Most of us are lucky enough to arrive to perfect weather. Photo / Getty Images
Ever wondered what the chances of getting that room upgrade really are? Or worried about the likelihood of the airline losing your luggage?
As it turns out, expectations aren't always realities - as discovered in Booking.com's recent survey of 500 Kiwis.
Respondents were asked what they wished for and what they dreaded when it comes to travelling - the results reveal a list of of hopes and fears along with the, often-fortunate, reality.
Arriving to perfect weather:
For two-thirds of us (6 per cent) arriving to perfect weather is the ultimate goal. The warmth of the sun makes us instantly feel relaxed. Fortunately, this happens more often than not, just, with 67 per cent of people stating their expectations were exceeded by reality.
Having a seamless travel experience:
Taxis, transfers, check in, fly, baggage reclaim, customs, immigration - a lot goes in to getting from A to B when having a holiday and a seamless travel experience is the dream of 60 per cent of Kiwis. Sadly, only 57 per centof travellers can report ever having a faultless travel experience.
Discovering a hidden gem:
The intrepid travellers amongst us love to get off the beaten track and find hidden gems, whether that be a restaurant, café, or an awesome swimming spot. Forty-four per cent of people shared a desire to find hidden gems, but gems are hard to find. Only 37 per cent of survey respondents actually achieved it.
Receiving an accommodation upgrade:
The fabled accommodation upgrade. We've all dreamt of it, heard tales of friends of friends it has happened to and 40 per cent percent of us have spent some serious time hoping for it. Whilst we can report it does happen, it's so rare only 12 per cent of people can say it's actually happened to them. Keep dreaming.
Easy accommodation check-in:
After a long flight and leaving home what feels like 36 hours ago, and very often is if you're a Kiwi travelling long haul, you just want to check in and be told your room is ready for you. Fortunately, dreams can become reality, 54% of people said this was one of their biggest hopes and an equal 54% of people said it had happened to them.
Lost luggage:
For respondents of the Booking.com survey this was their biggest fear. 46 per cent of people had spent some serious time worrying about it. Luckily, or unluckily, it had only ever happened to 8 per cent of people.
Accommodation not being as described / pictured:
It's reportedly got a great view of the sea but when you turn up the accommodation instead has a great view of a building site. Travellers spend hours agonising over choosing the perfect accommodation, by reading reviews (Booking.com report all their 124million reviews are genuine), descriptions and studying pictures. 45 per cent of people have worried that they've made the wrong accommodation choice and 18 per cent of people have then gone on to regret it.
Poor Wi-Fi:
A good Wi-Fi connection is a must for many of today's modern travellers. Forty-four per cent of travellers have agonised about how to get online before going on holiday, 31 per cent have then had their worst fears realised. How will they update Facebook?
Falling ill:
Being ill on holiday is probably one of the most unfortunate things that can happen to any traveller. 39 per cent of people have worried about it to some extent and despite all the advice available and precautions in place, it's happened to 14 per cent of respondents. Top tip, unless safe to do otherwise, drink only bottled water.
Forgetting something crucial:
Ever sat down on the plane and had that nagging feeling you've forgotten something? Then you're not alone, 38 per cent of people have reported worrying about forgetting something and regrettably 14 per cent of people actually have.
When there's nothing as far as the eye can see, you may appreciate the company.