Vacations are meant to be a time of relaxation, adventure, and happy memories. But sometimes, things go terribly wrong. From creepy encounters to shocking surprises, these travelers had experiences they’ll never forget—for all the wrong reasons. Here are 13 stories of vacations that turned into unforgettable tales of discomfort, chaos, and horror.

Story 1
My boyfriend planned a romantic weekend at a luxury hotel. Everything seemed perfect—until checkout. His card got declined, and he turned red with embarrassment. I paid for our stay, but as we were leaving, the receptionist discreetly warned me. “He’s done this with other women,” she said. Over time, I realized it wasn’t just the hotel—he was manipulating me financially. The final straw came when he tried to involve me in a shady investment scheme. I broke up with him, but the memory of that hotel stay still haunts me.

Story 2
My dad checked into a first-floor room at a hotel. After unpacking, he opened the curtains—and found a man hiding there. My dad quickly left, went to the front desk, and explained. It turned out the man had just robbed a nearby place and entered through an open window.

Story 3
I found a hidden camera in our Airbnb bedroom. When we covered it, the owner burst in at 2 a.m., furious, explaining it was for security. Though we understood his paranoia due to local thefts, his behavior was unnerving. We left the next morning, feeling shaken, and warned future guests.

Story 4
No story provided.

Story 5
I needed a hotel for my daughter’s gymnastics competition. I booked one with good reviews, but when we arrived, the place felt eerie. The lobby was dim, the room was filthy, and the parking lot was pitch black. Even the front desk clerk admitted how terrible the motel was. It was a nightmarish stay, and I quickly canceled.

Story 6
Years ago, I stayed at a hotel with my boyfriend, but it turned out to be under construction. It was being converted into a senior residence. The room was already adapted for accessibility, with emergency assistance cords everywhere, and the bed was extremely uncomfortable. It was nothing like the website had promised.