Those getting away this summer may have to contend with busy airports, flight delays and luggage chaos – so upon arriving at the hotel, most will simply want to relax and unwind.
However, 5.2 million TikTok views for #sunbedsaving and 14 million for #sunbedwars suggests some holidaymakers are showcasing their frustration about people’s poolside manners. So, what are the rules for perfect poolside etiquette?
To help, Compare the Market shares seven top tips about poolside etiquette.
1. Avoid reserving a lounger for longer than an hour
Claiming a lounger you won’t use for hours is unfair to other guests. Try to keep the time you leave a lounger unattended to a minimum. Make sure you check the hotel rules, as some may not allow you to reserve loungers before breakfast to give everyone a fair chance of bagging poolside seats.
2. Prevent playing loud music
Most of us will have our holiday tunes ready to go, but when other people are relaxing around the pool, they might not want to hear your music blaring from a portable speaker. Be conscious of people around you and either listen through your headphones or politely ask if you can play your music quietly on your speakers if you’re in a group.
3. Leave the sand at the beach
No one wants a gritty poolside. And having sand shaken over you while you’re relaxing on your lounger is even worse. So, try to keep your pool and beach towels separate.
Many hotels will provide you with a pool towel for a small fee. If you use these, you can keep the poolside clean and save your own towel for beach trips.
4. Be umbrella aware
Be mindful of your parasol positioning, particularly if you’re next to sun worshippers who love to tan from dawn till dusk.
If you do need some shade and it’s going to affect your neighbours, either politely ask them if they mind or move the parasol to the position that suits you both.
5. Get the kids on board
Talk to your kids to make sure they’re aware of others around them and ensure they don’t jump or splash in the quiet areas of the pool.
6. Clear up your leftovers
If you’re having a poolside snack or drink, clear up as soon as you’ve finished to avoid attracting ants, wasps and flies to the area.
7. Be considerate of social boundaries
Holidays are great for making friends but be sensitive, so you know when people are happy to socialise and when they want to keep themselves to themselves.
To make sure you can really relax on holiday, it’s important to have the right level of travel insurance in case something goes wrong. For more information, please visit: https://www.comparethemarket.com/travel-insurance/
