The mayhem also interrupted Dallas couple Tom and Vy Nguyen's fifth wedding anniversary trip to the city.

NPR: Its Streets Deserted, An Uneasy Boston Perseveres

The most common excuses included pretending their child was sick (35%), visiting sick relatives (20%), a family wedding (18%) and a trip for educational purposes (16%).

BBC: School term-time holidays: 'Most parents take them'

For example, a trip to Hawaii for a destination wedding is a perfect excuse to take a few extra days on the beach.

BBC: Is your vacation an obligation?