Omg, I just returned from an alleged dream trip to South East Asia. Everything we planned went perfectly. Our companions ruined an otherwise "perfect" get away.
I love South East Asia. Everything about it just makes me happy. It's a long flight from my home base of the US, but there is no placed I've been that I haven't adored. (OK, there are a few over touristed sites but still...)
So my family heard that I had an upcoming trip and everyone convinced me that it would be a great idea if they ALL joined. My small intimate trip ballooned into a circus with 12 people from multiple US states and two continents. I didn't mind, they would never visit on their own and would be intimidated if they hadn't come with me.
My husband and I agreed to take care of all the planning from itinerary to hotels, tours, flights and even visa applications. I even changed my original itinerary (planned for me and hubs) to expand it so that we would hit some of my favorite places. Everything went off without a hitch. The hotels were beautiful, the flights were on time, and the pacing was perfect.
Despite this, it was the absolute worse trip of my life completely ruined by my companions. People were complaining it was too hot in countries known for their tropical climates. They complained about the traffic. The night markets were too loud. They forgot to tell their banks they were travelling and couldn't withdraw money which was somehow everyone's fault but there own. I even offered to give them my money (and they could pay me back), but not good enough. Service was too slow, or they were rude to the staff. Even though I assured them they could eat the street food, no we needed to go to the resort. Even though it was hot, they refused grabs and rickshaws for short walks and then made exaggerated complaints about the weather. Some members of the group were absolute troopers, but it was offset by the remainder of complete tools. The only person who got food poisoning only ate at the resorts and hotels. Que evil laugh.
I was so, SO frustrated. Eventually, I got tired if babysitting, told everyone what I was doing by whatsapp and escaped. After that, they mostly stayed in the resorts/hotels and I went out exploring with my hubs and the noncrazies. NEVER AGAIN will I travel with these people. NEVER. Do not be me. Choose your companions wisely.
(And I had traveled with this group before when I got married in India to my husband. They were much more obedient pre-covid. However, several on that trip ignored our explicit warnings NOT to eat street food and got sick right before my wedding.)