When it comes to family vacations, it's like we're jinxed: Something always goes wrong. Luggage gets lost (one time, it was a carry-on -- how is that possible?). Flights are long gone, despite showing up two hours early. Hotels promise a room with a king and end up giving us a map, pointing us out the door toward places with actual vacancies.
"You know what -- this time, I'm going to write a letter."
I'm pretty sure I've said that after every vacation, and it never gets done. I'm never sure how much charm or how much vitriol to use and really, when it comes down to it, there are bigger things to worry about than lost bags or messed up rooms. (We've got mammoth problems, I know, earth-changing ones.) Still, I was pretty excited when someone sent the SD a copy of "How to Complain for Fun and Profit" by Bruce Silverman, a former ad guy who used extensive traveling mishaps to bulk up on his letter writing skills.
This is like the Bible for bitching -- and getting something out of it. Written in a charming, helpful tone, the book is more how-to than narrative. There are many examples of letters that have worked, but my favorite definitely comes in the chapter -- "How to complain when you're so angry you never intend to deal with those bastards again."
If you've ever thought about writing a letter but seemingly never get around to it, this one is for you. I'm definitely keeping it and just waiting to see what United does to our bags next year. And just try me, hotel. Bring it.
