The Battle for the Best Poolside Sunbeds
Every summer, the quest for the perfect sunbed spot becomes a highly competitive game among holidaymakers. This year has seen an increase in the number of people arriving early to secure their loungers, despite most resorts prohibiting the practice. It’s common to see sunbeds draped with towels while their owners are off enjoying breakfast, which is considered a major breach of travel etiquette.
A recent YouGov survey involving over 2,500 UK adults has revealed some surprising insights into who is most likely to engage in this behavior. The West Midlands tops the list, with residents being the most proactive in claiming their sunbeds before the pool opens. This was closely followed by individuals from England’s North West and North East, Wales, and Northern Ireland. On the other end of the spectrum, those from the South West and Yorkshire and the Humber are least likely to wake up early to grab a lounger.
According to the survey, 12% of respondents admitted to reserving sunbeds early, with people in Northern Ireland and Wales slightly above the UK average. Scotland, however, had the lowest percentage at 10%. While this behavior was once widespread, with 72% of people admitting to it five years ago, there seems to be a shift in attitudes. Benjy Potter, a spokesperson for GetYourGuide, noted that “the days of getting up at the crack of dawn to simply sit are fading fast.” However, social media footage from this summer shows that the early morning scramble for sunbeds is still very much alive.
Changing Travel Habits
Despite the decline in early risers, some habits remain unchanged. Almost a quarter of Brits still indulge in a full English breakfast at the airport before their flights. Meanwhile, alcohol consumption on holiday has seen a noticeable drop, with 30% of UK travelers reporting they drink less now than they did five years ago. Only 12% admit to having a drink at the airport before flying, with the North East having the highest percentage at 18%.
However, not all tourists are following the rules when abroad. Recent incidents have highlighted the growing tension between locals and tourists. For example, at a popular five-star hotel in Crete, a chaotic “stampede” occurred as guests rushed to claim the best sunbed spots. This was reportedly sparked by influencers who wanted to take selfies all day, causing frustration among other guests.
Another incident involved British summer workers in Zante who took revenge on “selfish” tourists who reserved sunbeds. They were seen hiding towels and throwing them into trees. One waitress, Millie Newsham, noticed the towels on the sunbeds during her early morning walk back to her hotel. Footage captured the group dragging the towels off the loungers and scattering them around the poolside, even tossing them onto railings and trees.
Regional Breakdown of Sunbed Reservations
Here is a breakdown of the regions and the percentage of people who admitted to waking up early to reserve a sunbed:
- West Midlands – 15%
- Wales – 13%
- North East England – 13%
- North West England – 13%
- Northern Ireland – 13%
- East of England – 12%
- London – 12%
- South East England – 12%
- East Midlands – 10%
- Scotland – 10%
- Yorkshire and the Humber – 8%
- South West England – 8%
These findings highlight the ongoing issue of sunbed reservations and the need for better awareness and respect among holidaymakers. As travel continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether these behaviors will change or persist in the future.
