Travel is one of the most fun and enriching activities that people of all ages and all walks of life can do. Whether you want to see the world, or if you just need to take a vacation with the family, travel will often bring so much more than expected.
No matter how much you plan your trip, there will always be surprises along the way. You might even feel disappointed, but these unforeseen events in our travels can make our vacations that much more memorable. We have gathered some of the funniest travel experiences captured on camera.
Smiling Manta Ray
When you hear about manta rays, what comes to mind? Some people imagine swimming with stingrays to be so much fun. Beach destinations like Hawaii and the Bahamas are popular places to visit if you fancy this type of adventure.
It was all fun until this cute manta ray popped up for a quick photobomb. You can see how terrified they all were when they felt the skin of the manta ray up against their backs. The three ladies don’t look too happy in this picture, but the manta ray looks like he’s having a wave of a time.
Angles Are Important
You might already know one or two people who dream of visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It is, after all, a unique and captivating sight. Unfortunately, as enchanting as the tower is, it’s still possible to fail at snapping the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Getting a good angle is essential when capturing the off-tilt nature of the Tower of Pisa. You need to capture it from a steady angle that highlights its unique design and tilt. Unfortunately, this tourist took a photo at a semi-Dutch angle that doesn't show much of its tilting.
Missing Grand Canyon
The grand canyon is one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders that the United States can offer. Tourists worldwide would never miss the opportunity to visit this landmark when visiting the United States. The canyon's strange formations and profound vastness have drawn crowds in the millions.
This family waited nine hours to see the grandeur of the Grand Canyon. When they arrived, their view was obscured by a thick layer of fog. We hope they enjoyed their time together despite not being able to see the Grand Canyon, or much of anything. Maybe check the weather forecast before coming here next time.
A Family Picture
The beach is the first destination for those who want to unwind and recharge their spirits. Merely hearing waves will make you relax. Whether you’re going alone or with your family, going to the beach will always bring memories.
They might not always be happy memories, though. What started as a whimsical frolic turned into an impromptu game of “Launch the Baby.” We can at least assume they were having a good time (seconds before this shot was taken, at least).
Constructive Feedback
When people are asked what their dream destination is, their answer tends to be London. That’s not surprising considering how many tourist hotspots there are there in one place, such as Big Ben. It is one of the many great tourist destinations in the world.
Just make sure to check the condition of the places you'll be visiting to see if they're closed or under renovation. If you don't, you'll end up like this traveler who journeyed thousands of miles abroad to visit the famous Big Ben only to be met with tarp and scaffolding.
Where Have you Gone, Mt. Fuji?
The land of the rising sun, Japan, is probably one of the most visited countries in the world. Tourists from all over come to see Kyoto, Tokyo, Hokkaido, or even Hiroshima. And visiting Mt. Fuji is always on the list.
Mt. Fuji is known for its iconic snowcap, which attracts many visitors, including this man. Unfortunately for him, the weather was terrible that day, so in this picture, you can't see anything except clouds. Nonetheless, we hope he enjoyed his time in Japan and that he will be able to see the mountain on his next visit.
Mount Rushmore Without The Rush
What do you do when you want to take a picture but don’t have anyone to take it for you? You ask someone to take it, right? That’s what this father and son did on their visit to Mount Rushmore.
His capture of the duo was okay. They were in frame, the camera was steady... However, the photographer missed something: the faces of the presidents. A selfie stick might be more helpful in this kind of situation next time.
The Night Watch
Rembrandt is a famous Dutch painter whose paintings have inspired many people across the world. He is known for his mastery of depicting light in the still image. He is often referred to as one of the greatest painters in history.
This man was so enamored by Rembrandt's most famous painting, the Night Watch, that he went all the way from the United States to the Netherlands to see it. Unfortunately, it was in the process of restoration. He could only get a glimpse of it in bits and pieces. We can only hope that he had a wonderful time there anyway.
One Wrong Step
It looks like this woman was so busy searching for something from her purse that she didn’t notice the couple in the background taking their picture. This is a typical sight as many tourists pass in front of a camera while couples are taking their holiday photos.
This family visited Thailand to see Chiang Rai, one of the country's most well-known cities. A photo bomber was prominently captured in the foreground while the couple was trying to get their photograph of the white temple's entryway. We hope they had a second picture taken!
Where’s Your Head At?
The nice thing about traveling is that it gives you a new perspective on the world. Many people take photos of their travels as souvenirs or to preserve memories. These tourists captured quite a memory when they went to see a giraffe.
When this couple visited a zoo while on vacation, they were taken aback by what happened next while taking a picture with a giraffe. The image makes it even more unforgettable, but the man's face was hidden by the giraffe's head.
Just A Glimpse of Mona Lisa
Leonardo da Vinci's famous artwork, the Mona Lisa, is one of history’s most famous works of art. She's been the subject of thousands of movies and books and is known all over the world. Tourists flock to her location, the Louvre.
If you're one of the many who want to see it, be prepared for a crowd. Because so many people adore the painting, getting a good view might be difficult. As a result, taking a good photo may also be challenging.
Missing: Golden Gate Bridge
If you visit California, there's no way you'll want to miss the Golden Gate Bridge. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in the state. It is a beautiful piece of American engineering with great historical significance.
This man is one of many who wished to get a great image of the Golden Gate Bridge. Unfortunately, the weather was so bad that no bridge could be seen. Although he couldn’t take a snap with it, we’re sure he’ll treasure the experience of seeing the bridge up-close and personal.
But, Where Are The Carved Faces?
Here’s another great shot of the US’s most famous mountain range. If you are from the US, or even if you’re not, you’ll certainly want to have a picture taken of you at Mount Rushmore.
This family went to see the famous carved faces, on a perfect day too. However, she forgot to include four important people when she took a photo of her sons. It must have been really funny when she discovered what she did (or didn’t do).
Snowy Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is a beautiful sight to see, which is why many travelers would grab the chance to go regardless of the season. However, we recommend that you visit it during summertime to best enjoy the view.
This guy visited the Grand Canyon during the snowy season. That day, the whole canyon was covered in fog. And, yes, the Grand Canyon is snow-covered too. Despite missing out on a great photo op, he looks happy enough.
The Hands of A Loving Father
While some of us are able to keep up with rapidly advancing technologies, others are not. Many fail to get a grip on all the latest gadgets available in the modern age, such as this man’s father, who seems to be struggling to take a photo of his son.
This family traveled to Peru to visit Machu Picchu. For all we know, this place is breathtaking. But going off the picture here, there’s no way to tell. This guy’s dad accidentally covered half of the lens while taking a photo of his son.
The Missing Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is one of the most breathtaking monuments ever built. Apart from its historical significance, the Taj also serves as an example of architectural excellence and human ingenuity. It took 22 years with over 20,000 workers involved to finish.
Many people, including this man, would like to visit and see the magnificent Taj Mahal. We say that because based on his photo here, he still hasn’t seen it. We may not have control of the weather, but one thing is certain: he has a reason to return.
The Wall
When we think about China, most of us will automatically think of the Great Wall. Right? The Great Wall of China signifies an important part of China's history. It is the only man-made structure in the world that can be seen from the moon.
This woman was enthusiastic to see all of China’s attractions. That included the Great Wall. However, because of the thick fog, she appears to be standing on any old mound of bricks.
A Stunning View of Crater Lake
Crater Lake in Oregon is a picturesque freshwater lake surrounded by lush forested slopes. It gets its name and look from the deep depression left behind after a mountain collapsed into a volcanic cone following an eruption. Travelers are captivated by its beauty and indescribable aura.
Too bad there’s nothing to see of it here. This man took a long detour just to see the lake’s beauty. However, when he arrived, he was shocked to see that it was all covered with thick fog.
Nepal’s Mountain View
Believed to be one of the ten tallest mountains in the world, Mt. Manaslu draws tourists from all over the globe. With its many shades of green, brown, and grey, it’s easy to imagine the mountain as a deity with its chilly climate and soaring altitude.
Many tourists come to climb the lower mountain range to get a better view. Unfortunately for this man, the view was completely obscured by fog, so he was unable to capture a good snap.
Don’t be Shy Mt. Fuji
Japan has always been on the top list of places to visit for many people. Their culture, food, and amazing tourist spots are just some of the many reasons why millions of people dream of visiting Japan. For many, Mt. Fuji is the number one destination of choice.
The mountain has piqued the interest of many people, including this man. He and his friends decided to stay overnight to watch the sunrise. However, much to their surprise, the weather was not in their favor. Because of the fog, the scene was completely white.
What A Surprise
Vincent Van Gogh is a true inspiration for so many artists all over the world. Why? Just look at the paintings he made, and you’ll know why. His famous artworks are among the most expensive paintings in the world. One of his famous works of art is the "Sunflower.”
Julija Néjé was excited to finally see Vincent’s work of art. She bought a plane ticket and paid $25 just to see the Sunflower. But to her surprise, the painting wasn’t there. We hope she still had a good time in France.
The Devil’s Bridge
Die Rakotzbrücke is a famous bridge in Germany. This is also known as the Devil's Bridge. Why? Because it was made so perfectly that people before thought that it could only have been built by the devil.
It attracts tourists from all over the world, and many people visit it every time they go to Germany. Unfortunately for this traveler, he had not anticipated that the bridge would be closed for renovations. Maybe on his next trip to Germany he'll be able to see it.
Mt. Fuji Does it Again
Check the weather whenever you're traveling. That is the best advice we can give. If somebody visits Japan and one of the items on their travel list includes a visit to Mt. Fuji, they’ll be disappointed if they don’t check the forecast first. If you've been reading thus far, you'll be aware of how many people have fallen victim to Mt. Fuji, the world's elusive celebrity mountain.
This man didn't get the memo for sure. He decided to take a chance. And just like other tourists before him, he was greeted by a thick fog covering the mountain. We hope this man will be able to see Mt. Fuji much clearer some day than the portrait at his back.
A Foggy View
The Pulpit Rock in Norway has been used for thousands of years as a place of worship. It is also a popular tourist destination, attracting many people from around the world to marvel at its natural scenery. For this reason, many tourists climb the steep and difficult path to the top of Pulpit Rock.
This man flew from the United States to Norway solely to photograph the Preikestolen. However, his efforts were in vain. The mountain was shrouded in fog when he arrived, making it impossible to get a clear view of the summit.
Another Fog Failure
If you want to visit Peru, then we recommend the Salkantay Trek. It’s a famous path that leads to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. If you are a sucker for adventure, then this is perfect for you.
This man wanted to witness the beauty of the ancient citadel. He arrived at the highest point, Abra Salkantay, and took out his camera. To his surprise, the view of the citadel was paperwhite because of a thick fog.
The Search for Machu Picchu
Here’s another one from Machu Picchu. Obscurity and fog are kind of its thing. The site is a complete mystery - no one knows exactly how or why the Inca built it. Its tourist count increases every day.
People climb for hours to witness its beauty. This man, after trekking halfway, noticed that the view was all covered with fog. Because of this, he just took one half-decent photo and gave up on the trek. We think he made the right choice.
A Sneak of Mt. Everest
Mt. Everest is the tallest mountain in the world. Many hope to see it in person, but only a few have been able to climb it. For non-professional climbers, you have the option of simply climbing it with your eyes.
Because of the dense fog obscuring Mt. Everest's peak, this guy was unable to get a good look. He walked for hours for no reason, but at least he got some fresh air. Hopefully, he will be able to view it during his next visit.
Living in a Fairytale
The Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany is one of the most famous castles in the world. With over 20,000 visitors a day, it is difficult not to be awed by the majestic sight. It holds a very important place in the history of Romanticism.
When this photo was taken, the beautiful Neuschwanstein Castle was transformed into an eerie sight. In spite of the fog, it’s impossible to deny that it is still a wondrous structure.
Looking for A Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is one of the most beautiful spots on the planet, spanning nearly 200 miles in length. It's also one of the best places to see some of nature's most incredible wonders. It's no wonder people are eager to visit it. It's a spectacular sight, containing layers of rock that are millions of years old.
This guy right here didn't bother checking the forecast and decided to go and visit the grand canyon on a whim. When he reached the peak, he was astonished to see a sea-like fog covering the view. We think this shot is actually pretty impressive despite the fog.
The Havasu Falls During Rainy Season
The Havasu Falls are the tallest falls in North America. They are located on the edge of Havasupai Reservation, near Supai Village in Arizona. They are known for their crystal clear blue water, in stark contrast to the mountains that surround them.
We can’t recommend visiting the area during the sunny season. During the rainy season, flash floods turn the crystal clear water chocolate brown. So next time you visit Havasu Falls, make sure to visit outside of the rainy season so that only clear water flows.
Rockefeller Center, New York City
If you’re on a city getaway to New York, the Rockefeller Center is a must-visit spot. It is one of the top tourist attractions and brings thousands of tourists from all over the world. Don’t miss it when you’re in New York City, it’s the best place to view the big apple from above.
Unfortunately, this couple happened to visit the Rockefeller Center on a rainy day. They were ecstatic to visit the Top of the Rock for a spectacular view. If you look closely, you can see how disappointed they were with their visit.
View of Nothingness
Mount Rushmore, as we have already said, is a favorite landmark for most people who travel to America. Pictures of you with the carved faces of President George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln are fascinating novelties to share with friends and family.
When this couple visited Mount Rushmore, the view was obscured by heavy fog, making it impossible to see anything. It seems that they were simply trying to photograph the wall and signage. Hopefully, they'll be able to see it on their next trip.
The Door
What better way to learn history than going to the places where important events occurred. This guy wanted to learn about Martin Luther. He only knew a few things, like Martin Luther's role in the Reformation, so he decided to visit the place where it all started.
He went to Wittenberg, Germany, to see where it all began. The legendary Catholic Church door is where Martin Luther began his Reformation dealings. When the man arrived, though, he was surprised to find that the door was being renovated.
When You Have A Very Unlucky Day
Another sad story about a failed visit to Mount Rushmore. By now, you must know that Mount Rushmore has a track record of giving its visitors a hard time. But this guy may have had a very unlucky day. He wasn't able to see Mount Rushmore for two reasons.
First, because the weather was bad, and second, the area was under renovation. What an unpleasant day, talking about an unlucky vacation.
Narnia’s Hidden Bridge
Switzerland is famous to a lot of tourists for its majestic view of the Alps. It’s best to plan to visit the country when the weather is good so that you can enjoy your vacation to the fullest. There are many scenic areas in Switzerland which tourists can enjoy all year round; however, some of these places might not be accessible during winter.
This man wasn't able to get to the only place he really longed to visit because the bridge, the only way to go there, was covered with snow. Sadly, it was off-limits.
Morning by The Golden Gate Bridge
Tourists the world over would never miss a chance to visit the Golden Gate Bridge. It is a famous landmark for tourists all over the world, located in San Francisco, California. And is famous as one of the most photographed sites in America.
This man was advised to go to the Golden Gate early in the morning to beat the crowds. Things must have been going well until he saw a fog that covered the entire length of the bridge. However, he seems cheerful enough.
The Grand Canyon’s Tricks
The grand canyon, as we all know, has a breathtaking view of the Colorado River. A series of gigantic rocks perch over a vast abyss, creating an atmosphere steeped in mystery. But, be careful, there are a lot of stories where people miss their chance to see the majestic view.
All you have to do is check the weather forecast before going! Clearly this guy didn’t get the memo because, as you can see, he traveled there during winter when the fog is so dense that nothing can be seen.
Is That A Wall?
Haleakala is a mountain in Maui. Not just any old mountain, but the tallest one on the entire island of Maui. Climbers are enchanted by the view they have of the island at its peak, and by the stars bursting out of the night sky. It’s so high up that it gets snow during the winter months.
This person climbed for hours for a breathtaking view, only to gaze upon thick fog. Sadly, they weren’t able to take a photo because of the weather.
Accommodation Gone Wrong
For most travelers, finding the ideal lodging is a difficult task. You'll want a location with comfort and security, and ideally, the room with the best view. But things that don't always go as planned.
This guy, for example, was told that the view from his hotel room was spectacular. However, because of heavy snowfall, a part of the mountain itself drifted down to his window, leaving him with nothing to look at but snow.
Honeymoon in Paris
Paris is the ultimate romantic getaway. The most famous spot to visit, of course, is the Eiffel Tower. People from all over the world come to get a look at this beautiful tower. But did you know that there’s also an elevator that takes you to the top?
Unfortunately for these love birds, when they visited the tower, they were greeted by a thick fog covering the view. But, it didn’t stop them from enjoying their honeymoon in the city of romance.