Top 20 Beach Annoyances Revealed by easyJet Holidays Poll
New research from easyJet Holidays has identified the top 20 beach annoyances for UK holidaymakers. According to a survey of 2,000 adults, portable speakers, drones, feeding seagulls, and social media poseurs are among the most common irritants. The poll reveals that over 36 million Brits (68%) are likely to take a beach holiday this year, and nearly all respondents (94%) have experienced their relaxation being disrupted by poor beach etiquette.
The study found that one in four people (26%) have left a beach earlier than planned due to these 'beach bothers'. Despite these frustrations, nearly half of the respondents (45%) said they wouldn’t confront the offenders. However, 50% expressed willingness to pay more for a holiday that guarantees a beach free from such nuisances.
In response to these findings, easyJet Holidays has enlisted TV personalities Michael (84) and Hilary Whitehall (62) as ‘Beach Rangers’ to tackle bad beach behavior this summer. The Whitehalls will educate staff on identifying and managing common beach annoyances.
The top 20 beach annoyances identified are:
- Noisy kids
- Litterbugs
- People playing loud music from portable speakers
- Unruly dogs
- Raucous stag or hen parties
- Being hit by a stray football or frisbee
- People making loud phone calls
- People feeding seagulls
- People shaking sand off their towels
- Sun lounger reservers
- Couples arguing
- Smoky barbecues
- People setting up large tents or gazebos, ruining the view
- Drones (noise/privacy issues)
- Social media poseurs (e.g., fussy photoshoots, TikTok dancing)
- Gratuitous public displays of affection (PDAs)
- Over-revealing swimwear
- People digging large holes and not filling them when they leave
- Strumming guitarists who can't hold a tune
- People recklessly spraying sun oil, coating everyone around them
Michael Whitehall, known for his no-nonsense approach on the Netflix show ‘Travels with My Father,’ is eager to bring this same energy to his role as Beach Ranger. He emphasized the importance of common courtesies and basic beach etiquette to ensure a pleasant experience for all.
Matt Callaghan, Chief Operating Officer at easyJet Holidays, noted, "Our research has shown that the nation has some beach boundaries they wish were observed so that everyone can have fun in the sun. Thanks to our new Beach Rangers, summer getaways abroad will no longer be disrupted by those who are out to kill the chill!"
With the Whitehalls' witty warning signs available for download, holidaymakers can now help enforce better beach behavior and enjoy a more relaxing and pleasant beach experience this summer.