We all have habits we prefer to keep classified, but a new global survey released by Travelzoo, a global Internet media company, reveals the dirty little secrets of travelers across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.
Taking hotel toiletries
Grabbing extra hotel toiletries ranks as the most common travel secret for Americans (69%) followed by Canadians (63%), Chinese (61%) and Britons (45%). Germans (20%) were the least likely to snag the mini bottles of shampoo, conditioner and lotion.
Tinkling in the pool or ocean
Almost two-thirds of Americans (64%) confessed to tinkling in the pool or ocean. The survey revealed 58% of Canadians, 46% of Britons and 44% of Germans admitted to the using the pool or ocean to relieve themselves. The Chinese (41%) were the least likely to skip the restroom.
Cheating on your partner
While many travelers snag the hotel goodies or skip the restroom, the majority of jetsetters remain faithful to their partners while vacationing. Germans (10%) were most likely to have a vacation fling followed by the Chinese (5%), Britons (4%), Americans (3%) and Canadians (2%).
Sneaking goods through customs
Americans might take the lead on snagging hotel goodies but when it comes to sneaking goods through customs, the Chinese lead the pack with 32% admitting they haven’t declared all merchandise at customs. Twenty-three percent of Canadians admitted to the secret, followed by 22% of Americans and 19% of Britons.
Vacation planning during work
When it comes to vacation planning, the survey revealed the Chinese (70%) and Americans (67%) are the biggest offenders for doing vacation research during work hours. Canadians came in third with 64% secretly booking vacations during work, followed by Britons (40%) and Germans (38%).
Playing hooky to extend your vacation
Playing hooky isn’t just for Ferris Bueller. Almost one-quarter of Americans (24%) admitted to calling in sick to work to extend their vacation. Canadians and the Chinese tied for second place at 16% followed by 15% of Britons admitting to calling in sick. Germans (10%) were the least likely to use a sick day over a vacation day.
Skipping on a bill
When it comes to paying the bill, most travelers settle it fair and square. Only 13% of Americans have skipped out on the check and less than 10% of Canadians (9%), Britons (8%), Germans (7%) and Chinese (6%) have left a restaurant without paying the tab.
Reserving a lounge chair with your towel
While not a terrible habit, it is frowned upon to reserve a lounge chair with your towel early in the morning, when you’re not at the beach or pool. Almost two-thirds of Canadians (64%) admitted to the crime followed by 59% of Americans, 40% of Chinese, 33% of Britons and 33% of Germans.
For more information about Travelzoo and to see the full results of the survey, visit www.travelzoo.com/blog/travel-secrets.
Source: 9,577 adults in U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, Germany and China, age 18+ surveyed online between May 11, 2015 and June 8, 2015.
