortifying but remains one of my favourite travel stories.

by Seanna Fallon of SeannasWorld.org

The Flying Huntsman

When I first arrived in Australia I’d, of course, heard a lot about the local wildlife and how almost anything can kill you.

This was at the forefront of my mind when I first came face-to-face with one of the country’s famous spiders. a traumatic experience but also hilarious now that I think about it in hindsight (it took a lot of hindsight to make it funny though, a LOT!).

I was living in my campervan at the time and left the window open late at night. When I returned to the car I found a giant huntsman spider sitting right on the steering wheel. Huntsman, though technically harmless to humans, are bloody huge and are one of those creatures that would make a Great White Shark look cute and cuddly.

Unfortunately, I didn’t know this at the time and was faced with the task of getting the spider out of the car.

It was after midnight with no one nearby to help. I didn’t even have any insect spray.

My first attempt to nudge the spider out of the car with a broom lead to it getting scared and disappearing into the airconditioning vent. Great, as if having a spider in the car wasn’t bad enough, chances were the next time I needed a blast of cold he was also going to become a new species – the Flying Huntsman (not to be confused with a train). Flying straight at my face. No one needs that!

I was already preparing to camp next to the car overnight when the spider reappeared after around 30 minutes. Using one of those most versatile and important of survival tools, a selfie stick, my boyfriend was somehow able to guide it out of the car window and back into the great outdoors of northern Queensland.

I definitely did not sleep well that night in the campervan. I was too worried that he’d come back with his mates, armed with a selfie stick and that would be the last anyone would ever see of me.

by Victoria of GuideYourTravel.com

The Male Sat-Nav

So, you know how, within most travel couples, each person shines at different things? Well, me and my fiancé are this kind of couple. I tend to do all the planning, booking and write the itineraries. He is usually in charge of directions when we get there (if you’ve ever seen me driving a car, you’ll understand why!)

Well, it was summer 2019 and me and my family had gone away together to the Algarve in Portugal . We were staying in the gorgeous little town of Alvor and had decided to travel to Lagos for a day.

It seemed simple.

We’d discussed where we were going, had our backpacks packed and were ready to go. We knew we needed to catch a bus, so we decided to walk to the bus stop in town and catch the next one to Lagos.

Or rather, we thought this was where we were going!

My fiancé was leading and my family and I were following him, completely trusting his sense of direction. Some 20 minutes later, however, we were starting to get a little suspicious. We were in a rather shady looking industrial area with no sign of any buses. Despite this he insisted we were going the right way, so we kept walking. 

Another 10 minutes and we stopped in the middle of absolutely nowhere and he turned to us and said “It should be here”

It looked like a housing estate, smelled like a factory and was severely lacking on the bus stop front! We were all boiling hot, had all but given up on surviving let alone finding a bus stop and regretted not letting Google Maps guide us!

In the end, we took a taxi to Portimao and spent the rest of the day chilling by the harbour and exploring the beautiful Praia da Rocha .

The following day we finally took the bus to Lagos, this time asking the hotel receptionist for directions!

by Alice from  Adventures of Alice

Mike and I had gone from living in tents for work all Summer to living in a typical, simple home. You’d think ‘professional’ campers like us would know what we were doing as it was literally our job for years, but you’d be mistaken. 

On a windy August day in Swanage, UK, we decided to go camping.

We packed all the necessities like cider, a blow-up bed and a small two-man tent and hit the road. When we arrived at the site, the wind was at a level that even Michael Fish would worry about but as experienced campers thought we knew better than the weatherman and decided to try and put the tent up anyway. 20 minutes of wrestling between nature and canvas, the tent pole snapped in half.

What we lack in skill we make up for in determination, so we headed off to the local camping store to find a solution. 

That solution, ladies and gentlemen? 

A pop-up tent. 

Now, If you’re not familiar with pop up tents, the problem was that such a tiny tent, plus a blow-up bed and two people, doesn’t really leave a lot of space.

In fact, to be quick truthful, it doesn’t leave any space. We didn’t even fit inside. 

We spent our week  camping in Swanage , surrounded by (actual) professional campers.

You know, the kind who actually know what they are doing, with their big fancy camping kits.

Then there was us, Mike and Brie, really unprofessional campers – so inexperienced that we had to sleep with the tent door open and our feet hanging out at the end. Every morning we woke up with dew-wet socks and confused stares from all the other campers (if you’re looking for quick-dry travel socks then click here ).

It’s safe to say that we’ve come a long, long way since then. However, we’ll never forget it. Our first proper camping trip together.

The trip where the only answer was to get very drunk on cider each night to forget that we were basically sleeping outdoors.

Written by Breanne from Family Camping Europe  

The Sabbatical Guide contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. For more information, see our disclosure policy .

Ben is the founder of The Sabbatical Guide , a site designed to give people the information, tools and inspiration they need to make their sabbatical dreams a reality. He caught the bug for travel at an early age when his dad moved out to South Africa, and now builds regular ‘mini-retirements' into his career. Ben has lived in the UK, South Africa and Australia and has travelled extensively in Europe and Southeast Asia.

16 Short Funny Travel Stories That’ll Make You Laugh Out Loud

These short funny travel stories are sure to make you laugh!

From crazy travel stories involving bathroom mishaps to funny stories about language barriers to wild travel stories that take you on safari, this list is sure to make you chuckle.

I’ve even included a video sharing about my strangest Couchsurfing experience!

Before scrolling, I recommend grabbing your favorite beverage and getting comfortable, as we’ve got 16 fun travel stories below to help put a smile on your face.

After reading, feel free to share your own best travel stories in the comments below!

Table of Contents

Short Funny Travel Stories — That Are Also True!

1. file under embarrassing travel stories.

One of my most embarrassing funny stories happened while I was backpacking South America — specifically during a 4×4 tour from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile to Uyuni, Bolivia.

The trip takes you through the desert for three days to see otherworldly sites like hot pink lagoons where flamingos search for food, an abandoned train graveyard, and, the highlight, the world-famous Uyuni Salt Flats.

During the trip, you share a car with four or five other people.

At one point, I was sitting in the front seat and it was getting really hot in the car. Our driver didn’t speak English, but I spoke decent Spanish — or at least I thought I did.

“Estoy caliente!” I said, looking right at the driver. To my confusion, instead of rolling down a window, he looked horrified…or maybe confused?

I decided it was probably my New York accent confusing him. “Estoy caliente!” I said again, this time in what I thought was a more local-sounding accent. He looked even more horrified-slashed-confused.

Suddenly, the one native Spanish speaker in the car spoke up from the back:

“Umm, I’m assuming you’re not meaning to tell the driver you’re horny, right?”

Apparently, the way I was saying “I’m hot” literally translated to, well, another meaning of the phrase. As I turned bright red, I decided I didn’t really need the window open and would just sit in silence and try to disappear by melting in the car seat.

But hey, when it comes to learning a language while traveling, embarrassing mistakes can certainly be a great teacher. Plus, I can add this to my list of hilarious vacation stories to share at parties.

-Jessie Festa, Jessie on a Journey

2. My Craziest Couchsurfing Story

Here is one of my most interesting travel experience stories .

For this anecdote, which is part funny travel story and part horror travel story , you’ll have to watch the video below:

One of my favorite funny travel videos

By the way, if you like crazy and funny travel story videos like this one, make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and hit the bell icon so you get notified when future videos publish.

I’ve already got a few more short travel stories recorded and scheduled to come out over the next few weeks!

3. An Unpleasant Night With Bob Marley

My funny travel experience happened during a trip to Morocco in 2015, when my husband and I spent a couple of days in the Sahara Desert as part of a tour group.

I was super excited to ride a camel for the first time and spend a night in a Bedouin tent in the desert. Little did I know that I was about to experience the longest and most unpleasant night of my life.

Our camel ride started with me hanging upside down from the saddle with one foot in the air. My camel, Bob Marley, had decided to stand up before I could settle into the saddle.

I held onto the saddle for dear life as our Bedouin guide pushed me up onto the camel’s back. Bob Marley let out a grunt of disapproval, and we rode off. I thought I was in for a bumpy ride; but save for the fact that the camel in front of me, named after Jimi Hendrix, was having a bad case of gas, it turned out to be a very pleasant journey.

After dinner and some impromptu drumming around a bonfire, my husband and I retreated to our tent for a good night’s sleep. Our bed was just a mattress on the carpeted ground.

Despite cocooning myself in a couple of thick blankets, I was shaking from head to toe. My husband fell asleep straight away, and so did the other people in our group — judging by the cacophony of snores that filled the air.

Two hours later, I was still wide awake — and freezing cold.

Thankfully, the snoring started to subside and I gradually drifted into dreamland, only to be jolted out of my sleep by a very loud and unusual noise. It sounded like a bellow and was followed by a very awful smell.

I tried to go back to sleep, but someone or something started to chew loudly. And then another groan, another unpleasant smell, and more loud chewing. This went on for at least another two hours.

After what felt like a never-ending night, I checked the time. To my delight, it was time to get up to watch the sunrise. I stumbled out of our tent, grabbed a glass of freshly-brewed mint tea, and dragged my sleepy body out of the Bedouin camp.

There, stationed just outside the tent where my husband and I had spent the night, was Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, and the entire caravan. Bob Marley made direct eye contact with me, and I could swear I spotted a smug grin on his face.”

– Daniela from Grumpy Camel

4. Trying To Pee On A Bumpy Bus Ride

If you enjoy travel love stories , this trip tale from our honeymoon has a humorous twist.

While visiting Sapa, Vietnam on our honeymoon, we had to fly into the large city of Hanoi.

From Hanoi, we could have either taken a bus, a train, or a rental car up to Sapa. Because we are cheap, we decided to take the bus. Even further, we booked an overnight bus trip, so that we could save one night of accommodation booking.

We showed up at the bus station at 11:30 pm for our midnight departure, and everything was going well. We boarded the bus and got to our beds, which was a row of five plastic cots wide with no cushions. We did get a blanket, though, and settled in for the night on our uncomfortable beds.

At about 3:00 am, I woke up and had to pee. We were on the freeway, and the driver only spoke Vietnamese, so I couldn’t communicate the fact that I needed to pee.

In the commotion, the driver also noticed there was a payment issue with our booking, which my now-awake husband was trying to figure out.

I still had to go, and it was becoming an emergency. The bus was still rocking and rolling down the Vietnamese highway. It was 3:15 am, my bladder was bursting, and my new husband was trying to have a Google Translate conversation with the driver to figure out our booking.

I tried to get my pee emergency into the Google Translate conversation, with no luck. All I got was my husband giving me a bottle.

A soda bottle?! What was I supposed to do with that?! The mouth of that thing was the size of a thumb. I am not the Jason Bourne of pee-aiming.

Realizing my choices were non-existent, I tried to use the bottle. After some awkward maneuvering, I opened the floodgates and, as you might have guessed, peed all over my bed…and my husband’s.

Thankfully, the sound of the pee spraying on the plastic beds did not come to the attention of any of our neighbors or the bus driver. Or maybe he purposely ignored it.

After figuring out the booking issue, my husband scooched back into his bed only to realize that Lake Urine had formed in the middle of it.

After some shock and stifled laughter, we cleaned it up with one of our blankets, had an extremely uncomfortable three more hours of travel, and finally pulled into Sapa. We couldn’t get off that bus fast enough.

On the bright side, it’s one of our favorite funny stories about traveling to share.

– Zach and Julie from Ruhl of the Road

5. The Time I Had My Boobs Massaged In Morocco

Massages and spas are supposed to be tranquil, soothing, and calming. But what happens when you try to have a relaxing spa experience in another country without doing your research?

You could find yourself swimming in your underwear and having your boobs massaged, that’s what!

When my husband and I were in Morocco, we decided to go for a traditional Moroccan Hammam massage at our hotel…and all kinds of hilarity ensued!

First, we were asked to get undressed by the staff who only spoke French, so there were a lot of frantic hand gestures going on.

Then we were taken to a room where straightaway we could see a woman being rubbed down while completely naked.

No robes, no doors… just all kinds of naked. We were shocked and immediately started thinking: “Wait…is this what a hammam massage is like?”

Thankfully, not in our case, but it doesn’t get much better.

We’d worn our underwear because we actually thought we were just getting a pleasant back massage like in the UK.

We were wrong.

We were taken to a steam room where we were rubbed with mud in front of strangers and then asked to shower it off. Next, we found ourselves swimming in a saltwater pool. All of this while in our everyday underwear!

And then finally we got to the massage part where we were separated and I was asked to strip completely naked.

This was fine while lying on my front but then came the fateful word:

Yep, this was when I found myself having my boobs massaged by a total stranger!

Moral of the story:

Do your research. And don’t wear underwear to a Moroccan hammam massage. Go for swimming gear just to be on the safe side.

– Justine from Wanderers of the World

6. When Nature Calls, Literally

I have many funny short stories about travel, though one of my favorites to tell happened in the Serengeti.

Now, there are a lot of really awesome things about camping in the Serengeti:

It’s a relatively affordable way to go on safari. You meet other adventurous people. You’re camping in the freaking Serengeti! Like, hello, how cool?!

However, there may be one or two less-than-stellar things about this type of safari…like not knowing what’s outside your tent during the night.

Personally, I didn’t really want to come face-to-face with the hyenas — or anything else — that I knew could be out there. My method of avoidance came down to not drinking too much water during the day. Other than the bathroom, nothing could draw me out of my tent at night.

Well, one day I was thirsty and had more to drink than I should have.

The result?

You guessed it — I needed to pee pretty bad by about 3 am.

Let me take you back a few hours though, to the afternoon. We were making camp that night at a spot that was to be shared with some of the park rangers. Earlier in the day, the rangers had brought a goat to camp. I thought they were taking this goat further on their journey and I didn’t think about it past that.

Well, guess what the rangers had for dinner?

That night, from the safety of the tent, we could hear the hyenas munching away on the leftovers. It was gruesome.

It also meant that I absolutely knew the hyenas were in the camp, right between me and the bathroom. Well, by 3 am, I was desperate and cared less about the hyenas than about my bladder.

However, we’d been strongly warned not to go out by ourselves. So, I asked my friend if she wanted to go on an adventure. She said no and advised I go back to sleep.

I tried; I really did. An hour later, I asked her again, “Isa, want to go on an adventure?”

Her answer hadn’t changed.

Just behind our tent were the dining cabin and a small hill. I was desperate. Really, my bladder was going to explode. I went just behind the tent, right up to that hill, and did my thing.

After, I went back into the tent and didn’t stray anywhere close to where the campfire had been, and the hyenas currently were. I was safe! I didn’t get eaten or attacked by anything. Basically, I was Superwoman!

The next morning we were packing up our stuff to go on that day’s safari when our guide casually asked if we had heard the lions the night before.

Nope, we hadn’t heard them. Apparently, they’d been close.

Their lair?

Just on the other side of the small hill behind the camp.

This one definitely goes on my list of crazy yet funny adventure stories!

Lindsey in Moscow. Photo courtesy of Lindsey Puls.

7. Naked & Confused In Moscow

I thought I knew all that there was to know about Russian banyas — until I found myself in Moscow, lying naked and sweating to death on a table in front of 12 other naked women of varying ages, who were all strangers to me, getting flogged with a couple of birch branches by a kind but very strong woman named Olga.

And I had actually paid for this beating. It’s all part of the experience!

In short, a banya is similar to a sauna. The biggest difference, though, is that a “banya” has high levels of humidity in it, while a sauna will have dry air. They’ve been a part of Russian life for over a thousand years.

Another interesting aspect of the Russian Banya is flogging using birch twigs ( venik ). This is supposed to benefit your health and improve your immune system, and honestly, if you have someone who knows what they are doing, it does feel really good.

I knew when I signed up for this that I would likely have to be naked for this flogging — I had done it before in a private bathhouse; however, this was my first time in a public banya, and I didn’t expect to be on display for the rest of the banya goers while it was happening! I was envisioning this to be a little more, ah, private?

But there I was, naked as the day I was born in front of everyone, getting smacked around by Olga as she shouted commands in Russian…which I imagine was something like, “Now, flip over! Raise your legs! Cover your boobs! Scoot your butt down further!”

Actually, though, I had no idea what she was saying. So, she gave up and just started pulling me and moving my naked body parts to where they needed to be — much to the amusement of everyone in the banya, who were not shy about their giggles!

Olga hit/massaged almost every square inch of my body with the branches. Then, once she was done, she led me by the hand to a shower area, sat me down, and threw a cold bucket of water over my head. And then a warm one, followed by another cold bucket. My body was thoroughly shocked after that!

Needless to say, this banya experience was a little less relaxing than my previous experiences with it; however, I still felt like a million bucks after it was done, and I will absolutely do it again.

– Lindsey from Have Clothes, Will Travel

8. A Short Story About Traveling That’s Out Of This World (Literally)

When the weather starts to warm up we love heading to the beach for a few days. Any beach really, though Miami holds a special place in our family’s hearts. We even have a favorite hotel by the beach that we always stay at.

During one such trip, after a few days of being lazy on the beach and spending way too much time walking the boardwalk, we decided to go for a drive.

We rented a car for the day and drove to Key West. Our plan was to enjoy a scenic drive on Highway 1 and maybe try some key lime pie and head back, but the day turned out to be more memorable than that.

It was a breathtaking drive and we kept our eyes glued to the window. The scenery was gorgeous and felt like we were driving over water.

Driving from Miami to Key West takes about three hours on the scenic coastal Overseas Highway. When we were closer to Key West, suddenly Mr. Suburbia — aka my husband — stopped the car, grabbed his camera, and ran out looking up at the sky — leaving me looking at him bewildered.

After a few minutes of looking and pointing at a shiny object in the sky, he was pretty thrilled to announce he’d spotted a UFO. I should mention here that hubby loves his Sci-Fi movies and UFO shows — the likes of Project Blue Book — and strongly believes we are not alone.

We eventually got back in the car, stopped at a nearby store, and asked someone in the parking lot:

“Do you see that shiny thing in the sky?”

The man looked up and casually responded, “Do you mean that weather blimp?”

We came to find out later that what we saw in the sky was “Fat Albert” or a version of the radar aerostat blimp that the US Drug Enforcement Administration uses to keep an eye on shipping hereabouts.

The shiny object in the sky was not an unidentified flying object or alien craft but a weather blimp. It is one of the short funny travel stories that always come up when we talk about our trips.

It starts with one of the kids saying “Remember the time when dad thought he saw a UFO…?” and always makes us laugh.

– Priya from Outside Suburbia

9. An Unpleasant Travel Experience With A Ghost Shrimp In Spain

When it comes to funny short travel stories, there is one I always love to tell.

A few years ago I had a wonderful trip to Andalucia, Spain, together with my family.

We spent hours road tripping to the best places in this region and enjoying Spanish culinary delights like fresh seafood and delicious produce. Grocery shopping at local markets was definitely a highlight of the trip.

To get around, we rented a car from a recommended company. We were lucky enough to receive a car of a better standard than what we ordered. It was a nicely-equipped van, with key-free unlocking, automatic doors, and a lot of space inside. Quite luxurious, I must say.

At one point during this one-week trip, we opened the door of our car and were met with a horrendous stench.  We almost passed out. Our first thought was that something must have died inside.

We noticed that the stench was coming from the trunk. It turned out that a little bit of liquid had escaped from the bag with fresh shrimps the evening before.

We tried to clean the trunk with cleaning supplies found in our rented apartment. Then we found out some homemade methods to remove the smell. Desperate, we even tried out a special freshener for domestic animal scents.

But, alas, the ghost of the dead shrimp was still there. For the rest of the trip, we drove with all of the windows open.

Before the last day, we headed to the gas station. I popped into the shop to look for car fresheners. My mom was more resolute and tried to have a conversation with the staff — note here that we’re Polish, and she can genuinely only say a few words in Spanish.

She pinched her nose, made a telling gesture, and said “car fish caput.” The service guy started to laugh but he luckily understood her. And after a short while, he came to our car with a huge specialist atomizer and sprayed all the interior. We were so grateful because the problem seemed to disappear.

But the awful smell came back the next day; the day of our departure.

Early in the morning, we left the apartment and headed to the car rental agency. We were stressed about what the agency’s employee would say about the smell and we were wondering if insurance would cover such an incident.

Luckily for us, the moment we locked the car on the agency parking while waiting for the service was the last time the car key-pilot worked. At that moment, the battery died. The car agency representative wasn’t able to open the car.

And because it was so early in the morning, the main office with the spare keys was still closed, and this guy was taking care of the parking only. He noticed we had purchased full car insurance and only asked if we refilled the gas tank.

When we returned home we found an email from the car rental agency with an appreciation note for using their services. So we assumed the weird smell was covered by the insurance. While back then we were embarrassed about that incident, we now look back at it with a smile.

Always purchase full insurance. You never know when a shrimp decides to escape.

– Dominika from Sunday in Wonderland

10. A Massage In An Unexpected Place

I worked in Beijing for many years. I used to go to a place called Dragonfly for massages, which I really liked. One time I was in an area of Beijing that I was not familiar with and wanted a massage.

The local Dragonfly was just too complicated and far away to get to, so I decided to go elsewhere and try something different.

I remembered I had seen what appeared to be a massage parlor a few blocks from where I was staying, and I walked over. The location didn’t look exactly like the type of spa place I was familiar with.

I guess that should have been my first warning.

It had pictures of smiling women in the window that I supposed were the various massage therapists. Flashing neon lights in blues and reds decorated the outside.

To be honest, I felt a tad apprehensive but thought that was just because I had never been there before. I know from experience that many times things might feel strange in unfamiliar cultures, but once you dive in, chances are you’ll discover a wonderful new experience or location, or a delightful food you never tasted before.

With this in mind, I went in.

Inside I tried to communicate that I wanted a massage to the woman attendant. I rubbed my shoulders with kneading fingers pantomiming a massage. She disappeared into a dark room and quickly returned with another woman who asked me something in Chinese.

I repeated my pantomime and the two women engaged in a long and animated conversation behind a beaded curtain. I couldn’t understand what the confusion was.

Finally, they led me to a small, dimly lit room with what I took to be a massage table in the middle. I disrobed and lay face down on the table as I normally would.

A woman came in and started to give me a massage. It wasn’t a great massage but certainly adequate. After an hour the woman indicated the massage was over and gave me a cup of green tea. I paid, gave the lady a tip, and went back to my hotel.

The next day was Monday. Everyone came into the office discussing their weekend. I told my colleagues about my massage.

“Oh! Don’t tell me you went all the way to Dragonfly?!” a colleague asked surprised. I explained my massage experience at the spa a couple of blocks away.

After identifying the exact location, they told me that was a high-end brothel. Everyone had a good laugh at my expense. I suppose they’re still laughing.

-Talek from Travels With Talek  

11. Hammock Hanging Newbie

One of my favorite funny short stories traveling happened when I spent a semester studying abroad in Cuba in 2009, which was actually my first international trip.

There are many beautiful things about Cuba, perhaps the best one being the peoples’ resilience and creativity in solving problems and getting by without having access to the things we take for granted.

I, in fact, had to learn some of that craftiness myself.

Not long after we arrived, I bought a hammock at an artisan market in Havana. I couldn’t wait to hang it up, and there was a perfect pair of trees on the grounds of the apartment-hotel where we were staying.

There was just one problem. I couldn’t find rope anywhere. I must have gone to five hardware stores. No rope to be found!

I ended up picking up some pieces of cloth and old electrical wires in a vacant lot. Now I thought I was good to go.

Back at the hotel, one of the security guards helped me out — thank goodness for the kindness of strangers — and I settled in with a Cuba Libre and my book to enjoy relaxing in the hammock for the first time. Until…

The cloth broke about 10 seconds later and I ended up on the ground covered in rum and Coke!

Along with my newfound security guard friend, we tried several more times to get it to stay hung, me falling on my butt several more times as well.

Two of my classmates apparently had quite the laugh watching from the window and had even taken a video of these failed attempts. Fortunately, that video got lost or erased somehow before it was shared with the whole group.

Undeterred, I ventured back out and found some thicker cables. With those, I finally succeeded in getting that hammock hung. I even carried it around much of the island and hung it on my porch back home in the US for years afterward with those same cables.

Lessons learned were that perseverance matters, always check your hammock is stable before trying to enjoy a drink in it, and if you’re unsure, make sure no one’s watching from the window!

– Adam from Cartagena Explorer

12. A Road Trip With A Resilient Mouse

Here is an adventurous trip story that takes place in Death Valley National Park, which my friends and I thought got its name because nothing lives there.

While cooking dinner in the campground, one of us had an idea to open all the car doors in the evening to release the stale air inside.

This didn’t turn out to be a very good idea.

The next morning, we packed everything up and got ready to discover other parts of Death Valley, when suddenly a mouse jumped on my legs!

“Boys, we have a mouse in the car!” I screamed.

My brother turned to me disbelievingly. “What are you talking about?!”

I got a similar gaze from Jakub, who nervously asked, “Are you sure?”

The mouse quickly disappeared, and I was left trying to get the rest of the group to believe me.

The truth came out the next morning, though. Jakub grabbed a pack of pasta and it started to spill all over the car trunk. The mouse must have bitten a hole in it.

Now they believed me, and we set off on a mission to rid the mouse from the car.

Our first plan was to download a number of mobile apps producing squeaky anti-mouse sounds. In the evening, we opened everything possible and turned on our phones to maximum volume. After a while, we were going crazy due to this terrible sound. The mouse, on the other hand, didn’t mind at all and, I can only imagine, quietly laughed at us.

In the morning, we found more mouse damage — a leaking barrel of water had soaked half of our things, and the mouse had eaten through my headphones. Plus, we were starting to worry about the car’s electricity.

We decided our next step was to go to Walmart for traps. Before heading to bed we carefully filled the traps with cheese and spread them evenly throughout the car, eager to see if we captured the mouse by morning.

Unfortunately, when we woke up they were empty — and we found more holes in our packed food. There was pasta everywhere!

It was clear that if there was enough food in the car, the traps wouldn’t be interesting for her.

On the other hand, we understood the mouse. She probably hadn’t seen that much food in her entire life in Death Valley and suddenly there was this huge banquet! What mouse wouldn’t want to explore such a rodent paradise?

She traveled with us over 600 miles before we got to Yosemite National Park. This journey brought new hope to our struggle.

Bears rob 130 cars a year in Yosemite, so there are bear boxes in every campground. Therefore, we completely unloaded our car. Every crumb was removed.

It was our last hope. If it didn’t work, nothing would.

We set up the traps and went to sleep, and in the morning there she was, one of the fattest mice we’d ever seen. We agreed that’d she’d probably just had the most amazing “all-inclusive trip” of her life.

– Matěj from Czech the World

13. An Unexpected Fall Into Crocodile-Infested Waters

If you’re looking for funny adventure stories that are also a bit scary — or even travel disaster stories — this one is for you.

Safari tourism hadn’t really taken off when we visited Malawi in 2010 during an overland trip through Africa.

Health and safety weren’t major considerations, and it was certainly a far cry from the safaris we did in South Africa , Tanzania, and Botswana.

Arriving at Liwonde National Park in the south of Malawi we were excited as we knew it was a great place to spot elephants.

We relied on our campsite to book a canoe safari for us. Luckily, as soon as we set off we spotted loads of elephants — and even hippos — along the shoreline.

The trip leader in the canoe behind us suddenly shouted to our guide. Then there was an unexpected bump and we were thrown out of the canoe.

Our canoe had been flipped by a hippo!

The moments that followed were a blur. Thankfully local fishermen had seen the commotion and came over to help. We knew that there were crocodiles in the water as well as hippos and wanted to get out as soon as possible. We managed to haul ourselves into the fishermen’s canoes and were paddled back to the shore.

Amazingly nobody had been hurt and we were very thankful to the local fishermen. While we were drying out, we were pretty shocked to be asked to pay for the trip. They finally settled for a 50% reduction and we paid with the wet notes from our wallet.

We weren’t traveling with smartphones in those days so finding a reputable tour company was a bit hit and miss.

Often, there are lessons to be learned through these stories of travel. These days we would recommend Googling reputable tour operators, although as with all wildlife adventures, always expect the unexpected!”

– Jacquie from Flashpacking Family

14. Remembered By The TSA

I traveled out of the Kansas City airport about every other week for the past three years.

Before I leave my house, I clean out the fridge and put any fruit that would go bad into a stasher bag.

I have TSA Precheck but have learned it’s just easier to pull it out of my purse into a bin and it won’t ever get questioned.

Last summer I was going through and the X-Ray guy says, “Hey! It’s strawberry girl!”

Then three others perked up and waved to me.

Except for that day, it was sliced peaches, and I felt like I let them down.

-Katie Boutwell, Katie B Traveling

15. Confusion In Small-Town France

In 2019, my husband and I took a trip to France to attend the wedding of my former exchange student, Christelle.

The day after the wedding, we set off from our hotel to the small village of Montcourt-Fromonville to attend a luncheon for close friends and family.

Shortly after arriving in the small village, we happened to pass Christelle’s family gathered in a small parking lot. We wondered if we should stop, but they didn’t look settled, and Google Maps was continuing to direct us.

We drove further, and eventually, Google Maps did the thing where it says you have arrived, but you look around and don’t know where you’ve arrived to.

My husband and I were very confused. Per the invite, the destination was called Chateau de la Mairie de Montcourt-Fromonville, but there was no address associated with it. When I typed it into Google, it came up as being a city hall.

Looking around the vicinity, we did see a castle-looking building in the distance, but it seemed way too fancy for a luncheon. Plus, would Christelle really be having her luncheon at a city hall?

We turned around and decided to go back to the parking lot where we had originally seen Christelle and her family. Of course, when we got there, no one was outside anymore. We approached a residential building nearby, thinking perhaps the luncheon was at someone’s personal residence there and snooped around a little bit.

Unfortunately, there were no signs of any gatherings in this quiet building. As we walked away, I heard a voice behind us say, “Bonjour.”

Turning around, I spotted a woman I had never seen in my life and wondered how I would explain our apparent snooping in French.

“Nous cherchons une fete.” (We are looking for a party)

The woman continued to stare at me.

“Pas ici?” (Not here?)

The woman shook her head “no” with a confused look on her face. Feeling her eyes upon us, we immediately left before further damage could be done with my limited French.

Frustrated, we followed Google Maps back to the lovely castle-looking building. Now we saw more cars there, and we thought maybe that was the location after all.

Our suspicions were confirmed upon parking outside of the chateau “city hall” where we were relieved to finally find Christelle and her family.

We were very grateful this was such a small village. Otherwise, I’m not sure how much bad French I would have had to stumble through before finding the luncheon!

– Theresa from Fueled by Wanderlust

16. An Unexpected Mountain Encounter

One of my most interesting vacation stories happened a few years ago. My younger brother and I decided to take a drive from Oklahoma City to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge to see if we could get any photos of the bison herds that live there.

We couldn’t find any, unfortunately, but we did find some very ornery longhorn cows!

We drove up to the visitor’s center to get directions to where the bison were at the moment, but we couldn’t get out of the car. There was a small group of about four longhorns gathered around watching something. When we got close enough to see what was so exciting, we realized that there were two teenage-looking steers fighting with their horns locked!

We wanted to watch the fighting because it was so entertaining — and not what we were expecting — but we learned that it was a mistake when one almost knocked the other into our car.

We absolutely did not want to be stuck getting out and having to be around them without the protection of a two-thousand-pound SUV separating us, so we drove off.

But I’ll never forget the feeling in the pit of my stomach when I realized we could have been in a car accident where the longhorn hit us and not the other way around!

– Stephanie from Oklahoma Wonders

Bonus Short Travel Stories

Looking for more interesting travel stories and funny travel anecdotes? Don’t miss:

25 Crazy Travel Stories You Need To Read To Believe

23 Inspiring Travel Stories Sharing The Kindness Of Strangers

38 Inspiring Travel Love Stories From The Road

Sexual Assault Stories From The Road (& What I’ve Learned)

8 Crazy NYC Subway Stories That Will Make You Hail A Cab

17 True Short Adventure Travel Stories To Inspire Your Next Trip

A Host’s Perspective: My Worst Airbnb Horror Stories

11 Epic Travel Fail Stories From The Road

18 Scary Travel Stories From Haunted Hotels To Creepy Cabins

Do you have any short funny travel stories to add to this list?

Enjoyed this list of hilarious travel stories? Pin it for later!

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23 Comments

Thank you so much for sharing your stories. Hope to see you in Morocco for an excellent adventure trip. Enjoy and keep doing excellent trips!

@Moha: Thank you!

OMG!!! I can only imagine what you must have gone through. Really funny stories. I would surely be careful next time before booking a massage 🙂 Thanks for the super hilarious blog.

That’s a lot of spa stories. I too had boob massage in Indonesia and Thailand. Whoops!

really very nice artical

Morocco is one of the unique countries in the world and a country of dizzying diversity. You may wander through spice markets, explore sweeping deserts and enjoy warm hospitality. Morocco is roughly the size of California, this is why day tours are so popular! Perhaps this is one of the most exciting Morocco Desert Tours.

very nice Thank you so much for sharing your stories. Hope to see you in Morocco for an excellent adventure trip.

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I love travelling and have craze too…….. Very interesting stories

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Losing and Finding My Way in Japan

by Norm Williams

For much of my career, I traveled the world as a salesman.  Our company hired people in each country we sold in to help with various duties. One year I went to Japan, and the sales agent chose the Kokusai Hotel in Kyoto for my stay due to the efficiency of its proximity to his office.  I left early on a calm, bright morning to find my way through a beautiful historic part of the city built in traditional Japanese style.   The cute, smiley hotel receptionist had written directions on a map, circled the area of my destination, and wrote out the address in Japanese in case I needed help.  Shyly, she said in broken Japanese-English and with her hand covering her mouth, “It’s in this area.  If you get lost, here’s the address.”  With an early start and a clear sense of direction, I felt comfortable about arriving on time – a business culture imperative in Japan. I thought I found the circled area on the map with ease.  I then compared the hand-written address to the kanji characters on the buildings to discern a match.  With no Japanese reading ability, I struggled as if trying to decipher Egyptian hieroglyphs without the Rosetta stone.  I soon realized, “I’m lost, and not just in the usual way when I’m at home in the U.S.  I’m lost without local reading or speaking ability, not knowing anyone in the city to go to for help, and a cell phone without reception in this country to call my sales agent.”  Bewildered and disappointed that I could not find the way on my own, I began to wander.  I looked for help among the passers-by. 

I used my ignorant foreigner look, which I had patented around the world — the clueless, helpless, American businessman who is hopelessly lost, out of his element, and pleading for some host country compassion. I tentatively approached a businessman, presumably walking to work.  Being deep in thought, I surprised him as a foreigner.  But, kindly, he took pity on me. He looked at the address and, after a long pause, said, while shaking his head side-to-side, “Aaannnooo.”  To me, this sounded like, “I don’t know.”  Later I learned that “anno” is the Japanese form of “mmmm.”   We parted with a mutual look of apology.  I continued to beg for help as I disrupted Kyoto’s quiet, morning street routine.  A coffee shop appeared to be a prospect for a captive audience of potential helpers.  A lone, older man, enjoying his coffee and newspaper, sat in the corner, isolated.  I cornered him.  He had no choice but to help.   He took a long, discerning look at the address, then the map, then the address, then the map again.  He pointed to a spot on the map with an air of precision and confidence.  But beneath his veneer of clarity and calm, I thought I saw a man pinning a tail on a donkey piñata while blindfolded.  Time to move on, I thought. I learned later-on that addresses in Japan are codes to unravel.  They indicate a ward, a district within the ward, a subsection of the district called a chome, a block number within the chome, and, finally, a building number.  In Japan, they number buildings in the order of their construction. They are not in numerical order as in the U.S.  The address I looked for could be located anywhere on the block, not somewhere in sequence. In place of a conventional numbered street address, an address in Japan could read like this in the U.S.:  “Go down this alleyway, take

a right at the nightclub, continue past the graveyard, and it’s the red door on the right after the old oak tree.”    Next, I found a lady pulling boxes on a cart.  I guessed that a delivery person would know the area well.  After quickly reviewing the address, she waved me hurriedly in another direction as if she knew exactly where to go.  We eventually reached her old van in front of a gas station.  She took out a map. As she looked at it for a long time, a deep crease began to form in her forehead. Her air of confidence became a look of “I don’t know.”  Fortunately, her fellow worker, who sensed the problem, stepped in, analyzed the address and map, and then pointed with the certainty of a commanding general to an area of buildings across the street.  My translation of her gesture, however, was:  “It’s somewhere over there!”  Another pin-the-tail moment. By now, I trusted no one walking the street.  So, I waved down an expert – a taxi driver.  His response to reading the address was an elongated samurai grunt and finger-pointing fit in Japanese-English, “Why are you taking a taxi?  It is around here.  We don’t need to drive anywhere!”  But I could detect uncertainty in his expressions as he desperately tried to help me.  I responded to him in my best, polite international English that I had learned works around the world – simple words pronounced slowly and loudly with a local accent as if the person cannot hear me well enough. In English with a Japanese accent, I said,  “Pleeease driiiive meee tooo theee ahdresssss ah.  I wiiill paaay youuuu eeeeven if it iiis aaacross the streeeeet.”  Then it dawned on me that he did not understand any of my Japanese accented English.  So, I resorted to the universal sign language of desperation conveyed with an American G I Joe gusto that said through body gestures, “I don’t want to walk there.  I am very late!  Please drive me even if it costs $50 to go 10 feet!”

He interpreted my gestures differently from what I meant because he zoomed off with me towards the center of town.  He tossed me what looked like a Japanese language guide-book to the city with pictures of landmarks and pages of street maps.  It was like he was giving me a tour of the town as he pointed to various places.  Perceiving the misadventure ahead, I emphasized my unwavering interest in going to the phantom address by vigorously and repeatedly pointing at the address written on the paper.  He responded with more grunts mixed with smiles as if saying, “You can point all you want.  You are my prisoner.” After many miles, we arrived back where we began the city tour and parked outside the gas station.  A determined and, apparently, a compassionate man, the driver did not want to let me down now.  He went to the gas station’s workers and pulled them together for a conference.  For what seemed like an eternity, they diligently researched maps, considered directories, animatedly discussed possible locations, and pointed in various directions. Then the gas station workers appeared to bow to each other in a humble celebration. Grandly, one of them stepped forward from the group and pointed to a building directly across the street. In the same direction that the cart puller’s fellow worker had gestured to, and the taxi driver told me about, I wondered, in despair, “Could it be that the building was, all this time, just over there, and I hadn’t listened to them?” The elated cab driver, who dearly wanted to finish the job, eagerly waved me into the taxi.  Ecstatic, I jumped in.  With a simple U-turn, he would deliver me to the door of the building across the street.  But, of course, that would be too simple. We drove in Japan, and the strict traffic laws overrode any sense of simplicity. My cab driver pulled out, zoomed off, took a dozen or so turns down one-way streets, and we finally pulled up to the building that was across

the street. I could have walked back and forth between the building and gas station twenty times while in the cab.  Gratefully, I paid the taxi driver a ransom for my release plus a tip for the city tour.  As I walked into my sales agent’s office sixty minutes late, his lady assistant graciously approached me, saying, “He is waiting for you at the Kokusai hotel to bring you here.”  “Oh My God! What message did I miss that told me to wait there?” I thought in anguish. “I spoke with a half dozen Japanese, disrupted their morning routine, struggled endlessly to understand them, walked many city blocks, traveled unnecessary miles, felt the helplessness and hopelessness of being lost, arrived an hour late, and I only had to wait for the sales agent to quickly and efficiently take me to his office! Feeling quite humble, I entered the meeting room and sat down at the conference table. My sales agent began to speak, and I listened carefully to his direction.

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20 best Time travel Short Stories with PDF

• June 21, 2023

20 of the best Time Travel Short Stories with PDF

As a passionate science enthusiast (read as “amateur” like 99% of us out there) and a lover of any sci fi movies (read as nerd”.. ha ha… cry cry), I have always found myself absolutely captivated by time travel. The last article I wrote was on my favorite murder mystery short stories and then I jumped to my favorite stories about giants and giantesses . In 2019 there was a Netflix series called Dark which made the concept of time travel so confusing yet so well explained that millions across the world fell in love with it. Time travel explores and exposes infinite possibilities and that excites anyone and everyone, myself included.

There is something fantastic about time traversing which is basically travelling into the past and witnessing historical events firsthand and even being able to alter the course of history itself. So it is no wonder that time travel short  stories excites me! These compact narratives offer an incredible blend of science fiction, adventure, and intellectual exploration, immersing readers in mind-bending concepts that challenge our perceptions of reality.

In this article, let us go on a thrilling journey into the world of time travel short stories. I have noted down some classics penned by the great literary giants of the past and even some contemporary works of the modern world that seeks to push the boundaries of time travel. Let us jump into a selection of twenty well-known time travel short stories.

If you are interested in changing to other stories, perhaps you can try 10 best Native American Short stories and Folk Tales or perhaps read about the 10 best necromancer stories .

Also You can download a free PDF copy of the 20 best time travel short stories right below.

“The Magician’s Apprentice” by Trudi Canavan

One my favorite short stories on time travel is of course “ The Magician’s Apprentice ” by Trudi Canavan . Simply put, it is one of the most captivating time travel novels out there and it is incredible. Straightway the story delves into the origins of a powerful magician. The story follows the young protagonist, Tessia, as she embarks on an extraordinary journey that shapes her destiny. In a world where magic exists, Tessia discovers her own latent abilities and becomes the apprentice of the skilled magician Lord Dakon. As she navigates the complexities of magic, politics, and her own inner struggles, Tessia uncovers secrets of the past and unravels the mysteries of time travel.

As Tessia grapples with her newfound powers and the responsibilities that come with them, she faces moral dilemmas and challenges the status quo. Canavan explores themes of power, destiny, and the consequences of one’s choices, as Tessia’s journey takes unexpected turns and forces her to confront her own limitations.

“The Magician’s Apprentice” is not only a thrilling tale of magic and adventure but also a coming-of-age story filled with personal growth and empowerment. Canavan’s imaginative world-building and compelling characters make this novel a must-read for fans of time travel and fantasy genres alike.

“The Time Machine” by H.G. Wells

“ The Time Machine ” by H.G. Wells is a captivating and visionary science fiction classic, the epitome of all time travel short stories,  that swept me away on an extraordinary journey through time and the future of humanity. In this thought-provoking tale, we accompany the Time Traveller as he ventures into the unknown, exploring the far reaches of time and encountering the enigmatic Eloi and the terrifying Morlocks.

H.G. Wells’ writing is concise and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the Time Traveller’s adventures and the stark landscapes he encounters. The author’s imaginative descriptions and attention to detail bring the future world to life, leaving an indelible impression on the reader’s mind.

“The Time Machine” delves into themes of evolution, social commentary, and the consequences of human progress. Wells presents a thought-provoking examination of class divisions and the potential future of civilization. The Time Traveller’s observations and encounters challenge our perceptions of society and humanity’s place in the world.

I would give this groundbreaking novel a visionary 9 out of 10! It is a seminal work of science fiction that continues to inspire readers with its imaginative concepts and social commentary. If you’re seeking a thought-provoking and thrilling adventure through time, “The Time Machine” is an absolute must-read that will transport you to a world of wonder and contemplation.

“The Goblin Emperor” by Katherine Addison

“ The Goblin Emperor ” by Katherine Addison is a captivating and enchanting fantasy novel that swept me away to a world of courtly intrigue, political maneuvering, and personal growth. In this enthralling tale, we follow Maia, a young half-goblin who unexpectedly becomes the Emperor of the Elflands after the death of his father and older brothers.

Katherine Addison’s writing is elegant and immersive, transporting readers to a meticulously crafted world filled with intricate court rituals, vibrant characters, and a richly imagined society. The author’s attention to detail and skillful characterization breathe life into the Elflands, making it a world that feels both familiar and unique. “The Goblin Emperor” explores themes of identity, compassion, and the challenges of leadership. Maia’s journey from a misunderstood and overlooked figure to a confident and compassionate ruler is both inspiring and heartwarming. The novel offers a nuanced portrayal of political complexities and the importance of empathy and understanding.

I would give this enchanting novel a mesmerizing 9 out of 10! It is a beautifully written and thought-provoking story that will captivate readers who appreciate intricate world-building and character-driven narratives. Prepare to be swept away by the courtly intrigues and personal triumphs of “The Goblin Emperor” as you embark on a journey of self-discovery alongside Maia.

“Sorcery & Cecelia: or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot” by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer

“ Sorcery & Cecelia: or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot ” by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer is a delightful and whimsical fantasy of manners that transported me to an enchanting world of magic and Regency-era intrigue. In this captivating novel, we follow the adventures of cousins Kate and Cecelia as they navigate the social intricacies of London society while uncovering a magical mystery.

Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer’s writing is witty, charming, and infused with a sense of playful banter. The story unfolds through a series of letters exchanged between Kate and Cecelia, providing unique insights into their individual experiences and the unfolding events. The authors’ seamless collaboration creates a narrative that is engaging, clever, and filled with unexpected twists.

“Sorcery & Cecelia” effortlessly blends elements of historical fiction, romance, and fantasy, creating a delightful fusion of genres. The characters are vibrant and endearing, with Kate and Cecelia’s distinct personalities shining through their correspondence. The magical elements, including the enchanted chocolate pot, add a whimsical touch to the story.

I would give this enchanting novel a delightful 8.5 out of 10! It is a charming and light-hearted read that combines the elegance of the Regency era with the wonder of magic. If you’re seeking a delightful escape into a world of manners and mischief, “Sorcery & Cecelia” is the perfect choice to satisfy your craving for both romance and enchantment.

“Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell” by Susanna Clarke

“ Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell ”  by Susanna Clarke is a spellbinding and immersive historical fantasy that transported me to a world where magic is revived in 19th-century England. In this extraordinary novel, we follow the titular characters, Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, as they navigate the intricate world of magic, facing personal and moral challenges along the way.

Susanna Clarke’s writing is exquisite, rich with historical detail and a deep understanding of folklore and mythology. The prose is dense and evocative, capturing the essence of the time period and immersing the reader in a world where magic and reality intertwine. Clarke’s meticulous world-building and extensive footnotes add depth and authenticity to the narrative.

“Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell” explores themes of power, obsession, and the consequences of playing with forces beyond one’s control. The characters are complex and multidimensional, with their own ambitions, flaws, and conflicts. The plot is a tapestry of intrigue, blending historical events with fantastical elements, and drawing the reader into a web of mystery and wonder.

I would give this remarkable novel a mesmerizing 9 out of 10! It is a true masterpiece of storytelling that seamlessly blends history and fantasy, inviting readers to explore the boundaries of imagination. Prepare to be enthralled by the world of “Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell” and embark on a captivating journey through the realms of magic and the human psyche.

“Sorcerer to the Crown” by Zen Cho

“ Sorcerer to the Crown “by Zen Cho is a delightful and enchanting fantasy of manners that transported me to a world of magic, political intrigue, and social challenges. In this captivating novel, we are introduced to Zacharias Wythe, the first African Sorcerer Royal of England, as he grapples with his responsibilities, societal prejudices, and a country on the brink of magical crisis.

Zen Cho’s writing is elegant and immersive, capturing the essence of Regency-era manners and seamlessly blending it with elements of fantasy. The prose is filled with wit, charm, and a touch of whimsy that kept me engaged from start to finish. Cho’s exploration of race, class, and gender dynamics adds depth and relevance to the story. “Sorcerer to the Crown” combines intricate world-building with a cast of compelling characters. Zacharias Wythe is a charismatic protagonist, struggling to assert his authority in a world that questions his worthiness. Prunella Gentleman, a young woman with her own magical abilities, challenges societal norms and brings a refreshing perspective to the narrative.

I would give this delightful novel a bewitching 8.5 out of 10! It is a captivating blend of fantasy, social commentary, and adventure that will appeal to fans of both historical fiction and magical storytelling. Prepare to be charmed by the enchantment of “Sorcerer to the Crown” as you delve into a world where magic and manners intertwine in delightful and unexpected ways.

“Shades of Milk and Honey” by Mary Robinette Kowal

“ Shades of Milk and Honey ” by Mary Robinette Kowal is a charming and elegant fantasy of manners that transported me to a world where artistry and magic intertwine. In this enchanting novel, we follow the talented Jane Ellsworth, a skilled illusionist, as she navigates a society filled with social expectations, romantic entanglements, and the discovery of a secret that could change everything.

Mary Robinette Kowal’s writing is graceful and evocative, capturing the essence of Regency-era England with a touch of magic. The prose is imbued with a sense of romance and subtlety, reflecting the societal norms and artistic pursuits of the time. Kowal’s attention to detail and seamless integration of magical elements create a world that feels both familiar and fantastical.

“Shades of Milk and Honey” explores themes of love, ambition, and the power of creativity. Jane Ellsworth is a captivating protagonist, balancing her desires for both artistic recognition and personal happiness. The interactions between the characters are filled with wit, charm, and a touch of whimsy, making for a delightful reading experience.

I would give this enchanting novel a delightful 8 out of 10! It is a delightful blend of Regency-era romance, artistry, and subtle magic that will transport readers to a world where elegance and enchantment coexist. If you’re seeking a book that combines Jane Austen-esque manners with a touch of fantasy, “Shades of Milk and Honey” is a delightful choice that will leave you longing for more of its captivating world.

“Tooth and Claw” by Jo Walton

“ Tooth and Claw ” by Jo Walton is a unique and enthralling fantasy of manners that transported me to a world populated by dragons and filled with family drama, social hierarchy, and the pursuit of power. In this captivating novel, dragons are the central characters, and we follow the lives of various dragon families as they navigate their complex society.

Jo Walton’s writing is imaginative and immersive, painting a vivid picture of a dragon society with its own rules, customs, and traditions. The prose is elegant and captures the essence of a Victorian-era novel, complete with its meticulous attention to societal norms and intricate social interactions.

“Tooth and Claw” explores themes of family, inheritance, and societal expectations. The dragon characters are engaging and multifaceted, each with their own motivations and desires. Walton expertly weaves together their individual stories, interweaving personal conflicts with broader societal changes.

I would give this intriguing novel a captivating 8 out of 10! It is a unique and refreshing take on the fantasy genre, offering a clever twist by featuring dragons in a world of manners and propriety. If you’re seeking a novel that combines fantasy with Victorian sensibilities and intricate family dynamics, “Tooth and Claw” is a captivating choice that will leave you eager to explore this dragon-filled world further.

“The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern

“ The Night Circus ” by Erin Morgenstern is a mesmerizing and enchanting tale that transported me to a world of magic, wonder, and the captivating allure of a mysterious circus. In this spellbinding novel, we are drawn into the rivalry between two young illusionists, Celia and Marco, as they showcase their extraordinary abilities within the confines of the Night Circus.

Erin Morgenstern’s writing is lyrical and evocative, painting a vivid and atmospheric landscape that immerses the reader in the ethereal world of the circus. The prose is rich with sensory detail, creating a sensory feast for the imagination. Morgenstern’s ability to evoke emotions and capture the essence of wonder and mystery is truly remarkable.

“The Night Circus” explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the transformative power of art. The characters are beautifully drawn, each with their own intricate storylines and connections to the circus. The interplay between magic, illusion, and reality adds depth and intrigue to the narrative, leaving the reader questioning what is real and what is mere illusion.

I would give this enchanting novel a captivating 9.5 out of 10! It is a breathtaking work of imagination and storytelling that will leave you awe-struck and longing for more. “The Night Circus” is a testament to the power of imagination and the beauty that can be found in the most extraordinary places. Step into the world of the circus and prepare to be captivated by its mystique and magic.

“The House of Shattered Wings” by Aliette de Bodard

“ The House of Shattered Wings ” by Aliette de Bodard is a dark and immersive fantasy of manners that took me on a haunting journey through a decaying Paris ruled by fallen angels and the remnants of once-mighty houses. In this captivating novel, we delve into a world ravaged by war and filled with political intrigue, ancient secrets, and the struggle for power.

Aliette de Bodard’s writing is atmospheric and evocative, painting a vivid picture of a city in ruins and a society teetering on the brink of collapse. The prose is rich with intricate details, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the world of fallen angels, magic, and complex relationships. De Bodard’s skillful blend of dark fantasy and a vividly realized setting creates a sense of unease and wonder.

“The House of Shattered Wings” explores themes of redemption, loyalty, and the consequences of past choices. The characters are multifaceted, with their own hidden agendas and haunted pasts. Their interactions are filled with tension and intrigue, as they navigate a world where allegiances are fragile and betrayal lurks in every shadow.

I would give this haunting novel a compelling 8.5 out of 10! It is a beautifully crafted work that combines elements of fantasy, mystery, and political drama. “The House of Shattered Wings” will transport you to a dark and atmospheric Paris, where the remnants of fallen angels and shattered dreams collide. Prepare to be captivated by the intricate web of secrets and the atmospheric world Aliette de Bodard has created.

“Enchantress from the Stars” by Sylvia Engdahl

“ Enchantress from the Stars ” by Sylvia Engdahl is a captivating and thought-provoking science fiction novel that seamlessly blends elements of fantasy and space exploration. In this enthralling tale, we follow Elana, a young anthropologist from an advanced civilization, as she embarks on a mission to a primitive planet to observe and guide its inhabitants.

Sylvia Engdahl’s writing is engaging and immersive, transporting readers to a world of interstellar travel and cultural exchange. The prose is accessible and filled with a sense of wonder, making it suitable for readers of various ages. Engdahl’s exploration of different societies, their beliefs, and their clash of ideologies adds depth and relevance to the narrative.

“Enchantress from the Stars” explores themes of understanding, empathy, and the power of perspective. Elana’s journey as she becomes deeply involved with the people of the primitive planet challenges her own preconceived notions and forces her to question her role as an observer. The novel raises important questions about the impact of intervention and the dangers of imposing one’s own values on others.

I would give this thought-provoking novel an enchanting 8 out of 10! It is a compelling blend of science fiction and fantasy that explores complex themes in a relatable and accessible manner. “Enchantress from the Stars” will transport readers on a journey of discovery, urging them to contemplate the power of compassion and understanding in a universe filled with diverse cultures and perspectives.

“The Silvered” by Tanya Huff

“ The Silvered ” by Tanya Huff is an exhilarating and imaginative fantasy novel that combines elements of steampunk, magic, and political intrigue. In this captivating book, we are introduced to a world where magic-wielding shapeshifters known as the Silvered are pitted against a ruthless empire in a battle for survival.

Tanya Huff’s writing is fast-paced and action-packed, immersing readers in a richly developed world filled with captivating characters and high-stakes adventures. The prose is dynamic, propelling the story forward with a sense of urgency and excitement. Huff’s skillful blend of magic and technology creates a unique and compelling setting.

“The Silvered” explores themes of resistance, sacrifice, and the power of unity. The characters are vibrant and multi-dimensional, with their own strengths and vulnerabilities. The interactions between the Silvered and the empire’s forces are filled with tension and strategic maneuvering, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

I would give this thrilling novel an adrenaline-fueled 8.5 out of 10! It is a fantastic blend of fantasy and steampunk, offering a fresh take on shape-shifting and political intrigue. “The Silvered” will sweep you into a world where magic and machinery collide, where loyalty is tested, and where unlikely alliances are forged. Prepare to be enthralled by Tanya Huff’s thrilling storytelling and embark on a high-stakes adventure that will leave you craving for more.

“The Glamourist Histories” series by Mary Robinette Kowal

“ The Glamourist Histories ” series by Mary Robinette Kowal is a delightful and enchanting collection of novels that seamlessly combines historical fiction with elements of fantasy and romance. Set in an alternate Regency era, these books follow the adventures of Jane Ellsworth and her husband, Vincent, as they navigate a world of glamour, artistry, and political intrigue.

Mary Robinette Kowal’s writing is elegant and immersive, capturing the manners and etiquette of the Regency period while infusing it with the magical art of glamour. The prose is laced with wit, charm, and a keen attention to detail, transporting readers to a world that feels both familiar and fantastical.

“The Glamourist Histories” explore themes of love, artistry, societal expectations, and the pursuit of personal happiness. Jane and Vincent’s relationship is a delight to follow, as they navigate the challenges of their artistic pursuits and the complexities of the world around them. Kowal’s meticulous research and seamless integration of glamour as a form of magic add depth and richness to the narrative.

I would give this enchanting series a sparkling 9 out of 10! It is a delightful blend of historical fiction, fantasy, and romance, showcasing Mary Robinette Kowal’s skill in crafting engaging and immersive stories. “The Glamourist Histories” will transport you to a world where art and magic intertwine, where love and ambition collide, and where the power of imagination knows no bounds. Prepare to be swept away by the elegance and enchantment of these remarkable novels.

“A Natural History of Dragons” by Marie Brennan

“ A Natural History of Dragons ” by Marie Brennan is a captivating and immersive novel that invites readers to embark on a thrilling adventure filled with scientific exploration, daring discoveries, and the allure of dragons. In this enchanting book, we follow the remarkable Lady Trent, a naturalist and scholar, as she recounts her early years and her passion for studying dragons.

Marie Brennan’s writing is evocative and richly descriptive, painting a vivid picture of a world where dragons exist alongside human society. The prose is imbued with a sense of wonder and intellectual curiosity, mirroring Lady Trent’s own insatiable thirst for knowledge. Brennan’s attention to detail and her ability to create a believable scientific framework for dragon research add depth and authenticity to the narrative.

“A Natural History of Dragons” explores themes of curiosity, resilience, and the pursuit of knowledge. Lady Trent is a compelling protagonist, defying societal norms and overcoming numerous obstacles in her quest to study dragons. The supporting characters are equally well-developed, each adding their own unique perspectives and dynamics to the story.

I would give this enthralling novel an adventurous 8.5 out of 10! It is a delightful blend of fantasy, science, and exploration, offering a fresh take on dragons and their place in a meticulously crafted world. “A Natural History of Dragons” will transport you to a realm of discovery and fascination, where the boundaries of scientific inquiry and the allure of mythical creatures merge. Prepare to be captivated by Marie Brennan’s vivid storytelling and embark on an extraordinary journey into the realm of dragons.

“The Glamour Thieves” by Don Allmon

“ The Glamour Thieves ” is an exhilarating cyberpunk fantasy novel written by Don Allmon. Set in a futuristic world where magic and technology coexist, this fast-paced adventure takes readers on a thrilling ride through a world of hackers, thieves, and dangerous secrets.

The story follows the unlikely duo of Douglas and Kit, two skilled thieves with a knack for trouble. When a heist gone wrong leads them to acquire a powerful magical artifact, they find themselves caught in a web of intrigue and betrayal. As they navigate the treacherous underworld, they encounter captivating characters and face life-threatening challenges.

Allmon’s writing is gritty and immersive, painting a vivid picture of the cyberpunk landscape with its neon-lit streets and high-tech gadgets. The blend of magic and technology adds a unique and compelling twist to the narrative, creating a sense of wonder and danger.

With its gripping plot, dynamic characters, and a healthy dose of wit and humor, “The Glamour Thieves” keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. I would confidently give it a solid 9 out of 10, as it delivers a thrilling and captivating story that will leave fans of cyberpunk and fantasy craving for more.

“The Winter Witch” by Paula Brackston

“ The Winter Witch ” by Paula Brackston is an enchanting tale that effortlessly weaves together elements of fantasy, romance, and time travel. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque village, the story immerses readers in a world where magic lurks just beneath the surface.

As I delved into the pages of this captivating novel, I found myself irresistibly drawn to Morgana, the protagonist, a young woman with an extraordinary gift for manipulating the weather. Brackston’s vivid descriptions painted a vivid picture of Morgana’s struggles and triumphs, making her journey feel all the more real.

The introduction of time travel added an intriguing twist to the narrative, allowing for unexpected encounters and heart-wrenching choices. The author masterfully handled the complexities of time manipulation, seamlessly blending the past and present. Overall, I would give “The Winter Witch” a solid 8 out of 10. It’s a captivating and beautifully crafted tale that will transport you to a world where magic and love intertwine, leaving you yearning for more.

“The First Men in the Moon” by H.G. Wells

“ The First Men in the Moon ” by H.G. Wells takes readers on an exhilarating journey to the moon, where the incredible adventures of two explorers unfold. As a fan of science fiction, I was captivated by the masterful storytelling and imaginative concepts that Wells presents in this novel. The narrative follows the protagonist, Mr. Bedford, and the eccentric scientist, Mr. Cavor, as they embark on an unexpected lunar expedition.

Wells skillfully intertwines scientific exploration, social commentary, and elements of time travel to create a gripping tale. The book beautifully captures the awe-inspiring wonders of the moon, vividly describing its strange inhabitants and captivating landscapes. The scientific theories and technological innovations presented in the story add depth and credibility to the narrative.

“The First Men in the Moon” has stood the test of time and continues to be a beloved classic in the science fiction genre. With its thought-provoking themes and thrilling plot, it deserves the average score of 8 out of 10 given by readers on the internet. I highly recommend this novel to anyone seeking a compelling adventure into the realms of space and time.

20 best Time travel short stories – PDF

Time travel short stories have provided endless possibilities for authors to explore the complexities of temporal manipulation, causality, and the human experience. These twenty examples represent just a glimpse into the vast world of time travel short stories and fiction, each offering a unique perspective and captivating narrative. As readers delve into these time travel short stories, they are transported across time, embracing the wonder and dangers that lie within the temporal realm.

Please happily download the free PDF copy of the most famous Time travel short stories

20 of the best Time Travel Short Stories

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Hi, thanks for the link to my review, but please could you flag on this blog post who the links are going to? Just so people know what the links are and to credit the people you’re linking to. Thanks!

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New York is about to crack down on short-term rentals. Here's what travelers should know

Travelers planning to visit New York City may find it harder to book an Airbnb .

The city will begin enforcing its Short-Term Rental Registration Law on Sept. 5, requiring short-term rental hosts to register with the Mayor's Office of Special Enforcement. The law, which was adopted in January 2022, could significantly reduce visitors’ choices when it comes to lodging.

“It seems clear to me, based upon the current speed at which the city is processing applications for hosts, that a lot of supply will drop out of what's currently available,” said Sean Hennessey, clinical associate professor at the New York University School of Professional Studies Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality. 

Here’s what to know:

What are the rules for short-term rentals in New York?

The new city law is aimed at cracking down on short-term rentals. It requires hosts to acknowledge and comply with regulations and forbids booking platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo and Booking.com from processing transactions for those that are unregistered.

“You cannot rent out an entire apartment or home to visitors for less than 30 days, even if you own or live in the building,” the Office of Special Enforcement said on its website . “This applies to all permanent residential buildings.”

Hosts can only offer short-term rentals if they remain with their guests in the apartment or unit. They are also prohibited from having more than two paying guests at a time, among other rules. 

“There are penalties for both hosts and booking services who fail to comply with the requirements of the law,” the office said.

Properties with Class B status are exempt from the registration requirement, but the office said homes and apartments are unlikely to fall into that category. “Most residential buildings that people can rent or own to live in full time are not Class B multiple dwellings,” the office said on its website, noting that the class includes accommodations like hotels, boarding houses and others.

Earlier this month, a New York judge dismissed lawsuits filed by Airbnb and three hosts over the rules, saying the restrictions were “entirely rational.” Supreme Court Judge Arlene P. Bluth said such a system will help identify many illegal short-term rentals before they’re listed on the Airbnb platform.

The city received nearly 12,000 complaints regarding illegal short-term rentals from 2017 to 2021. Housing advocates have said listing whole apartments on the platforms deprives the city of supply .

“It has long been our goal to work with New York City to create sensible home-sharing regulations for our host community, and for the better part of the last decade, we have worked hard to find a path forward,” Theo Yedinsky, Global Policy Director for Airbnb, told USA TODAY in an emailed statement.

“New York City’s new short-term rental rules are a blow to its tourism economy and the thousands of New Yorkers and small businesses in the outer boroughs who rely on home sharing and tourism dollars to help make ends meet,” he added. “The city is sending a clear message to millions of potential visitors who will now have fewer accommodation options when they visit New York City: you are not welcome.”

Christian Klossner, Executive Director of the Mayor's Office of Special Enforcement, said registration "creates a clear path for hosts who follow the city’s laws and protects travelers from illegal and unsafe accommodations."

"We have consistently worked with hosts and platforms to ensure they are aware of their requirements under the law, and intend to continue doing so before enforcement begins Sept. 5,” he told USA TODAY in an emailed statement.

How will the law impact travelers?

Not only will travelers be unable to book unregistered properties, but existing reservations could also be in jeopardy. Because the city has a “huge backlog” of applications, they may not be able to get approval in time, according to Hennessey.

The office had reviewed 744 applications out of 2,789 submitted as of Monday, according to data provided by the office. Among those, 227 were approved, 53 were denied and 464 were sent back to applicants for more information or to fix deficiencies.

Some listings may also drop out of the market entirely because they don’t meet the requirements, Hennessey added. While hosts will likely share any updates with guests, he said it would be “prudent” for travelers with upcoming reservations to proactively reach out to rule out any disruptions.

Airbnb – which Hennessey said is the dominant booking platform of its kind in New York – stopped accepting short-term rental reservations for hosts that had not provided the platform with a registration number this week but will not cancel existing bookings through Dec. 1.

The law could pose other challenges for travelers too. 

Group travel could get more complicated, forcing visitors to rent multiple hotel rooms instead of one multi-room Airbnb, for example, Hennessey said. Visitors may also encounter higher prices for remaining listings and other accommodations as the short-term rental supply dwindles.

“So, that is going to make New York City somewhat less attractive or less affordable as a vacation destination,” he said.

Contributing: The Associated Press

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

5 travel tips for a smoother Labor Day weekend

The good news for procrastinators is there are still deals to be found.

Labor Day weekend is just about here, marking the unofficial close to the scorching hot summer months. It’s the last holiday travel weekend of the season, but just as popular.

AAA said domestic bookings are up 4 percent and international bookings are up 44 percent since last year, according to aggregated booking data for flights, hotels, rental cars and cruises. Booking platform Hopper estimates more than 20 million people will depart from U.S. airports this weekend, which is a roughly 14 percent increase from this time last year.

In a summer of extreme weather and crowds, travel experts said it’s important to build flexibility into your plans. And good news for last-minute planners: There are still deals to be found.

Here are five things to keep in mind for your travel plans over the holiday weekend.

It’s an ideal time for procrastinators

Travelers often face costly flight and accommodations costs when faced with last-minute travel, but experts suggest this weekend might be a good time to purchase travel on a tighter timeline.

Labor Day is typically seen as the least expensive of the three summer holiday weekends, and this year has seen significant cheaper travel than in previous ones, said Hopper economist Hayley Berg. A recent report from the travel booking site said airfare prices are down 11 percent from last year and 20 percent down from Labor Day weekend 2019.

The average price for a flight is $226 per ticket. Rental cars are also down 14.5 percent from this time last year, and average $41 on a daily basis.

Airfare is in its cheaper era. But for how long?

Part of the reason that is, Berg says, is due to an increased supply on flight and car rentals this summer compared to last year. This is coupled with other factors that are usually seen around August and September, including prices coming down for peak season, students returning to school and adults returning to more rigid in-person work schedules.

“September really marks the beginning of a low demand period for travel,” Berg said. “We typically see prices drop anywhere from 20 to 30 percent, from peak summer prices to the prices that will be for the next couple of weeks.”

Berg said the start of a low-demand, high-supply travel season is ideal for those looking for last-minute deals, since there will likely be more occupancy available on flights and hotels.

Here’s how to salvage summer vacation, according to travel experts

Expect crowds at airports and popular destinations

Like much of the summer , travelers can expect airports and popular destinations to be crowded.

The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen more than 14 million passengers for Labor Day weekend, with Friday as the busiest day with around 2.7 million travelers.

TSA Administrator David P. Pekoske said in an email that passenger volume is 11 percent higher than last year, and has already exceeded Labor Day weekend numbers from four years ago. It’s reflective of one of the busiest travel periods, the agency said, with roughly 227.5 million passengers making their way through security checkpoints since Memorial Day weekend.

It will be a crowded weekend for popular domestic destinations, such as Atlanta, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Following year-round trends, warmer locations should expect more tourist traffic, Berg said.

9 less-crowded vacation spots

Las Vegas is usually the most popular domestic destination throughout the year, Hopper said, and next weekend is no exception. Travel to the area is often more inexpensive and one of the most accessible locations in the western United States, and offers close access point to the Grand Canyon, which is about 130 miles near to the park’s West Rim in Arizona.

Other popular destinations include New York, Orlando and Seattle. Tourism for the Emerald City has also been boosted by a strong demand for Alaska cruises, similar to cruise ports in Florida, according to AAA data.

To avoid crowds, Pekoske recommends arriving two hours before your scheduled flight, educating yourself on TSA liquid and security policies to avoid tedious bag checks or even calling your airline beforehand to ensure you are prepared to take a flight, especially if you are bringing strollers, pets or extra equipment.

Consider travel insurance and a backup plan

Flying in the summer can be a gamble, especially during hurricane season and bad storms , when your flight is at risk for being canceled or delayed.

5 signs you have the wrong travel insurance

Berg said increases in disruptions is part of the reason more travelers are purchasing travel insurance, especially with longer trips or ones involving international destinations post-pandemic. It’s also cost-effective if you can’t afford to cancel or rebook your own trip.

Passengers can purchase travel insurance to cover weather-related issues, lost baggage and cancellations; check with your credit card company on what they cover. If you want more coverage, like if you get covid and have to postpone your trip, make sure your policy is a “cancel for any reason” policy.

Berg said unpredictable weather this summer, such as the wildfires in Maui and heavy rain seen across several regions throughout the United States, can make travel challenging. Those traveling abroad this summer have also likely faced inclement weather patterns, including back-to-back heat waves throughout the Mediterranean coast.

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“There’s still a lot of anxiety from travelers about unexpected disruptions, how they will pay when they need an unexpected accommodation or need to book a new flight to get home on time or head back to work or school — whatever it is,” she said. “There is certainly still some anxiety about disruption lingering out there.”

It’s also important to build a disaster plan as extreme weather becomes a more common travel disrupter. Be prepared for evacuations, keep an eye on forecasts and pack extra essentials, such as medications, in case you get stuck.

Mornings and evenings are the best times to hit the road

Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, estimated in a recent AAA report that the best times to drive are early in the morning or in the evening throughout the weekend.

The AAA report estimates between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Thursday to be the busiest time on roads over the course of the weekend. Friday is expected to have the highest traffic between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m.

There will also be increased congestion across several popular cities, such as travel into Atlanta on the Interstate 20 East and Chicago via Interstate 94 East, both of which should expect more traffic leading into the weekend itself.

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The national average for a regular gallon of gas on Labor Day last year was $3.78, and although drivers taking road trips this weekend can likely see similar prices, prices have generally spiked in the last few months.

Last month, gas prices surged due to less supply and high oil costs. These costs decreased in August, but hurricane season’s peak in September brings concerns of potentially higher gas prices leading into the weekend.

Be prepared for delays and cancellations

Since it’s hard to predict whether your Labor Day flight could be delayed or canceled, Hopper recommends giving yourself as much wiggle room as possible to travel.

Flight cancellations were below 2 percent for the first four months of 2023, according to a Transportation Department report in June , lower than the 2.7 percent cancellation rate in 2022. Airlines reported being on time for more than 75 percent of their domestic flights.

Earlier this year, the agency also reported that nearly one-third of travel customer complaints were due to cancellations and delays, with the majority of flights involving Southwest Airlines.

If you need to make it to your destination for an event, the travel booking site recommends planning a buffer day in between to factor in any possible itinerary changes. Berg also recommends flying in the morning, because most disruptions happen in the afternoon and evening times.

So your flight got delayed. Here’s when you should head to the airport.

On the day of your flights, Berg also recommends checking any potential alternative flights in case yours is disrupted, educating yourself on what your airline owes you if you are canceled or delayed , and signing up for mobile or email alerts.

Travel experts recommend Labor Day weekend as an ideal time to squeeze in any bucket-list ideas on places to vacation or visit, due to overall lower costs in September and October.

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