The Sunbed Wars: A Global Battleground for Poolside Real Estate
Every summer, the battle for the perfect sunbed becomes a global phenomenon. From the beaches of Crete to the resorts of Zante, holidaymakers are often seen engaging in a ritual that has become almost as much a part of the vacation experience as the destination itself. This year, the competition has been fiercer than ever, with some individuals going to great lengths to secure their spot under the sun.
Despite most resorts banning the practice of reserving sunbeds, it’s still common to see towels draped over loungers while the owners are off enjoying breakfast or other activities. This behavior is considered a breach of travel etiquette and has sparked debates among tourists and resort staff alike.
A recent survey conducted by YouGov, which included responses from over 2,500 UK adults, revealed some surprising insights into who is most likely to engage in this behavior. The West Midlands emerged as the region with the highest percentage of people willing to wake up early to claim a lounger, followed closely by residents of the North West and North East of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
On the other hand, those from the South West and Yorkshire and the Humber were found to be the least likely to participate in this early morning ritual. Across the UK, 12% of respondents admitted to reserving sunbeds, with Northern Ireland and Wales slightly above the national average. Scotland, however, had the lowest percentage at 10%.
Interestingly, this habit appears to be on the decline. Five years ago, 72% of people admitted to doing so, but now only 12% still engage in the practice. 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 suggests that the ‘dawn scramble’ is still very much alive.
Changing Travel Habits
While the sunbed wars may be waning, other travel habits have also evolved. Almost a quarter of Brits still indulge in a full English breakfast at the airport before departing. Meanwhile, alcohol consumption on holidays has decreased, 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 showing the highest percentage at 18%.
Despite these changes, some behaviors remain unchanged. Recent incidents have highlighted that not all tourists are following the rules. In Crete, a popular five-star hotel witnessed a chaotic ‘stampede’ for prime sunbed spots, triggered by influencers wanting to take selfies throughout the day. Guests were seen rushing toward available loungers as the pool opened, creating scenes of disorder.
In another incident, British summer workers in Zante took matters into their own hands after being frustrated by tourists who reserved sunbeds. They reportedly hid the towels and threw them into trees. One witness, 20-year-old waitress Millie Newsham, described how she and her friends noticed towels placed on sunbeds while returning to their hotel at 6am. Footage captured the group dragging the towels off the loungers and scattering them around the poolside, even tossing them onto railings and a tree.
Regional Breakdown of Sunbed Reservations
Here’s a breakdown of the regions and the percentage of people who admitted to waking up early to reserve a lounger:
- 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 figures highlight regional differences in travel etiquette and the ongoing struggle between those who prioritize comfort and those who value fairness. As travel trends continue to evolve, it remains to be seen whether the sunbed wars will eventually fade away or if new rituals will emerge in their place.
