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6 Remarkable Short Travel Stories – Be Inspired By These Short Stories About Traveling

short travel stories

Looking for some short travel stories? Reminiscing on my travel memories, whether good or bad, is always nice.

I love telling my own travel stories and of course hearing others. Stories have been used to make others laugh, learn, and cry for centuries.

They connect us with our humanity because it helps us relate to others as they tell their experience.

Even now, we can still learn from the first storytellers through cave paintings. How cool is that? These short travel stories are bound to surprise and entertain you!

6 Short Stories About Traveling

Travel stories allow me to relive the exploration. As I think back to what I’ve encountered and the people I’ve met, I’m transported back to those vibrant moments.

Even short travel stories can hold a lot of significance. These tales, though they are shorter, can still connect people across time and space, bridging cultural divides and nurturing a sense of shared humanity.

Each story is a treasure trove of experiences, emotions, and profound lessons that have shaped my worldview and enriched my soul.

By sharing these, I want to awaken a sense of wanderlust and inspire others to embark on their own transformative journeys. Here are 6 awesome short travel stories for you.

short stories in english about travel

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short travel stories

#1 Scary & Fun Travel Volunteering Experiences

Travel bloggers share some crazy, fun, and scary experiences they had while volunteering through work exchanges .

Read about volunteering at a farm in Scotland, doing Peace Corps in South America, helping a yoga retreat in Australia, volunteering in Nepal, helping an Alpaca farm, volunteering at a big cat rescue in South Africa, and a work exchange horror story from Costa Rica.

Short travel stories

#2 Stuck In An Albanian Hostel

After finishing volunteering at a Workaway project in Montenegro, I crossed the border into Shkoder, Albania .

I had visited before and loved it. I was so excited to get back to the amazing Balkan country, Albania . The day after I arrived, the whole country froze.

short story about traveling

#3 Amazing Local Experiences In Europe

It is so normal to see travel displayed traditionally like cruises, resorts, big hotels, that finding more authentic experiences in touristy places seems impossible.

When you think of Europe, maybe the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, and the Colosseum come to mind.

Though the big touristy sites are so cool to see, there are so many great experiences to discover beyond them.

short stories about traveling

If you want to hear about some seriously remarkable local adventures that travel bloggers have gone on, check out these articles.

Irish Sea Cliffs, Mud Volcanoes, Olive Farm Volunteering, Visiting A Russian Banya

Armenian Wine Tasting, Danish Chalk Cliffs, Learning Spanish In Spain, Home Cooked Montenegrin Food

Transformative Local Art, Half Abandoned Albanian Village, Peak District Wild Swimming, Romanian Drinking Lessons

short stories in english about travel

#4 Why Traveling Is Good For The Soul

People can have many different reasons for traveling. Maybe they want to relax on vacation or be immersed in a new culture.

For me, traveling didn’t even seem like a possibility because life could be difficult where I grew up.

When I was a teenager, I had no idea I would amount to anything, let alone graduating with two degrees and becoming a travel blogger.

Read why traveling is good for the soul and 5 amazing things I’ve learned!

Short travel stories

#5 Helping At A Budapest Hostel

My worst travel nightmare happened. I came down with food poisoning as soon as I arrived in Budapest.

Now don’t go judging Budapest, it probably happened from something ate the day before I left.

Regardless, it was terrible. It got so bad that I even had to go to the hospital (and I hate hospitals).

Here are some things I learned during my two weeks in Budapest helping at a hostel.

short stories in english about travel

#5 Experiencing Daily Life In Denmark

During my visit to Denmark, I was lucky enough to stay with some friends there.

Besides a short trip to Iceland, I had not gotten to see the Nordic lifestyle was all about.

Since I was staying with Danish friends in their home, I had a quick snapshot of what life is like for them.

I must say I liked it a lot. The interior design, their healthy food, and of course the people.

Short travel stories

#6 What I Learned About Northern Ireland

While living in the Republic of Ireland, I traveled up to Northern Ireland (part of the United Kingdom).

No one ever discouraged me from visiting but I could tell there was some type of disdain whenever I mentioned going there.

Even though I shouldn’t have let it, it made me feel like I wasn’t going to like it there.

There are many stereotypes about Northern Ireland because of the country’s troubled history.

Why Travel Stories Are Important

Travel stories foster empathy and understanding. Through vivid descriptions of foreign places and encounters with diverse cultures, I strive to show world we inhabit through my eyes.

By evoking empathy, these stories encourage open-mindedness and acceptance, eroding the barriers that separate us. They remind us that despite our differences, we are all united by our shared experiences as human beings.

Telling travel stories also serves as a form of preservation. Memories, like sand slipping through our fingers, can fade with time.

By recording my adventures, I’m able to keep the essence of those moments alive, ensuring they are not lost. Travel stories often become heirlooms too, passed down through generations, connecting loved ones to the experiences too.

Recounting travel stories allows me to reflect upon my own personal growth and transformation.

As I weave together the tapestry of my adventures, I notice hidden threads of resilience, courage, and self-discovery that have defined my journey. In a way, sharing stories can also be an act of vulnerability.

Final Thoughts

In essence, telling travel stories is an art form that transcends time and space, cultivating connections, fostering empathy, preserving memories, and illuminating personal growth.

By embracing the power of these narratives, we can weave a rich tapestry of shared experiences, ultimately uniting us all in the universal tapestry of humanity.

Check out all Maptrekking travel stories for more inspiration!

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Worldwide Walkers

10 Funny (and Unlucky) Short Stories from One Year of Travel

Funny travels stories blog post header

I’m so excited to share this one with you! I’ve gathered our top 10 most funny (and unlucky) travel stories from our round-the-world-trip, and put them into short stories in this blog post.

I want to show you that traveling isn’t always as glamorous as it’s set out to be. I’m sorry to break it to you, but that classic Instagram picture where you see someone sit in a bubble bath in the middle of the mountains with a glass of champagne is just not something that the majority of us will ever get to experience.

Traveling can be rough! In fact, two of these travel stories that I’m going to share are about poop, one has a sex worker in it, and another one is about bed bugs.

That’s as glamorous as it gets here on Worldwide Walkers travel blog – Sorry!

But all the mishaps that happened to us during our trip are what created these funny travel stories. And I honestly wouldn’t exchange any of them for a glass of champagne and a bubble bath in the mountains. Although, alcohol might have made some of these short travel stories a bit more endurable…

Anyways, this is our top 10 most funny travel short stories from our one-year trip around the world!

1. Getting bed bugs in Thailand

All right, so let’s start from the very beginning.

Glenn and I took a whole year out of our regular calendars and devoted this time to travel around the world. We left on July 10 2019, and we bumped into our first challenge only one week later in Thailand. I experienced every backpacker’s worst nightmare: Bed Bugs! UGH!

We had spent the first week getting over our jet lag in Bangkok followed by a celebration of Glenn’s birthday in Kanchanaburi. I finally started to adapt to my new lifestyle, and I was excited to go and explore some of the beautiful Thai islands.

So, we jumped on the night bus from Bangkok and made our way towards Chumphon where we got dropped off at 3 AM and had to wait for the 6 AM boat… That’s what happens when you always go for the cheapest option.

A few hours (and a couple of mosquito bites) later, it was finally time to board the boat! Little did I know that this boat would be the source of the next 2 weeks of hell for me. Because I apparently got bed bugs from this boat.

Later that same day, I remember waking up from a nap in our hotel in Koh Tao. My back was completely red and itchy. It looked like a rash, and I naturally started to panic (I’m an anxious type).

But Glenn calmed me down and convinced me to go to the beach and try to relax. And since I was convinced that it was just a rash (or some kind of allergic reaction), I said to myself, “what the heck, let’s go to the beach! The rash will be gone by tomorrow.”

Surprise, surprise – the rash wasn’t gone by the next day. In fact, it had gotten much, much worse! It was so red and fiery that I thought about calling my travel insurance – can someone please get me a doctor?!

I told myself to take a deep breath and just go and talk to the pharmacist around the corner, maybe they could help me. So, I walked into the pharmacy, lifted up my shirt and showed my back covered in the red burning spots. The lady in the pharmacy just said, “Oooh bed bugs.”

Excuse me? Did you say FREAKING BED BUGS?!

NO NO NO, I’d rather just have bad allergies acting up.

Come on, just tell me it’s a rash…

I actually (dumb tourist as I am) tried to convince her that it was a rash, but she just looked at me and repeated, “Bed bugs!”

So, I spent the next 2 days anxiously cleaning all of our stuff and looking for bed bugs, their eggs, and their excrements. It was pure hell! The following days, the swelling continued to get worse and itchier. I actually learned that the reason why my body reacted so badly is because I’m allergic to these small bloodsuckers.

Glenn on the other hand, he didn’t get a single bite…

It took more than 2 weeks for the bites to finally start to disappear. It was such an itchy nightmare!

But today it’s one of my “funny” travel stories. Who’s that dumb that they’d try to convince a pharmacist that they have a rash rather than just admit they have bed bugs? – ME!

If you want to read more about my story and learn what to do if you get these small bloodsuckers on a trip, then go read my blog post about it: Bed bugs in Thailand .

Bed bugs bites thailand

2. Fresh poop-laundry in Cambodia

This is quite the disgusting story… But it’s also one of my top 10 funny travel short stories! Although, it wasn’t much fun for Glenn – but we’ll get into that.

When you’re traveling full-time, you can’t do your own laundry. So, we often hand in our laundry to some locals in exchange for a bit of money.

And at this point of our trip, we were staying in a hostel in Cambodia where they recommended us to go and give in our laundry to the family living across the street. We gave the family $5 and they did all of our laundry – nice deal!

The next morning, Glenn went to pick it up. We were packing our backpacks because we were heading onto a new destination in Cambodia. So, we had to catch the bus and were therefore in a bit of a hurry.

We started packing our “fresh” clothes when suddenly Glenn saw a big brown stain on his toiletry bag. He looked confused – What could this be?

I told him to smell it.

(All right, I know it’s really mean to tell someone to smell a brown stain, but it might as well have been mud?! There was only one way to find out…)

So Glenn smelled it. And then he gagged.

It was poop. Fresh sh*t. From a human.

We looked around to detect the poop source and saw that the plastic, which Glenn had gotten the laundry back in, had a big piece of poop on it. He had put the fresh pack of laundry on the bed – on top of his toiletry bag, which explains how the poop ended up there. So, somehow the family across the street had put our clean bag of laundry onto a poop.

We quickly learned that there were small poop stains on several pieces of Glenn’s clothes.

It was really disgusting… but somehow I couldn’t stop laughing when I learned that it was only on his stuff and not on mine (I know, I can be quite the mean girlfriend). Glenn on the other hand, he did not think it was funny at all – he was so pissed off!

We didn’t go back to the little family to complain because they were living in a small shed, and you could see that $5 meant a lot to their economy. Their small children were running around naked, so we assumed that it was their poop.

We just let go of the incident and instead decided to embrace it for what it was – a funny (and disgusting) travel story to add to the collection.

Poop cake from Unsplash - to show one of my top funny travel short stories

3. Getting spiked in Cambodia

Sooo… out of all the short travel stories, this is probably one of the least funny ones – at least for Glenn.

Glenn and I don’t go out and party hard that often. We are the kind of couple who instead enjoy the bar culture where you can have some great laughs with friends, do a bit of dancing, and play a round of pool.

However, if you ever make it to Siem Reap in Cambodia, then it’s mandatory to go on a pub crawl with your hostel. It’s a pretty rowdy experience where everyone drinks a ton of shots and gets absolutely smashed before waking up the next day with a raging hangover.

Sounds lovely, right?

Anyways, we joined the pub crawl one evening – which was actually more of a club crawl.

When we made it to the last club, we were all moderately wasted, but not completely smashed. So, Glenn and I started playing beer pong with another couple from the hostel. The couple suddenly left, so I saw the opportunity to also leave the table and go play table football with some of the guys from the hostel.

Consequently, Glenn was left alone at the beer pong table. BIG MISTAKE!

A few moments later, I saw that he was suddenly playing with a very tall slim Cambodian woman who was wearing 3 layers of make-up, insane amounts of glitter, and the smallest mini-skirt I’ve ever seen. She also had very broad shoulders, a big jar, and an obvious Adam’s apple… You get the picture now?

I honestly thought it was a pretty hilarious scene. It was obvious that she was some kind of sex worker in the way she was dressed and in the way that she approached Glenn. But what she didn’t know was that he had come with someone else – me!

Glenn and the tall woman was playing against two Cambodian guys who obviously knew the woman. It honestly looked a bit shady from afar. It was obvious that they wanted something out of poor drunk Glenn.

But Glenn isn’t stupid, he knew what was going on. But the reason why he didn’t want to leave the table was because we had paid for the beer, and he wanted to drink it all. So he just kept playing until there was no more beer left… My boyfriend is Belgian and he just can’t let any beer go to waste.

What he didn’t know (until he chugged down a full glass) was that they had swapped out the beer with something else – he said it just tasted like water.

Strange. Where had the beer gone? He didn’t even see them switch around the drinks.

After some time, the whole situation only got stranger, so I decided to interfere – it was time to just leave and go home.

However, the minute we left the club, Glenn suddenly lost the ability to walk. He was all drowsy and he felt like he had to puke. I supported him the best I could and we started to walk home. Keep in mind that we drank the same amount all night, which meant that I was also drunk – but in no way was I in his condition… and Glenn can normally drink way more than me.

So I knew that something was completely wrong with him.

Long story short, Glenn slept by the toilet all night and had a complete blackout. It was obvious that something had been put in his drink – he couldn’t remember anything the next day.

The only time he had been drinking something unknown and different from what I was drinking was when he was playing beer pong with the Cambodian prostitute and her two male friends. They were obviously running a scheme and must have put some kind of tranquilizer in his drink.

If a situation seems strange, then remove yourself from it! Don’t be like Glenn and insist on drinking the last drop of beer – only to find yourself in a strange blackout within the next hour.

What a night. I honestly had a great time! Glenn… not so much. This night definitely deserved a spot in our hall of fame of funny travel stories!

Just a little side note to this story: Cambodians are some of the friendliest people on this earth! I don’t want to scare people off from going here with this story because getting spiked can happen anywhere in the world. To show how nice Cambodians are, I’ve added a picture of Glenn chatting and laughing with 5 friendly monks!

laughing with monks on the beach on Kep Cambodia

4. Learning about domestic violence in Vietnam

This is one of my favorite funny travel short stories!

This story both shows how incredibly friendly Vietnamese people can be towards foreigners, and how we humans can still manage to find a way to communicate without knowing each other’s languages – and in spite of big cultural differences.

This funny travel story takes place in Tam Coc, which is one of the most beautiful places in all of Vietnam! Read my blog post about things to do in Tam Coc , and you’ll see.

We stayed in a guesthouse and one night the owners invited us to join them for dinner. We gladly accepted! They had cooked an impressive feast, and we were excited to try some new Vietnamese food.

The only problem was that we didn’t speak Vietnamese, and they didn’t speak English. So after a while, we ran out of body language, and it became quiet around the table. I mean… you can’t rub your tummy and say, “mhmmm” all night. We had to find something to talk about.

So we pulled out Google Translate – every traveler’s best friend.

And it turned out to be so much fun!

The owner wanted to introduce his wife, so he said something in Vietnamese, which came out in a monotone robotic Google Translate voice like this, “My wife’s name is Bitch”.

We all fell into a coma of laughter!

His wife’s name is “Bich”, but Google translated it into “Bitch”. It was hilarious!

We had so much fun and ate so much fantastic food (which they insisted we shouldn’t pay for). However, the more rice wine we drank, the weirder the night became.

The man started telling us stories about how his wife was being violent to him all the while his wife was sitting right next to him and laughing about it. Then the wife tried to teach me how I should punish Glenn. According to her, I should take his money, so he doesn’t go sleep with other women, and then I should start slapping him – Give him the “100 hands” as she called it on Google Translate.

We don’t condone domestic violence in any way! But we also didn’t want to be rude to our hosts, who were both laughing about this matter. So, we kind of just laughed along…

Even though the whole night took a weird turn, we still had a really fun night! These people were so generous to us. And despite our cultural differences, language barriers, and different views on domestic violence – we still had one of the best nights of our entire trip.

It was definitely one of our best local and cultural experiences, and today it’s one of my favorite funny short stories from our one year of travel.

Boats in beautiful Tam Coc

5. A dog pooped on my seat in Bolivia

Okay, so here goes my second poop story… Apparently one wasn’t enough.

This short story definitely deserves a spot in our top 10 funny travel stories – I still can’t believe the bad luck we had on this day.

This travel story takes place in one of the most incredible places in the world – Salar de Uyuni! Salar de Uyuni is the name of the famous salt flats in Uyuni, Bolivia. It’s an area that doesn’t look like it belongs on earth. It’s honestly one of the most incredible places you can visit in this world! And I’m not exaggerating.

However, we made the mistake of choosing the cheapest salt flat tour that we could find. It’s a habit to look for the cheapest tours when you’re a budget traveler… But word of advice – don’t be a cheapskate when choosing a Salar de Uyuni tour.

Long story short, we ended up sitting with our knees in our faces in the back of a jeep for more than 8 hours with a really rude Bolivian family, a guide who didn’t speak English, and an ugly little dog.

The whole tour was one big mistake from our side. We should just have paid for something better from the beginning!

It was such a bizarre day because we were visiting one of the world’s most amazing places, yet we weren’t really enjoying it because of the weird tour we had gotten ourselves into.

And after several hours of disappointment in our fellow explorers, just before the tour was over and we were about to head home, then the rude Bolivian family’s little dog took a sh*t on my seat.

I was SO mad that I refused to get back into the car. I wasn’t mad at the little dog, but at the irresponsible family who had been feeding the dog candy and other kinds of crap all day.

The Bolivian family started to panic a bit when they saw how mad I became, but their solution was just to hand Glenn a tissue.

So, they wanted Glenn to clean their dogs poop? I honestly couldn’t believe how rude they were, and both Glenn and I refused to clean up after their dog.

The poor tour guide had also had enough of the family, so he just took the tissue and started cleaning the seat.

I was just thinking to myself, what kind of person doesn’t clean their own dogs poop?! They were such bad dog owners. After the seat had been cleaned with a tissue, they even wanted me to go back into the jeep and sit on it… They didn’t offer to change seats.

Glenn and I eventually reached a point where we just started to laugh because of how unfortunate the whole day had been. That’s why today this story made it into one of my top funny and unlucky travel short stories.

If you want to read more about this unfortunate day, then go read my blog post: How (not) to visit Salar de Uyuni

How to not visit salar de uyuni bolivia salt flats worldwide walkers

6. Getting stuck on a mountain in Bali

This funny travel story is one of those classic Southeast Asia backpacker stories that involves a scary scooter fall and a breakdown in the middle of nowhere.

We had rented a scooter from our guesthouse in Bali. It was in a very poor condition, yet we thought it was a great idea to drive to the top of the steep 600 meter high Mount Lempuyang, and visit the famous temple on the top.

But of course it turned out to be a very bad idea…

The hill was too steep for the scooter. I was driving with Glenn on the back, and I turned the gas as much as I could, but we were basically standing still on the hill. So Glenn had to jump off and start walking up.

We decided to take turns in driving and walking up the steep mountain.

It went fine, until it didn’t…

At some point during Glenn’s turn of driving, I heard him scream, “F******CK!”, and then there was silence.

SH*T! Did he drive off the mountain?

In a complete panic, I tried running up the steep hill. I made it around the corner and saw Glenn in the middle of the road. He had fallen with the scooter. But he was okay, and there luckily weren’t any scratches on him or on the scooter.

I was so grateful that nothing had happened to him!

Apparently, my scooter helmet, which was laying between his legs, had rolled off during a sharp turn. So he tried to reach out for it but consequently lost his balance on the scooter. He said that the only way out of the situation was to just let himself fall slowly onto the side.

The only problem now was that the scooter wouldn’t start. The battery was completely dead.

We tried several times, but after 20 minutes we had to admit to defeat. We were stranded on top of a mountain in Bali… At least we had an incredible view over the island and the ocean!

I remember how funny it was when Glenn tried to ask for help when cars were driving by. Glenn waived with his arms signaling them to stop and help us, but they didn’t get the message because the people in cars just smiled and waived back.

After about half an hour, Glenn randomly tried to start the scooter again – and it magically worked!

We were contemplating whether we should continue up the road to the temple (we were only 900 meters away), or if we should just ride back down.

We took the fall and the broken scooter as a bad omen and decided to just head back down the mountain.

So basically, we never got to see the temple… But riding up that hill in the first place wasn’t a complete waste because now we have yet another travel tale to add to our collection of funny stories.

I know so many travelers who have scary scooter stories, and now we have one too! Although, today we find it quite funny and mostly just laugh about it. But please be careful on the scooters in Southeast Asia… A lot of accidents happens.

You can check out some my blog posts about Bali here:

  • Is Bali still worth visiting?
  • 22 interesting facts about Bali
  • Best things to do in Sidemen

sidemen riding a scooter bali

7. Drunk on rice wine with locals in Vietnam

While writing these funny short travel stories, I find it a reoccurring theme that it’s often Glenn who is the subject of the stupid things that happen… Coincidence???

Glenn is also the main character in this story, which he later that day came to regret.

Long story short, Glenn and I was out exploring Hanoi when we started to feel hungry. We walked around in an area that didn’t have many food options, so when we saw a little local street vendor we decided to just go for it.

It was the kind of place where you sit on small plastic chairs, and you throw your leftover food onto the ground. Not very hygienic, but a great cultural experience.

The local people sitting at the little street food restaurant were excited about two foreigners joining them. One of the men told Glenn to come and sit next to him by slapping the little red plastic chair besides him. Glenn sat down, and he was quickly offered beer, cigarettes, and rice wine.

The man constantly filled up Glenn’s glass and yelled “trăm phần trăm!”

trăm phần trăm apparently means 100% – or bottoms up!

The Vietnamese man made it his mission to drink Glenn under the table. Glenn looked at his watch and saw that it was just past 12 PM, which is the appropriate hour to start drinking in his world according to Belgians, so he accepted the challenge.

The only problem was that Glenn had never had Vietnamese rice wine before, and it’s not unusual that rice wine has an alcohol percentage of 40%. So, I knew that Glenn would get completely smashed from this little game he was playing.

A lot of Vietnamese people started to join in on the scene, and all of a sudden Glenn was chugging rice wine with half of Hanoi’s citizens (yes that’s a complete overstatement! My point is that a lot of people joined).

When the bottles were empty, I decided that it was time to end the show and move on with the day.

Glenn was so drunk that he started hugging the old Vietnamese grandmother who was part of the street vendor family. To my surprise, the grandmother responded by touching and grabbing his biceps. It was such a hilarious scene from my sober point of view!

The street vendors didn’t want us to pay a dime because they were just so happy that we had stopped by to join them for lunch and a drinking game. It’s incredible how generous people around the world can be!

I saw that Glenn’s condition worsened by the minute, so I got a taxi to take us back to our hostel. 20 minutes later, Glenn had his head in the toilet and then passed out on the bed for hours.

Just a little advice; if you’ve never had Vietnamese rice wine before, then take it easy – it’s really strong!

You can watch this funny travel story in our travel vlog beneath:

8. Dehydrating on Roy’s Peak Track in New Zealand

Out of all our funny travel stories, this short story is probably the dumbest one. We absolutely have no one to blame but ourselves for this…

This is the story of when we dehydrated on Roy’s Peak Track in New Zealand.

It’s really dangerous to go hiking without enough liquids, so I don’t know how funny this travel story actually is – but at least we learned from it, nothing happened, and we can just look back and laugh about our stupidity today.

So basically, we thought it was a good idea to hike one of New Zealand’s toughest trails at noon on a hot sunny January day. Furthermore, we thought it was a good idea to do it without enough water.

We completely underestimated how tough this hiking trail was and therefore miscalculated how much water we would need… The hike ends at the incredible 1578 meter high viewpoint, and it was at this point that we officially ran out of water.

The remaining 8 kilometers turned out to be a nightmare.

We were walking back down for more than 2 hours in the blazing hot afternoon sun without any water. We both started to feel really bad – obviously dehydrating and feeling dizzy and powerless.

This just shows how IMPORTANT water or any type of liquid is while hiking. It’s super dangerous to go on a hike and not have enough water… ALWAYS bring more water than you think you can drink. More often than not you’ll end up opening that extra bottle.

We miraculously made it back to our van in the parking lot in one piece and drank everything we could find in the van. The only cold thing we had was milk, so Glenn started chugging all the milk. I didn’t care about cold or hot I just needed something liquid – and a lot of it! So, I took the gallon of water we had in our car and started drinking from it. Although, it was actually more like tasteless tea because it had been standing in the sun all day long.

It was honestly such a pathetic sight! I can’t imagine how stupid we must have looked in the parking lot of Roy’s Peak trail, panic-drinking everything we had…

Today it’s just one of our funny travel stories – “Remember that time we almost dehydrated and died on Roy’s Peak?” – and then we have a laugh. But lesson learned: NEVER underestimate a trail, it can be so dangerous if you start dehydrating because you didn’t bring enough water.

If you want to read the full story, then check our my blog post: How (not) to hike Roy’s Peak

Hike Roys Peak track blog post header

9. Almost missing our plane to Chile

Come to think of it, this short story isn’t actually that funny compared to some of the other travel stories.

But it still deserves to be told because it was one of those, “What the F*CK!”-moments. It’s also one of those dreadful travel stories that many full-time travelers have experienced, and it feels so unfair and unnecessary.

That’s why we just have to laugh at it.

So basically we had paid A LOT of money for a direct flight ticket from Auckland in New Zealand to Santiago in Chile. The tickets were non-refundable, so we couldn’t afford to miss the flight.

Luckily, everything went smooth. Until it didn’t.

As always, I had done my research and checked all the necessary information we needed to know in order to enter Chile. I also researched whether you needed proof of an onward ticket or not, which you should ALWAYS check before going anywhere. After a small hour of research, I concluded that it was okay to fly to Chile on a one-way ticket, so I didn’t think more about it.

That is, until we were standing at the check-in desk in Auckland Airport and a lady from the airline staff asked me, “May I see your return ticket?”

I told her that we wouldn’t return to New Zealand, but instead move into Bolivia afterwards. We just hadn’t planned that far.

…She said we needed an onward ticket to get on the plane, and thus refused to let us check in.

I started panicking.

We had spent so much money on this flight ticket, and it was going to be my first time in South America. And now I maybe didn’t get to go?!

The thing is, you get nowhere in life if you just sit down and cry. So, I picked myself up and we started looking at our options. We looked into buying a plane ticket out of Chile, but we couldn’t decide for how long we wanted to stay in Chile. We also didn’t know which city we should fly out from… There was just too much pressure on us to start planning our whole South America trip in just 1 hour.

So, we found another solution.

There is a website that offers “fake” onward tickets for $12 per ticket… The tickets are actually real, but they automatically get cancelled 24 hours after you buy them. It honestly sounds super shady, but at this point we didn’t care. We just needed a quick solution to our problem.

So, we bought two random onward tickets online and hoped they would arrive in our mailbox before the check in closed. About 20 minutes later, we received our two “fake” tickets out of Chile to somewhere random in the US.

I was a bit nervous to return back to the queue for check-in, but at least now I had the proof they were looking for.

When we made it to the check-in counter, we didn’t get the same woman as before. We were now being checked in by the woman who was standing right next to the woman who rejected us.

We handed in our passports and ticket numbers, but when I asked her if she wanted to see our onward tickets she said, “No thanks”.

So that one lady sent me into a complete panic coma for nothing? Apparently it’s up to the individual to ask you about your onward tickets…

I felt so annoyed that she had to put us through the stress, yet I was super relieved that we were allowed to check in!

It’s just one of those typical travel stories that you only think is funny afterwards… I know that a lot of people have experienced this around the world. And it’s super annoying that it’s up to the airline to ask, and not just a permanent requirement for the country. Because then you can never be sure about what’s right or wrong.

When we arrived in Chile, nobody asked us to see anything. The immigration officer took a quick look at me and my passport and gave me the approval stamp in less than 2 seconds.

Airplane in Chile

10. An uncomfortable hospital visit in Bolivia

Okay, this short story might be a little bit uncomfortable – but it actually turned out to be one of the most funny travel stories from our trip.

It’s not funny because I got sick. But the hospital visit turned out to be rather hilarious!

We started our trip in Bolivia at a 3500 meters altitude, which led to me getting altitude sickness. I was feeling awful, so I decided to call my travel insurance who advised me to go to a lower-altitude city and visit a hospital. They booked me in at a hospital in Sucre for the following day.

When Glenn and I showed up at the hospital the next day, we were the only ones there. So, it didn’t take long before a doctor was ready to see me.

The doctor was nice, but he didn’t really speak English, and we didn’t really speak Spanish… So it was limited how much I really understood of what was going on.

He took my temperature and listened to my lungs. Everything was luckily in order!

Then he guided me into a small room where I didn’t really know what I was waiting for. A few moments later, a woman came to take a blood sample from me. She took out a comically large syringe and just started tapping my arm. I remember thinking, why does she need so much of my blood to do a few tests?

But I just complied.

Then I was sent into another room where I (again) didn’t know what I was waiting for.

Another lady came in with another syringe, and she signaled me to drop my pants. She then give me a jab in the butt and injected something in me… And to this day, I still have no clue what was injected into me.

Then that same lady handed me two cups and a little wooden stick. The items looked like take away dressing cups, and the stick that’s left after eating an ice cream.

Basically, they needed a urine and stool sample from me. And I did what I had to do… Although, it wasn’t easy to do it in a dressing cup.

All there was left for me to do was wait for the test results, which arrived a few hours later.

The doctor told me that I did indeed suffer from a light altitude sickness, but that I also had salmonella. So here I was, battling 2 illnesses at once!

The doctor prescribed me 4 different types of medicine… which I also wasn’t 100% clear about what was.

I don’t think I’ve ever been to such a confusing hospital visit where my whole arm was tapped of blood, I got injected with something mysterious in the butt, and I had to poop in a dressing cup.

But the hospital did help me out a lot, and I was eventually cured for any illness I had – and for that, I’m grateful!

If you want to read the full story about me getting altitude sickness and going to the hospital in Bolivia, then you can find it here: Getting altitude sickness in Uyuni . Or check out my blog post from Sucre, which is the beautiful city where I went to the hospital: Things to do in Sucre

Me on a hospital in Sucre

I hope you enjoyed my compilation of these 10 funny (and unfortunate) short stories from one year of travel. As you can see, we ended up in some bad situations on our trip, but we always tried to get the best out of it. The world isn’t as dangerous as you would think, and situations often gets better if we can find something positive in the negative. Laughter truly is the best medicine!

If you have any funny travel stories that you want to share, then feel free to leave a comment. I would love to hear them. Thanks for reading and happy travels!

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Hi, I'm Cecilie! And I'm the writer behind our travel blog. I only write about places that we've personally been to and want to recommend to you. I'm passionate about creating truthful travel guides, which can help you plan your own trip. When I'm not traveling or writing, you'll find me on a hiking trail, in a coffee shop, or in a shoe store around Copenhagen.

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Losing and Finding My Way in Japan

by Norm Williams

For much of my career, I traveled the world as a salesman.  Our company hired people in each country we sold in to help with various duties. One year I went to Japan, and the sales agent chose the Kokusai Hotel in Kyoto for my stay due to the efficiency of its proximity to his office.  I left early on a calm, bright morning to find my way through a beautiful historic part of the city built in traditional Japanese style.   The cute, smiley hotel receptionist had written directions on a map, circled the area of my destination, and wrote out the address in Japanese in case I needed help.  Shyly, she said in broken Japanese-English and with her hand covering her mouth, “It’s in this area.  If you get lost, here’s the address.”  With an early start and a clear sense of direction, I felt comfortable about arriving on time – a business culture imperative in Japan. I thought I found the circled area on the map with ease.  I then compared the hand-written address to the kanji characters on the buildings to discern a match.  With no Japanese reading ability, I struggled as if trying to decipher Egyptian hieroglyphs without the Rosetta stone.  I soon realized, “I’m lost, and not just in the usual way when I’m at home in the U.S.  I’m lost without local reading or speaking ability, not knowing anyone in the city to go to for help, and a cell phone without reception in this country to call my sales agent.”  Bewildered and disappointed that I could not find the way on my own, I began to wander.  I looked for help among the passers-by. 

I used my ignorant foreigner look, which I had patented around the world — the clueless, helpless, American businessman who is hopelessly lost, out of his element, and pleading for some host country compassion. I tentatively approached a businessman, presumably walking to work.  Being deep in thought, I surprised him as a foreigner.  But, kindly, he took pity on me. He looked at the address and, after a long pause, said, while shaking his head side-to-side, “Aaannnooo.”  To me, this sounded like, “I don’t know.”  Later I learned that “anno” is the Japanese form of “mmmm.”   We parted with a mutual look of apology.  I continued to beg for help as I disrupted Kyoto’s quiet, morning street routine.  A coffee shop appeared to be a prospect for a captive audience of potential helpers.  A lone, older man, enjoying his coffee and newspaper, sat in the corner, isolated.  I cornered him.  He had no choice but to help.   He took a long, discerning look at the address, then the map, then the address, then the map again.  He pointed to a spot on the map with an air of precision and confidence.  But beneath his veneer of clarity and calm, I thought I saw a man pinning a tail on a donkey piñata while blindfolded.  Time to move on, I thought. I learned later-on that addresses in Japan are codes to unravel.  They indicate a ward, a district within the ward, a subsection of the district called a chome, a block number within the chome, and, finally, a building number.  In Japan, they number buildings in the order of their construction. They are not in numerical order as in the U.S.  The address I looked for could be located anywhere on the block, not somewhere in sequence. In place of a conventional numbered street address, an address in Japan could read like this in the U.S.:  “Go down this alleyway, take

a right at the nightclub, continue past the graveyard, and it’s the red door on the right after the old oak tree.”    Next, I found a lady pulling boxes on a cart.  I guessed that a delivery person would know the area well.  After quickly reviewing the address, she waved me hurriedly in another direction as if she knew exactly where to go.  We eventually reached her old van in front of a gas station.  She took out a map. As she looked at it for a long time, a deep crease began to form in her forehead. Her air of confidence became a look of “I don’t know.”  Fortunately, her fellow worker, who sensed the problem, stepped in, analyzed the address and map, and then pointed with the certainty of a commanding general to an area of buildings across the street.  My translation of her gesture, however, was:  “It’s somewhere over there!”  Another pin-the-tail moment. By now, I trusted no one walking the street.  So, I waved down an expert – a taxi driver.  His response to reading the address was an elongated samurai grunt and finger-pointing fit in Japanese-English, “Why are you taking a taxi?  It is around here.  We don’t need to drive anywhere!”  But I could detect uncertainty in his expressions as he desperately tried to help me.  I responded to him in my best, polite international English that I had learned works around the world – simple words pronounced slowly and loudly with a local accent as if the person cannot hear me well enough. In English with a Japanese accent, I said,  “Pleeease driiiive meee tooo theee ahdresssss ah.  I wiiill paaay youuuu eeeeven if it iiis aaacross the streeeeet.”  Then it dawned on me that he did not understand any of my Japanese accented English.  So, I resorted to the universal sign language of desperation conveyed with an American G I Joe gusto that said through body gestures, “I don’t want to walk there.  I am very late!  Please drive me even if it costs $50 to go 10 feet!”

He interpreted my gestures differently from what I meant because he zoomed off with me towards the center of town.  He tossed me what looked like a Japanese language guide-book to the city with pictures of landmarks and pages of street maps.  It was like he was giving me a tour of the town as he pointed to various places.  Perceiving the misadventure ahead, I emphasized my unwavering interest in going to the phantom address by vigorously and repeatedly pointing at the address written on the paper.  He responded with more grunts mixed with smiles as if saying, “You can point all you want.  You are my prisoner.” After many miles, we arrived back where we began the city tour and parked outside the gas station.  A determined and, apparently, a compassionate man, the driver did not want to let me down now.  He went to the gas station’s workers and pulled them together for a conference.  For what seemed like an eternity, they diligently researched maps, considered directories, animatedly discussed possible locations, and pointed in various directions. Then the gas station workers appeared to bow to each other in a humble celebration. Grandly, one of them stepped forward from the group and pointed to a building directly across the street. In the same direction that the cart puller’s fellow worker had gestured to, and the taxi driver told me about, I wondered, in despair, “Could it be that the building was, all this time, just over there, and I hadn’t listened to them?” The elated cab driver, who dearly wanted to finish the job, eagerly waved me into the taxi.  Ecstatic, I jumped in.  With a simple U-turn, he would deliver me to the door of the building across the street.  But, of course, that would be too simple. We drove in Japan, and the strict traffic laws overrode any sense of simplicity. My cab driver pulled out, zoomed off, took a dozen or so turns down one-way streets, and we finally pulled up to the building that was across

the street. I could have walked back and forth between the building and gas station twenty times while in the cab.  Gratefully, I paid the taxi driver a ransom for my release plus a tip for the city tour.  As I walked into my sales agent’s office sixty minutes late, his lady assistant graciously approached me, saying, “He is waiting for you at the Kokusai hotel to bring you here.”  “Oh My God! What message did I miss that told me to wait there?” I thought in anguish. “I spoke with a half dozen Japanese, disrupted their morning routine, struggled endlessly to understand them, walked many city blocks, traveled unnecessary miles, felt the helplessness and hopelessness of being lost, arrived an hour late, and I only had to wait for the sales agent to quickly and efficiently take me to his office! Feeling quite humble, I entered the meeting room and sat down at the conference table. My sales agent began to speak, and I listened carefully to his direction.

Have just reread this post. Hope you’ll pass through this corner of the world again soon ❤️

I will as soon as I can ❤️

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Short travel stories, so many memories are made and stories are created when we travel. traveling abroad really opens your eyes and heart to different cultures and people., on the other hand, you may experience (mis)adventures, which is an event or occurrence that is typically unpleasant. these are different types of stories that we can (hopefully) look back at fondly after the anxiety and panic have long subsided., pafoua’s, (mis) adventures.

short stories collections

My China Stories

Memorable Travel Misadventures

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That one time I got Lost in the Middle-of-Nowhere, France

7 Steps to Getting Married in 2020

short stories get spooky

Incredibly Haunted Places in all 50 States

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Travel Vocabulary in English with Travel Stories

Apr 27, 2016 | Advanced Vocabulary

short stories in english about travel

I know you love to travel as much as do. So today I want to share some of my favorite advanced travel vocabulary in English so you can tell your own travel stories more easily. 

I have 3 different travel stories for you today. In each, I’ve highlighted useful vocabulary and groups of words that often go together or collocations.

Here’s what I want you to do:

  • Read the stories.
  • Note the highlighted vocabulary and groups of words – can you identify the meaning from the context? (If you need help, you can use the definitions I’ve provided to help you.)
  • Write your own travel story using some of the new vocabulary and expressions. You can write about a past travel experience, a business trip, a future vacation or any other travel opportunity. Then share your story in the comments.

The goal is for you to use the same keywords in your own sentences.

This is the best way for you to truly learn and remember new vocabulary. And this means the next time you talk or write about travel, you’ll have all these words available to you in your mind!

Advanced Travel Vocabulary in English with Real-Life Stories

Sharon’s travel story: a staycation on a tight budget.

When I was younger, I had a real  sense of adventure . I loved backpacking, camping in the woods, sleeping in tents and spending the evening next to the campfire. As a child, I remember trying to build a fire  from scratch  by rubbing two sticks together. I think my entire family laughed while I worked at it for an hour. Unfortunately, I never succeeded.

But I do have such good memories of camping and hiking with my family. Every summer my parents would  pack up  the kids and the dog into the car, pack all our  outdoor gear  on the roof of the car and fill coolers full of food.

My mom would pack all the usual stuff:  trail mix , fruit, marshmallows to  roast over the fire , stuff to make sandwiches, etc. We’d take a road trip to the mountains in Colorado, find our spot to  set up camp  and pitch our tents near the river. I loved listening to the sound of the river at night!

I haven’t camped for years! Neither David nor I can take that much time off of work. It makes me a little sad that Sophie, our daughter, won’t have those same memories.

But last year we did do something a little fun, a little different: we had a  staycation . The two of us could only get 4 days off of work and we were  on a tight budget . We hadn’t enjoyed everything the city has to offer for ages so we decided to just pretend to be on vacation here at home. We visited the museums, went to the theater, we even took a day trip to the coast a few hours away for a day of sun, sand, and surf.

We have some wonderful photos (and memories) of our picnic dinner watching the sunset on the beach.

sense of adventure

The desire to explore and to take advantage of adventurous opportunities.

outdoor gear

Generally used to describe items or equipment needed for outdoor recreation: tents, skis, bicycles, snowboards, etc.

set up camp

To prepare and position everything in a campsite.

from scratch

To make (or create) from the beginning with the basic ingredients.

A snack mix with a combination with dried fruit, grains, and/or nuts.

The combination of stay-at-home and vacation. A vacation where you stay at home and enjoy local sites.

pack up (the kids/the car)

To prepare one’s belongings; to gather one’s things together and prepare to depart. With “the kids” this refers to prepare the kids and their belongings for departure.

roast over the fire

To cook over the fire.

on a (tight) budget

To be on a budget means to not have a lot of extra money. A “tight” budget means very little extra money.

Lara’s Travel Story: Anything All-Inclusive

Ugh! I hate planning vacations. I mean, I do love traveling but I don’t want to think about it. All those little details – I  can’t be bothered !

I prefer those  all-inclusive  kinds of vacations for a  little R&R . You know, those places where  all you do is show up  and that’s it.

You have breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Activities, the beach, the pools, dancing. Sure, they usually cost a little more but if I don’t have to plan everything then it’s worth it. The only thing is you have to be careful of those  hidden extras ! I’ve definitely been surprised by the final bill a few times.

My fiancé and I are talking about an all-inclusive cruise for our honeymoon. It sounds amazing but I’ve never been on a ship for that long.

can't be bothered

Don’t want to waste time doing something.

all you do is show up

Show up = to arrive for an appointment or gathering. “All you have to do is …” means that there is nothing else expected of you.

An exaggerated way to say, “a lot of.”

all-inclusive

(Almost) all activities and food are included in the total cost.

hidden extras

Expenses that are not included (or unexpected) in the final cost.

The services or perks that a hotel provides with the reserved room.

a little R&R

A little r est and r elaxation.

island-hopping

To visit one island after another.

To pack too much.

Jean-Luc’s Travel Story: Exotic Adventure

I’m always dreaming of my next  far-off, exotic destination . I’ll go anywhere as long as it’s adventurous.

Last year I  chartered a boat  with a friend to sail around the Greek Islands. In the afternoons, we’d  pull into ports , dive into the water, enjoy dinner on the beach and then  head back  to the boat for the night. On really warm nights we actually sleep right on the deck  under the stars .

What’s next? I don’t know. Maybe Colombia, Peru, or Chile? I’ve never been to South America and I love the idea of spending time in the Andes Mountains. Hiking in the  middle of nowhere , you know what I mean?

Those kinds of places give you such a better  perspective on life . It’s easy to forget we’re all just a tiny piece of this earth.

Or maybe Thailand? That’s another of my  bucket list  destinations.

far-off destination

A destination remote (in time or space).

To return to a place.

perspective on life

A particular attitude toward or belief about something; a point of view.

charter a boat

The reservation of a plane, boat, or bus for private use.

under the stars

To be outside with no covering.

bucket list

The achievements or experiences a person hopes to have or accomplish in their life.

pull into port

The place where a vehicle or driver stops into. In this case, a boat stops in a port.

middle of nowhere

A remote place far from any city, town, or village.

Now I’d love to hear your travel story!

Practice and build your vocabulary by sharing your own travel story in the comments below!

Using the vocabulary from the stories above, describe your favorite travel experience or tell me about a trip you’d like to take in the future.

Don’t forget to read and comment on stories from other Confident English readers. You might learn something new or have an interesting question to ask.

Happy travels!

~ Annemarie

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guest

Thank you for this lesson ,Annemarie ,

Very useful to me and as complete as possible

harsha

There is a typo. The last line should be a bucket list for not of.

Annemarie

Good eyes, Harsha, and thank you. We’ve corrected the sentence.

neetha

Dear Annemarie, Am new to this site and blog .AM very thank ful to you for sharing all these good phrases and vocabularies which helped a lot . looking forward for great lessons .Your videos are so good which helped me alot to get the correct pronunciation and also i have seen you are reading all the comments and giving a positive feedback which is so appreciated am looking forward for your comment. I have read and seen lot of english leaning sites but they usually wont reply to the comments . thanks Neetha

I’m very happy to hear you’re enjoying the Speak Confident English website and the lessons we have here. We definitely work hard to create lessons that will truly help you advance your English skills. And yes, my team and I definitely read all the comments and respond. 🙂

Andrea del Pino

Hi Annamarie,

Thanks so much for this lesson. I have an advanced student and new vocabulary is always helpful.

I live in Chile, so if you need any tips or recommendations, plesase let me know, I would be happy to help you out if you are still planning to visit South America,

Awesome! I’m so glad this lesson was helpful to use with your student. And I’d LOVE to visit Chile one day. I’ll definitely ask you for recommendations if I get the opportunity. 🙂

Ammy

Wow, Your have shared here such an amazing and best post which is useful for all of us. I like it and wanna say that your travel story is really fantastic and know I want to bookbus for visiting NY after reading your post.

Hi Ammy, thanks so much. I’m glad to know enjoyed and felt inspired by the lesson.

Davide

Dear Annemarie I’ve been to Iceland two years ago and I had a wonderful vacation! As Sharon, I had a real sense of adventure so I convinced my best friend to come with me, we packed up our backpacks and then we departed. We chartered a car and we traveled all over the country for 11 days. We saw amazing landscapes, waterfalls, geyser, volcanos, glaciers, and we did whale watching. We had nothing but our backpack, our tent and a burning desire to explore. Iceland is a great place. I look forward to come back there and have one more …  Read more »

Sounds like an amazing opportunity and adventure, Davide! Thanks for sharing. I’ve always wanted to visit Iceland. I really liked your use of “a burning desire to explore.” What a great expression!

Valentina

Hi Annamarie, my last trip was in the city of Madrid. A wonderful city. At the time I was always without money because of I was unemployed but in the same time I craved traveling. So my sense of adventure took me to packed up my stuff buying an airline one-way ticket for Madrid. After few days in Madrid I found a job just in the week ends. I didn’t waste my time because there’s no time like present and every day I walked through the parks , visited museums and, I always looked around the city, the square, I …  Read more »

Jane

Hello Annemarie I’m from Thailand. I just learned your lesson. It was very useful. I have to say that I really like your blog, especially this topic because I love traveling. So today I have my travel story to share with you. Last month, I went to Phuket, which is an island in Thailand. I’ve already been there two or three times actually but I couldn’t get enough of it. Somebody even calls me an “island queen” and yes I truly am. I got a chance to do some diving and island hopping with one-meter-high waves. And of course, I …  Read more »

Mohamed Islam Grade 8

Dear Annemarie , I love these adventaures and I love going and having a trips with my friends and my family,Ande mountains I love pack packing that is my adore and I did it before with my family in sinai we climbed the mountains of sinia I loved it because the sunset seen was wonderful and we took exactly 6 hours with the tour guide and we had a rest so I wish to make a trip like me in sinia with your family or you friends Egypt is wondeful Thank you

Rana Ali

Dear Annemarie , I really enjoyed reading Sharon’s Travel Story” A Staycation on a Tight Budget ” , it has little details which helped me in imagining the story , I felt every line in the story and how enjoyable was the trip . In addition I’ve learned many expressions like : – sense of adventure – outdoor gear – set up camp – from scratch – trail mix – stay cation – pack up – roast over the fire – on a tight budget Waiting for more ….. 🙂

Hello Rana,

Thank you for your comments. I’m so glad to know that you enjoyed this lesson and found some useful vocabulary. I hope you have the opportunity to use that vocabulary soon.

Renad Mohamed

Hi Ms Annemarie! I loved this story about travel it have lots of adventures, i also loved your interesting language, and i`ve learned more vocabulary from you. I wish you more success on your project.

Hello Renad,

Thank you. I’m happy you enjoyed this lesson and I hope you’ll have the opportunity to use the vocabulary you learned. Learning + immediately practicing is the best way to improve your vocabulary knowledge.

Arwa grade 8

Dear Annemarie thanks for this beautiful stories , it’s very useful and i have loved them so much. the most beautiful one is the “Jean-Luc’s Travel Story: Exotic Adventure” it’s really simple , understandable, meaningful and exciting . the most expression i had loved it in this story is “under the stars”. i hope you can do more than this , by the way you can make this stories like in an audio track or on a cd , it will be more helpful and skillful to the students who are get bored from reading stories. great job hope to …  Read more »

Hello Arwa,

Thank you for your comments and suggestions. I’m glad you enjoyed the lesson and learned some useful vocabulary.

ahmed adnan

Hi Annemarie , I really enjoyed getting to read your story about jean ,also i liked your language so much it was so helpful , although i love reading adventurous stories. I wish you every success on your projects, I will continue following and sharing them on social networks. yours, ahmed

Thank you for the kind comments, Ahmed. I’m glad you enjoyed the lesson.

Bishoy Sameh Gr8

Dear Ms Annemarie, I’ve read your story “Lara’s Travel Story: Anything All-Inclusive”. And I learned so much new vocabulary expressions such as; – can’t be bothered -all you do is show up -a ton of -all-inclusive -hidden extras -amenities -a little R&R -island-hopping -over pack I liked the idea of it, it is creative and simple. And I’m waiting for another one, and looking forward to reading your next stories. Every good story you get here in this website and upload it gives you a push froward to reach your goal, so I advice you to complete uploading stories alike …  Read more »

Thank for sharing your thoughts, Bishoy. I appreciate them and I’m glad you learned so much useful vocabulary.

abdallah mohamed gr8

Dear Annemarie My name is Abdullah, i am a student in the 8th grade. I am from Egypt. It’s the first time to read stories with this exciting an I would be so glade to read more for your stories. At first, my teacher in the school told us to read it as a homework and Summarizes, but now I would to read more from you. best wishes , abdullah

Hello Abdullah,

Wonderful. I’m glad this lesson was interesting for you and I hope you’ll continue to find useful lessons on this website.

Ahmed Abbady

Hi , I like this type of stories , I’ve learned new vocabulary and new phrases . This type of stories make me excited to continue reading and choosing another one.

Hello Ahmed,

I’m so glad you enjoyed this lesson and that it makes you want to continue reading. Thank you.

Antar Hassan

I’m really very thankful to you because travel stories helped me so much in teaching my students new vocabulary about journeys . Hope to find more and more in future lessons

Hello Antar,

Thank you for the comment. I’m very happy to know this has been helpful to you in your classroom and with your students.

Sakuta

Hi Annemarie , Thanks a lot for sharing this post on travel stories. Actually my English not well but I can understand at all, I really like that it help me improve my English as well. Thanks again 🙂

Thanks for your comment, Sakuta. I’m happy that you enjoyed this lesson and have learned some new vocabulary!

Hari Krishna

Hi Annemarie, First of all, thank you very much for sharing this post on travel stories. I have been following your weekly posts since a couple of weeks, I like this post a lot, it is always exciting listening and talking of travel stories. Sharon’s staycation story resonates well with me as I like going out with family even if it is not such a significant or a popular place to go visit. The feel of going out together and experience the joy of spending time with family outside is worth experiencing and treasure the memories. Unfortunately, we couldn’t go …  Read more »

Hello Hari,

Thank you so much for your comments. I’m thrilled to have you following my Confident English lessons.

Very impressive vocabulary with your sentence, “Sharon’s staycation story resonates well with me…” Nicely said.

This was very well written and you did a great job using vocabulary from the lesson.

Alami

Hey AnneMarie to be honest the traveling now is the most important thing in my life, I sounds good when i travel abroad and discouvir a new places, traditions, cultures, countries. I love that !! when I’m thinking of my next trip I be happy for searching for a cheap fly and think in all little details (hotels, food , bus from airoprot to the city centre then to hotel, mesuems, things to do in that city) so for the me the word of cant be bothered doesnt exist in this kind of things. and i dont like all inclusive …  Read more »

Hello Alami,

Thank you for sharing about your travel preferences. Your love of travel is like many of us here. 🙂 As you described, I think planning a vacation can be fun, almost as fun as the vacation.

Do you have a favorite country or place that you like to visit? Best, Annemarie

Abu Omar Mahmoud

Mahmoud on May 06.05.2016 Hi Annmarie As this is my first challenge I hope that you like it and that it’s good. On Last May and during a party I won a two hotel full board nights pouch for two in Aqaba_Jordan. Me and my wife were very existed and started to plan for when,how and what kind of activities we can do in Aqaba while staying there, off course budget wise it was affordable due to the pouch, First of all we picked the right weekend to do so, and then I rented a car. Meanwhile, using the net …  Read more »

Hello Mahmoud,

Welcome and thank you for sharing your story!

How wonderful to win an all-inclusive two-day trip to Aqaba! It sounds wonderful. And Petra! I have always wanted to visit Petra! And was this the first time you or your wife scuba dived? How was it?

A few small corrections: “… I won a [full-board two-night hotel stay …]” “My wife and [I] were very [excited] …”

It sounds like the perfect two-day quick trip to get away! Thanks again for sharing. ~ annemarie

Alexandra

Hello Annemarie! Fortunately, I have some free time to accomplish the task and to tell about my vacations. A new trip always means that I will open something new. I always have a sense of adventure when taking some journey, so I always look forward to my holidays and therefore to travelling. It doesn’t matter what kind of holidays I’m going to take, the main thing is what emotions I will have. It may be a camping where I can spend wonderful time roasting meat over the fire, singing campfire songs, eating some trail mix and chatting with my friends …  Read more »

Hello Alexandra – I loved this! You used so many of the key words and expressions! Fantastic work. And I really like the expression: “… if I’m squeezed like a lemon …” I assume that means to feel really stressed, is that correct? What a perfect description for feeling stressed and needing a break! One question, when you say “the main thing is what emotions I will have” do you mean emotions or experiences? When I see emotions, I think of happy, sad, angry, frustrated, joyful, etc. If that is what you mean, that is okay but I wanted to …  Read more »

Alexandra

Thanks a lot for your comments, Annemarie! I appreciate them greatly!!! Frankly speaking I’ve thought that the expression “to be squeezed like a lemon” (that really means “to be very tired and stressed” as you have said) really exists in English, because I leart it at university, but now I doubt… Do native speakers use it in their speech? As for the phrase “the main thing is what emotions I will have”, I’ve meant here that I always get some positive emotions after having travelled, because travelling enriches me, gives the opportunity to meet new people, to get to know …  Read more »

Hello Alexandra,

You are so welcome.

As for “to be squeezed like a lemon” it is possible that it is an idiomatic expression. Idioms can be regional, so it is possible that it is used in another country or a specific region. For me it was new, but I understood what you meant. It was easy to understand from the context. I’ll have to do some research to see if I can find where they use it. 🙂

Best, Annemarie

Thank you, Annemarie!

Yulia

Hello Annemarie! I miss our challenge and such short stories :)) I will tell you about my nearest travel just in a few days – from Saint-Petersburg to Helsinki by bus. If my budget not so tight, I would prefer the train because it is faster and more comfortable, but I am going to spend two nights in a bus… awesome! It is a business trip just for one day and I will have a lot of free time in the city. So, I hope weather will be well and I have pleasure of the walking and sitting near the …  Read more »

Hello Yulia, I miss our daily challenges too!! It makes me excited for the June challenge. And how fun to go to Helsinki for work! It sounds like you have some good plans for your free time there – the idea of coffee and a sandwich by the sea sounds perfect. A few things: “If my budget [wasn’t] so tight …” — we need to have a verb. ” …spend two nights [on] a bus.” Prepositions are so tricky. We can say “in a car” or “in a truck” but for larger vehicles we say “on a bus,” “on a …  Read more »

Hello Annemarie! I missed your reply on my travel story. Thank you very much for your comments and correction of my text. As you already know, my trip was success and also I had extra practice in English. And weather was really amazing! The local people jocked that we have a chance to get very unusual gift from Helsinki – a sunburn!

A sunburn in Helsinki! That is the first time I’ve ever heard about that! 🙂

I’m so glad it was a successful trip, Yulia. It really made me happy to hear about your experience! ~ annemarie

Olga

Everybody loves traveling and I’m not an exception! There is no point in choosing the best way of traveling, all of them are good to get new impressions, to relax and to reload your mind. As a rule it’s me who arranges family vacation from scratch. The choice of vacation depends on a budjet, on a season and its length. Especially I love short holidays for 3-4 days because they are so dynamic, full of events; it’s really a great short break in a busy life. We usually stay at small private hotels without many amenities but with picturesque views …  Read more »

This sounds like the perfect long weekend, Olga! Especially now that spring is starting, I’m dreaming of an easy 3-4 day trip on the countryside. Do you enjoy the planning for vacations or is it stressful for you?

Perfect use of: from scratch, without many amenities, not any hidden extras.

A few changes for articles: “…it’s me who arranges [the] family vacation” “…on [the] season and its length.” “… [a] friendly atmosphere.”

I hope you get to go on a vacation like this soon! 🙂 ~ Annemarie

Rafif Daoud

Hello, I am Rafif Last summer I travelled to Turkey with my family ; my husband and my four daughters, my father and mother, my sisters and brother and their own families . We were 21 persons which means different ages, different needs and expectations about vactions, and I can’t be bothered by all those details. For that I have chosen All_inclusive kind of vactions. Our choice settled on Kartepe (green park ) for a littlr R&R. They also offer breakfast, dinner and afternoon snack time and a lot of amenities like Turkish bath, ( sauna and Jacuzzi), paint ball …  Read more »

Hello Rafif – great travel story! And wow, 21 people! I can imagine that packing was a problem and I love that you watched a Mr. Bean video to help. Great use of: I [couldn’t] be bothered, I [chose an] all-inclusive kind of vacation, all we [had to do was] show up, hidden extras and several more. Two corrections: There were 21 of us (instead of We were 21 persons). The final bill was acceptable [,it wasn’t that much] or [, it wasn’t that big.] I really enjoyed this and you did a great job using some of the more …  Read more »

Thank you Anne marie for your comment and the correction

Maria

I love traveling, I do believe that traveling gives you a better perspective on life, it changes you. When you come back home you are a bit different! You have tons of new ideas, stories to tell! I think it is a good way to reboot all your system and we all need a little R and R after all! I remember when a child we would go to the seaside like every year. Our parents would pack up a car and all our belongings and our trip would begin. You know Ukraine is the biggest country in Europe, so …  Read more »

Tatyana

Excellent!!!! You described your memories in that way I felt I was there!!! It’s wonderful that you love traveling and can go anywhere easily without a doubt! I think you are really interesting person to have among friends!

Thank you so much! You are adorable!:) It is always fun to travel with a great company!:)

What wonderful details, Maria! I can imagine getting up early and into the car to start a 10-hour road trip! And I love your 3 must-haves (don’t forget the ‘s’ on ‘haves’ since it’s 3). Like you, I love the idea of the seaside, the sunset, and grilling over the fire! Great use of: sense of adventure, perspective on life, a little R&R, tons of, on a tight budget and several more! A couple things: I remember when [I was] a child or I remember [as] a child, stroll [on] the beach Thanks so much for sharing this! I enjoyed …  Read more »

Thank you! I do have a quick question (this is your phrase, I know:)): stroll on – is it always with “on”? Or it depends? Could you help me with this one, please? I like this word and want to use it correctly! Thank you!

Great question. Actually, it isn’t the verb (stroll) that is important. It is the noun that follows: on the beach. We can use any verb with this: jog on the beach, run on the beach, stroll on the beach, etc. Other examples: along the river, around the city. So you could say: stroll along the river, stroll around the city.

Frankly speaking, I love travelling a lot. I love spending my free time or vacation with my family and my friends! By the way, I can have a great vacation even if I’m on a tight budget. The alternative variant is to have a staycation. My city is so amazing and beautiful! There are a lot of places of interest here. I also like to go out of the city, to go to the country, for example. Love that feeling when you pack up the kids, friends, dogs into the car, pack all outdoor gear. And It goes without saying …  Read more »

And here we go – well marinated meat is a must-have thing!;)

We have something in common- we both love shashlik))

Tatyana, you’ve done such a great job creating your own story and sharing your memories! Great use of: on a tight budget, staycation, pack up the kids, outdoor gear, all-inclusive. I was quite impressed with your use of prepositions and articles. There are just a couple missing: [the] outdoor gear, [an] all-inclusive. Really impressive! And I agree with you completely, with some inspiration and desire, any vacation can be magical! Thank you so much for sharing your story! ~ Annemarie

Tanja Kuzmanoska

Dear Rachel, I am Tanja Kuzmanoska from Macedonia. I follow your posts and videos, but I resonate with this post the most, it came just in time. I love traveling, I have traveled places and been on interesting vacations. Recently I started a blog on traveling , the first post I wrote was in Macedonian, but few days ago I translated it in English. It is written in a different style, rather a blend of travel guide and prosaic, emotional text. I would love if you read it and give me a feedback. I send you the link below. Thank …  Read more »

Thank you for your comment. How exciting that you have started a blog on traveling! I’d be happy to read it.

I do have a quick question – I wasn’t sure who Rachel was?

Thanks again for the comment. I’ll be sure to email you with any feedback on your English travel story! ~ Annemarie

Hi again Annemarie, I am so sorry I have mistaken your name for Rachel, I hope you will forgive me! Regards, Tanja

🙂 Hi Tanja, No problem. It happens. I just wasn’t sure who you meant. I’ll look forward to reading your blog later today! ~ Annemarie

Dear Tanja,

I really enjoyed getting to read your story about your hometown or where your ancestors are from. You have a gift with words. I could really get a feeling for the area. How interesting that there are only two families there now!!

Thank you for sharing your site. I hope you will continue to write! ~ Annemarie

Tanja Kuzmanoska

Dear Annemarie

Thank you so much for your time to read my story, your comments mean a lot to me. I am happy that you enjoyed reading it, and I appreciate your support very much. I will certainly continue to share my stories in words and photos and you are welcome to visit my site 🙂

I wish you every success on your projects, I will continue following and sharing them on social networks!

Many thanks and all the best, Tanja

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short stories in english about travel

43 of the Most Iconic Short Stories in the English Language

From washington irving to kristen roupenian.

Last year, I put together this list of the most iconic poems in the English language ; it’s high time to do the same for short stories. But before we go any further, you may be asking: What does “iconic” mean in this context? Can a short story really be iconic in the way of a poem, or a painting, or Elvis?

Well, who knows, but for our purposes, “iconic” means that the story has somehow wormed its way into the general cultural consciousness—a list of the best short stories in the English language would look quite different than the one below. (Also NB that in this case we’re necessarily talking about the American cultural consciousness, weird and wiggly as it is.) When something is iconic, it is a highly recognizable cultural artifact that can be used as a shorthand—which often means it has been referenced in other forms of media. You know, just like Elvis. (So for those of you heading to the comments to complain that these stories are “the usual suspects”—well, exactly.) An iconic short story may be frequently anthologized , which usually means frequently read in classrooms, something that can lead to cultural ubiquity—but interestingly, the correlation isn’t perfect. For instance, Joyce’s “Araby” is anthologized more often, but for my money “The Dead” is more iconic . Film adaptations and catchy, reworkable titles help. But in the end, for better or for worse, you know it when you see it. Which means that, like anything else, it all depends on your point of view—icon status is (like most of the ways we evaluate art) highly subjective.

So, having acknowledged that there’s no real way to make this list, but because this is what we’re all here to do, here are some of the most iconic short stories for American readers in the English language—and a few more that deserve to be more iconic than they are.

Washington Irving, “Rip Van Winkle” (1819) and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” (1820) I agonized over whether I should pick “Rip Van Winkle” or “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” from Irving’s oeuvre. Both have many, many adaptations to their name and are so ubiquitous as to have drifted into the folklore realm. The latter certainly has more memorable recent adaptations, but the former  is the only one with a bridge named after it . Ah, screw it, we’ll count them both.

Edgar Allan Poe, “The Tell-Tale Heart” (1843) Poe’s early stream-of-consciousness horror story, unreliable narrator and heart beating under the floorboards and all, is certainly one of the most adapted—and even more often referenced —short stories in popular culture, and which may or may not be the source for all of the hundreds of stories in which a character is tormented by a sound only they can hear. (Still not quite as ubiquitous as Poe himself , though . . .)

Herman Melville, “Bartleby, the Scrivener” (1853) Once, while I was walking in Brooklyn, carrying my Bartleby tote bag , a woman in an SUV pulled over (on Atlantic Avenue, folks) to excitedly wave at me and yell “Melville! That’s Melville!” Which is all you really need to know about that .

Ambrose Bierce, “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” (1890) I will leave it to Kurt Vonnegut, who famously wrote , “I consider anybody a twerp who hasn’t read the greatest American short story, which is “Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge,” by Ambrose Bierce. It isn’t remotely political. It is a flawless example of American genius, like “Sophisticated Lady” by Duke Ellington or the Franklin stove.”

Charlotte Perkins Gilman, “The Yellow Wallpaper” (1892) Odds are this was the first overtly Feminist text you ever read, at least if you’re of a certain age; it’s become a stand-in for the idea of women being driven insane by the patriarchy—and being ignored by doctors, who deem them “hysterical.” This is another one with lots of adaptations to its name, including a memorable episode of The Twilight Zone , which concludes: “Next time you’re alone, look quickly at the wallpaper, and the ceiling, and the cracks on the sidewalk. Look for the patterns and lines and faces on the wall. Look, if you can, for Sharon Miles, visible only out of the corner of your eye or… in the Twilight Zone.”

Henry James, “The Turn of the Screw” (1898) Technically a novella, but discussed enough as a story that I’ll include it here (same goes for a couple of others on this list, including “The Metamorphosis”). It has, as a work of literature, inspired a seemingly endless amount of speculation, criticism, unpacking, and stance-taking. “In comment after comment, article after article, the evidence has been sifted through and judgments delivered,” Brad Leithauser wrote in The New Yorker . Fine, intelligent readers have confirmed the validity of the ghosts (Truman Capote); equally fine and intelligent readers have thunderously established the governess’s madness (Edmund Wilson).” And nothing that inspires so much interpretive interest could escape the many interpretations into other media: films, episodes of television, and much other literature.

Anton Chekhov, “The Lady with the Toy Dog” (1899) Widely acknowledged as one of Chekhov’s best stories, if not  the  best, and therefore almost no students get through their years at school without reading it. Has been adapted as a film, a ballet, a play, a musical, and most importantly, a Joyce Carol Oates short story.

W. W. Jacobs, “The Monkey’s Paw” (1902) So iconic—be careful what you wish for, is the gist—that you probably didn’t even know it started out as a short story. My favorite version is, of course, the Laurie Anderson song .

O. Henry, “The Gift of the Magi” (1905) According to Wikipedia, there have been 17 different film adaptations of O. Henry’s classic short story about a couple’s thwarted Christmas; the essential format—Della sells her hair to buy Jim a watch chain; Jim sells his watch to buy Della a set of combs—has been referenced and replicated countless times beyond that. I even heard Dax Shepard refer to this story on his podcast the other day, and so I rest my case.

James Joyce, “The Dead” (1914) The last story in Joyce’s collection  Dubliners and one of the best short stories ever written; just ask anyone who wanted to have read some Joyce but couldn’t crack  Ulysses . (Or anyone who could crack  Ulysses  too.) And let’s not forget the John Huston movie starring Anjelica Huston as Gretta.

Franz Kafka, “The Metamorphosis” (1915) Everyone has to read this in school, at some point—which is probably the reason why it’s been parodied, referenced, and adapted many times in just about every format . And why not? What could be more universal than the story of the man who wakes up to find himself transformed into an enormous insect?

Richard Connell, “The Most Dangerous Game” aka “The Hounds of Zaroff” (1924) “The most popular short story ever written in English” is obviously the one about aristocrats hunting people. Widely adapted , but one of my favorite versions is the episode of Dollhouse in which a Richard Connell (no relation except the obvious) hunts Echo with a bow.

Ernest Hemingway, “The Killers” (1927) I was tempted to include “Hills Like White Elephants” because of the number of people forced to read it to learn about dialogue (happily, there are other options ), but “The Killers,” while less often anthologized, is more influential overall, and gave us not only two full length film adaptations and a Tarkovsky short but Tobias Wolff’s “Bullet in the Brain,” which I do think is a very good story to learn from, if not for dialogue, then for story-making.

Zora Neale Hurston, “The Gilded Six-Bits” (1933) Hurston is most famous for  Their Eyes Were Watching God , but those who know will tell you that this story of love, marriage, betrayal, and love again—which was also made into a 2001 film—is a classic, too.

Shirley Jackson, “The Lottery” (1948) The short story that launched a thousand letters to  The New Yorker —or if not a thousand , then at least “a torrent . . . the most mail the magazine had ever received in response to a work of fiction.” Still taught widely in schools, and still chilling.

J. D. Salinger, “A Perfect Day for Bananafish” (1948) The very first story to destroy many a young mind. In a good way, obviously.

Ray Bradbury, “There Will Come Soft Rains” (1950)

Bradbury’s work has thoroughly permeated pop culture; plenty of his stories are widely adapted and referenced, so I could have chosen a few others here (“The Veldt” is my personal favorite). But every year, the image of a smart house going on long after the death of its occupants becomes more chilling and relevant an image; we can’t help but keep going back to it.

Daphne du Maurier, “The Birds” (1952) I know it’s really the Hitchcock film adaptation that’s iconic, but you wouldn’t have the Hitchcock without the du Maurier.

Flannery O’Connor, “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” (1953) Another oft-assigned (and oft-argued-over) story, this one with so many title rip-offs .

Elmore Leonard, “Three-Ten to Yuma” (1953) I know, I know, it’s “Fire in the Hole” that gave us  Justified , and we’re all so very glad. But “Three-Ten to Yuma” has more name recognition—after all, it was adapted into two separate and very good films, the former of which (1957) actually created contemporary slang : in Cuba, Americans are called yumas and the United States is  La Yuma .

Philip K. Dick, “The Minority Report” (1956) As a whole, Philip K. Dick’s work has had massive influence on literature, film, pop culture, and our cultural attitudes toward technology. Most of his best-known works are novels, but when a short story gets made into a Steven Spielberg/Tom Cruise film, you’re basically assuring iconic status right there. (Or at least that’s how it used to work…)

James Baldwin, “Sonny’s Blues” (1957) Baldwin’s best known short story pops up in plenty of anthologies, and can be thanked for being the gateway drug for many budding Baldwin acolytes.

Alan Sillitoe, “The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner” (1959) Not only is the story itself widely known and read—just ask Rod Blagojevich ( remember him? )—that title has been rewritten and reused thousands of times for varying ends—just ask the reporter who wrote that piece about Blagojevich. Or Adrian Tomine .

John Cheever, “The Swimmer” (1964) Cheever’s most famous story nails something essential about the mid-century American sensibility, and particularly the mid-century American suburbs, which is probably why everyone knows it (it’s also frequently anthologized). Or maybe it’s more about Burt Lancaster’s little shorts ? Either way.

Joyce Carol Oates, “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” (1966) Another frequently anthologized and unwaveringly excellent short story; and look, it’s no one’s fault that Laura Dern turns everything she touches iconic.

Toni Cade Bambara, “The Lesson” (1972) Yet another story often assigned in schools (the good ones, anyway), which hopefully means one day we’ll wake up and find out that everyone has read it.

Ursula K. Le Guin, “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas” (1973) As others have pointed out before me , Le Guin’s most read and most famous short story is almost always chillingly relevant.

Donald Barthelme, “The School” (1974) This one might only be iconic for writers, but considering it’s one of the best short stories ever written (according to me), I simply couldn’t exclude it.

Jamaica Kincaid, “Girl” (1978) Another staple of a writer’s education, and a reader’s; “are you really going to be the kind of woman who the baker won’t let near the bread?” being a kind of bandied-about shibboleth.

Raymond Carver, “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love” (1981) I struggled choosing a Carver story for this list—”Cathedral” is more important, and probably more read, but “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love” has transcended its own form more completely, at least with its title, which has spawned a host of echoes, including Haruki Murakami’s What I Talk About When I Talk About Running , and Nathan Englander’s What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank , to the point that I think it’s recognizable to just about everyone. A quick Google search will reveal that the framing has been used for almost everything you can think of. There’s—and I kid you not—a What We Talk About When We Talk About Books/War/Sex/God/The Tube/Games/Rape/Money/Creative Writing/Nanoclusters/Hebrew/The Weather/Defunding the Police/Free Speech/Taxes/Holes/Climate/The Moon/Waste/Cancel Culture/Impeachment/Gender/Digital Inclusions/Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease/COVID-19 . You see what I’m getting at here.

Stephen King, “The Body” (1982) Otherwise known, to the general public, as  Stand By Me .

Amy Hempel, “In the Cemetery Where Al Jolson is Buried” (1983) Want to feel bad about your writing? This was the first short story Amy Hempel ever wrote.

Lorrie Moore, “How to Be an Other Woman” (1985) A very very good short story that has given rise to so many bad ones.

Mary Gaitskill, “Secretary” (1988) Bad Behavior  is iconic as a whole , but probably the story to have most acutely permeated the wider culture is “Secretary,” on account of the film adaptation starring Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader—despite the fact that it totally butchers the ending.

Amy Tan, “Rules of the Game” (1989) This story originally appeared in The Joy Luck Club , Tan’s mega-bestseller, so probably almost everyone you know has read it. The film version didn’t hurt either.

Tim O’Brien, “The Things They Carried” (1990) Why, it’s only the most anthologized short story of the last 30(ish) years. That’s why even the people you know who haven’t picked up a book in their adult lives have read it.

Denis Johnson, “Emergency” (1992) When I left New York to go get my MFA, a friend gave me a copy of Jesus’ Son with the inscription “Because everyone in your MFA will talk about it and you don’t want to be the girl who hasn’t read it. (It’s also really good).” He was not wrong.

Annie Proulx, “Brokeback Mountain” (1997) Everybody knows this story—even if they only know it from its (massively successful and influential, not to mention the true Best Picture Winner of 2006) film adaptation—and not for nothing, coming out when it did, it went a long way towards making some Americans more comfortable with homosexuality. Open the floodgates, baby.

Jhumpa Lahiri, “A Temporary Matter” (1998) The story that made Lahiri a household name.

Ted Chiang, “Story of Your Life” (1998) Otherwise known as  Arrival . (Also technically a novella.)

Alice Munro, “The Bear Came Over the Mountain” (2001) At this point, almost everyone has read at least some  Alice Munro, right? This story is one of the best from one of the greats, and was also adapted into a fantastic but heartbreaking film,  Away From Her .

Kristen Roupenian, “Cat Person” (2017) Sure, it’s recent, so it’s not quite as ingrained as some of the others here, but it’s also the story that broke the internet —and quite possibly the only New Yorker  story that thousands of people have ever read.

Finally, as is often the case with lists that summarize the mainstream American literary canon of the last 200 years, it is impossible not to recognize that the list above is much too white and male. So for our future and continuing iconography, your friends at Literary Hub suggest reading the following stories, both new and old:

Eudora Welty, “Why I Live at the P.O.” (1941) Clarice Lispector, “The Imitation of the Rose” (1960) Leslie Marmon Silko, “The Man to Send Rain Clouds” (1969) Ralph Ellison, “Cadillac Flambé” (1973) Octavia Butler, “Bloodchild” (1984) Bharati Mukherjee, “The Management of Grief” (1988) John Edgar Wideman, “Fever” (1990) Sandra Cisneros, “Woman Hollering Creek” (1991) Christine Schutt, “To Have and to Hold” (1996) ZZ Packer, “Brownies” (2003) Edward P. Jones, “Marie” (2004) Karen Russell, “Haunting Olivia” (2005) Kelly Link, “Stone Animals” (2005) Edwidge Danticat, “Ghosts” (2008) Yiyun Li, “A Man Like Him” (2008) Claire Vaye Watkins, “Ghosts, Cowboys” (2009) Ottessa Moshfegh, “Bettering Myself” (2013) Amelia Gray, “House Heart” (2013) Zadie Smith, “Meet the President!” (2013) Carmen Maria Machado, “The Husband Stitch” (2014) Diane Cook, “The Way the End of Days Should Be” (2014) Kirstin Valdez Quade, “Five Wounds” (2015) NoViolet Bulawayo, “Shhhh” (2015) Mariana Enriquez, “Spiderweb” (2016) Ken Liu, “State Change” (2016) Helen Oyeyemi, “Sorry Doesn’t Sweeten Her Tea” (2016) Lesley Nneka Arimah, “What Is a Volcano?” (2017) James McBride, “The Christmas Dance” (2017) Viet Thanh Nguyen, “War Years” (2017) Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, “Friday Black” (2018). . .

Honestly, this list could go on forever, but let’s stop and say: more short stories of all kinds in the hands of the general public, please!

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Emily Temple

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Summaries, Analysis & Lists

Time Travel Short Stories: Examples Online

Time Travel Short Stories Examples Online

The short stories on this page all contain some form of time travel, including time loops. Some of them contain time machines or other technologies that makes the trip possible; in other stories the jump in time doesn’t have an obvious explanation. They don’t all involve obvious trips to the past or future. Sometimes, the story simply contains an element that is out of place in time. See also:

Short Stories About Time Travel

“caveat time traveler” by gregory benford.

The narrator spots the man from the past immediately. The visitor identifies himself. He’s surprised to find he’s not the first visitor from the past. He wants to take something back to prove he made it.

“Caveat Time Travel” can be read in the preview of  The Mammoth Book of Time Travel SF.

“Absolutely Inflexible” by Robert Silverberg

A time traveler in a spacesuit sits in Mahler’s office. He’s informed that he’ll be sent to the Moon, where all visitors from the past have to go. The man tries to get out of it, but Mahler explains why no exceptions are possible.

“Absolutely Inflexible” can be read in the preview of  Time and Time Again :  Sixteen Trips in Time.

“Yesterday Was Monday” by Theodore Sturgeon

When Harry Wright wakes up on Wednesday morning he realizes that yesterday was Monday. Somehow there is a gap. He notices that his environment doesn’t quite seem complete.

“Yesterday Was Monday” can be read in the preview of  The Best Time Travel Stories of the 20th Century.

“Death Ship” by Richard Matheson

The crew of a spaceship is collecting samples from various planets to determine their suitability for human habitation. While nearing a new planet, Mason spots a metallic flash. The crew speculates that it might be a ship. Captain Ross orders a landing to check it out.

“Death Ship” can be read in the preview of  The Time Traveler’s Almanac.

“The Third Level” by Jack Finney

The narrator has been to the third level of Grand Central Station, even though everyone else believes there are only two. He’s just an ordinary guy and doesn’t know why he discovered this unknown level. He relates how it happened.

“The Third Level” can be read in the preview of  About Time: 12 Short Stories.

“A Touch of Petulance” by Ray Bradbury

Jonathan Hughes met his fate in the form of an old man while he rode the train home from work. He noticed the old man’s newspaper looked more modern than his own. There was a story on the front page about a murdered woman—his wife. His mind raced.

This story can be read in the preview of  Killer, Come Back To Me: The Crime Stories of Ray Bradbury.

“Rip Van Winkle” by Washington Irving

Rip Van Winkle is lazy at home but helpful to, and well-liked by, his neighbors. He’s out in the mountains one day to get away from things. With night approaching, he starts for home but meets up with a group of men. He has something to drink and goes to sleep, which changes everything.

This story can be read in the preview of  The Big Book of Classic Fantasy .

“Twilight” by John W. Campbell

Jim picks up a hitch-hiker, Ares, who says he’s a scientist from the year 3059. He says he traveled millions of years into the future, but came back to the wrong year. Life in 3059 is trouble free, with machines taking care of everything. Future Earth is in trouble, with all life extinct, except for humans and plants.

This is the second story in the preview of  The Science Fiction Hall of Fame: Vol 1 .  (49% into preview)

“The Man Who Walked Home” by James Tiptree, Jr.

An accident at the Bonneville Particle Acceleration Facility decimated the Earth’s population and severely damaged the biosphere and surface. Decades later, a huge flat creature emerges from the crater at the explosion site and promptly disappeared. There are other sightings in the years that follow.

This story can be read in the preview of the anthology  Timegates .  (18% into preview)

“An Assassin in Time” by S. A. Asthana

Navy Seal Jessica Kravitz recovers from the effects of the time jump. She’s done it before, but there are always side-effects. She’s on a highly classified, very important, and expensive mission. Previous jumps have familiarized her with the grounds. This time, she should be able to reach her target.

This story can be read in the preview of  AT THE EDGES: Short Science Fiction, Thriller and Horror Stories .  (17% in)

“The Merchant and the Alchemist’s Gate” by Ted Chiang

Fuwaad, a fabric merchant, appears before the Caliph to recount a remarkable story. While looking for a gift, he entered a large shop with a new owner. It had a marvelous assortment of offerings, all made by the owner or under his direction. Fuwaad is led into the back where he’s shown a small hoop that manipulates time. He also has a larger gateway that people can walk through. The owner tells Fuwaad the stories of a few who did just that.

This story is on the longer side but doesn’t feel like it. Most of “The Merchant and the Alchemist’s Gate” can be read in the Amazon preview of  Exhalation: Stories .

“Time Locker” by Harry Kuttner

Gallegher is a scientist—drunken, erratic and brilliant. He invents things but pays them little attention after. His acquaintance Vanning, an unscrupulous lawyer, has made use of some of these inventions, including a neuro-gun that he rents out. During a visit he sees a locker that is bigger inside than out. Fascinated with the item’s possibilities, he offers to purchase it.

Some of “Time Locker” can be read in the preview of  The Best Time Travel Stories of the 20th Century.

Time Travel Short Stories, Cont’d

“All You Zombies” by Robert A. Heinlein

A young man explains to a bartender that he was born a girl. He (she) gave birth to a child and there were complications. The doctors noticed he (she) was a hermaphrodite and performed an emergency sex-change operation.

A lot of this story can be read in the preview of  “ All You Zombies—”: Five Classic Stories .

“The Hundred-Light-Year Diary” by Greg Egan

The narrator meets his future wife, Alison, for lunch exactly when he knew he would. His diary told him. Everyone alive is allotted a hundred words a day to send back to themselves.

Most of this story can be read in the preview of Axiomatic .  (Select Kindle first then Preview, 57% in)

“The Dead Past” by Isaac Asimov

Arnold Potterley, a Professor of Ancient History, wants to use the chronoscope—the ability to view a scene from the past—for his research on Carthage. The government maintains strict control over its use, and his request is denied. Frustrated, Potterley embarks on a plan to get around this restriction, which is professionally risky.

Some of this story can be read in the preview of  The Complete Stories, Vol 1 .  (6% in)

“Signal Moon” by Kate Quinn

Working with the Royal Naval Service, Lily Baines intercepts radio communications to enemy vessels for decoding. One night, everything changes when she picks up an impossible message—a plea for help from another time.

Preview of “Signal Moon”

“Journey to the Seed” by Alejo Carpentier

An old man wanders around a demolition site, muttering a string of incomprehensible phrases. The roof has been removed and, by evening, most of the house is down. When the site is deserted, the old man waves his walking stick over a pile of discarded tiles. They fly back and cover the floor. The house continues to rebuild. Inside, Don Marcial lies on his deathbed.

“A Sound of Thunder” by Ray Bradbury

In the future, a company offers guided hunting safaris into the past to kill dinosaurs. Extreme care is taken to ensure nothing happens that could alter the present.

Read “A Sound of Thunder” (PDF Pg. 3)

“That Feeling, You Can Only Say What It Is In French” by Stephen King

Carol and Bill, married twenty-five years, are on their second honeymoon, driving to their destination. Carol experiences déjà vu; voices and images keep coming to her mind. Their drive comes to an end and she finds herself at an earlier point in their trip.

“The Clock That Went Backward” by Edward Page Mitchell

The narrator recounts the discovery surrounding a clock left to his cousin Harry by his Aunt Gertrude. As young boys they witnessed a strange event. Late one night Aunt Gertrude wound the clock, put her face to the dial, and then kissed and caressed it. The hands were moving backward. She fell to the floor when it stopped.

Read “The Clock That Went Backward” 

“Soldier (Soldier from Tomorrow)” by Harlan Ellison

Qarlo, a soldier, is fighting in the Great War VII. He doesn’t expect to be able to go back. The odds are against it. Qarlo anticipates the Regimenter’s order and gets warped off the battlefield. He’s not sure where he is but his instincts kick in.

“The Men Who Murdered Mohammed” by Alfred Bester

Henry Hassel comes home to find his wife in the arms of another man. He could get his revenge immediately but he has a more intellectual plan. He gets a revolver and builds a time machine. He goes into the past.

“Cosmic Corkscrew” by Michael A. Burstein

The narrator is sent back to 1938 to make a copy of a rejected story by an unnamed writer. Unknown to Dr. Scheihagen, the narrator adjusts his arrival to three days earlier. He wants to make contact with the writer.

“Time’s Arrow” by Arthur C. Clarke

Barton and Davis, geologists, are assisting Professor Fowler with an excavation. The professor receives an invitation to visit a nearby research facility. Barton and Davis are curious to know what goes on there. The professor says he will fill them in, but after his visit he says he’s been asked not to talk about it. Henderson, from the research facility, returns the visit. Something he says starts the geologists speculating about a device that could see into the past.

“The Final Days” by David Langford

Harman and Ferris, presidential candidates, are participating in a televised debate. Ferris is struggling to connect with the audience while Harman relishes the attention. The technician signals Harman that there are fourteen watchers. His confidence increases.

Read “The Final Days”

“Hwang’s Billion Brilliant Daughters” by Alice Sola Kim

When Hwang is in a time he likes he tries to stay awake. Hwang jumps ahead in time when he sleeps. It could only be a few days; it could be years.

Read “Hwang’s Billion Brilliant Daughters”

“Fish Night” by Joe R. Lansdale

Two traveling salesmen, a father and son, get broke down on a desert road. They sit by the car and talk about how hard it is to make a living. The father tells his son about an unusual experience he had on the same road years ago.

Read “Fish Night”

“The Fox and the Forest” by Ray Bradbury

William and Susan Travis have gone to Mexico in 1938. They’re enjoying a local celebration. William assures Susan that they’re safe—they have traveler’s checks to last a lifetime, and he’s confident they won’t be found. Susan notices a conspicuous man in a café looking at them. She thinks he could be a Searcher, but William says he’s nobody.

“A Statue for Father” by Isaac Asimov

The narrator tells the story of his father, a theoretical physicist who researched time travel. He’s celebrated now, but it was a difficult climb. When time travel research fell out of favor, the dean forced him out. He continued the research independently with his son. Eventually, they succeed in holding a window open long enough for the son to reach in. He brings back some dinosaur eggs.

“The Pendulum” by Ray Bradbury

Layeville has been swinging in a massive glass pendulum for a long time. The people call him The Prisoner of Time. It’s his punishment for his crime. He had constructed a time machine and invited thirty of the world’s preeminent scientists to attend the unveiling.

Read  The Pendulum

“Who’s Cribbing?” by Jack Lewis

A writer has his manuscript returned by a publisher. The story he submitted was published years before—he obviously plagiarized it. They warn him against doing this again. The writer has never heard of the author who first wrote the story and claims it’s an original work.

“Who’s Cribbing” is in  Time Machines: The Best Time Travel Stories Ever Written.

I’ll keep adding short stories about time travel and time machines as I find more.

short stories in english about travel

Childhood Stories

20 best Time travel Short Stories with PDF

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  • June 21, 2023

20 of the best Time Travel Short Stories with PDF

Time Travel Short Stories

As a passionate science enthusiast (read as “amateur” like 99% of us out there) and a lover of any sci fi movies (read as nerd”.. ha ha… cry cry), I have always found myself absolutely captivated by time travel. The last article I wrote was on my favorite murder mystery short stories and then I jumped to my favorite stories about giants and giantesses . In 2019 there was a Netflix series called Dark which made the concept of time travel so confusing yet so well explained that millions across the world fell in love with it. Time travel explores and exposes infinite possibilities and that excites anyone and everyone, myself included.

There is something fantastic about time traversing which is basically travelling into the past and witnessing historical events firsthand and even being able to alter the course of history itself. So it is no wonder that time travel short  stories excites me! These compact narratives offer an incredible blend of science fiction, adventure, and intellectual exploration, immersing readers in mind-bending concepts that challenge our perceptions of reality.

In this article, let us go on a thrilling journey into the world of time travel short stories. I have noted down some classics penned by the great literary giants of the past and even some contemporary works of the modern world that seeks to push the boundaries of time travel. Let us jump into a selection of twenty well-known time travel short stories.

If you are interested in changing to other stories, perhaps you can try 10 best Native American Short stories and Folk Tales or perhaps read about the 10 best necromancer stories .

Also You can download a free PDF copy of the 20 best time travel short stories right below.

“The Magician’s Apprentice” by Trudi Canavan

The Magician's Apprentice

One my favorite short stories on time travel is of course “ The Magician’s Apprentice ” by Trudi Canavan . Simply put, it is one of the most captivating time travel novels out there and it is incredible. Straightway the story delves into the origins of a powerful magician. The story follows the young protagonist, Tessia, as she embarks on an extraordinary journey that shapes her destiny. In a world where magic exists, Tessia discovers her own latent abilities and becomes the apprentice of the skilled magician Lord Dakon. As she navigates the complexities of magic, politics, and her own inner struggles, Tessia uncovers secrets of the past and unravels the mysteries of time travel.

As Tessia grapples with her newfound powers and the responsibilities that come with them, she faces moral dilemmas and challenges the status quo. Canavan explores themes of power, destiny, and the consequences of one’s choices, as Tessia’s journey takes unexpected turns and forces her to confront her own limitations.

“The Magician’s Apprentice” is not only a thrilling tale of magic and adventure but also a coming-of-age story filled with personal growth and empowerment. Canavan’s imaginative world-building and compelling characters make this novel a must-read for fans of time travel and fantasy genres alike.

“The Time Machine” by H.G. Wells

The Time Machine Novel by H.G. Wells

“ The Time Machine ” by H.G. Wells is a captivating and visionary science fiction classic, the epitome of all time travel short stories,  that swept me away on an extraordinary journey through time and the future of humanity. In this thought-provoking tale, we accompany the Time Traveller as he ventures into the unknown, exploring the far reaches of time and encountering the enigmatic Eloi and the terrifying Morlocks.

H.G. Wells’ writing is concise and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the Time Traveller’s adventures and the stark landscapes he encounters. The author’s imaginative descriptions and attention to detail bring the future world to life, leaving an indelible impression on the reader’s mind.

“The Time Machine” delves into themes of evolution, social commentary, and the consequences of human progress. Wells presents a thought-provoking examination of class divisions and the potential future of civilization. The Time Traveller’s observations and encounters challenge our perceptions of society and humanity’s place in the world.

I would give this groundbreaking novel a visionary 9 out of 10! It is a seminal work of science fiction that continues to inspire readers with its imaginative concepts and social commentary. If you’re seeking a thought-provoking and thrilling adventure through time, “The Time Machine” is an absolute must-read that will transport you to a world of wonder and contemplation.

“The Goblin Emperor” by Katherine Addison

The Goblin Emperor Novel by Katherine Addison

“ The Goblin Emperor ” by Katherine Addison is a captivating and enchanting fantasy novel that swept me away to a world of courtly intrigue, political maneuvering, and personal growth. In this enthralling tale, we follow Maia, a young half-goblin who unexpectedly becomes the Emperor of the Elflands after the death of his father and older brothers.

Katherine Addison’s writing is elegant and immersive, transporting readers to a meticulously crafted world filled with intricate court rituals, vibrant characters, and a richly imagined society. The author’s attention to detail and skillful characterization breathe life into the Elflands, making it a world that feels both familiar and unique. “The Goblin Emperor” explores themes of identity, compassion, and the challenges of leadership. Maia’s journey from a misunderstood and overlooked figure to a confident and compassionate ruler is both inspiring and heartwarming. The novel offers a nuanced portrayal of political complexities and the importance of empathy and understanding.

I would give this enchanting novel a mesmerizing 9 out of 10! It is a beautifully written and thought-provoking story that will captivate readers who appreciate intricate world-building and character-driven narratives. Prepare to be swept away by the courtly intrigues and personal triumphs of “The Goblin Emperor” as you embark on a journey of self-discovery alongside Maia.

“Sorcery & Cecelia: or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot” by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer

Sorcery & Cecelia or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot

“ Sorcery & Cecelia: or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot ” by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer is a delightful and whimsical fantasy of manners that transported me to an enchanting world of magic and Regency-era intrigue. In this captivating novel, we follow the adventures of cousins Kate and Cecelia as they navigate the social intricacies of London society while uncovering a magical mystery.

Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer’s writing is witty, charming, and infused with a sense of playful banter. The story unfolds through a series of letters exchanged between Kate and Cecelia, providing unique insights into their individual experiences and the unfolding events. The authors’ seamless collaboration creates a narrative that is engaging, clever, and filled with unexpected twists.

“Sorcery & Cecelia” effortlessly blends elements of historical fiction, romance, and fantasy, creating a delightful fusion of genres. The characters are vibrant and endearing, with Kate and Cecelia’s distinct personalities shining through their correspondence. The magical elements, including the enchanted chocolate pot, add a whimsical touch to the story.

I would give this enchanting novel a delightful 8.5 out of 10! It is a charming and light-hearted read that combines the elegance of the Regency era with the wonder of magic. If you’re seeking a delightful escape into a world of manners and mischief, “Sorcery & Cecelia” is the perfect choice to satisfy your craving for both romance and enchantment.

“Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell” by Susanna Clarke

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell Novel by Susanna Clarke

“ Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell ”  by Susanna Clarke is a spellbinding and immersive historical fantasy that transported me to a world where magic is revived in 19th-century England. In this extraordinary novel, we follow the titular characters, Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, as they navigate the intricate world of magic, facing personal and moral challenges along the way.

Susanna Clarke’s writing is exquisite, rich with historical detail and a deep understanding of folklore and mythology. The prose is dense and evocative, capturing the essence of the time period and immersing the reader in a world where magic and reality intertwine. Clarke’s meticulous world-building and extensive footnotes add depth and authenticity to the narrative.

“Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell” explores themes of power, obsession, and the consequences of playing with forces beyond one’s control. The characters are complex and multidimensional, with their own ambitions, flaws, and conflicts. The plot is a tapestry of intrigue, blending historical events with fantastical elements, and drawing the reader into a web of mystery and wonder.

I would give this remarkable novel a mesmerizing 9 out of 10! It is a true masterpiece of storytelling that seamlessly blends history and fantasy, inviting readers to explore the boundaries of imagination. Prepare to be enthralled by the world of “Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell” and embark on a captivating journey through the realms of magic and the human psyche.

“Sorcerer to the Crown” by Zen Cho

Sorcerer to the Crown Novel by Zen Cho

“ Sorcerer to the Crown “by Zen Cho is a delightful and enchanting fantasy of manners that transported me to a world of magic, political intrigue, and social challenges. In this captivating novel, we are introduced to Zacharias Wythe, the first African Sorcerer Royal of England, as he grapples with his responsibilities, societal prejudices, and a country on the brink of magical crisis.

Zen Cho’s writing is elegant and immersive, capturing the essence of Regency-era manners and seamlessly blending it with elements of fantasy. The prose is filled with wit, charm, and a touch of whimsy that kept me engaged from start to finish. Cho’s exploration of race, class, and gender dynamics adds depth and relevance to the story. “Sorcerer to the Crown” combines intricate world-building with a cast of compelling characters. Zacharias Wythe is a charismatic protagonist, struggling to assert his authority in a world that questions his worthiness. Prunella Gentleman, a young woman with her own magical abilities, challenges societal norms and brings a refreshing perspective to the narrative.

I would give this delightful novel a bewitching 8.5 out of 10! It is a captivating blend of fantasy, social commentary, and adventure that will appeal to fans of both historical fiction and magical storytelling. Prepare to be charmed by the enchantment of “Sorcerer to the Crown” as you delve into a world where magic and manners intertwine in delightful and unexpected ways.

“Shades of Milk and Honey” by Mary Robinette Kowal

Shades of Milk and Honey Novel by Mary Robinette Kowal

“ Shades of Milk and Honey ” by Mary Robinette Kowal is a charming and elegant fantasy of manners that transported me to a world where artistry and magic intertwine. In this enchanting novel, we follow the talented Jane Ellsworth, a skilled illusionist, as she navigates a society filled with social expectations, romantic entanglements, and the discovery of a secret that could change everything.

Mary Robinette Kowal’s writing is graceful and evocative, capturing the essence of Regency-era England with a touch of magic. The prose is imbued with a sense of romance and subtlety, reflecting the societal norms and artistic pursuits of the time. Kowal’s attention to detail and seamless integration of magical elements create a world that feels both familiar and fantastical.

“Shades of Milk and Honey” explores themes of love, ambition, and the power of creativity. Jane Ellsworth is a captivating protagonist, balancing her desires for both artistic recognition and personal happiness. The interactions between the characters are filled with wit, charm, and a touch of whimsy, making for a delightful reading experience.

I would give this enchanting novel a delightful 8 out of 10! It is a delightful blend of Regency-era romance, artistry, and subtle magic that will transport readers to a world where elegance and enchantment coexist. If you’re seeking a book that combines Jane Austen-esque manners with a touch of fantasy, “Shades of Milk and Honey” is a delightful choice that will leave you longing for more of its captivating world.

“Tooth and Claw” by Jo Walton

Tooth and Claw Novel by Jo Walton

“ Tooth and Claw ” by Jo Walton is a unique and enthralling fantasy of manners that transported me to a world populated by dragons and filled with family drama, social hierarchy, and the pursuit of power. In this captivating novel, dragons are the central characters, and we follow the lives of various dragon families as they navigate their complex society.

Jo Walton’s writing is imaginative and immersive, painting a vivid picture of a dragon society with its own rules, customs, and traditions. The prose is elegant and captures the essence of a Victorian-era novel, complete with its meticulous attention to societal norms and intricate social interactions.

“Tooth and Claw” explores themes of family, inheritance, and societal expectations. The dragon characters are engaging and multifaceted, each with their own motivations and desires. Walton expertly weaves together their individual stories, interweaving personal conflicts with broader societal changes.

I would give this intriguing novel a captivating 8 out of 10! It is a unique and refreshing take on the fantasy genre, offering a clever twist by featuring dragons in a world of manners and propriety. If you’re seeking a novel that combines fantasy with Victorian sensibilities and intricate family dynamics, “Tooth and Claw” is a captivating choice that will leave you eager to explore this dragon-filled world further.

“The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern

The Night Circus Novel by Erin Morgenstern

“ The Night Circus ” by Erin Morgenstern is a mesmerizing and enchanting tale that transported me to a world of magic, wonder, and the captivating allure of a mysterious circus. In this spellbinding novel, we are drawn into the rivalry between two young illusionists, Celia and Marco, as they showcase their extraordinary abilities within the confines of the Night Circus.

Erin Morgenstern’s writing is lyrical and evocative, painting a vivid and atmospheric landscape that immerses the reader in the ethereal world of the circus. The prose is rich with sensory detail, creating a sensory feast for the imagination. Morgenstern’s ability to evoke emotions and capture the essence of wonder and mystery is truly remarkable.

“The Night Circus” explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the transformative power of art. The characters are beautifully drawn, each with their own intricate storylines and connections to the circus. The interplay between magic, illusion, and reality adds depth and intrigue to the narrative, leaving the reader questioning what is real and what is mere illusion.

I would give this enchanting novel a captivating 9.5 out of 10! It is a breathtaking work of imagination and storytelling that will leave you awe-struck and longing for more. “The Night Circus” is a testament to the power of imagination and the beauty that can be found in the most extraordinary places. Step into the world of the circus and prepare to be captivated by its mystique and magic.

“The House of Shattered Wings” by Aliette de Bodard

The House of Shattered Wings by Aliette de Bodard

“ The House of Shattered Wings ” by Aliette de Bodard is a dark and immersive fantasy of manners that took me on a haunting journey through a decaying Paris ruled by fallen angels and the remnants of once-mighty houses. In this captivating novel, we delve into a world ravaged by war and filled with political intrigue, ancient secrets, and the struggle for power.

Aliette de Bodard’s writing is atmospheric and evocative, painting a vivid picture of a city in ruins and a society teetering on the brink of collapse. The prose is rich with intricate details, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the world of fallen angels, magic, and complex relationships. De Bodard’s skillful blend of dark fantasy and a vividly realized setting creates a sense of unease and wonder.

“The House of Shattered Wings” explores themes of redemption, loyalty, and the consequences of past choices. The characters are multifaceted, with their own hidden agendas and haunted pasts. Their interactions are filled with tension and intrigue, as they navigate a world where allegiances are fragile and betrayal lurks in every shadow.

I would give this haunting novel a compelling 8.5 out of 10! It is a beautifully crafted work that combines elements of fantasy, mystery, and political drama. “The House of Shattered Wings” will transport you to a dark and atmospheric Paris, where the remnants of fallen angels and shattered dreams collide. Prepare to be captivated by the intricate web of secrets and the atmospheric world Aliette de Bodard has created.

“Enchantress from the Stars” by Sylvia Engdahl

“ Enchantress from the Stars ” by Sylvia Engdahl is a captivating and thought-provoking science fiction novel that seamlessly blends elements of fantasy and space exploration. In this enthralling tale, we follow Elana, a young anthropologist from an advanced civilization, as she embarks on a mission to a primitive planet to observe and guide its inhabitants.

Sylvia Engdahl’s writing is engaging and immersive, transporting readers to a world of interstellar travel and cultural exchange. The prose is accessible and filled with a sense of wonder, making it suitable for readers of various ages. Engdahl’s exploration of different societies, their beliefs, and their clash of ideologies adds depth and relevance to the narrative.

“Enchantress from the Stars” explores themes of understanding, empathy, and the power of perspective. Elana’s journey as she becomes deeply involved with the people of the primitive planet challenges her own preconceived notions and forces her to question her role as an observer. The novel raises important questions about the impact of intervention and the dangers of imposing one’s own values on others.

I would give this thought-provoking novel an enchanting 8 out of 10! It is a compelling blend of science fiction and fantasy that explores complex themes in a relatable and accessible manner. “Enchantress from the Stars” will transport readers on a journey of discovery, urging them to contemplate the power of compassion and understanding in a universe filled with diverse cultures and perspectives.

“The Silvered” by Tanya Huff

“ The Silvered ” by Tanya Huff is an exhilarating and imaginative fantasy novel that combines elements of steampunk, magic, and political intrigue. In this captivating book, we are introduced to a world where magic-wielding shapeshifters known as the Silvered are pitted against a ruthless empire in a battle for survival.

Tanya Huff’s writing is fast-paced and action-packed, immersing readers in a richly developed world filled with captivating characters and high-stakes adventures. The prose is dynamic, propelling the story forward with a sense of urgency and excitement. Huff’s skillful blend of magic and technology creates a unique and compelling setting.

“The Silvered” explores themes of resistance, sacrifice, and the power of unity. The characters are vibrant and multi-dimensional, with their own strengths and vulnerabilities. The interactions between the Silvered and the empire’s forces are filled with tension and strategic maneuvering, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

I would give this thrilling novel an adrenaline-fueled 8.5 out of 10! It is a fantastic blend of fantasy and steampunk, offering a fresh take on shape-shifting and political intrigue. “The Silvered” will sweep you into a world where magic and machinery collide, where loyalty is tested, and where unlikely alliances are forged. Prepare to be enthralled by Tanya Huff’s thrilling storytelling and embark on a high-stakes adventure that will leave you craving for more.

“The Glamourist Histories” series by Mary Robinette Kowal

“ The Glamourist Histories ” series by Mary Robinette Kowal is a delightful and enchanting collection of novels that seamlessly combines historical fiction with elements of fantasy and romance. Set in an alternate Regency era, these books follow the adventures of Jane Ellsworth and her husband, Vincent, as they navigate a world of glamour, artistry, and political intrigue.

Mary Robinette Kowal’s writing is elegant and immersive, capturing the manners and etiquette of the Regency period while infusing it with the magical art of glamour. The prose is laced with wit, charm, and a keen attention to detail, transporting readers to a world that feels both familiar and fantastical.

“The Glamourist Histories” explore themes of love, artistry, societal expectations, and the pursuit of personal happiness. Jane and Vincent’s relationship is a delight to follow, as they navigate the challenges of their artistic pursuits and the complexities of the world around them. Kowal’s meticulous research and seamless integration of glamour as a form of magic add depth and richness to the narrative.

I would give this enchanting series a sparkling 9 out of 10! It is a delightful blend of historical fiction, fantasy, and romance, showcasing Mary Robinette Kowal’s skill in crafting engaging and immersive stories. “The Glamourist Histories” will transport you to a world where art and magic intertwine, where love and ambition collide, and where the power of imagination knows no bounds. Prepare to be swept away by the elegance and enchantment of these remarkable novels.

“A Natural History of Dragons” by Marie Brennan

“ A Natural History of Dragons ” by Marie Brennan is a captivating and immersive novel that invites readers to embark on a thrilling adventure filled with scientific exploration, daring discoveries, and the allure of dragons. In this enchanting book, we follow the remarkable Lady Trent, a naturalist and scholar, as she recounts her early years and her passion for studying dragons.

Marie Brennan’s writing is evocative and richly descriptive, painting a vivid picture of a world where dragons exist alongside human society. The prose is imbued with a sense of wonder and intellectual curiosity, mirroring Lady Trent’s own insatiable thirst for knowledge. Brennan’s attention to detail and her ability to create a believable scientific framework for dragon research add depth and authenticity to the narrative.

“A Natural History of Dragons” explores themes of curiosity, resilience, and the pursuit of knowledge. Lady Trent is a compelling protagonist, defying societal norms and overcoming numerous obstacles in her quest to study dragons. The supporting characters are equally well-developed, each adding their own unique perspectives and dynamics to the story.

I would give this enthralling novel an adventurous 8.5 out of 10! It is a delightful blend of fantasy, science, and exploration, offering a fresh take on dragons and their place in a meticulously crafted world. “A Natural History of Dragons” will transport you to a realm of discovery and fascination, where the boundaries of scientific inquiry and the allure of mythical creatures merge. Prepare to be captivated by Marie Brennan’s vivid storytelling and embark on an extraordinary journey into the realm of dragons.

“The Glamour Thieves” by Don Allmon

“ The Glamour Thieves ” is an exhilarating cyberpunk fantasy novel written by Don Allmon. Set in a futuristic world where magic and technology coexist, this fast-paced adventure takes readers on a thrilling ride through a world of hackers, thieves, and dangerous secrets.

The story follows the unlikely duo of Douglas and Kit, two skilled thieves with a knack for trouble. When a heist gone wrong leads them to acquire a powerful magical artifact, they find themselves caught in a web of intrigue and betrayal. As they navigate the treacherous underworld, they encounter captivating characters and face life-threatening challenges.

Allmon’s writing is gritty and immersive, painting a vivid picture of the cyberpunk landscape with its neon-lit streets and high-tech gadgets. The blend of magic and technology adds a unique and compelling twist to the narrative, creating a sense of wonder and danger.

With its gripping plot, dynamic characters, and a healthy dose of wit and humor, “The Glamour Thieves” keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. I would confidently give it a solid 9 out of 10, as it delivers a thrilling and captivating story that will leave fans of cyberpunk and fantasy craving for more.

“The Winter Witch” by Paula Brackston

“ The Winter Witch ” by Paula Brackston is an enchanting tale that effortlessly weaves together elements of fantasy, romance, and time travel. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque village, the story immerses readers in a world where magic lurks just beneath the surface.

As I delved into the pages of this captivating novel, I found myself irresistibly drawn to Morgana, the protagonist, a young woman with an extraordinary gift for manipulating the weather. Brackston’s vivid descriptions painted a vivid picture of Morgana’s struggles and triumphs, making her journey feel all the more real.

The introduction of time travel added an intriguing twist to the narrative, allowing for unexpected encounters and heart-wrenching choices. The author masterfully handled the complexities of time manipulation, seamlessly blending the past and present. Overall, I would give “The Winter Witch” a solid 8 out of 10. It’s a captivating and beautifully crafted tale that will transport you to a world where magic and love intertwine, leaving you yearning for more.

“The First Men in the Moon” by H.G. Wells

“ The First Men in the Moon ” by H.G. Wells takes readers on an exhilarating journey to the moon, where the incredible adventures of two explorers unfold. As a fan of science fiction, I was captivated by the masterful storytelling and imaginative concepts that Wells presents in this novel. The narrative follows the protagonist, Mr. Bedford, and the eccentric scientist, Mr. Cavor, as they embark on an unexpected lunar expedition.

Wells skillfully intertwines scientific exploration, social commentary, and elements of time travel to create a gripping tale. The book beautifully captures the awe-inspiring wonders of the moon, vividly describing its strange inhabitants and captivating landscapes. The scientific theories and technological innovations presented in the story add depth and credibility to the narrative.

“The First Men in the Moon” has stood the test of time and continues to be a beloved classic in the science fiction genre. With its thought-provoking themes and thrilling plot, it deserves the average score of 8 out of 10 given by readers on the internet. I highly recommend this novel to anyone seeking a compelling adventure into the realms of space and time.

20 best Time travel short stories – PDF

Time travel short stories have provided endless possibilities for authors to explore the complexities of temporal manipulation, causality, and the human experience. These twenty examples represent just a glimpse into the vast world of time travel short stories and fiction, each offering a unique perspective and captivating narrative. As readers delve into these time travel short stories, they are transported across time, embracing the wonder and dangers that lie within the temporal realm.

Please happily download the free PDF copy of the most famous Time travel short stories

20 of the best Time Travel Short Stories

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Philip K. Dick, The Eyes Have It

75 Short Short Stories

Stories to enjoy when you have five minutes to spare, grouped by category to suit your mood: Witty Stories , Introspective Stories , Morality Tales , Other-Worldly Stories , Feel-Good/Love Stories , Dramatic Stories , and Political Farce Stories

Had a rough day? Cheer up with 50 Great Feel-Good Stories and a generous helping of comforting Foodie Stories

Witty Stories

The Fable of the Preacher Who Flew His Kite, But Not Because He Wished To Do So

Introspective Stories

An Imperial Message

Morality Tales

The Morals of Chess

Other-Worldly Stories

The Terrible Old Man

Feel-Good/Love Stories

The Star Lovers

Dramatic Stories

The Boston Massacre

Political Farce

Looking for more? Check out our Favorite Short Stories Collection . You may also enjoy 100 Great Poems Read about the authors' own stories in American Biographies

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Once In A Lifetime Travel Experiences – The Travel Stories

Matt Kiefer - Hostel Expert on Hostelgeeks.com

On the road experiences—something that is inevitable if you choose to travel. These can include great experiences, awful times, funny occurrences that you’ll never forget and the just down right weird.

Traveling is about making memories. Memories lasting forever. Check out all travel stories which end up as Experiences for Life – the kind you will never forget and can’t wait to tell your friends about!

Keen for even more entertaining and inspiring travel stories? Check out are huge collection below.

Read all the great stories from around the world. You can instantly share them as well if you enjoy them!

Find all 180+ short travel stories here.

Traveling Jamaica to record our 1st Reggae Song

Our adventure in Jamaica started with a wonderful mistake. My boyfriend and I had booked a hotel two hours away. Instead of paying $50US to sit with tourists on a charter, we paid $2US and traveled with the locals .

Four days later, we stood on the side of the road to catch another $2US public bus to Ocho Rios. Bumping into a local couple we befriended, they set us up with some of their friends that were going to pick us up and drive us around to find a new hotel.  Rule #1 Always trust your gut.

Our new friends then drove us to find a hotel, to their favorite jerk chicken spot and to their homes. Two hours later, we cut our first reggae song! Rule #2 Chill with the locals.

Traveling to Jamaica To Record our 1st Reggae Song

My Cab Driver hunting an Iguana for dinner – Panama Experience!

Cab fares in Panama are determined in advance. There is no meter running, and for good reason. You never know what could happen. There are random stops, occasional detours, and the odd errand that you, as a passenger, should be happy to tolerate. This week, my cabbie stopped in the middle of the road when he spotted a large iguana on the shoulder . He began to chase after it as I sat in the front seat watching the drama unfold with my iPhone.

Losing the lizard in the dry leaves, I gave a whistle to the cabbie and p ointed to the spot where the reptile sat motionless . The Panamanian lept down on the iguana like Spider-Man from above and returned to the truck, lizard in hand.

“ Comida? ” I asked. (Food in Spanish).

“ Si…la cena! Ha ha ha ha. ”

He tied the iguana up like a chicken and then put him in the cab with us, under his knees. I am sure it was dead by this time, and couldn’t understand why he wasn’t placed in the BACK of the little pickup truck. Cab rides will never be the same, and I am grateful for the Panamanian experience.

Read: Real Travel Love Stories – Travel the World to find your Soul Mate

hunting an Iguana for dinner

Varanasi, India: A Terror Attack in the City to Die – a True Travel Story

I cannot imagine myself in a more awful yet interesting place than Varanasi. It is one of the oldest cities in India and the holiest city of Hinduism. Varanasi is also considered as Shiva’s favorite city, which he never leaves. Above Varanasi hovers a mixed mist of smoke and fumes, so that at night no stars can be seen. The narrow streets are littered with garbage and feces, and cows, pigs, dogs and monkeys are roaming around. Drug dealers and pimps are standing near the Ghats, the stairs leading to the Ganges, looking out for tourists to scam.

Many religious people come here simply to die, to be cremated on the banks of the Ganges, before the ashes will be handed over to the river.

They say, this way it is possible to break out of the cycle of birth and rebirth. The city is full of sick people waiting for death.

One evening, we had gathered together to visit a so-called Puja on the Ganges. It is traditionally a Hindu ceremony in Varanasi. Suddenly in the midst of the ceremony a bomb exploded. One child died, many people were injured. According to the newspaper Hindustan Times, a terror organization called Indian Mudschaheddin confessed to this attack.

We wrote up a big new guide to the best hostels in Delhi .

Varanasi, a City to Die - Travel Story India

Get some energetic vibes in Bam – When an Earthquake hit Bam

“Bam is still here!”

Said Mr. Panjalizadeh, owner of the Akbar Guest House in Bam, Iran.

“We get energy from you people who visit us.”

In 2003 a 6.6 earthquake hit Bam, devastating the city. Most of my Iranian friends thought I was crazy to drive all the way to Bam. “There’s nothing there,” they said. Nothing could be further from the truth. True, the place had been wrecked, but – after visiting the stunning citadel – I joined Mr. Panjalizadeh for tea in the garden of his guesthouse, seriously damaged by the earthquake and which still resembles a construction site.

But, opening his torn visitor’s books salvaged from the wreckage, I read the treasured memories of his previous guests. I felt humbled by what I read, and energized by this old man’s optimism.

Read: 17 Solo Travel Stories – From Fears, Lonelyness and the best time of the Life!

Get some energetic vibes in Bam - When an Earthquake hit Bam

Walking solo in a GULAG of the Stalin Era – crimes of the past

In Siberia, you read a lot about GULAG and their unfortunate guests. So we had to go to Perm-36, a former soviet labor camp where “country enemies” were imprisoned .

In a forest 100 km northeast from Perm and closed for tick-borne encephalitis, as we discovered after 2 hours in a bouncy minivan, we managed to enter the camp thanks to a kind employee and walked through barbed wire fences and bare dorms with wooden beds.

It’s touching to see how people had to live for minor crimes like being late for work or reading censored books .

Walking solo in a GULAG of the Stalin Era in Russia

Waiting for Kumari, a goddess in Kathmandu

We were in Kathmandu waiting for Kumari to come out of the palace. She is a goddess and a very young girl , chosen among numerous Newari female candidates according to strict body figures and after frightful trials. She cannot lay her feet on the ground, so servants carry her on a sedan out of the palace. Furthermore, she’s not looking to anything in particular with her composed gaze, almost ignoring everyone.

It’s a bittersweet condition: her destiny is already written, she soon will be a woman and will lose her goddess status, as another Kumari shall be appointed .

Waiting for Kumari, a goddess in Kathmandu

Skydiving 15,000 feet over Queenstown, New Zealand

Absolutely petrified. That’s one way of describing my anxiety before jumping out of a plane at 15,000 feet. But I had never done anything like this before, so that made it desirable. What makes traveling different is the unknown, the ability to experience new things without over thinking it. So that’s what I did; at 15,000 feet, of course. And I can honestly say that it was the best experience of my life. Complete silence as I free fell into nothingness. It was exhilarating.

Read : 34 best hostels in New Zealand

Skydiving 15,000 feet over Queenstown, New Zealand

Ticking of the bucket list: Cage-diving with Great Whites

So, this is a sneak preview of my old Bucket List:

– 14. Learn how to swim

– 15. Go cage diving with Great Whites

And then one day in November 2014 I said: “Sign me up for the cage diving with great white sharks, please”, ok, so I may have skipped a step with learning to swim, but really how essential was it to know how to swim when going cage diving with Great Whites?

After attending an amazing International Civil Society Week in Johannesburg, South Africa, I jumped at the chance of taking a two-day trip to Cape Town. If you need something you wake you up at 6am on a Wednesday, get into a cage with 8 Great Whites surrounding. The adrenaline junkie within will be truly pleased.

Ticking of the bucket list: Cage-diving with Great Whites

From Zero to Kilimanjaro, the Highest Peak of Africa

This was it. What was I thinking? “Stephanie, you have never climbed a mountain in your life, never mind starting with Kilimanjaro.” At that stage there was no going back, it was time to take on the challenge. After spending two months living with a Maasai Tribe, the decision came to tackle Kili with three friends.

This was an experience I will never forget. These overwhelming feelings of happiness, fear, tiredness, excitement and anxiety all at once .

Standing at the highest peak of Africa, I told myself, this was my time. It was time to challenge myself and do it while seeing the world.

From Zero to Kilimanjaro, the Highest Peak of Africa

Drinking Shots with Vietnamese War Veterans

It’s true that it’s the people who make the difference! I’m lucky to be traveling with my best friend Hannah, but don’t worry about doing it alone either because we have met the most incredible people….

Like stopping for a bike break in Hoi An and ending up doing shots of rice wine at the insistence of Vietnamese War Veterans, some of which were missing limbs but still had the biggest smiles and funniest stories.

Read: The coolest and best hostel in Ho Chi Minh City with rooftop terrace and fun vibes

This travel story from Vietnam was contributed by Heather, a friend of Hostelgeeks. Heather Jayne Wilkes is from Wales, UK. She’s a world traveler, exploring every single corner of the globe to find experiences, joy and stories to share.

Drinking Shots with Vietnamese War Veterans

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34 English Short Stories with Big Ideas for Thoughtful English Learners

What if you could understand big ideas in English with just a little bit of text?

You don’t need to read an entire English book to learn. A good English short story is often enough!

Stories are all about going beyond reality, and these classics will not only improve your English reading but also open your mind to different worlds.

1. “The Tortoise and the Hare” by Aesop

2. “the ant and the grasshopper” by aesop, 3. “white wing: the tale of the doves and the hunter”, 4. “royal servant”, 5. “emily’s secret”, 6. “the bogey beast” by flora annie steel, 7. “love is in the air”, 8. “the tale of johnny town-mouse” by beatrix potter, 9. “paul bunyan” adapted by george grow, 10. “cinderella” by charles perrault, 11. “little red riding hood” adapted by the british council, 12. “the lottery” by shirley jackson, 13. “the happy prince” by oscar wilde.

  • 14. “The Night Train at Deoli” by Ruskin Bond

15. “There Will Come Soft Rains” by Ray Bradbury

  • 16. “Orientation” by Daniel Orozco

17. “Paper Menagerie” by Ken Liu

18. “the missing mail” by r.k. narayan, 19. “harrison bergeron” by kurt vonnegut.

  • 20. “The School” by Donald Barthelme

21. “Girl” by Jamaica Kincaid

22. “rikki-tikki-tavi” by rudyard kipling, 23. excerpt from “little dorrit” by charles dickens, 24. “to build a fire” by jack london, 25. “miracles” by lucy corin.

  • 26. “Evil Robot Monkey” by Mary Robinette Kowal

27. “The Boarded Window” by Ambrose Bierce 

28. “the monkey’s paw” by w.w. jacobs, 29. “a tiny feast” by chris adrian, 30. “the story of an hour” by kate chopin, 31. “the zero meter diving team” by jim shepherd, 32. “the velveteen rabbit” by margery williams, 33. “the friday everything changed” by anne hart, 34. “hills like white elephants” by ernest hemingway, how to use short stories to improve your english, and one more thing....

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

The Tortoise and the Hare

This classic fable (story) is about a very slow tortoise (turtle) and a speedy hare (rabbit). The tortoise challenges the hare to a race. The hare laughs at the idea that a tortoise could run faster than him, but the race ends with a surprising result.

Have you ever heard the English expression, “Slow and steady wins the race”? This story is the basis for that common phrase . You can read it for free , along with a number of other stories in this list!

very short english stories

This is another great story that teaches a lesson that’s written for kids but adults can enjoy, too . The story tells of a grasshopper who lounges around all summer while his friend the ant prepares for the winter. When winter comes, the two friends end up in very different situations!

The moral is that those who save up during the good times will get to enjoy the benefits when times are bad.

White Wing The Tale of the Doves and the Hunter

This very short story from India was originally written in Sanskrit (an ancient language). When a group of doves is caught in a hunter’s net, they must work together as a team to escape from the hunter’s clutches.

You can listen to a reading of the story as you read along on this website.

very short english stories

In this story, an old man sets out to ask an African king to dig some wells in his village when their water runs dry. But first, he teaches the king a lesson in humility by showing him how all people help each other. Read the story to see how the clever old man gets the king to do as he asks!

very short english stories

This is a modern-day story about a little girl with a big secret she can’t tell anyone about. When her teacher finds out her secret, they work together to fix the issue.

This story is a good choice for absolute beginners, because it uses only the present tense. It’s also written in very basic English with simple vocabulary and short sentences.

english short stories

The woman in this story finds a pot of treasure on her walk home. As she carries it home, the treasure keeps changing, becoming things of lesser value.

However, the woman’s enthusiasm makes her see only the positive after each change, which would have upset anyone else. Her positive personality tries to make every negative situation seem like a gift!

This story shows how important it is to look at things from a positive point of view. Instead of being disappointed in what we don’t have, this story reminds us to view what we do have as blessings.

very short english stories

This modern story is about a young woman named Penny who is anxious about going to her family’s annual reunion barbecue. But despite screaming children and arguing cousins, Penny ends up happy that she came to the reunion when she starts a conversation with a handsome man.

The story is written in simple English, using only the present tense, so it’s perfect for beginners.

The Tale of Johnny Town-mouse (Peter Rabbit)

This classic children’s story is about two mice, one from the country and one from the city. Both mice think that the other mouse is so lucky to live in what they think is a wonderful place!

The two mice decide to visit each other in their homes. It turns out that the country mouse has a difficult time in the city, and the city mouse struggles in the country.

In the end, they realize that they believed the old English saying: “The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.” In other words, each mouse thought the other had a better life, only to discover that they actually preferred their own life!

Paul Bunyan

The story of Paul Bunyan has been around in the United States for many years. He’s the symbol of American frontier life, showing the ideal strength, work ethic and good morality that Americans work hard to imitate.

Paul Bunyan is considered a legend, so stories about him are full of unusual details, such as eating 50 eggs in one day and being so big that he caused an earthquake. It can be a pretty funny read, with characters such as a blue ox and a reversible dog.

This version of the story is also meant to be read out loud, so it’s fast-paced and entertaining. This website has an audio recording with the story, which you can play at slower or faster speeds.

Cinderella, or The Little Glass Slipper

You may already know the story of Cinderella, whether you saw the Disney movie or read a children’s book of it.

However, there are actually many different versions of “Cinderella.” This one by Charles Perrault is the most well-known and is often the version told to children.

“Cinderella” is a beloved story because it describes how a kind and hard-working person was able to get a happy ending. Even though Cinderella’s stepsisters treated her awfully, Cinderella herself remained gentle and humble. It goes to show that even though you may experience hardships, it’s important to stay kind, forgiving and mindful.

Little Red Riding Hood

This is a story that every English-speaking child knows. It’s about a little girl who meets a wolf in the forest while going to see her sick grandmother. The wolf pretends to be her grandmother in order to trick the little girl.

This story is presented by the British Council as a video with the text clearly spoken. You can then play a game to rearrange the sentences below the video into the correct order, read the text of the story in a PDF file and answer some activity questions (then check your answers with the provided answer sheet.

This website has many other stories you can read and listen to, like “Circus Story” by Sue Clarke, which is an excellent option for learning animal vocabulary, and even adaptations of Shakespeare plays for younger readers.

The Lottery and Other Stories (FSG Classics)

Every year, the small town in this story holds an event known as “The Lottery.” During this event, someone from the community is randomly chosen.

What are they chosen for? You’ll have to read the story to find out.

You may have heard of the term “mob mentality” and how it can allow for some pretty surprising (and terrible) things to happen. This classic story looks at society, and how much evil people are willing to overlook to keep their society stable.

This is considered to be one of the most famous short stories in American literature. It’s a great example of what is known as a dystopian society, where people live in a frightening way. To learn more, check out this TED-Ed video that tells you how to recognize a dystopia.

English short stories

Since the story is old, much of the English is outdated (not used in modern English). Still, if you have a good grasp of the English language, you can use this story to give yourself a great reading challenge.

14. “The Night Train at Deoli”  by Ruskin Bond

The Night Train at Deoli

Ruskin Bond used to spend summers at his grandmother’s house in Dehradun, India. While taking the train, he always had to pass through a small station called Deoli. No one used to get down at the station and nothing happened there.

Until one day, when he sees a girl selling fruit and is unable to forget her.

Ruskin Bond is a writer who can communicate deep feelings in a simple way. This story is about our attachment to strangers and why we cherish (value or appreciate deeply) them even though we might never meet them again.

There Will Come Soft Rains

The title is taken from a poem that describes how nature will continue its work long after humanity is gone. But in this story, we see that nature plays a supporting role and the machines are the ones who have taken its place.

They continue their work without any human or natural assistance. This shows how technology has replaced nature in our lives and how it can both destroy us and carry on without humanity itself.

16. “Orientation”  by Daniel Orozco

Orientation and Other Stories

This is a humorous story in which the speaker explains the office policies to a new employee while gossiping about the staff. It’s extremely easy to read, as the sentences are short and the vocabulary is simple.

Many working English learners will relate to this story, as it explains the silly, nonsensical moments of modern office life. Modern workplaces often feel like theaters where we pretend to work rather than get actual work done. The speaker exposes this reality that few would ever admit to.

He over-explains everything from the view out the office window to the intimate details of everyone’s life—from the overweight loner to the secret serial killer. It talks about the things that go unsaid; how people at the office know about the deep secrets of our home life, but don’t discuss them.

The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories

Jack’s mother can make paper animals come to life. In the beginning, Jack loves them and spends hours with his mom. But once he grows up, his mother’s inability to speak English keeps Jack from talking to her.

When his mother tries to talk to him through her creations, he kills them and collects them in a box. After a tragic loss, he finally gets to know her story through a hidden message that he should have read a long time ago.

The story is a simple narration that touches on complex issues, like leaving your home country and the conflicts that can occur within families when different cultures and languages collide.

The Missing Mail in Malgudi Days

Thanappa is the village mailman, who is good friends with Ramanujam and his family. He learns about a failed marriage and helps Ramanujam’s daughter get engaged to a suitable match.

Just before the wedding, Thanappa receives a tragic letter about Ramanujam’s brother. To spare them heartache, he decides not to deliver the letter.

The story explores the idea that despite the best of intentions, our actions can cause more harm to our loved ones than we ever intended. If you like this and want to read more by R.K. Narayan, check out the other stories in the author’s “ Malgudi Days” short story collection.

Harrison Bergeron in Welcome to the Monkey House

The year is 2081, and everyone has been made equal by force. Every person who is superior in any way has been handicapped (something that prevents a person’s full use of their abilities) by the government. Intelligent people are distracted by disturbing noises. Good dancers have to wear weights so that they don’t dance too well. Attractive people wear ugly masks so they don’t look better than anyone else.

However, one day there is a rebellion, and everything changes for a brief instant.

Technology is always supposed to make us better. But in this case, we see that it can be used to disable our talents. Moreover, the writer shows us how the mindless use of a single value like equality can create more suffering for everyone.

20. “The School”  by Donald Barthelme

easy English short stories

And that’s just the beginning of the series of unfortunate events at the school in this short story, narrated by a teacher. The story is absurd (ridiculous to the point of being silly), even though the topic is serious. By the end, the kids start asking difficult questions about death that the adults don’t quite know how to answer.

This story leaves a lot of things unsaid, which means you’ll need to “read between the lines,” or look closer at the text to understand what’s really happening.

english short stories

In “Girl,” a mother tells her daughter how to live her life properly. The mother instructs the girl to do all the household chores, in very specific ways, making it seem like that’s her only duty in life.

Sometimes the mother tells the girl how to attract attention, not to talk to boys and to always keep away from men. Other times, the mother hints that the girl will need to be attractive to men to live a good life.

This story doesn’t feel like a story. There’s no plot, and nothing really happens. But read closely, and you’ll see an important message about how girls are taught to live restricted lives since childhood.

Rikki-Tikki-Tavi

“Rikki-Tikki-Tavi” is a classic tale about a Mongoose who regularly visits a family in India. The family feeds him and lets him explore their house, but they worry that he might bite their son, Teddy.

One day, when a snake is about to attack Teddy, the Mongoose kills it. This event helps the family accept the mongoose into their family.

This is a simple story about humans and animals living together as friends. It’s old, but the language is fairly easy to understand. It reminds us that animals can also experience feelings of love and, like humans, they will also protect the ones they love.

“Rikki-Tikki-Tavi” is part of Kipling’s short story collection “The Jungle Book,” which was famously made into a movie by Disney.

Little Dorrit (Penguin Classics)

Dorrit is a child whose father has been in prison ever since she could remember. Unable to pay their debts, the whole family is forced to spend their days in a cell. Dorrit dreams of seeing the world outside their little cell.

This excerpt (short part of a larger work) introduces you to the family and their life in prison. The novel is about how they manage to get out and how Dorrit never forgets the kindness of the people who helped her.

Injustice in law is often reserved for the poor. “Little Dorrit” shows the government jailing people for not being able to return their loans, a historical practice the writer hated since his own father was punished in a similar way.

To Build a Fire and Other Tales of the North

A man travels to a freezing, isolated place called Yukon with only his dog for company. Throughout his journey, he ignores the advice other people have given him and takes his life for granted.

Finally, he realizes the real power of nature and how fragile (easily broken) human life actually is.

Nature is often seen as a powerful force that should be feared and respected. The animal in this story is the one who’s cautious and sensible in this dangerous situation. By the end, readers wonder who is really intelligent—the man who could not deal with nature, or the dog who could survive?

This is a modern-day story that describes a group of children gathering around their father to watch little spiders hatch out of their eggs. But the story gets a different meaning as it nears the end. What do you think happened?

26. “Evil Robot Monkey ” by Mary Robinette Kowal

english short stories

Sly is a character who doesn’t fit into society. He’s too smart for the other chimps, but humans don’t accept him. He is punished for acting out his natural emotions.

But the way he handles his rage, in the end, makes him look more mature than most human beings. Nominated for the  Hugo award , many readers have connected with Sly since they can see similarities in their own lives.

“The Boarded Window” is a horror story about a man who has to deal with his wife’s death. The setting is a remote cabin in the wilderness in Cincinnati, and he feels helpless as she gets sick.

There’s an interesting twist to this story, and the ending will get you thinking (and maybe feeling a bit disturbed!).

If you enjoy older stories with a little suspense, this will be a good challenge for you. It talks about the event that made a hermit decide to live alone for decades, with a mysterious window boarded up in his cabin. It also uses a lot of psychology and symbolism, so you may want to read the story more than once to understand everything it has to say.

The Monkey's Paw and Other Tales of Mystery and the Macabre

Be careful what you wish for! One man finds this out the hard way when he brings a magical monkey’s paw home from India. This paw is supposed to grant three wishes to three people. People start to wish on it, only to realize that our wishes can have severe consequences.

The characters in this story immediately regret when their wishes come true. Even though they get what they wanted, it comes at a large cost!

This short story is from the early 1900s and uses some outdated English, but it’s still easy to follow. It reminds us that there are no shortcuts in life, and to be wary if something seems too good to be true.

This story centers around Titania and Oberon, two fairy characters from Shakespeare’s famous play, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The two fairies are having a rough time in their marriage when they find a human child. They decide to adopt him, hoping that he’ll help them save their relationship. However, the child develops a deadly, modern disease and the fairies have no idea what to do since they have never known illness or death.

This is a tragic tale about how they try to understand something they’ve never seen before and their deep love for a stranger who is so unlike them. The story explores the grief of parenthood and the uncertainty of knowing whether your child will ever even know you.

The Story Of An Hour

This story, written by a woman, is a sad look inside an unhappy marriage. Mrs. Mallard is a woman with heart troubles. When her husband dies, the people who come to give her this news tell it to her gently, so she doesn’t have a shock.

Mrs. Mallard busts into tears and locks herself in her room. At first, she’s upset by the news. But the more she considers it, the more excited she becomes about the idea of the freedom that would come from her husband’s death.

What happens, then, when her husband comes home after an hour, alive and well?

The story explores the conflicting range of the human emotions of grief and hope in a short span, and the impact it can have on a person’s mind and body.

The Chernobyl nuclear disaster was one of the deadliest accidents of the twentieth century. This is a story about that event seen through the eyes of a father and his sons, who were all unfortunate enough to be close to the disaster area.

The story exposes the whole system of corruption that led to a massive explosion taking innocent lives and poisoning multiple generations. The technical vocabulary and foreign words make this text a little more difficult. However, its plot is relatively easy to follow.

The story is divided into small parts that make it both easy and exciting to read. Its various events show what it was like to live in the former Soviet Union . And just like any other good story, it’s also about human relationships and how they change due to historic events.

The Velveteen Rabbit

A simple, stuffed rabbit toy is given to a young boy as a Christmas present. At first, the rabbit isn’t noticed, as the boy is distracted by much fancier gifts. While being ignored, the rabbit begins to wonder what it means to be “real.”

One day, a certain event brings the rabbit into contact with the boy, and changes the toy’s life forever.

Have you ever loved a toy or doll so much, that you treated it as if it were alive? This story shows the power of love from a very unexpected viewpoint: that of a fluffy stuffed rabbit. It also highlights the importance of self-value, being true to yourself and finding strength in those who love you.

Tradition is important in this school, where the boys always go to fetch water for the class. The girls are teased for being “weaker,” and are last to get other privileges, like having the first choice of magazines. One day, a girl asks the teacher why girls aren’t allowed to get the water, as well. This one question causes a big reaction and leads to a huge change.

The girl’s courage surprises everyone, but it also inspires other girls to stand up for themselves. One act from one brave person can lead to change and inspire others. The story reflects on gender equality and how important it is to fight for fairness. Just because something is accepted as “normal,” doesn’t mean it is right!

Hills Like White Elephants

At a Spanish train station, an American man and a young woman wait for a train that would take them to the city of Madrid. The woman sees some faraway hills and compares them to “white elephants.” This starts a conversation between the two of them, but what they discuss seems to have a deeper meaning.

This is another very well-known story that asks you to “read between the lines” to find the hidden meaning behind the text. Much of the story is a back-and-forth dialogue between two people, but you can tell a lot about them just from what they say to each other.

There’s a lot of symbolism that you can analyze in this story, along with context clues. Once you realize what the real topic of the characters’ conversation is, you can figure out the quiet, sadder meaning behind it.

Short stories are effective in helping English learners to practice all four aspects of language learning: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Here’s how you can make the most out of short stories as an English learner:

  • Use illustrations to enhance your experience: Some short stories come with illustrations that you can use to guess what the story is about. You can even write your own caption or description of the picture. When you finish the story, go back to your image description. How did you do?

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  • Explore stories related to a theme: Do you like ghost stories? Science fiction? Romance? If you’re learning about food or cooking, find a short story with a lot of food vocabulary .
  • Choose the right reading level: Make sure that you always challenge yourself! One easy way to tell if a story is just right for you is to use the “five-finger test.” Hold up your fist as you read a paragraph, and put up one finger for each word you don’t know. If you have all five fingers up before the end of the paragraph, try to find an easier text.
  • Practice “active reading”: Your reading will only help you learn if you read actively . You’re reading actively when you’re paying very close attention to the story, its words and its meanings. Writing with a notebook nearby and in a place with no distractions can help you focus on active reading.
  • Choose only a few words to look up: You may be tempted to stop at every unknown word, but it’s actually better to try to figure out its meaning from context clues. This means looking at everything else in the sentence or paragraph to try and guess the meaning of the word. Only look up words that you can’t figure out even with context clues.
  • Summarize the story: When you’ve finished reading the story, retell it in your own words or write a summary of it. This will help you to practice any new words you learned, and make sure that you understood the story well. If you’re struggling, read the story again and take notes as you read.
  • Take breaks: Just because these stories are short, doesn’t mean you need to read them in one sitting! If you find it hard to focus or you’re struggling to understand the story, take a break. It’s okay to read it one paragraph at a time.

I hope you have fun with these English short stories while improving your English language skills.

Happy reading!

If you like learning English through movies and online media, you should also check out FluentU. FluentU lets you learn English from popular talk shows, catchy music videos and funny commercials , as you can see here:

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If you want to watch it, the FluentU app has probably got it.

The FluentU app and website makes it really easy to watch English videos. There are captions that are interactive. That means you can tap on any word to see an image, definition, and useful examples.

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FluentU lets you learn engaging content with world famous celebrities.

For example, when you tap on the word "searching," you see this:

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FluentU lets you tap to look up any word.

Learn all the vocabulary in any video with quizzes. Swipe left or right to see more examples for the word you’re learning.

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FluentU helps you learn fast with useful questions and multiple examples. Learn more.

The best part? FluentU remembers the vocabulary that you’re learning. It gives you extra practice with difficult words—and reminds you when it’s time to review what you’ve learned. You have a truly personalized experience.

Start using the FluentU website on your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the FluentU app from the iTunes or Google Play store. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

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short stories in english about travel

DualShockers

10 Best Short Manga Series

  • Short manga series offer a quick yet satisfying read for busy fans or newcomers.
  • These series deliver concise, fast-paced narratives with frequent cliffhangers and plot twists.
  • Short manga prevents stories from losing steam, with memorable characters and captivating art styles.

Manga offers a vast array of stories and artistic styles to delight fans. While many manga series run for dozens of volumes, some talented manga artists can captivate fans with a compelling story and unforgettable characters in just a few volumes. For busy manga fans or newcomers looking for a quick yet satisfying read, short manga series are an ideal choice.

10 Best Manhwa With Beautiful Art

Ranging from just one volume to around five volumes, short manga series can be finished in a few sittings. Their abbreviated length allows artists to focus on delivering a concise, fast-paced narrative. Cliffhangers and dramatic plot twists happen frequently to keep the pages turning. And the limited run time prevents stories from losing steam or becoming convoluted.

All You Need Is Kill

My anime list (mal) score - 7.8.

Release Date 2004-12-18

Author Hiroshi Sakurazaka

Artist takesho obata

Genre Sci-Fi, Manga

Where to Read NA: Weekly Shonen Jump

Why Read All You Need Is Kill?

  • Sci-Fi Spectacle
  • Battle Armor Glory
  • Time-Loop Narrative

The All You Need Is Kill manga serves up a delightful cocktail of sci-fi and action. The manga adaptation was illustrated by Takeshi Obata, who is renowned for his work on popular series like Death Note and Bakuman. Illustrator Obata brings the alien Mimics to life in gorgeously grim detail while expertly highlighting the absurdity of protagonist Keiji Kiriya's predicament.

Caught in a time loop where he relives his own death daily, Keiji repeatedly faces down the Mimics with ever-increasing skills but disgust at the viscosity of alien blood and general exasperation. All You Need Is Kill has had a significant influence on popular culture. It inspired the Hollywood movie "Edge of Tomorrow," starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt.

My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.3

Release Date 1967-08-27

Author Osamu Tezuka

Artist Osamu Tezuka

Genre Action, Manga, Fantasy

Where to Read Weekly Shnen Sunday

Why Read Dororo?

  • Samurai Slices & Supernatural Spices
  • Vintage Visual Vibes
  • Early Prototype of the Dark Fantasy Genre

The Dororo manga is fantastic fare for fans of bloody dismemberments and tragic backstories, with a sprinkle of heartwarming character growth to round out all the limb-lopping action. It tells the story of a ronin named Hyakkimaru who is on a quest to reclaim his body parts from 48 demons who took them as part of a pact with his father. Along the way, Hyakkimaru is joined by a young orphan thief named Dororo.

The series showcases mangaka Tezuka's signature cinematic style of manga, featuring dynamic panel layouts, dramatic close-ups, and detailed backgrounds. Despite being over half a century old, the artwork in Dororo still holds up well and has a timeless quality to it. Tezuka masterfully balances raw combat with emotional bonding to craft a nuanced tale of trauma and perseverance.

My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.2

Release Date 2008-10-21

Author Inio Asano

Artist Inio Asano

Genre Drama, Manga

Where to Read Viz Media

Why Read Solanin?

  • Slice-of-Life Storytelling
  • Relatable Realism
  • Everyday Philosophy

The one-shot manga has been praised for its realistic portrayal of young adult life. Solanin serves up a poignant examination of quarter-life crises and existential dread, paired nicely with a subtle undertone of soul-crushing melancholy. The story follows Meiko Inoue, a recent college graduate working a monotonous office job in Tokyo, and her boyfriend Naruo Taneda, a part-time illustrator and member of an amateur band.

10 Best Seinen Manga, Ranked

Meiko’s emerging musical aspirations provide a small glimmer of hope, but Mangaka Asano masterfully balances this with heavy doses of reality as Meiko and her band encounter setbacks and difficulties. Asano's art also complements the story well, with detailed backgrounds and expressive characters that draw readers to the manga's short yet captivating world.

The Gods Lie

My anime list (mal) score - 7.9.

Release Date 2013-09-20

Author Kaori Ozaki

Artist Kaori Ozaki

Genre Visual Novel, Manga

Where to Read Monthly Afternoon

Why Read The Gods Lie?

  • Summer Romance
  • Adulthood Through Children's Eyes
  • Tear Jerker

The Gods Lie follows sixth-grader Natsuru Nanao, a boy who loves to play soccer and has a bit of a crush on Rio Suzumura. She’s not like the others in his class. She's cool and calm and doesn't partake in the group activities that the rest of the students seem to enjoy so thoroughly. Their lives intersect more deeply when Natsuru discovers that Rio is taking care of her younger brother.

The story of this short manga series unfolds over their summer vacation, where Natsuru and Rio grow closer, sharing secrets and forming a deep bond. The title, The Gods Lie, speaks to the heartrending realizations the characters come to as they navigate complex situations that challenge their youthful perspectives. The manga delves into the idea that the world is not always as kind and just as children are often led to believe.

Mermaid Saga

My anime list (mal) score - 7.4.

Release Date 1993-09-24

Author Rumiko Takahashi

Artist Rumiko Takahashi

Genre Manga, Fantasy

Where to Read Shnen Sunday Zkan; (19841985); Weekly Shnen Sunday; (19871994)

Why Read Mermaid Saga?

  • Rumiko Takahashi's Signature Blend
  • Psychological Depth
  • Ending that Defies Expectations

Mermaid Saga is a blend of horror, romance, and adventure. It is written by Rumiko Takahashi, a renowned manga artist known for other works such as Urusei Yatsura , Ranma ½, and Inuyasha. It consists of several interconnected stories that revolve around the legend that eating the flesh of a mermaid can grant eternal life or immortality.

However, the Mermaid Saga series quickly establishes that this gift is more of a curse, as it comes with significant risks and unforeseen consequences. Takahashi balances raw human emotion with supernatural elements. It stands out from Takahashi's other works due to its darker tone and more serious subject matter.

Town of Evening Calm, Country of Cherry Blossoms

Release Date 2003-09-00

Author Fumiyo Kno

Genre Drama, Historical

Where to Read Weekly Manga Action

Why Read Town of Evening Calm, Country of Cherry Blossoms?

  • A Journey Through Time and Heart
  • Nuanced Characterization
  • Educational Value

Town of Evening Calm, Country of Cherry Blossoms, is notable for its sensitive and poignant portrayal of the aftermath of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and its long-term effects on the people and culture of Japan. The manga is not just a single short narrative but a collection of some of the best interconnected stories spanning different generations, focusing on the human impact of nuclear warfare.

The work is divided into two parts: Town of Evening Calm, which is set in Hiroshima in 1955, and Country of Cherry Blossoms, which is split into two chapters set in 1987 and 2004, respectively. Mangaka Kouno's art style is notable for its simplicity and clarity, which makes the emotional weight of the story even more striking.

A Silent Voice

My anime list (mal) score - 8.8.

Release Date 2013-08-01

Author Yoshitoki ima

Artist Yoshitoki ima

Where to Read Weekly Shnen Magazine

Why Read A Silent Voice?

  • Complex Depiction of Bullying
  • Disability Representation
  • Emotion in High Definition
  • See the World Through Different Eyes
  • Art That Echoes Silence

Loneliness. Guilt. Redemption. Koe no Katachi explores the turbulent waters of human connection through the journey of two struggling youths. Fans praise how it portrays the psychological effects of bullying on both the victim and perpetrator. With evocative artwork and a strong emotional core, this coming-of-age manga from acclaimed creator Yoshitoki Oima packs an impactful punch.

10 Anime With The Best Character Development

A Silent Voice manga acknowledges that the world can be cruel and isolating, especially for those seen as "different." Yet it also argues that one act of compassion can ripple outwards in powerful ways. A Silent Voice was adapted into an anime film by Kyoto Animation . The film received widespread acclaim for its direction, writing, and animation, further boosting the popularity of the original manga.

Release Date 2001-01-23

Author Makoto Yukimura

Artist Makoto Yukimura

Genre Manga

Where to Read Morning

Why Read Planetes?

  • Hard Science Fiction
  • Slice of Life in Space
  • Social and Political Commentary

Planetes is another short manga that offers a gritty, down-to-earth perspective on humanity's expansion into space in the near future. The story focuses on a team of "space sweepers" working for the Technora corporation, tasked with the unglamorous job of clearing Earth's orbit of dangerous space debris. Protagonist Hachimaki dreams of owning his own spaceship and furthering mankind's reach into the cosmos.

But his current mundane reality is a far cry from this vision, as he and his crewmate Yuri slog through an unremarkable daily routine of debris collection to make ends meet. The manga emphasizes the bureaucratic, profit-driven side of Technora's operations, as well as the political tensions extending into orbit. Further, Yukimura's panel composition and cinematic visual storytelling lend a sense of realism and grandeur to the manga's sci-fi setting.

Tropic Of The Sea

My anime list (mal) score - 6.69, tropic of the sea.

Release Date 1999-01-01

Author Satoshi Kon

Artist Satoshi Kon

Why Read Tropic Of The Sea?

  • Early Work of a Master
  • Tradition and Modernity
  • Environmental Message

Tropic of the Sea is a short manga by Satoshi Kon, who is more widely recognized for his influential work in the world of anime with psychological and surreal masterpieces. This manga, however, showcases Kon's storytelling abilities in a different medium, offering a narrative that is rich with themes. The story unfolds in a coastal village steeped in tradition, where the residents have long believed in a pact with the sea. The village must safeguard a mermaid's egg that ensures the community's well-being and prosperity.

In return, the villagers are committed to performing this ritual every few years to appease the sea. Kon's narrative is set at a time when this generational covenant is under threat from the very human forces of skepticism and economic ambition. Tropic of the Sea serves as a microcosm of the larger global struggle between preserving cultural heritage and embracing the allure of new technology and development. What makes Tropic of the Sea particularly compelling is its subtlety. Kon doesn't force answers or moral judgments on the reader. Instead, he presents a narrative that feels both timeless and immediate.

Goodbye, Eri

My anime list (mal) score - 8.68.

Release Date 2022-04-11

Author Tatsuki Fujimoto

Artist Tatsuki Fujimoto

Where to Read Shnen Jump+

Why Read Goodbye Eri?

  • Metafictional Narrative
  • Cinematic Storytelling
  • Ambiguity and Interpretation

Goodbye, Eri is a short but impactful one-shot manga written by Tatsuki Fujimoto, the same creator behind renowned works like Chainsaw Man . The story revolves around Yuta, a young filmmaker grappling with grief and loss after his mother's death. The central idea revolves around the concept that the entire manga might itself be a film created by the protagonist, Yuta, with the events we witness being part of this cinematic creation. This metafictional approach blurs the lines between reality and fiction within the story, inviting readers to question what they perceive as true or fabricated.

10 Famous Anime Writers Who Haven't Revealed Their Face

Fujimoto's work is known for not providing straightforward answers but instead inviting readers to find their own meaning within the layers of the story. The film within the manga, and possibly the manga itself, becomes a canvas where Yuta reimagines his experiences, relationships, and losses. The film allows Yuta – and, by extension, Fujimoto – to control the narrative, to choose which version of the story gets told. In layman's terms, "Goodbye, Eri" seems to be a love letter to the art of filmmaking and the power it wields in shaping our perception of reality. Fujimoto seems to be saying that while we can't change what actually happened, we can choose how we tell the story of our lives, and in doing so, we can find peace, closure, or even a new beginning.

NEXT: Best Manga Panels To Ever Exist

10 Best Short Manga Series

Watch CBS News

Miami Beach is "breaking up with spring break." Here are the rules they're imposing and why.

By Caitlin O'Kane

Updated on: March 7, 2024 / 12:33 PM EST / CBS News

Vacation hotspot Miami has "broken up" with spring break , imposing new rules for visitors in hopes of preventing chaos. Still, travelers across the U.S. are expected to come out in droves for the annual spring fling, with travel volume ahead of spring break up 6% compared to the same time period in 2023, according to the TSA. 

Here are Miami's new rules – and other travel tips for spring breakers.

Miami spring break commercial

While the South Florida hotspot is usually a mecca for spring breakers in mid-March, the city released a video breaking up with the annual event. The video pulls up old headlines about violence and arrests during past spring break weeks. 

Gov. Ron DeSantis stopped by Miami Beach this week with a message to visitors: "If you're coming here to enjoy Florida, and to have a good time, fine. If you're coming for these other reasons, if you're committing crime, causing havoc, you're going to pay the price."

He is also sending support to law enforcement agencies in places that attract spring breakers. 

Despite the changes and warnings, CBS Miami found people having a good time in the city. "It's vibrant, it's alive, it's so good," said Cassandra Ropert.

"The vibe has been amazing! I mean the people are friendly, the food is really good and obviously as you can see behind me, the party never stops," said Louis Waller.

"It actually has been kind of calm, cause I've been to Miami Beach during spring break and that was in college so I know what the crowds look like then," said Waller. 

Miami is imposing spring break rules for visitors — but some don't apply to residents

The city of Miami Beach is instating curfews and DUI checkpoints. The city is also closing parking lots and will be doing bag checks at beach entrances. And police will be making arrests for drug possession and violence. 

Each Thursday-Sunday in March, beach entrances will be limited to 5th, 10th and 12th Streets, which will close at 6 p.m. Items like coolers, inflatable devices, tents, tables and similar objects are not allowed and the entrances will include bag checks. Playing loud music without a permit will be restricted. Alcohol and cigarettes are always prohibited on Miami beaches, according to the city's website. 

Parking fees in busy garages and lots will be increased to a flat rate of $30 for visitors, except for March 7-10 and March 14-17, when they will be closed. For Miami residents, or employees and permit holders who need to park in these lots during busy spring break weekends, (March 21-24 and March 28-31) the flat fee does not apply. And some lots will only be open to local residents, according to the city's website.

Visitors will also face towing rates that are double the normal cost. They will pay $516 if their car is towed on South Beach and a $30 administrative fee.

The Miami Beach Police Department has also created a new traffic plan that will start at 6 p.m. each Thursday through Sunday in March. The restrictions mainly affect major roads, but local access to some city streets will be restricted to try and prevent traffic. 

People who are running illegal short-term rentals like Airbnbs and VBROs may be fined $1,000 to $5,000 a day, according to the city's website.

The street side cafes along Ocean Drive will also be shuttered during the second and third weekends of March, according to CBS Miami. 

Where else to travel 

Orlando is expected to be the top destination for spring break,  according to AAA , which analyzed travel booking data. 

Miami and Fort Lauderdale are expected to be popular for people getting on cruises. Booking for cruises is up 28% in March and April 2024, compared to last year. Cruises departing from Florida increased 60% during this time. 

But Florida isn't the only hotspot. International flight bookings are up 20% and hotels are up 37% in March and April 2024 compared to last year, according to AAA. London, Paris, Rome, Dublin, and Amsterdam are the most popular destinations. 

Spring breaks usually kick off at the end of February and last into April. But another major event may be contributing to travel in April:  The solar eclipse  on April 8.

Expedia found that travel to Dallas is up 95% for eclipse viewing between April 1 to 8, which is historically a busy time for spring break travel. Travel to Austin is up 90% during this week. 

Most spring breakers are heading to traditional vacation spots. Travel to Orlando is up 60%, Punta Cana is up 60%, Mexico City is up 55% and Cancun is up 30%, according to Expedia. 

However, the U.S. is  warning against traveling to Mexico during this time.  "Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations," the U.S. Mission to Mexico  said  in a news release last week. 

The advisory warned travelers to leave potentially dangerous situations and be particularly careful in the downtown areas in locations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum. 

They said to be especially careful after dark and warned against using synthetic drugs, unregulated alcohol and counterfeit medication, which have been linked to the deaths of U.S. citizens in Mexico. 

Spring break travel tips

TSA Administrator David Pekoske said the agency is working to maintain its usual wait times of 30 minutes in standard lanes and 10 minutes or less in TSA precheck lanes. 

Tranportation Security Administration officials advised spring break travelers  in a release to account for extra time in "traffic, parking, rental car returns, airline check-in, security screening and making any airport purchases before boarding a flight." 

TSA officials say to be patient – and those who are unruly at the airport or on their flight "may face substantial penalties and possible prosecution on criminal charges."

As always, they recommend travelers follow the rules when packing liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in carry-on luggage and remember to check alcohol and unloaded firearms. To get through checkpoints smoothly, officials recommend having your ID and boarding pass ready and to talk to a TSA officer if you don't want your photo taken by the facial recognition cameras used to detect fake IDs in 30 airports.

Other options to speed up your time with TSA: Passengers 18 or older can enroll in TSA precheck, which helps you skip long lines in the standard lanes. You can also call ahead for additional support like walking assistance and you can message TSA on social media if you have questions. 

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Caitlin O'Kane is a New York City journalist who works on the CBS News social media team as a senior manager of content and production. She writes about a variety of topics and produces "The Uplift," CBS News' streaming show that focuses on good news.

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Jessie on a Journey | Solo Female Travel Blog

16 Short Funny Travel Stories That’ll Make You Laugh Out Loud

These short funny travel stories are sure to make you laugh!

From crazy travel stories involving bathroom mishaps to funny stories about language barriers to wild travel stories that take you on safari, this list is sure to make you chuckle.

I’ve even included a video sharing about my strangest Couchsurfing experience!

Before scrolling, I recommend grabbing your favorite beverage and getting comfortable, as we’ve got 16 fun travel stories below to help put a smile on your face.

After reading these funny true stories, feel free to share your own best travel stories in the comments below!

short travel stories funny

Table of Contents

Short Funny Travel Stories — That Are Also True!

1. file under embarrassing travel stories.

One of my most embarrassing funny stories happened while I was backpacking South America — specifically during a 4×4 tour from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile to Uyuni, Bolivia.

The trip takes you through the desert for three days to see otherworldly sites like hot pink lagoons where flamingos search for food, an abandoned train graveyard, and, the highlight, the world-famous Uyuni Salt Flats.

During the trip, you share a car with four or five other people.

At one point, I was sitting in the front seat and it was getting really hot in the car. Our driver didn’t speak English, but I spoke decent Spanish — or at least I thought I did.

“Estoy caliente!” I said, looking right at the driver. To my confusion, instead of rolling down a window, he looked horrified…or maybe confused?

I decided it was probably my New York accent confusing him. “Estoy caliente!” I said again, this time in what I thought was a more local-sounding accent. He looked even more horrified-slashed-confused.

Suddenly, the one native Spanish speaker in the car spoke up from the back:

“Umm, I’m assuming you’re not meaning to tell the driver you’re horny, right?”

Apparently, the way I was saying “I’m hot” literally translated to, well, another meaning of the phrase. As I turned bright red, I decided I didn’t really need the window open and would just sit in silence and try to disappear by melting in the car seat.

But hey, when it comes to learning a language while traveling, embarrassing mistakes can certainly be a great teacher. Plus, I can add this to my list of hilarious vacation stories to share at parties.

-Jessie Festa, Jessie on a Journey

2. My Craziest Couchsurfing Story

Here is one of my most interesting travel experience stories .

For this anecdote, which is part funny travel story and part horror travel story , you’ll have to watch the video below:

One of my favorite funny travel videos

By the way, if you like crazy and funny travel story videos like this one, make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and hit the bell icon so you get notified when future videos publish.

I’ve already got a few more short travel stories recorded and scheduled to come out over the next few weeks!

crazy travel stories

3. An Unpleasant Night With Bob Marley

My funny travel experience happened during a trip to Morocco in 2015, when my husband and I spent a couple of days in the Sahara Desert as part of a tour group.

I was super excited to ride a camel for the first time and spend a night in a Bedouin tent in the desert. Little did I know that I was about to experience the longest and most unpleasant night of my life.

Our camel ride started with me hanging upside down from the saddle with one foot in the air. My camel, Bob Marley, had decided to stand up before I could settle into the saddle.

I held onto the saddle for dear life as our Bedouin guide pushed me up onto the camel’s back. Bob Marley let out a grunt of disapproval, and we rode off. I thought I was in for a bumpy ride; but save for the fact that the camel in front of me, named after Jimi Hendrix, was having a bad case of gas, it turned out to be a very pleasant journey.

After dinner and some impromptu drumming around a bonfire, my husband and I retreated to our tent for a good night’s sleep. Our bed was just a mattress on the carpeted ground.

Despite cocooning myself in a couple of thick blankets, I was shaking from head to toe. My husband fell asleep straight away, and so did the other people in our group — judging by the cacophony of snores that filled the air.

Two hours later, I was still wide awake — and freezing cold.

Thankfully, the snoring started to subside and I gradually drifted into dreamland, only to be jolted out of my sleep by a very loud and unusual noise. It sounded like a bellow and was followed by a very awful smell.

I tried to go back to sleep, but someone or something started to chew loudly. And then another groan, another unpleasant smell, and more loud chewing. This went on for at least another two hours.

After what felt like a never-ending night, I checked the time. To my delight, it was time to get up to watch the sunrise. I stumbled out of our tent, grabbed a glass of freshly-brewed mint tea, and dragged my sleepy body out of the Bedouin camp.

There, stationed just outside the tent where my husband and I had spent the night, was Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, and the entire caravan. Bob Marley made direct eye contact with me, and I could swear I spotted a smug grin on his face.”

– Daniela from Grumpy Camel

short stories in english about travel

4. Trying To Pee On A Bumpy Bus Ride

If you enjoy travel love stories , this trip tale from our honeymoon has a humorous twist.

While visiting Sapa, Vietnam on our honeymoon, we had to fly into the large city of Hanoi.

From Hanoi, we could have either taken a bus, a train, or a rental car up to Sapa. Because we are cheap, we decided to take the bus. Even further, we booked an overnight bus trip, so that we could save one night of accommodation booking.

We showed up at the bus station at 11:30 pm for our midnight departure, and everything was going well. We boarded the bus and got to our beds, which was a row of five plastic cots wide with no cushions. We did get a blanket, though, and settled in for the night on our uncomfortable beds.

At about 3:00 am, I woke up and had to pee. We were on the freeway, and the driver only spoke Vietnamese, so I couldn’t communicate the fact that I needed to pee.

In the commotion, the driver also noticed there was a payment issue with our booking, which my now-awake husband was trying to figure out.

I still had to go, and it was becoming an emergency. The bus was still rocking and rolling down the Vietnamese highway. It was 3:15 am, my bladder was bursting, and my new husband was trying to have a Google Translate conversation with the driver to figure out our booking.

I tried to get my pee emergency into the Google Translate conversation, with no luck. All I got was my husband giving me a bottle.

A soda bottle?! What was I supposed to do with that?! The mouth of that thing was the size of a thumb. I am not the Jason Bourne of pee-aiming.

Realizing my choices were non-existent, I tried to use the bottle. After some awkward maneuvering, I opened the floodgates and, as you might have guessed, peed all over my bed…and my husband’s.

Thankfully, the sound of the pee spraying on the plastic beds did not come to the attention of any of our neighbors or the bus driver. Or maybe he purposely ignored it.

After figuring out the booking issue, my husband scooched back into his bed only to realize that Lake Urine had formed in the middle of it.

After some shock and stifled laughter, we cleaned it up with one of our blankets, had an extremely uncomfortable three more hours of travel, and finally pulled into Sapa. We couldn’t get off that bus fast enough.

On the bright side, it’s one of our favorite funny stories about traveling to share.

– Zach and Julie from Ruhl of the Road

funny incidents while travelling

5. The Time I Had My Boobs Massaged In Morocco

Our favorite short funny story to share is all about massages and spa experiences in Morocco.

They are supposed to be tranquil, soothing, and calming. But what happens when you try to have a relaxing spa experience in another country without doing your research?

You could find yourself swimming in your underwear and having your boobs massaged, that’s what!

When my husband and I were in Morocco, we decided to go for a traditional Moroccan Hammam massage at our hotel…and all kinds of hilarity ensued!

First, we were asked to get undressed by the staff who only spoke French, so there were a lot of frantic hand gestures going on.

Then we were taken to a room where straightaway we could see a woman being rubbed down while completely naked.

No robes, no doors… just all kinds of naked. We were shocked and immediately started thinking: “Wait…is this what a hammam massage is like?”

Thankfully, not in our case, but it doesn’t get much better.

We’d worn our underwear because we actually thought we were just getting a pleasant back massage like in the UK.

We were wrong.

We were taken to a steam room where we were rubbed with mud in front of strangers and then asked to shower it off. Next, we found ourselves swimming in a saltwater pool. All of this while in our everyday underwear!

And then finally we got to the massage part where we were separated and I was asked to strip completely naked.

This was fine while lying on my front but then came the fateful word:

Yep, this was when I found myself having my boobs massaged by a total stranger!

Moral of the story:

Do your research. And don’t wear underwear to a Moroccan hammam massage. Go for swimming gear just to be on the safe side.

– Justine from Wanderers of the World

funny stories about travel

6. When Nature Calls, Literally

I have many funny short stories about travel, though one of my favorites to tell happened in the Serengeti.

Now, there are a lot of really awesome things about camping in the Serengeti:

It’s a relatively affordable way to go on safari. You meet other adventurous people. You’re camping in the freaking Serengeti! Like, hello, how cool?!

However, there may be one or two less-than-stellar things about this type of safari…like not knowing what’s outside your tent during the night.

Personally, I didn’t really want to come face-to-face with the hyenas — or anything else — that I knew could be out there. My method of avoidance came down to not drinking too much water during the day. Other than the bathroom, nothing could draw me out of my tent at night.

Well, one day I was thirsty and had more to drink than I should have.

The result?

You guessed it — I needed to pee pretty bad by about 3 am.

Let me take you back a few hours though, to the afternoon. We were making camp that night at a spot that was to be shared with some of the park rangers. Earlier in the day, the rangers had brought a goat to camp. I thought they were taking this goat further on their journey and I didn’t think about it past that.

Well, guess what the rangers had for dinner?

That night, from the safety of the tent, we could hear the hyenas munching away on the leftovers. It was gruesome.

It also meant that I absolutely knew the hyenas were in the camp, right between me and the bathroom. Well, by 3 am, I was desperate and cared less about the hyenas than about my bladder.

However, we’d been strongly warned not to go out by ourselves. So, I asked my friend if she wanted to go on an adventure. She said no and advised I go back to sleep.

I tried; I really did. An hour later, I asked her again, “Isa, want to go on an adventure?”

Her answer hadn’t changed.

Just behind our tent were the dining cabin and a small hill. I was desperate. Really, my bladder was going to explode. I went just behind the tent, right up to that hill, and did my thing.

After, I went back into the tent and didn’t stray anywhere close to where the campfire had been, and the hyenas currently were. I was safe! I didn’t get eaten or attacked by anything. Basically, I was Superwoman!

The next morning we were packing up our stuff to go on that day’s safari when our guide casually asked if we had heard the lions the night before.

Nope, we hadn’t heard them. Apparently, they’d been close.

Their lair?

Just on the other side of the small hill behind the camp.

This one definitely goes on my list of crazy yet funny adventure stories!

funny adventure stories

Lindsey in Moscow. Photo courtesy of Lindsey Puls.

7. Naked & Confused In Moscow

Naked and confused in Moscow? Yes, you read right. This is one of those funny vacation stories that you won’t forget…

I thought I knew all that there was to know about Russian banyas — until I found myself in Moscow, lying naked and sweating to death on a table in front of 12 other naked women of varying ages, who were all strangers to me, getting flogged with a couple of birch branches by a kind but very strong woman named Olga.

And I had actually paid for this beating. It’s all part of the experience!

In short, a banya is similar to a sauna. The biggest difference, though, is that a “banya” has high levels of humidity in it, while a sauna will have dry air. They’ve been a part of Russian life for over a thousand years.

Another interesting aspect of the Russian Banya is flogging using birch twigs ( venik ). This is supposed to benefit your health and improve your immune system, and honestly, if you have someone who knows what they are doing, it does feel really good.

I knew when I signed up for this that I would likely have to be naked for this flogging — I had done it before in a private bathhouse; however, this was my first time in a public banya, and I didn’t expect to be on display for the rest of the banya goers while it was happening! I was envisioning this to be a little more, ah, private?

But there I was, naked as the day I was born in front of everyone, getting smacked around by Olga as she shouted commands in Russian…which I imagine was something like, “Now, flip over! Raise your legs! Cover your boobs! Scoot your butt down further!”

Actually, though, I had no idea what she was saying. So, she gave up and just started pulling me and moving my naked body parts to where they needed to be — much to the amusement of everyone in the banya, who were not shy about their giggles!

Olga hit/massaged almost every square inch of my body with the branches. Then, once she was done, she led me by the hand to a shower area, sat me down, and threw a cold bucket of water over my head. And then a warm one, followed by another cold bucket. My body was thoroughly shocked after that!

Needless to say, this banya experience was a little less relaxing than my previous experiences with it; however, I still felt like a million bucks after it was done, and I will absolutely do it again.

– Lindsey from Have Clothes, Will Travel

short funny travel stories

8. A Short Story About Traveling That’s Out Of This World (Literally)

When the weather starts to warm up we love heading to the beach for a few days. Any beach really, though Miami holds a special place in our family’s hearts. We even have a favorite hotel by the beach that we always stay at.

During one such trip, after a few days of being lazy on the beach and spending way too much time walking the boardwalk, we decided to go for a drive.

We rented a car for the day and drove to Key West. Our plan was to enjoy a scenic drive on Highway 1 and maybe try some key lime pie and head back, but the day turned out to be more memorable than that.

It was a breathtaking drive and we kept our eyes glued to the window. The scenery was gorgeous and felt like we were driving over water.

Driving from Miami to Key West takes about three hours on the scenic coastal Overseas Highway. When we were closer to Key West, suddenly Mr. Suburbia — aka my husband — stopped the car, grabbed his camera, and ran out looking up at the sky — leaving me looking at him bewildered.

After a few minutes of looking and pointing at a shiny object in the sky, he was pretty thrilled to announce he’d spotted a UFO. I should mention here that hubby loves his Sci-Fi movies and UFO shows — the likes of Project Blue Book — and strongly believes we are not alone.

We eventually got back in the car, stopped at a nearby store, and asked someone in the parking lot:

“Do you see that shiny thing in the sky?”

The man looked up and casually responded, “Do you mean that weather blimp?”

We came to find out later that what we saw in the sky was “Fat Albert” or a version of the radar aerostat blimp that the US Drug Enforcement Administration uses to keep an eye on shipping hereabouts.

The shiny object in the sky was not an unidentified flying object or alien craft but a weather blimp. It is one of the short funny travel stories that always come up when we talk about our trips.

It starts with one of the kids saying “Remember the time when dad thought he saw a UFO…?” and always makes us laugh.

– Priya from Outside Suburbia

funny crazy stories about travel

9. An Unpleasant Travel Experience With A Ghost Shrimp In Spain

When it comes to funny short travel stories, there is one I always love to tell.

A few years ago I had a wonderful trip to Andalucia, Spain, together with my family.

We spent hours road tripping to the best places in this region and enjoying Spanish culinary delights like fresh seafood and delicious produce. Grocery shopping at local markets was definitely a highlight of the trip.

To get around, we rented a car from a recommended company. We were lucky enough to receive a car of a better standard than what we ordered. It was a nicely-equipped van, with key-free unlocking, automatic doors, and a lot of space inside. Quite luxurious, I must say.

At one point during this one-week trip, we opened the door of our car and were met with a horrendous stench.  We almost passed out. Our first thought was that something must have died inside.

We noticed that the stench was coming from the trunk. It turned out that a little bit of liquid had escaped from the bag with fresh shrimps the evening before.

We tried to clean the trunk with cleaning supplies found in our rented apartment. Then we found out some homemade methods to remove the smell. Desperate, we even tried out a special freshener for domestic animal scents.

But, alas, the ghost of the dead shrimp was still there. For the rest of the trip, we drove with all of the windows open.

Before the last day, we headed to the gas station. I popped into the shop to look for car fresheners. My mom was more resolute and tried to have a conversation with the staff — note here that we’re Polish, and she can genuinely only say a few words in Spanish.

She pinched her nose, made a telling gesture, and said “car fish caput.” The service guy started to laugh but he luckily understood her. And after a short while, he came to our car with a huge specialist atomizer and sprayed all the interior. We were so grateful because the problem seemed to disappear.

But the awful smell came back the next day; the day of our departure.

Early in the morning, we left the apartment and headed to the car rental agency. We were stressed about what the agency’s employee would say about the smell and we were wondering if insurance would cover such an incident.

Luckily for us, the moment we locked the car on the agency parking while waiting for the service was the last time the car key-pilot worked. At that moment, the battery died. The car agency representative wasn’t able to open the car.

And because it was so early in the morning, the main office with the spare keys was still closed, and this guy was taking care of the parking only. He noticed we had purchased full car insurance and only asked if we refilled the gas tank.

When we returned home we found an email from the car rental agency with an appreciation note for using their services. So we assumed the weird smell was covered by the insurance. While back then we were embarrassed about that incident, we now look back at it with a smile.

Always purchase full insurance. You never know when a shrimp decides to escape.

– Dominika from Sunday in Wonderland

short funny travel stories

10. A Massage In An Unexpected Place

This is one of those stories that will make you laugh!

I worked in Beijing for many years. I used to go to a place called Dragonfly for massages, which I really liked. One time I was in an area of Beijing that I was not familiar with and wanted a massage.

The local Dragonfly was just too complicated and far away to get to, so I decided to go elsewhere and try something different.

I remembered I had seen what appeared to be a massage parlor a few blocks from where I was staying, and I walked over. The location didn’t look exactly like the type of spa place I was familiar with.

I guess that should have been my first warning.

It had pictures of smiling women in the window that I supposed were the various massage therapists. Flashing neon lights in blues and reds decorated the outside.

To be honest, I felt a tad apprehensive but thought that was just because I had never been there before. I know from experience that many times things might feel strange in unfamiliar cultures, but once you dive in, chances are you’ll discover a wonderful new experience or location, or a delightful food you never tasted before.

With this in mind, I went in.

Inside I tried to communicate that I wanted a massage to the woman attendant. I rubbed my shoulders with kneading fingers pantomiming a massage. She disappeared into a dark room and quickly returned with another woman who asked me something in Chinese.

I repeated my pantomime and the two women engaged in a long and animated conversation behind a beaded curtain. I couldn’t understand what the confusion was.

Finally, they led me to a small, dimly lit room with what I took to be a massage table in the middle. I disrobed and lay face down on the table as I normally would.

A woman came in and started to give me a massage. It wasn’t a great massage but certainly adequate. After an hour the woman indicated the massage was over and gave me a cup of green tea. I paid, gave the lady a tip, and went back to my hotel.

The next day was Monday. Everyone came into the office discussing their weekend. I told my colleagues about my massage.

“Oh! Don’t tell me you went all the way to Dragonfly?!” a colleague asked surprised. I explained my massage experience at the spa a couple of blocks away.

After identifying the exact location, they told me that was a high-end brothel. Everyone had a good laugh at my expense. I suppose they’re still laughing.

-Talek from Travels With Talek  

funny true stories

11. Hammock Hanging Newbie

One of my favorite funny short stories traveling happened when I spent a semester studying abroad in Cuba in 2009, which was actually my first international trip.

There are many beautiful things about Cuba, perhaps the best one being the peoples’ resilience and creativity in solving problems and getting by without having access to the things we take for granted.

I, in fact, had to learn some of that craftiness myself.

Not long after we arrived, I bought a hammock at an artisan market in Havana. I couldn’t wait to hang it up, and there was a perfect pair of trees on the grounds of the apartment-hotel where we were staying.

There was just one problem. I couldn’t find rope anywhere. I must have gone to five hardware stores. No rope to be found!

I ended up picking up some pieces of cloth and old electrical wires in a vacant lot. Now I thought I was good to go.

Back at the hotel, one of the security guards helped me out — thank goodness for the kindness of strangers — and I settled in with a Cuba Libre and my book to enjoy relaxing in the hammock for the first time. Until…

The cloth broke about 10 seconds later and I ended up on the ground covered in rum and Coke!

Along with my newfound security guard friend, we tried several more times to get it to stay hung, me falling on my butt several more times as well.

Two of my classmates apparently had quite the laugh watching from the window and had even taken a video of these failed attempts. Fortunately, that video got lost or erased somehow before it was shared with the whole group.

Undeterred, I ventured back out and found some thicker cables. With those, I finally succeeded in getting that hammock hung. I even carried it around much of the island and hung it on my porch back home in the US for years afterward with those same cables.

Lessons learned were that perseverance matters, always check your hammock is stable before trying to enjoy a drink in it, and if you’re unsure, make sure no one’s watching from the window!

– Adam from Cartagena Explorer

short funny travel stories

12. A Road Trip With A Resilient Mouse

Here is an adventurous trip story that takes place in Death Valley National Park, which my friends and I thought got its name because nothing lives there.

While cooking dinner in the campground, one of us had an idea to open all the car doors in the evening to release the stale air inside.

This didn’t turn out to be a very good idea.

The next morning, we packed everything up and got ready to discover other parts of Death Valley, when suddenly a mouse jumped on my legs!

“Boys, we have a mouse in the car!” I screamed.

My brother turned to me disbelievingly. “What are you talking about?!”

I got a similar gaze from Jakub, who nervously asked, “Are you sure?”

The mouse quickly disappeared, and I was left trying to get the rest of the group to believe me.

The truth came out the next morning, though. Jakub grabbed a pack of pasta and it started to spill all over the car trunk. The mouse must have bitten a hole in it.

Now they believed me, and we set off on a mission to rid the mouse from the car.

Our first plan was to download a number of mobile apps producing squeaky anti-mouse sounds. In the evening, we opened everything possible and turned on our phones to maximum volume. After a while, we were going crazy due to this terrible sound. The mouse, on the other hand, didn’t mind at all and, I can only imagine, quietly laughed at us.

In the morning, we found more mouse damage — a leaking barrel of water had soaked half of our things, and the mouse had eaten through my headphones. Plus, we were starting to worry about the car’s electricity.

We decided our next step was to go to Walmart for traps. Before heading to bed we carefully filled the traps with cheese and spread them evenly throughout the car, eager to see if we captured the mouse by morning.

Unfortunately, when we woke up they were empty — and we found more holes in our packed food. There was pasta everywhere!

It was clear that if there was enough food in the car, the traps wouldn’t be interesting for her.

On the other hand, we understood the mouse. She probably hadn’t seen that much food in her entire life in Death Valley and suddenly there was this huge banquet! What mouse wouldn’t want to explore such a rodent paradise?

She traveled with us over 600 miles before we got to Yosemite National Park. This journey brought new hope to our struggle.

Bears rob 130 cars a year in Yosemite, so there are bear boxes in every campground. Therefore, we completely unloaded our car. Every crumb was removed.

It was our last hope. If it didn’t work, nothing would.

We set up the traps and went to sleep, and in the morning there she was, one of the fattest mice we’d ever seen. We agreed that’d she’d probably just had the most amazing “all-inclusive trip” of her life.

– Matěj from Czech the World

short travel stories funny

13. An Unexpected Fall Into Crocodile-Infested Waters

If you’re looking for funny adventure stories that are also a bit scary — or even travel disaster stories — this one is for you.

Safari tourism hadn’t really taken off when we visited Malawi in 2010 during an overland trip through Africa.

Health and safety weren’t major considerations, and it was certainly a far cry from the safaris we did in South Africa , Tanzania, and Botswana.

Arriving at Liwonde National Park in the south of Malawi we were excited as we knew it was a great place to spot elephants.

We relied on our campsite to book a canoe safari for us. Luckily, as soon as we set off we spotted loads of elephants — and even hippos — along the shoreline.

The trip leader in the canoe behind us suddenly shouted to our guide. Then there was an unexpected bump and we were thrown out of the canoe.

Our canoe had been flipped by a hippo!

The moments that followed were a blur. Thankfully local fishermen had seen the commotion and came over to help. We knew that there were crocodiles in the water as well as hippos and wanted to get out as soon as possible. We managed to haul ourselves into the fishermen’s canoes and were paddled back to the shore.

Amazingly nobody had been hurt and we were very thankful to the local fishermen. While we were drying out, we were pretty shocked to be asked to pay for the trip. They finally settled for a 50% reduction and we paid with the wet notes from our wallet.

We weren’t traveling with smartphones in those days so finding a reputable tour company was a bit hit and miss.

Often, there are lessons to be learned through these stories of travel. These days we would recommend Googling reputable tour operators, although as with all wildlife adventures, always expect the unexpected!”

– Jacquie from Flashpacking Family

travel disaster stories

14. Remembered By The TSA

One of my favorite short funny stories to tell is this one.

I traveled out of the Kansas City airport about every other week for the past three years.

Before I leave my house, I clean out the fridge and put any fruit that would go bad into a stasher bag.

I have TSA Precheck but have learned it’s just easier to pull it out of my purse into a bin and it won’t ever get questioned.

Last summer I was going through and the X-Ray guy says, “Hey! It’s strawberry girl!”

Then three others perked up and waved to me.

Except for that day, it was sliced peaches, and I felt like I let them down.

-Katie Boutwell, Katie B Traveling

best travel stories

15. Confusion In Small-Town France

I feel like this is one of those relatable funny stories because who hasn’t ended up in the wrong location?

In 2019, my husband and I took a trip to France to attend the wedding of my former exchange student, Christelle.

The day after the wedding, we set off from our hotel to the small village of Montcourt-Fromonville to attend a luncheon for close friends and family.

Shortly after arriving in the small village, we happened to pass Christelle’s family gathered in a small parking lot. We wondered if we should stop, but they didn’t look settled, and Google Maps was continuing to direct us.

We drove further, and eventually, Google Maps did the thing where it says you have arrived, but you look around and don’t know where you’ve arrived to.

My husband and I were very confused. Per the invite, the destination was called Chateau de la Mairie de Montcourt-Fromonville, but there was no address associated with it. When I typed it into Google, it came up as being a city hall.

Looking around the vicinity, we did see a castle-looking building in the distance, but it seemed way too fancy for a luncheon. Plus, would Christelle really be having her luncheon at a city hall?

We turned around and decided to go back to the parking lot where we had originally seen Christelle and her family. Of course, when we got there, no one was outside anymore. We approached a residential building nearby, thinking perhaps the luncheon was at someone’s personal residence there and snooped around a little bit.

Unfortunately, there were no signs of any gatherings in this quiet building. As we walked away, I heard a voice behind us say, “Bonjour.”

Turning around, I spotted a woman I had never seen in my life and wondered how I would explain our apparent snooping in French.

“Nous cherchons une fete.” (We are looking for a party)

The woman continued to stare at me.

“Pas ici?” (Not here?)

The woman shook her head “no” with a confused look on her face. Feeling her eyes upon us, we immediately left before further damage could be done with my limited French.

Frustrated, we followed Google Maps back to the lovely castle-looking building. Now we saw more cars there, and we thought maybe that was the location after all.

Our suspicions were confirmed upon parking outside of the chateau “city hall” where we were relieved to finally find Christelle and her family.

We were very grateful this was such a small village. Otherwise, I’m not sure how much bad French I would have had to stumble through before finding the luncheon!

– Theresa from Fueled by Wanderlust

short stories in english about travel

16. An Unexpected Mountain Encounter

One of my most interesting vacation stories happened a few years ago. My younger brother and I decided to take a drive from Oklahoma City to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge to see if we could get any photos of the bison herds that live there.

We couldn’t find any, unfortunately, but we did find some very ornery longhorn cows!

We drove up to the visitor’s center to get directions to where the bison were at the moment, but we couldn’t get out of the car. There was a small group of about four longhorns gathered around watching something. When we got close enough to see what was so exciting, we realized that there were two teenage-looking steers fighting with their horns locked!

We wanted to watch the fighting because it was so entertaining — and not what we were expecting — but we learned that it was a mistake when one almost knocked the other into our car.

We absolutely did not want to be stuck getting out and having to be around them without the protection of a two-thousand-pound SUV separating us, so we drove off.

But I’ll never forget the feeling in the pit of my stomach when I realized we could have been in a car accident where the longhorn hit us and not the other way around!

It’s one of the best funny road trip stories we often share with friends!

– Stephanie from Oklahoma Wonders

hilarious vacation stories

Bonus Short Travel Stories

Looking for more interesting travel stories and funny travel anecdotes? Don’t miss:

25 Crazy Travel Stories You Need To Read To Believe

23 Inspiring Travel Stories Sharing The Kindness Of Strangers

38 Inspiring Travel Love Stories From The Road

Sexual Assault Stories From The Road (& What I’ve Learned)

8 Crazy NYC Subway Stories That Will Make You Hail A Cab

17 True Short Adventure Travel Stories To Inspire Your Next Trip

A Host’s Perspective: My Worst Airbnb Horror Stories

11 Epic Travel Fail Stories From The Road

18 Scary Travel Stories From Haunted Hotels To Creepy Cabins

Do you have any short funny travel stories to add to this list?

Enjoyed this list of hilarious travel stories? Pin these funny anecdotes for later!

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26 Comments

Thank you so much for sharing your stories. Hope to see you in Morocco for an excellent adventure trip. Enjoy and keep doing excellent trips!

@Moha: Thank you!

OMG!!! I can only imagine what you must have gone through. Really funny stories. I would surely be careful next time before booking a massage 🙂 Thanks for the super hilarious blog.

That’s a lot of spa stories. I too had boob massage in Indonesia and Thailand. Whoops!

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Morocco is one of the unique countries in the world and a country of dizzying diversity. You may wander through spice markets, explore sweeping deserts and enjoy warm hospitality. Morocco is roughly the size of California, this is why day tours are so popular! Perhaps this is one of the most exciting Morocco Desert Tours.

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Losing and Finding My Way in Japan

by Norm Williams

For much of my career, I traveled the world as a salesman.  Our company hired people in each country we sold in to help with various duties. One year I went to Japan, and the sales agent chose the Kokusai Hotel in Kyoto for my stay due to the efficiency of its proximity to his office.  I left early on a calm, bright morning to find my way through a beautiful historic part of the city built in traditional Japanese style.   The cute, smiley hotel receptionist had written directions on a map, circled the area of my destination, and wrote out the address in Japanese in case I needed help.  Shyly, she said in broken Japanese-English and with her hand covering her mouth, “It’s in this area.  If you get lost, here’s the address.”  With an early start and a clear sense of direction, I felt comfortable about arriving on time – a business culture imperative in Japan. I thought I found the circled area on the map with ease.  I then compared the hand-written address to the kanji characters on the buildings to discern a match.  With no Japanese reading ability, I struggled as if trying to decipher Egyptian hieroglyphs without the Rosetta stone.  I soon realized, “I’m lost, and not just in the usual way when I’m at home in the U.S.  I’m lost without local reading or speaking ability, not knowing anyone in the city to go to for help, and a cell phone without reception in this country to call my sales agent.”  Bewildered and disappointed that I could not find the way on my own, I began to wander.  I looked for help among the passers-by. 

I used my ignorant foreigner look, which I had patented around the world — the clueless, helpless, American businessman who is hopelessly lost, out of his element, and pleading for some host country compassion. I tentatively approached a businessman, presumably walking to work.  Being deep in thought, I surprised him as a foreigner.  But, kindly, he took pity on me. He looked at the address and, after a long pause, said, while shaking his head side-to-side, “Aaannnooo.”  To me, this sounded like, “I don’t know.”  Later I learned that “anno” is the Japanese form of “mmmm.”   We parted with a mutual look of apology.  I continued to beg for help as I disrupted Kyoto’s quiet, morning street routine.  A coffee shop appeared to be a prospect for a captive audience of potential helpers.  A lone, older man, enjoying his coffee and newspaper, sat in the corner, isolated.  I cornered him.  He had no choice but to help.   He took a long, discerning look at the address, then the map, then the address, then the map again.  He pointed to a spot on the map with an air of precision and confidence.  But beneath his veneer of clarity and calm, I thought I saw a man pinning a tail on a donkey piñata while blindfolded.  Time to move on, I thought. I learned later-on that addresses in Japan are codes to unravel.  They indicate a ward, a district within the ward, a subsection of the district called a chome, a block number within the chome, and, finally, a building number.  In Japan, they number buildings in the order of their construction. They are not in numerical order as in the U.S.  The address I looked for could be located anywhere on the block, not somewhere in sequence. In place of a conventional numbered street address, an address in Japan could read like this in the U.S.:  “Go down this alleyway, take

a right at the nightclub, continue past the graveyard, and it’s the red door on the right after the old oak tree.”    Next, I found a lady pulling boxes on a cart.  I guessed that a delivery person would know the area well.  After quickly reviewing the address, she waved me hurriedly in another direction as if she knew exactly where to go.  We eventually reached her old van in front of a gas station.  She took out a map. As she looked at it for a long time, a deep crease began to form in her forehead. Her air of confidence became a look of “I don’t know.”  Fortunately, her fellow worker, who sensed the problem, stepped in, analyzed the address and map, and then pointed with the certainty of a commanding general to an area of buildings across the street.  My translation of her gesture, however, was:  “It’s somewhere over there!”  Another pin-the-tail moment. By now, I trusted no one walking the street.  So, I waved down an expert – a taxi driver.  His response to reading the address was an elongated samurai grunt and finger-pointing fit in Japanese-English, “Why are you taking a taxi?  It is around here.  We don’t need to drive anywhere!”  But I could detect uncertainty in his expressions as he desperately tried to help me.  I responded to him in my best, polite international English that I had learned works around the world – simple words pronounced slowly and loudly with a local accent as if the person cannot hear me well enough. In English with a Japanese accent, I said,  “Pleeease driiiive meee tooo theee ahdresssss ah.  I wiiill paaay youuuu eeeeven if it iiis aaacross the streeeeet.”  Then it dawned on me that he did not understand any of my Japanese accented English.  So, I resorted to the universal sign language of desperation conveyed with an American G I Joe gusto that said through body gestures, “I don’t want to walk there.  I am very late!  Please drive me even if it costs $50 to go 10 feet!”

He interpreted my gestures differently from what I meant because he zoomed off with me towards the center of town.  He tossed me what looked like a Japanese language guide-book to the city with pictures of landmarks and pages of street maps.  It was like he was giving me a tour of the town as he pointed to various places.  Perceiving the misadventure ahead, I emphasized my unwavering interest in going to the phantom address by vigorously and repeatedly pointing at the address written on the paper.  He responded with more grunts mixed with smiles as if saying, “You can point all you want.  You are my prisoner.” After many miles, we arrived back where we began the city tour and parked outside the gas station.  A determined and, apparently, a compassionate man, the driver did not want to let me down now.  He went to the gas station’s workers and pulled them together for a conference.  For what seemed like an eternity, they diligently researched maps, considered directories, animatedly discussed possible locations, and pointed in various directions. Then the gas station workers appeared to bow to each other in a humble celebration. Grandly, one of them stepped forward from the group and pointed to a building directly across the street. In the same direction that the cart puller’s fellow worker had gestured to, and the taxi driver told me about, I wondered, in despair, “Could it be that the building was, all this time, just over there, and I hadn’t listened to them?” The elated cab driver, who dearly wanted to finish the job, eagerly waved me into the taxi.  Ecstatic, I jumped in.  With a simple U-turn, he would deliver me to the door of the building across the street.  But, of course, that would be too simple. We drove in Japan, and the strict traffic laws overrode any sense of simplicity. My cab driver pulled out, zoomed off, took a dozen or so turns down one-way streets, and we finally pulled up to the building that was across

the street. I could have walked back and forth between the building and gas station twenty times while in the cab.  Gratefully, I paid the taxi driver a ransom for my release plus a tip for the city tour.  As I walked into my sales agent’s office sixty minutes late, his lady assistant graciously approached me, saying, “He is waiting for you at the Kokusai hotel to bring you here.”  “Oh My God! What message did I miss that told me to wait there?” I thought in anguish. “I spoke with a half dozen Japanese, disrupted their morning routine, struggled endlessly to understand them, walked many city blocks, traveled unnecessary miles, felt the helplessness and hopelessness of being lost, arrived an hour late, and I only had to wait for the sales agent to quickly and efficiently take me to his office! Feeling quite humble, I entered the meeting room and sat down at the conference table. My sales agent began to speak, and I listened carefully to his direction.

I like your travel stories thanks for sharing!

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thank you so much for sharing this experience

Wish to see you in Morocco for a hot air balloon ride experience

Want more such kinds of posts, keep posting!

I love travelling and have craze too…….. Very interesting stories

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Amanda Hoover

6 Months After New York Banned Airbnb, New Jersey Is Doing Great

Aerial view of buildings in Manhattan in New York City

Six months have passed since New York City all but banned short-term rentals like those offered via Airbnb. The policy was intended to free up apartments in America’s most congested city to become homes for long-term New Yorkers, instead of housing rotating out-of-town guests that bring noise, trash, and worse . So far, the law’s most noticeable effects seem to be sending droves of tourists to New Jersey and frustrating small-time Airbnb hosts.

New York City’s law immediately wiped out some 15,000 short-term rentals from Airbnb’s site when it was implemented in September, as the site automatically converted them to longer stays to remain compliant with the new rules. As of February, there are fewer than 5,000, according to Inside Airbnb , a housing advocacy group that scrapes Airbnb’s site for data.

Other cities are watching as New York and its anticipated 65 million tourists for 2024 navigate the new regulations. A recent search on Airbnb for places to stay for a weekend pulled up individual rooms in occupied apartments scattered across the city, hotel rooms, or entire apartments and homes in nearby New Jersey. There are some 35,000 New York City apartments listed on Airbnb for stays of 30 nights or more, according to AirDNA, a short-term rental intelligence firm, which are legal and do not require the short-term rental licenses. That suggests many apartments previously listed on Airbnb haven’t been converted into long-term leases for more permanent residents.

Brian Chesky, Airbnb’s CEO, has called New York a “ cautionary tale ” for cities looking to regulate short-term rentals. New York is one of many cities around the globe experimenting with ways to restrict short-term rentals, in response to the way Airbnb and other sites have changed the makeup of neighborhoods and brought tourists into previously purely residential areas. How New York’s ban fares is a test: If America’s biggest city can fix the problem, more may follow.

New York had long banned short-term rentals of entire apartments, but without last year’s law it lacked the teeth to enforce the measure. The change didn’t fully ban all short-term rentals, but it did usher in strict requirements to operate them. Among the rules: Hosts must live in and be present in the residence they want to rent and can only allow two guests to stay at a time. This effectively did away with sleek, luxury whole-apartment rentals owned by real estate investors, but also shut down people who may have made a little extra income renting out their apartment while out of town, or those who let separate apartments attached to the one where they live.

Many of these small-time hosts had no intent to become full-time landlords. Welcoming short-term renters was a way to avoid the responsibility of a 24/7 tenant or the risk of squatters. When the city touted the law as a way to open more homes and calculated these apartments into its vacancy estimates, it assumed wrong, says Tony Lindsay, president of the New York Homeowners Alliance Corp, a nonprofit that advocates for the rights of homeowners in the city.

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More than 95 percent of the group’s members say they have no intention of becoming long-term landlords, says Lindsay. Instead, he argues, they are now faced with rising housing costs and no immediate way to offset them. The law “has yielded some unintentional effects that are harming smaller homeowners,” Lindsay says.

Amid the uncertainties, there may be some winners from the law: hotels in the city and the state of New Jersey. Hotel occupancy rates in New York have been slightly up year-over year, by 4 percent in January and 3.4 percent through February 24, according to CoStar, which tracks commercial real estate. The average daily room rate in January was up from $198 a night to $209, and from $200 to about $207 through February 24.

Across the Hudson River, demand for short-term rentals has risen sharply in Jersey City, Hoboken, and Weehawken since the law passed, all cities that offer quick access into downtown Manhattan. Jersey City has seen demand rise 77 percent year-over-year as of mid-February, according to AirDNA, while in Weehawken and Hoboken demand has increased 45 and 32 percent, respectively.

The high rents in New York so far seem unaffected. Despite hopes from lawmakers that the ban might bring them down, short-term rentals are just one piece of a complex unaffordable housing problem. More than half of New York households are rent-burdened, meaning they spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing, a 2023 report from nonprofit Community Service Society found.

The median rent of properties in the city on Zillow was up $165 in March from the same month last year, coming to $3,465. But a January 2024 report from real estate company Douglass Elliman found that rent prices fell in Manhattan and Brooklyn, areas popular with tourists, after rents stabilized and the number of vacant apartments increased in December . If restricting short-term rentals helps residents, it may take longer than six months to manifest. A recent study looked at Irvine, California, which bans short-term rentals in all residential zones, and found that after two years of the ban, rents dropped by about 3 percent.

Enforcement of the law has been patchy . With Airbnb off limits, people turned to Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or other home-sharing sites like Houfy to list their apartments after they were booted from sites like Airbnb or Vrbo. The city has not yet issued any fines to people for renting out their apartments illegally, as it is still working on compliance, according to Christian Klossner, executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement, which oversees the licensing process. But he says the city is responding to complaints related to illegal renting. As of February 26, the city had received 5,783 applications to run short-term rentals. It has approved 1,594, denied 990, and sent back more than 3,000 for more information or corrections.

Airbnb opposed the law, and sued the city before it took effect, but the case was dismissed last August. Now that the law is in effect, the company is maintaining its opposition. “In the six months since New York City’s short-term rental rules went into effect, we’ve seen travelers facing record hotel prices and former hosts struggling with loss of income—but we have seen no improvement in housing costs," Nathan Rotman, Airbnb's Northeast policy lead, tells WIRED. "We hope city leaders listen to hosts who are advocating for changes to the existing rules.”

Lindsay, of the homeowners association, says people like him are hurting while their counterparts in New Jersey benefit. Renting out an apartment on Airbnb “was a lifeline for me, especially during the pandemic,” he says. The association is working on ways the New York City Council might amend the law to allow these smaller hosts to operate short-term rentals. Right now, he says, it fails by grouping small homeowners in with big-time investors. “It treats all property owners as if they’re these evil, maniacal villains.”

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Judge Upholds Biden Program Giving Some Immigrants Short-Term Legal Status

The initiative allows up to 360,000 people a year from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela to live and work in the United States if supported by a financial sponsor.

A woman in a green head scarf sits across a desk from a woman in a white parka.

By Miriam Jordan

A federal judge on Friday allowed the Biden administration to continue a program that it has used to give temporary legal status to hundreds of thousands of citizens of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela.

Known as humanitarian parole, the program has offered people from the troubled countries an alternative to entering the United States illegally, and has been central to the administration’s strategy to curb the influx of migrants arriving at the U.S. southern border.

President Biden has faced considerable criticism for his administration’s handling of the border, and Texas and other Republican-led states had sued the administration to block the parole program. But Judge Drew B. Tipton of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas sided with the administration, saying the states had failed to establish they had standing on any of their claims.

The Homeland Security secretary, Alejandro N. Mayorkas, said he was pleased by the decision in a statement on Friday, calling the program “a key element of our efforts to address the unprecedented level of migration throughout our hemisphere.”

The ruling is a blow to Texas, which has filed a spate of lawsuits against the Biden administration as part of its effort to shape immigration policy, historically a federal responsibility.

The states that signed onto the lawsuit, including Florida, Tennessee and Arkansas, argued that the program had burdened them with additional costs for health care, education and law enforcement. They also argued that the Biden administration was simply inviting many people who otherwise would have entered the country illegally to come to the United States.

Even as the overall number of migrant crossings has stayed at historically high levels, the number of unlawful crossings by nationals from countries in the program has declined. The judge concluded that the states could not argue they had been harmed by a program that had led to a reduction in border crossings.

“The record establishes that the number of CHNV [Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan and Venezuelan] nationals entering the United States since the program’s implementation has dramatically decreased by as much as 44 percent,” the judge wrote in his 31-page decision.

“Plaintiffs, therefore, are unable to demonstrate that they have been injured by the program, and as a result they lack standing to bring these claims,” he added.

Thumbnail of page 1

Read the Federal Judge’s Ruling

A U.S. district judge allowed the Biden administration to continue a program that it has used to give temporary legal status to hundreds of thousands of citizens of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela.

Texas is almost certain to appeal the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, which covers Texas, and the case could end up in the U.S. Supreme Court, experts said.

The lawsuit, filed last year by Texas on behalf of 21 states, was the first to challenge the use of the president’s immigration parole authority in federal court. The program allows nationals of designated countries to obtain a two-year period of parole, or temporary permission, to live and work in the United States, provided they have a financial sponsor to support them.

As of the end of January, nearly 360,000 people had been approved to participate. Sponsorship typically comes from a relative or other individual, who is often backed by a house of worship whose members pool funds.

“Today’s decision is a victory for people who have jumped at the opportunity to sponsor loved ones under this program, and it is a critical repudiation of Texas’ attempt to hold immigration policy hostage for the entire country,” said Monika Y. Langarica, senior staff attorney for the Center for Immigration Law and Policy at the U.C.L.A. School of Law, which defended the program in court.

Last summer, the Supreme Court overturned a 2022 decision by Judge Tipton and ruled that the Biden administration could set priorities for which undocumented immigrants to arrest. That ruling influenced the outcome of the humanitarian parole case, according to legal experts, because it sent the message that states had to prove they were being adversely effected by a policy to sue; they couldn’t go to court just because they disagreed with it.

Judge Tipton, who was appointed by President Donald J. Trump, also noted that state expenditures related to illegal immigration declined after the program was put in place.

“The court has before it a case in which plaintiffs claim that they have been injured by a program that has actually lowered their out-of-pocket costs,’’ he wrote.

Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, policy director at the American Immigration Council, which advocates on behalf of immigrants, called the ruling “a big success for the Biden administration.”

The use of parole authority goes back decades. It was used to admit nearly 200,000 Cubans in the 1960s and more than 350,000 Southeast Asians after the fall of Saigon in the Vietnam War. The Biden administration unveiled a humanitarian parole program in April 2022 for Ukrainians fleeing war, with no cap on the number of participants. None of the 21 states who joined the lawsuit have sought to terminate the program for Ukrainians.

In introducing a new humanitarian parole program , first for Venezuelans in late 2022 and then for Cubans, Haitians and Nicaraguans in January 2023, the federal government was aiming to dissuade people from trying to cross the U.S. southern border illegally by offering the possibility of a legal pathway for which they could apply from their home countries.

Nan Langowitz has sponsored two Venezuelan families and her synagogue in Wellesley, Mass., has assisted families from Afghanistan and Syria. Ms. Langowitz, who submitted a declaration to the court in favor of the program, said she was “elated” by Friday’s ruling.

“I look forward to continuing to welcome other newcomers who can contribute their energy to our country,” she said.

Miriam Jordan reports from a grass roots perspective on immigrants and their impact on the demographics, society and economy of the United States. More about Miriam Jordan

When nursing homes are full patients find themselves stuck at UVM Medical Center

short stories in english about travel

When it comes to hospitals, not all beds are created equally, and that's part of the problem for the UVM Medical Center as it tries daily to find the beds it needs for patients.

Dr. Stephen Leffler, president and chief operating officer of the Medical Center, told the Burlington Free Press recently the hospital has seen only a handful of days in the last year and a half when it wasn't backed up with dozens of patients needing beds − designated as "red level."

The Medical Center has 533 beds, with 365 for medical/surgical patients and the intensive care unit,. The other 168 beds are in units such as the Children's Hospital, newborn nursery, NICU (neonatal intensive care unit), labor and delivery, inpatient psychiatry and inpatient rehab. Hospital spokeswoman Annie Mackin said most of those 168 beds don't help alleviate red level days.

"They don't help us with capacity in the sense that we can't put an adult stroke patient in a bed in the newborn nursery," Mackin said.

Leffler points to nursing homes as a big part of the problem. Every day there are many patients who could be discharged to nursing homes or other long-term care facilities − freeing up hospital beds − but they can't be discharged because there are no long-term care beds available.

More nursing home beds needed

"We need to open more nursing home beds," Leffler said. "Vermont only has 14 hospitals and 33 nursing homes so we're all interdependent. A long-stay patient (stuck) in Burlington literally keeps someone from St. Johnsbury from coming here. Every piece of the system depends on each other. If we don't have nursing home beds it keeps people in the hospital."

Every month, the Medical Center is faced with finding beds for about 450 patients being transferred from other hospitals in the state because they need care that's only available in Burlington. One day recently, Leffler said, the number of patients waiting in the Medical Center for a nursing home or other long-term care bed hit 83. That requires the hospital to find other beds for medical and surgical patients.

"That's more than two full floors of patients," he said. "We keep some in the ED (emergency department), sometimes in post-op, or in the back hallways of the ED. Some are in double-occupancy rooms. We figure it out every day as best as we can. This morning, three people at other hospitals in Vermont were waiting to come here. We didn't have a bed. We will get them here over the course of today."

Nursing homes and others face financial challenges of their own

Compounding Leffler's frustration, not all nursing beds technically available in Vermont are open, either because the facilities don't have enough staff, or because they are losing money on every bed they open.

"Most people in nursing homes are Medicaid or Medicare patients," Leffler said. "The challenge for our nursing home colleagues is the rate they're paid per day hasn't kept up. Patients are more complicated and sicker. Staffing costs more."

Nursing homes rely on travel nurses just like the Medical Center does, which drives costs up significantly. Travel nurses are paid more because of the transient nature of their jobs, and because of the critical role they play, filling the gaps left by the nationwide nursing shortage.

In 2022, the Medical Center spent $120 million it hadn't planned on spending, $81 million of which was to pay travel nurses. The hospital ended up losing $39 million that year.

Suzanne Anair, a licensed nursing home administrator in Vermont for more than 16 years, confirmed Leffler's analysis of the dilemma faced by the state's nursing homes in her testimony before the joint hearing of the House committees on health care and human services on Feb. 21.

More: UVM Health Network at risk of $20 million loss in FY24 as financial woes continue

Anair said The Center for Living and Rehabilitation in Brattleboro, where she's an administrator, has not rebounded from the COVID-19 pandemic. When people ask her why not, she tells them staffing.

"There are a lot more opportunities for (licensed practical nurses)," she said. "It's very hard work (in nursing homes). Seven days a week. We have lost nurses. We had a lot of retirements. We've seen nurses go into medical practice positions where they can work Monday through Friday, with no holidays and no weekends."

Travel nurses command significantly more money than nurses on staff

Expenses at CLR are the highest they've ever been, according to Anair, chiefly because of hiring travel nurses to fill the void left by departing staff nurses. Licensed practical nurses on contract can command up to $75 per hour. Registered nurses are paid up to $125 per hour.

"That is significantly higher than our regular staff are paid," Anair said.

At one time, CLR had all 150 of its licensed beds open. Today, there are 130 beds open to save money on staffing.

"I do have a referral and wait list every day of 15 to 20 people," Anair said. "This is something we've never seen before."

Maximum capacity at CLR is about 125 patients because some patients need private rooms.

"We may have patients who are actively passing, and we want to give them privacy and dignity," Anair said. "There are reasons we can't get to 130 (patients)."

Home health care is losing money on federal reimbursements too

Jill Mazza Olson, executive director of VNAs of Vermont , and Sarah King, chief executive officer of VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region , testified before the House committees on the plight home care agencies are facing. Providing long-term care for patients in their home is considered the most efficient and effective way to provide care, and is preferred by patients, but has challenges.

King said home care agencies like hers are chasing after the same skilled nurses as hospitals and nursing homes.

"We have financial struggles like everyone else," she said. "92% of our revenue comes from Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare is constantly cutting us and will continue to cut us, but we need to remain competitive with our salaries. Again, we're all competing with the same pool of nursing. If we're not competitive they won't come to home care."

VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region lost $2.3 million last year, according to King, $800,000 less than in 2022 because the agency was able to cut some travel nurses.

More: Could the new support staff union improve the staffing shortage at UVM Medical Center?

"We're all losing money, and it's not sustainable," King said. "We know we are the lowest cost option to the health care system and we want to work with hospitals and nursing homes to keep patients at home, where studies show they do better."

Contact Dan D’Ambrosio at 660-1841 or [email protected]. Follow him on X @DanDambrosioVT.

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