One common element is accommodation problems. Like in my case where the hotel was dirty and the staff unhelpful. Another is transportation issues such as flight delays or getting lost while traveling between places.
Well, in Mexico holiday horror stories, the time of day can be a common element. Nighttime is often when the scariest things happen, as it adds to the atmosphere of mystery and danger. Also, encounters with strange or unexplained figures are quite common. These could be shadowy apparitions or things that seem not quite human. Another element is the disruption of the normal holiday mood. You go to Mexico to have a great time, but then something spooky occurs that completely changes the experience, leaving you with a feeling of dread and unease.
One common element is angry customers. For example, during holiday sales, if items are out of stock or there are long lines, customers can get very irate. Another is overcrowding which can lead to chaos like in the case of Black Friday sales where people push and shove. Also, employee stress is a big part. They have to deal with all these issues while trying to keep the store running smoothly.
One common element is false promises. Like the rep saying there will be a great pool but it turns out to be under construction. Another is bad communication. For example, not informing tourists about changes in schedules or events.
One common element is inappropriate behavior. This can be from drunken employees or bosses making fools of themselves or saying offensive things. Another is bad organization. Like the food being wrong or the venue having issues as I mentioned before. Also, things like bad gift exchanges where people get offensive or unwanted gifts.
Another is the element of isolation. Often these romances take place in holiday locations that are away from the normal support systems. For example, in a remote cabin or on a small island. So when things go wrong, it's harder to get help. It adds to the horror as the person feels trapped in the relationship and the situation. Well, it's like being stranded with a monster, but the monster is the person you thought you loved.
Another is when in - laws bring a lot of their own traditions and try to force them on you during the holiday. Like they might want to do a different kind of gift - giving ceremony that you're not used to. It can create a lot of tension in the family. They may also be overly critical of how you celebrate, whether it's the food you serve or the way you decorate.
Missing flights can be a real nightmare. You could be all excited for your holiday, get to the airport on time, but then there are delays or cancellations. You end up having to scramble to find new flights, and sometimes it can cost a lot more money. And it can also cut short your planned holiday time. For example, I once had a connecting flight that was cancelled, and I had to stay overnight in an airport waiting for the next available flight.
One common horror story is getting scammed by tuk - tuk drivers. They might take you to overpriced shops instead of your intended destination. Another is food poisoning from street food. Sometimes the hygiene standards aren't great and tourists end up with a really bad stomachache. Also, some people have had their belongings stolen on the beach while they were swimming.
In holiday horror stories, a sense of foreboding is quite common. You might enter a place and just feel that something bad is going to happen. Also, strange locals can be an element. They might act in a really odd way that makes you uncomfortable. And of course, the setting itself. Whether it's an abandoned amusement park or a desolate beach at night, these unusual holiday settings add to the horror.
Once I went on a holiday to a beach destination. The hotel we booked looked great in pictures but when we arrived, it was a mess. The room smelled like mildew and there were bugs everywhere. We complained but the staff was unhelpful. We had to find another place to stay in a hurry, which really ruined the start of our holiday.