Laughs on the Go: Three Travel Anecdotes That Prove Humor Travels Well
From passport lines to playground wagons, these travel yarns show that the best luggage is a sense of humor.
Life has a knack for slipping little surprises into our journeys—especially when we’re moving from place to place. Whether it’s an awkward airport exchange, a child’s blunt theological logic, or an unplanned clash of scents on a bus, these tales remind us not to take ourselves too seriously.
Settle in and enjoy three warm, funny stories that mix cleverness, innocence, and a little human truth.
The Heavenly Hitch: A Hairy Customs Caper
Returning from an indulgent holiday in Switzerland, a stylish woman found herself seated beside a kindly priest on the flight home. He wore the mild, traveled smile of someone who’d seen a great deal of life, and she, with a mischievous glint, decided to see how far his generosity might go.
After amiable small talk, she leaned close and dropped her voice. “Father, could you do me a small favor? It’s a bit delicate.”
“Of course, my child,” he answered, calm and reassuring. “What is it?”
“I bought an expensive hair‑removal gadget—pricier than some hotel rooms—and it’s over the customs allowance. I’m afraid they’ll take it. You seem trustworthy. Could you hide it beneath your robe?”
The priest hesitated. “I could carry it,” he said slowly, “but I mustn’t lie.”
She smiled. “Perfect. You won’t have to. Just let it ride with you.”
At customs, the priest stepped forward. “Anything to declare, Father?” an officer asked.
“From my head to my waist, nothing to declare,” he replied serenely.
The officer paused, then asked, “And from your waist down?”
The priest, with a calm smile, answered, “Well… there’s something rather special down there. A small device for ladies. Never used.”
The officer flushed, coughed, and waved him through. “Move along, Father… and best of luck.”
Johnny and the Divine Passenger
Little Johnny was hauling his weekend gear in a red wagon, determined to bring every last item to his dad’s house by himself. Climbing a steep hill in the heat, he muttered, “This stupid wagon is heavy!”
A passing priest overheard and stopped. “Johnny, watch your language,” he warned. “The Lord hears everything. He’s everywhere.”
Johnny wiped his brow. “Everywhere?” he asked.
“Yes,” the priest said. “He’s in church, in the trees… even walking right beside you.”
Johnny glanced at his wagon, then at the priest, considering. “Is He in my wagon too?” he inquired.
The priest laughed. “Yes, Johnny. He’s there as well.”
Johnny sighed, threw up his hands, and bellowed, “Then tell Him to get out and help push already!”
Chanel vs. Garlic: A Bus Ride Duel
Public transit is a theater of small surprises—sometimes with very distinct aromas.
I boarded a bus and settled in as a chic woman climbed aboard, looking like she’d stepped from a Paris boutique: elegant coat, pearls, and a cloud of perfume so floral it could stop a bee mid-flight.
She took the seat beside me, and after a while I couldn’t help myself. “Excuse me,” I said politely. “Your perfume is wonderful. What is it? I’d love to buy some for my wife.”
“It’s Chanel. Straight from Paris,” she replied with a gracious smile.
We rode quietly until I made a subtle contribution to the air—so I thought. She sniffed, wrinkled her nose, and said, “Oh my heavens! What is that smell?”
I shrugged sheepishly. “Garlic. I’m from Gilroy, California—the garlic capital of the world.”
She went silent and stared out the window, probably wondering if Chanel now came with protective gear.
Why These Moments Matter
In a world that often rushes and takes itself too seriously, little slices of human awkwardness remind us to slow down and laugh. Whether it’s a crafty cleric at customs, a child’s practical theology, or the aromatic showdown between haute couture and agriculture, life will keep delivering moments that make us smile—usually when we least expect them.