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Earlier this week I asked for you guys to share your biggest travel goofs with us–the most embarrassing, cringe-worthy mistakes or situations you’ve put yourself in–to participate in our latest Southwest Gift Card giveaway. I’ve truly enjoyed reading them all and getting to know my readers a little more personally. Thanks to everyone who shared a story!

I am leaving it up to you guys to choose the winner. You can either comment on this post with who you think deserves to win, or email me at questions@milevalue.com.

I will contact the winner shortly and your $101 Southwest Gift Card will be sent via Caveman soon!

Top Two Travel Goofs

In no particular order, here are the two best (worst?) travel goofs from MileValue readers Paula and Tom.

From Paula:

“I was in Egypt for only one night so far, and this was my first time traveling outside of North America. Our group went to see the Pyramids at Giza. Before going inside, I ducked into the Visitor Center to use the bathroom. There was a little lever at foot level in front of the toilet. I stood up and stepped on it thinking that I was about to flush the toilet, but instead, a geyser of water erupted from the toilet bowl! I was cowering and screaming in the corner of the stall, unable to reach the lever to turn the water off. The bathroom attendant opened the door and bravely managed to get in there and turn the water off, I’m sure cursing at me in Arabic the whole time. Then I had to go meet the rest of the group. My clothes and my bag and my hair were totally drenched. They all got a good laugh at my expense and I had to tour the pyramids all wet!”

Photo by Jay8085
Photo by Jay8085

From Tom: 

“While traveling on our first ever trip abroad, my wife, Amy, had her knee start to bother her. Lots of walking in Venice! We were taking the train to Florence and the train came to a stop. I told her I would get the bags and started tossing them out the door. I went back to get the next load and people started to board the train. Being the southern gentleman that I am, I helped others board and store their bags as I made my way to the exit. The door closed before I could exit so I hit the emergency button and nothing. I waved to my wife as the train pulled out from the station and it’s next scheduled stop was Bologna. She also had my wallet!  I had trouble communicating with the train staff but understood the train would not stop until Bologna. An hour or so away.

Amy tried to communicate with station employees and the police to no avail. With her knee she would struggle to get the bags down a floor to a taxi. I had all the reservation info with me and had her phone in my bag.

Another passenger failed to exit at Florence and finally convinced the conductor to stop at the next station. We had passed a few stations by that time and we had no idea where we were. No taxis were at this station and I had to walk into the city to flag one down. Tried to communicate as best I could and he drove me back to the station in Florence. I told him I would pay him when I found my wife. Fortunately, she adhered to our plan should we get divided. We always said she would stay put and I would try to find her. It worked out. After about an hour total we reconnected and I paid our taxi to take us to our hotel in Florence. Gave him a great tip. We can now finally laugh about this. It is smart to have a plan. You never know when you might get separated!”

Tom and his wife in Oslo, Norway
Tom and his wife in Oslo, Norway

Bottom Line

Thanks again to reader Caveman, without whom this giveaway wouldn’t have happened, and everyone who shared their story. Reading all your mistakes made me feel a little better about my own 😉

Vote below or by emailing me at questions@milevalue.com. I’ll announce a winner next week.

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