Holidays are supposed to be a time of relaxation, exploration, and rejuvenation. However, amidst the joy and excitement, it’s easy to fall into certain habits that may not be so beneficial in the long run.
From overindulging in food and overspending to questionable hygiene practices, here are six bad holiday habits many people develop without realizing it.
Contents
1. Taking Things from the Hotel
Will the pillow fit in your luggage?
Or maybe some hotel towels?
Don’t even try to snatch a few utensils!
We’ve all been there. We know we don’t need them and wouldn’t usually take things without asking. But something takes over when we see how many miniature toiletries we can fit in our bags.
But people take all kinds of things from hotels, including bathrobes, coat hangers, pillows, and even ornaments. Some of the most unusual items stolen from hotels include:
- Stuffed boar (Hotel du Vin, Birmingham)
- Curtains and mirrors (Travelodge)
- A chandelier (Shangri-La, Hong Kong)
- A marble fireplace (Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire)
- The room number (Franklin Hotel, Knightsbridge)
- A medieval sword and a 4ft wooden bear (anonymous)
- A $300,000 Andy Warhol artwork (W Hong Kong)
- A grand piano (Starwood Hotels)
2. Overindulging
How can you resist this Viennese sachertorte?
Holidays don’t always do wonders for the waistline. 60% of travelers say they gain at least two kilos on holiday, 25% put on at least three kilos, and 5% put on roughly six kilos or more.
Whether you overindulge on the all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet or drink a few too many sugary cocktails every night, the calories soon add up and are more difficult to manage.
3. Overspending
Shoes in Ukraine. When you can’t choose….buy them all.
You might not think overspending would make this list of bad holiday habits, as holiday-goers have taken everything they need from the Hotel.
But going over budget, or not setting a travel budget at all, is commonplace. No matter how careful you are with money at home, people can’t resist the temptation of a novelty souvenir or two.
4. Bragging on Social Media
What hashtag should I put?
You might want everyone else to know you’re on holiday and having a great time, but they won’t thank you for endless photographs of the beach or selfies in your sunglasses. Please keep it to a minimum.
5. Bad Hygiene
This doesn’t look like a restroom. Does it?
Believe it or not, 64% of Americans admit to taking a wee in the ocean or pool. It’s something people would be pretty embarrassed to admit or disgusted if they saw someone else doing it, but they seem pretty happy to urinate in public places themselves.
6. Calling in Sick to Extend Your Holiday
“My cat needs me.”
Depending on where you go on holiday, traveling back can undo much of the de-stressing you’ve worked hard on.
After a long day of flights and transfers, waiting for your luggage, and dealing with queues, it can be extremely tempting to extend your holiday by calling in sick.
Saying you must have caught a bug on the plane or eaten something dodgy at the airport might be suspicious, but when you’re tucked up in bed, it’s just another thing that can wait until tomorrow.
Conclusion
While holidays are meant to be a time of relaxation and enjoyment, it’s important to be mindful of the habits we develop during this time.
These habits can have long-lasting consequences, from overindulging in food and overspending to questionable hygiene practices and even stealing from hotels.
By being aware of these behaviors and consciously trying to avoid them, we can ensure that our holidays are truly rejuvenating experiences.
So next time you’re on vacation, remember to indulge responsibly, stick to your budget, practice good hygiene, and resist the temptation to bring home a piece of the Hotel with you. Your mind, body, and wallet will thank you in the long run.
FAQs
Why do people take things from hotels?
People often take items from hotels as souvenirs or mementos of their stay, viewing them as small tokens to remember their holiday. Additionally, some may justify it by thinking they’ve already paid for these items with their room rate.
How can I avoid overindulging on holiday?
To avoid overindulging, try to maintain a balanced approach to eating while on vacation. Opt for healthier food choices, practice portion control, and engage in physical activities or exercises to offset excess calories consumed.
What are some practical ways to avoid overspending during travel?
Setting a realistic budget before your trip and sticking to it is crucial. Consider using cash instead of credit cards to prevent overspending. Additionally, prioritize your purchases and focus on experiences rather than material items.
While sharing holiday photos on social media is common, striking a balance and avoiding excessive posting is essential. Instead, consider sharing a few highlights or moments that are meaningful to you while respecting the privacy and interests of your followers.
Why is practicing good hygiene important during travel?
Practicing good hygiene, such as refraining from urinating in public places like pools or oceans, helps maintain public health and sanitation standards. It also prevents the spread of diseases and ensures a more pleasant experience for everyone.
