Shawna LevetIf you’re a travel agent you probably spend a lot of time doing tedious work – waiting on hold, typing out itineraries, and filling out spreadsheets. But then there are days that really keep you on your toes – last-minute changes, absurd requests… you’ve heard it all! And sometimes the truth really is stranger than fiction! In honor of National Travel Agent Day, we’ve once again asked you for the wildest request a client has ever made of you. There were SO many good ones and we could not fit them all. But here are 10 of favorite “crazy requests” travelers made of their travel agents.
Enjoy!
When Pigs Swim
Nadine VR, Iowa
“(My clients) wanted to swim with pigs… but “not dirty pigs.” My client asked if I could ensure the pigs were “freshly washed” before her Bahamas excursion. I gently explained that these pigs lived on a remote island and did not have a glam squad. She paused and asked, “Could we at least send a groomer ahead of us?” I offered to pack them some biodegradable pig shampoo instead.”
Luxury Fitness Odyssey
Kate S, North Carolina
“A client once asked me to call every luxury cruise line she was considering—not just to confirm they had a gym, but to find out the brands/models of ellipticals, weights, and other equipment. I contacted each cruise line, gathered all the details, and created a comparison chart so she could choose the perfect ship for her workouts.”
Passport to Panic
Maureen R, California
“I once had a couple that were going to Tahiti, spending 1 week at a resort, and 1 week on the Paul Gauguin cruise ship. The woman called me up from LAX; they had flown there from SMF, and she was crying. As they were going through security, she had her passport in a small passport holder around her neck. The security made her take it off and put it in a small dish to go through the X-ray. Well, she forgot it! Didn’t realize it until she tried to check in at the Air Tahiti Nui counter. I called the SMF airport, and discovered security had her passport. If I didn’t come and pick it up, it was going to the Sheriff’s department. I flew out to the airport and claimed the passport. There were no more flights to LAX that night. Air Tahiti Nui put them up at a local hotel for the night. The next morning I flew down to LAX. As I came down the elevator to baggage claim, there they were! I gave them the passport, they gave me hugs, and paid for my round-trip flight. I got back on Southwest and flew home!”
Pool, Playsets, and Paw-dicures
Roxanne P, California
“The craziest client request I have had in my very short time as a travel agent was a woman who asked for not only to purchase TWO airfares for her two Dachshunds to sit next to her on the flight BUT also a connecting room at a resort so they could have their OWN room while on vacation. She also asked if, while at the resort, her dogs could attend the children’s program because they like to play on the playset and pool.”
Can I Get a Window Seat and a Best Friend?
Jorge B, Georgia
“One time, a client asked if we could seat them next to someone they might naturally connect with on a long-haul flight. With a bit of coordination and understanding of their interests, we managed to seat them next to a fellow entrepreneur in their industry. They ended up having a great conversation and even exchanged contacts.”
No Sedation, No Celebration
Jeff P, Florida
“Right before COVID, a client handed me $5,000 to find a wedding venue—anywhere on Earth—where he could have *two live tigers* at the altar. Challenge accepted. I scoured the globe and found three wild options: a Cenote cave in Mexico, a spot in India, and even one in the USA. Then “Tiger King” dropped, and I realized I had talked to *every single* shady tiger zoo on that show. Plot twist: he bailed when he found out the tigers would need to be drugged. Guess saying “I do” with sedation didn’t quite roar the way he imagined!”
The Hard Truth About Your Mattress
Barbara K, NJ
“While taking a group to Mexico, one lady insisted on trying the mattress on her bed. She then complained to me and our host that the mattress was too hard and she needed a softer one or she would have to demand to be put up in another hotel from the group. The host of the hotel took the mattress from his bed and switched it with her bed mattress. She was happy. Later, he told me it was the same mattress as the hotel buys the mattresses in bulk!”
TikTok Travel Agent
Erin G, South Carolina
“A client asked me to plan a trip entirely based on things they saw on TikTok so I had to piece together a 10 day Italy trip based on TikToks…. but I did it and it was awesome!!!!”
Sure, just let me find some ocean!
Kyla C, Texas
“Once, we had a prospect come into our office and ask for a cruise from Las Vegas! When we explained that cruises to Vegas weren’t an option, and brought her to our giant map on the wall to point out some popular U.S. departure ports, she said, “Hmm. What about a cruise TO Las Vegas?” Try keeping a straight face for that one!”
Big Ben and Big Balloons
Tiffiney L, South Carolina
“For a family’s high school senior trip to London, I arranged a memorable surprise. I booked a well appointed hotel and coordinated with the staff to decorate their room with vibrant graduation balloons and festive décor, celebrating the graduate’s milestone. The room was a dazzling display of congratulations. The trip was filled with London adventures and celebrations!”
