A familiar holiday scene for Brits abroad—the early morning dash to the sunbed—has taken a bizarre and confusing turn for many UK tourists in Majorca. Instead of finding a sea of empty loungers at dawn, they are discovering a puzzling array of towels, pegs, and personal items mysteriously holding prime spots.
The Great Towel Takeover: A Baffling Ritual
This peculiar practice, a long-standing tradition for many German and local holidaymakers, involves 'reserving' sunbeds by placing towels on them hours, or even the night before, anyone intends to use them. For uninitiated Brits, used to a more 'first-come, first-served' approach, it has caused widespread confusion and frustration.
One bewildered British holidaymaker was quoted saying, "We got down at 7am, and everything was already taken by towels! It's absolute madness. Who does that?"
A Clash of Holiday Cultures
The phenomenon highlights a classic clash of European holiday cultures. What some see as a sensible way to plan a day of relaxation, others view as the ultimate holiday faux pas—a selfish move that ruins the poolside experience for everyone else.
The debate is raging online, with many Brits taking to social media to vent their disbelief. Comments range from sheer bafflement at the audacity to admiration for the military-level planning and dedication involved in securing the perfect spot.
Is There a Solution?
Some resorts have attempted to implement strict rules against the practice, with staff removing towels from unattended sunbeds after a certain period. However, the tradition persists, leaving many British visitors with a tough choice: adopt the tactic themselves or risk missing out on a day in the sun.
This poolside protocol serves as a reminder that even on holiday, cultural norms can differ wildly. The key to a stress-free break might just be to pack a little extra patience—and perhaps a few more pegs.
