Holidays are meant to be a time of relaxation and escape, but certain behaviours can take the shine off even the most idyllic destinations. Curious about what frustrates travellers the most, we ran a Facebook poll asking, What’s your biggest pet peeve while on holiday? The results were enlightening, revealing a mix of universal irritations and some quirks unique to British holidaymakers. Let’s dive in!

1. Reserving Sun Loungers (19%)

The clear winner (or loser) of our poll was the infamous holiday ritual of reserving sun loungers. There’s nothing more frustrating than heading to the pool, only to find rows of chairs claimed with towels at the crack of dawn, often left unused for hours. While some resorts are cracking down on this practice, it remains a widespread annoyance for those who prefer a more laid-back approach to securing their spot in the sun.

2. Buffet Food Waste (13.4%)

Second on the list is people piling their plates high at the buffet and leaving most of it untouched. Not only is it wasteful, but it can also leave others disappointed when popular dishes run out. Savvy travellers have suggested making multiple smaller trips to the buffet—a strategy that’s kinder to the planet and your appetite.

3. The Thought of Going Home (9.5%)

The only non-behavioural complaint to make the list, the thought of going home resonates with many travellers. Whether it’s the dread of returning to work, leaving behind sunny skies for grey clouds, or saying goodbye to newfound friends, the end of a holiday can cast a shadow over the final few days. The best cure? Start planning your next getaway as soon as you return!

4. Rowdy Groups by the Pool (6.9%)

Holidays are meant to be relaxing, but rowdy groups around the pool or lounger areas can ruin the atmosphere for everyone else. Loud music, shouting, and even

splashing can make it difficult to unwind. While some travellers seek out adults-only resorts to avoid this issue, others prefer to stick to quieter, off-peak seasons.

5. Other British Holidaymakers (5.2%)

Rounding out the list is an amusing but telling complaint: other British holidaymakers. Whether it’s overhearing loud conversations, encountering less-than-polite attitudes, or simply feeling that a destination has lost its exotic appeal due to the sheer number of fellow Brits, this sentiment struck a chord with some respondents. That said, many British travellers also enjoy the camaraderie of meeting compatriots abroad.

Final Thoughts

Holidays are as much about the experiences we share with others as they are about the places we visit. While certain behaviours can be frustrating, they’re often minor inconveniences in the grand scheme of things. Keeping a sense of humour and embracing the unexpected is all part of the adventure.

What’s your biggest pet peeve while on holiday? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear what drives you mad and how you deal with it!

Picture Credit: Canva