What Are Travelers' Biggest Pet Peeves?

Image: PHOTO: Angry air passengers. (photo courtesy of Thinkstock)
Image: PHOTO: Angry air passengers. (photo courtesy of Thinkstock)
Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 6:30 PM ET, Tue July 26, 2016

Photo courtesy of Thinkstock

We all have our pet peeves, especially when traveling.

A recent survey of 2,000 U.S. travelers conducted by worldwide bus and coach travel company Busbud reveals that it doesn't take much to annoy travelers these days, whether they're flying, driving, riding a bus or train or hailing a ride.

Interestingly, when it comes to air, bus and train travel, body odor is the most common pet peeve among travelers, with nearly eight out of 10 in agreement. But since space is oftentimes tough to come by on planes, trains and buses, all it takes is one person without deodorant to ruin everyone's trip.

However, travelers driving to their destination (whether behind the wheel or ride-hailing) cite dangerous driving among their biggest irritants.

Beyond dangerous driving, roadtrippers tend to be most frustrated by drivers who text (72 percent), heavy traffic (67 percent) and slow drivers driving in the fast lane (58 percent).

Meanwhile, Millennials (65 percent) - who were themselves babies not that long ago - are more likely to be annoyed by crying babies than Baby Boomers (56 percent) or Generation Xers (54 percent).

Although travelers are quick to point out the behaviors that annoy them the most, many acknowledge that they are part of the problem.

According to Busbud's research, 53 percent of men and 51 percent of women (52 percent of travelers overall) admitted to committing their own travel pet peeves, while 54 percent of Millennials indicated they're often guilty.

Click here to view a complete breakdown of Busbud's findings.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Event
Selling More with TAP: Unlock the Value of Portugal StopoverMonday, November 9, 2026, 2:00PM EasternJoin TAP Air Portugal and Visit Portugal for an exclusive webinar dedicated to TAP's Portugal Stopover...
Upcoming Webinar
Wildlife, Culture & Warm-Weather AdventureTuesday, November 10, 2026, 2:00pm EasternFrom extraordinary wildlife encounters to vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes, discover how...
Watch Now!
Worry-Free Access to the World - Part 3Monday, November 2, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for Worry-Free Access to the World, a webinar...
Upcoming Event
Selling More with TAP: Unlock the Value of Portugal StopoverMonday, November 9, 2026, 2:00PM EasternJoin TAP Air Portugal and Visit Portugal for an exclusive webinar dedicated to TAP's Portugal Stopover...
Upcoming Webinar
Wildlife, Culture & Warm-Weather AdventureTuesday, November 10, 2026, 2:00pm EasternFrom extraordinary wildlife encounters to vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes, discover how...
Watch Now!
Worry-Free Access to the World - Part 3Monday, November 2, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for Worry-Free Access to the World, a webinar...