Relax - Holiday horror: Part 2

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I was groped in a jacuzzi

I was molested on a cruise to Thailand and Malaysia. The swimming pool had an attached jacuzzi so I went in for a soak.

As the tub started filling up with people, I got quite uncomfortable as I noticed this man staring at my chest.

I got up to leave, but I first had to get past him. As I was doing so, he reached out and casually groped my butt, and gave it two quick squeezes.

Then he looked me in the eye and grinned. I gasped as I was too shocked for words. I felt so defiled.

I went back to my room and took a long hot shower, and scrubbed my butt till it was all red. Yang Shiling, 28, teacher

WHAT YOU CAN DO

It’s best to report the offender to the crew and let them hand him over to the authorities.

>> NEXT: Pickpocketed in Rome

I was pickpocketed in Rome

I went on a multi-city European trip with a girlfriend.

On our last day in Rome, during the mad rush of last-minute shopping, I left my handbag unzipped for 10 minutes, which was enough time for my purse, containing 400 Euros ($779) and all my credit cards, to be stolen.

And while we were in Greece the following week, my friend’s two bags were stolen on a train to Athens.

She lost her clothes, toiletries and all the presents she had accumulated during the trip. We ended up sharing my clothes and toiletries. Erin Ho, 25, store manager

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Report it to the police. You will need the report for travel insurance claims when you get home.

>> NEXT: Paying RM $7,000 to win a prize

I paid RM$7,000 to “win” a prize

On my last day in Kuala Lumpur, I was given a scratch-and-win card on the street.

My card showed a symbol, which meant I had won something big. But special lighting was needed to decode the symbol to reveal what the prize was.

When I went to the office to claim my prize, the organisers said I had to top up RM$5,000 before I could find out what I had won.

he sum was for an assortment of four smaller ‘prizes’: an air-purifier, foot reflexology machine, home theatre system and an electric stove. In essence, I was buying these items in the expectation that the big prize would be worth more.

They showed me Malaysian newspaper reports and pictures of people winning first-class air tickets and cars.

I figured it was worth my while, so I coughed up the money. I won a jade bed, which was a hassle to bring back to Singapore. In the end, I left it with the organisers but took the four bulky ‘prizes’ back with me.

I then rushed back to pack for my flight later that day. Instead of the bus, I had to take a RM$60 taxi ride to the airport. Then I was forced to pay for excess baggage, and had to wrap up the bulky items before they could be checked in.

But because it took so long for me to wrap the items, I missed my 10pm flight.

My ticket was one of those restricted super deals, so I had to buy a very expensive last-minute ticket for the next morning.I spent an extremely uncomfortable 12 hours on an airport bench with my so-called winnings.

And I was reminded of my stupidity every time I looked at them. In the end, the experience cost me a lot more than I had expected, in terms of time, money and stress. Sarah Li*, 29, marketing executive

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Beware of scams where there are strings attached. When in such situations, it’s best to find out what’s really in store before buying anything.

>> MISSED part 1? Read it here

Get the latest issue of Simply Her for more interesting stories. Simply Her, published by SPH Magazines is available at all newsstands now. Madeline Lin is a features writer with Simply Her magazine by SPH Magazines. Check out more stories at Simply Her online, www.simplyher.com.sg.

Holiday horror: Part 2

By Madeline Lin, Simply Her | Wed, May 5 2010

From getting groped while leaving the jacuzzi to being pick-pocketed in Europe, here are 3 more horror tales from travellers.