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.
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.
The unknown is often the scariest element. In holiday horror stories, like when you're in a strange place during vacation and hear unexplained noises at night. You don't know what's causing it, whether it's a ghost or some other danger.
Unfriendly or unhelpful locals can be part of these stories too. Imagine being in a foreign country where you can't communicate well and the locals are not willing to assist you when you're in trouble. It adds a lot of stress to the travel experience.
Delays are very common. Airlines often overbook flights, leading to passengers being bumped off. Another element is bad behavior from fellow passengers, like being drunk or overly noisy.
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.