A mother has become an internet sensation after posting a video capturing the frantic scramble for sunbeds during her vacation.
Claire Chivers, 43, along with her husband John, 49, and their eight-year-old daughter Freddie-Maie, headed to sunny Benalmádena, Spain, hoping for a peaceful week under the sun.
However, upon arrival, the family found themselves in a chaotic rush to claim the prime poolside sunbeds. Claire, who works as a quality control manager, documented the frenzy on TikTok.
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The video quickly amassed 414,000 views and over 3,000 likes, captioned: “Ready, steady, go”.
“We found it quite amusing because you don’t spend thousands on a holiday to lie down all day,” Claire, from Midsomer Norton, shared with Luxury Travel Daily.
“There were plenty of other sunbeds, chairs, and sofas available, but these people rushing had to get poolside beds.”
The video, filmed on 13 July 2024, shows a crowd of people dashing towards the pool, tossing their towels on any available seat.
The comments section was filled with reactions from viewers. “My idea of holiday hell,” remarked Joe.
Another person commented, “That’s why I don’t go to places like this.”
Mal added, “Who is going to pick up all of the towels and throw them in the pool.”
Another user said, “Universal Credit Holidays at their best.”
One person noted, “I am glad I hate sunbathing.”
Claire explained that the pool and sunbeds were off-limits from 8pm to 10am, secured by metal guards for “safety reasons”.
Despite this, she claims guests would remove the guards to reserve their spots.
“The staff would come and take the towels off,” she added.
“People had to queue until the guards were taken down.
One morning, a guest even 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, not just sit around and only see the hotel.
We came back from our days out and easily got a sunbed, just not at poolside. My advice, get a life and see Spain instead.”
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