A mum’s video has taken the internet by storm as she ridiculed fellow Brits over the intense battle for sunbeds at a popular holiday destination.
Claire Chivers, 43, along with her husband John, 49, and their eight-year-old daughter Freddie-Maie, were looking forward to a tranquil break in Benalmádena, Spain.
However, the family-of-three soon discovered they were among fiercely determined holidaymakers, all eager to claim the best lounging spots.
The quality control manager from Midsomer Norton captured the frenzied scene on TikTok, never anticipating her video would explode with 414,000 views and over 3,000 likes. Her post was humorously titled: “Ready, steady, go.”
Speaking to Luxury Travel Daily, Claire said: “We found it quite amusing, [as] you don’t spend thousands on a holiday to lie down all day.”
Despite the mad dash for poolside positions, she noted that there was no shortage of other seating options like sunbeds, chairs, and sofas.
Yet, the early birds were adamant about securing a spot right by the pool.
The viral footage, shot on July 13, 2024, showed hordes of tourists sprinting to the pool area at the crack of dawn to place their towels on any available lounger. Claire’s video also sparked a flurry of comments from equally horrified viewers.
One user exclaimed: “My idea of holiday hell,” while another chimed in, “That’s why I don’t go to places like this.”
Others joked about the aftermath, with one commenting: “Who is gonna pick up all of the towels and throw them in the pool,” and yet another expressing relief: “I am glad I hate sunbathing.”
Claire reported that between 8 pm and 10 am the pool and sun loungers were off-limits due to metal guards installed for “safety reasons.”
However, she suggested that vacationers themselves would break these regulations in an attempt to secure their spots early.
She added: “The staff would come and take the towels off. People [were made to] queue until the guards were taken down.”
On one particular morning, Claire witnessed a guest confront a staff member as she questioned holidaymakers spending the whole day sunbathing by the pool instead of exploring the holiday hotspot.
She said: “This particular morning, a guest shouted at a staff member asking what his problem was.
“Most people sat there all day, but we preferred to sightsee, visit different places and take in the culture.”
In contrast to those who chose to remain at the hotel premises throughout their stay, Claire said: “Not sit around and only see the hotel. We came back from our days out and easily got a sunbed, just not at the poolside. My advice, get a life and see Spain.”