We’ve compiled some of the world’s funniest, craziest and most harrowing travel fails in the hopes you’ll learn from the mistakes of these Darwin Travel Award* winners — a name inspired by The Darwin Awards, a website commemorating those “who improve our gene pool (by removing themselves from it in the most spectacular way possible)”.
We obviously hope you don't meet the same fate — however, we can't help but love hearing stories of your own epic travel fails. Have something to share? Comment on our Facebook page with the hashtag #travelfail.
Here are a few of our favourite #travelfails from around the web:
A skier arrived ready for her powdery Alpine resort holiday — only to find there was dismal snow. Rather than drown her sorrows in apres-ski and make the most of the hot tub, she returned home and filed an insurance claim for the cost of the new skis she had bought before her trip (her claim was rejected!).
The lesson for the rest of us hopeful travellers? Read the fine print when it comes to travel insurance coverage, or ask the pros at Travel Insurance Consultants (TIC) to explain what is and isn't covered.
A French man was kicked off a Dallas-bound American Airlines flight after fellow passengers complained of unbearable body odour.
According to reports, the man blamed the smell on a Dior perfume he’d sprayed on himself in a duty-free shop. Regardless, his trip was cancelled and he was told to “take a shower.”
Some jokes go way too far — like the Wi-Fi name “Mobile Detonation Device” in an airport. On a Qantas Airways flight from Melbourne to Perth, a woman noticed the alarming option on her phone’s menu. Bringing it to the attention of her flight’s crew, they searched the plane to try to find its owner and even delayed takeoff two hours behind schedule, according to CNN.
Many passengers chose not to travel as a result of the security concern but fortunately, the plane landed safely in Perth. The culprit was never found but we’re giving him or her a Darwin Travel Award for the inconvenience!
Two women returning home from Cuba were stopped at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in 2013 when screening agents discovered fragments of human skulls buried in the sealed dirt-filled pottery in their luggage. The ladies claimed they’d bought the unusual souvenirs after being promised they’d “ward off bad spirits” but had no idea of the contents, The Wire reported.
The pair was ultimately released with no criminal penalties — but if they had been trying to transport human remains, they could have faced up to 15 years in jail!
A couple on holiday in Malaysia returned to their accommodation to find monkeys had stolen their clothes – and scattered them across the neighbouring rainforest. Thankfully, the insurance company paid their claim for lost baggage!
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Many #travelfails go from bad to worse because travellers don't buy travel insurance. Don’t be a Dodo! Ask the pros at Travel Insurance Consultants (TIC) which plan offers the right coverage — be it skiing, snorkelling or an emergency air evacuation (which could set you back up to R1 million if you're travelling without insurance!).
Simmy Micheli, TIC’s manager of sales and marketing, answers some of the most common travel insurance questions:
1. Can I get travel insurance if I have a pre-existing condition? If you are healthy enough to travel but become ill on your journey, there is pre-existing medical cover for hospitalisation costs for passengers up to age 69 — if you’ve purchased a Leisure Comprehensive, Business or Group policy.
2. Can I get travel insurance if I’m pregnant? Yes, up to the first day of the 26th week. A child born on the journey is not covered.
3. I’ve heard you can’t get travel insurance if you’re older — is this true?
Senior travellers can get cover up to four months if they’re 70 to 79 years old, or opt for a Senior Plus policy if they’re between 80 to 85. Please note these policies exclude cover for pre-existing illnesses, cardiovascular diseases and cerebrovascular diseases.
4. I want to go skiing. Can I get cover?
Yes, leisure skiing is covered on most good policies as long as the traveller isn’t participating in a competition.
5. I want to go big wave surfing, or paragliding, or climb Mt. Everest. Can I get cover?
Participation in sport for leisure purposes, including snow skiing, water-skiing and scuba diving, is covered. All sport that is deemed risky and sport which is undertaken competitively or professionally will require a sport extension.
6. I’m traveling with my kids, do I need to get a separate travel insurance policy for them?
With a TIC travel insurance policy, your accompanying, dependent children up to age 21 are automatically covered and will share in your limit of liability. You can also save by purchasing a “double policy” for your spouse or partner if you’ll be travelling together.
7. Does travel insurance cover me in the event of cancellation?
If your journey is cancelled or curtailed as a result of a sudden illness; your unexpected death or the death of someone close to you; the theft of your travel documents; strike, riot or civil commotion; a traumatic event before your departure; retrenchment; accidental damage or burglary to your main residence resulting in a loss in excess of R100 000; or a terrorist incident within 14 days of your departure, your non-refundable travel and accommodation arrangements will be covered.
8. What about lost luggage, is that covered? If your luggage, clothing and/or personal effects are accidentally lost, stolen or damaged, TIC will indemnify you by payment, replacement or repair. If your luggage is delayed, misdirected or temporarily misplaced for more than 6 hours, TIC will reimburse you for emergency essential items (e.g. clothing and personal effects).
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Cuba, Turkey, the United States, France, Antarctica, Qatar and United Arab Emirates won’t let you step foot in the country (or issue a visa) without proof of travel insurance.
Even if you do slip through the customs checks, in these countries, a one-night hospital stay without insurance can set you back a lifetime of savings:
Your expert Sure Travel consultant can guide you through all the terms and conditions of TIC’s travel insurance policies, and advise which policy is the best to suit your travel itinerary. Find your nearest agency by visiting www.suretravel.co.za, or call +27 (0)861 47 48 49.
Now all that's left is adventuring! Happy travels — without the #travelfails.
