The Dysfunctional Family of Travel Suppliers, "a holiday warmup."

I’ve been holding this one for Thanksgiving, but why wait? The travel industry is already one big dysfunctional family. And we love them, despite the "quirks". You’ve got your drunk uncle, your judgy aunt, the cousin who thinks they’re better than everyone, and the sibling who still lives at home.

And just like every family gathering, no one really knows who’s in charge, everyone’s making money off each other, and there’s definitely one person crying in the bathroom by the end of the night (it’s usually the DMO).

So, welcome to the family dinner we all dread, but can’t stop showing up for:

Expedia – The Drunk Uncle

Rolls in late, brags about how he “got you the best deal ever,” and then disappears when it’s time to actually pay the bill. Still tells the Cabo trip story like it happened yesterday.

TripAdvisor – The Judgy Aunt

Clutching her pearls and her Pinot, loudly whispering, “Two stars for cleanliness, Karen, TWO.” She doesn’t even own a passport but has an opinion about every destination on Earth.

Airbnb – The Hipster Cousin

Believes real homes are for suckers. Thinks yurts are chic, composting toilets are experiential, and that “no front desk” is an amenity, not a safety hazard. Brings emotional support kombucha.

Booking.com – The Stepdad

Overcompensates with way too many options. Constantly saying, “Hey, champ, I can be your go-to now, right?” He’s trying so hard, and we respect the hustle, but it’s awkward.

Cruise Lines – The Grandma With Boundaries

Loves everyone but comes with rules: assigned dinner times, mandatory formal wear, and don’t even think about skipping bingo. Also, she calls every week to remind you she’s “all-inclusive.”

Tour Operators – The Middle Child

Always planning family outings no one asked for, but also the only reason anyone actually leaves the house. Their itineraries are color-coded and laminated, and yes, you’re holding up the group.

DMOs – The Tired Mom

She loves you unconditionally, plans the entire party, cooks the whole meal, and still gets blamed when the mashed potatoes are cold. She also quietly covers the wine tab while telling everyone to be nice.

Hotels – The Oldest Sibling Who Still Lives at Home

Responsible, structured, and always there when you need them — but secretly bitter Airbnb is the “cool” cousin now. Will not stop reminding you that they have loyalty points.

Airlines – The Dad Who Yells at Traffic

He’s taking you on a trip, but not without yelling at strangers and charging you extra to bring your own bag. He also thinks turbulence is character building.

OTAs (all of them collectively) – The Cousins Selling Stuff Out of Their Trunk

You know they’re making money off you, but you can’t stop buying. They insist it’s a “family discount” while quietly upselling you insurance you don’t need.

Spirit Airlines – The Chaos Cousin

Shows up uninvited, drinks Four Loko in the driveway, and then charges you for ice in your cup. Somehow still gets invited back next year.

Ad Agency Vendor – The Ex Who Still Thinks They’re Part of the Family

Big Cling Energy. Still showing up to family events like nothing happened, hugging everyone too long and saying, “We should totally do a project together again.” Leaves behind business cards on the dessert table.

The travel industry is family. Dysfunctional, chaotic, sometimes a little unhinged, but still family. And like every family dinner, we complain the whole way there, but we always show up.

BRB, gotta go watch Planes, Trains, and Automobiles,

xo, 🖤 Jenn