French, Italians lead in reserving sun loungers with towels, survey finds

The common practice of reserving sun loungers with towels, often stereotyped as a German vacationer's habit, is more widespread among other nationalities, according to a recent survey. While many associate the early morning towel placement with Germans, a YouGov poll revealed that only 38% of German tourists have engaged in this practice.

In contrast, 45% of French and Italian holidaymakers admitted to reserving their loungers with towels. This informal reservation system, prevalent on beaches and by swimming pools across Europe during the hot August months, has long been a source of irritation for many.

Despite the widespread annoyance, the survey found that a majority of respondents across all surveyed countries (60% to 82%) consider the practice "unacceptable." Nevertheless, a significant portion of vacationers, between 51% and 63%, reported often finding themselves without a lounger due to this towel-reserving technique.

Adding to the frustration, 14% to 28% of those who couldn't find a lounger admitted to solving the problem by taking someone else's towel. The survey, highlighted by The Guardian, sheds light on a common holiday annoyance, challenging prevailing stereotypes about who is most guilty of the practice.