Latest news with #KarenGregory
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
We're Benidorm superfans – we've spent 5-figure sum in seven years… here's the reasons it's the best place to holiday
The couple avoid the spots frequented by large stag dos and hen parties but reveal they now have no plans to holiday elsewhere ever again FEVER ESPANA We're Benidorm superfans – we've spent 5-figure sum in seven years… here's the reasons it's the best place to holiday Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IT was the home of the beloved British comedy for over a decade, but to Mark and Karen Gregory, Benidorm is no joke. The superfans of the Spanish town have holidayed there 25 times. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Mark and Karen Gregory have holidayed in Benidorm a whopping 25 times Credit: Mark Gregory 5 The couple have spent over £30k in the last seven years sunning themselves in Benidorm Credit: Mark Gregory The couple, both 50, have spent over £30,000 in the last seven years sunning themselves in Benidorm, located in Costa Blanca, after falling in love with it during their first visit in 2018. And the pair, from Swansea, now have no plans to holiday elsewhere ever again, despite anti-tourism protests in some Spanish resorts. Mark says: 'We used to go to Majorca and the Canaries, until we spotted a deal for a trip to Benidorm one day. 'We thought we'd try it for a week and we were so pleasantly surprised that my wife started looking for accommodation to go again as soon as we got home. 'It's the very best place to holiday. "The people who have bad opinions about it have never been. 'We aren't big drinkers but enjoy the budget alcohol. "The pints are 80 cents and bottles of cava are €2.' The couple often return to the same haunts every time they visit — enjoying a pint at the Western Saloon, dinner at Country Ribs or Kathmandu curry house, and cocktails at the Hotel California Beach Club. 'Stag groups zigzag home at 6am' They even love seeing the same Meat Loaf tribute act, often referred to as 'Meatloaf Benidorm', at venue Jokers. Moment huge fight breaks out at Benidorm swimming pool in front of shocked tourists Referencing the sitcom, which aired from 2007 to 2018, Mark reflects: 'The TV show is about typical Brits in the sun, but that's only about ten per cent of the place. 'Yes, you get your typical beer-bellied Brits abroad, but there is a much nicer, quieter side too. "We mainly go outside of the peak season as it's much cheaper, but there's entertainment all year round. 'People do have their own opinions of Benidorm and it is a bit of a 'Marmite' resort — but lots fall in love with it and we can see why.' The couple enjoy the year-round nightlife, particularly the live music, tribute and drag acts. And they love it so much they've visited 25 times since late 2018 — barring the pandemic lockdowns — having spent over £30,000 at various resorts in the town. Mark said: 'We mainly stick to the winter but we've been in May a couple of times. "In winter it can be nearly 40 per cent cheaper — not just to get there, but at the bars and restaurants too. 'And there is still so much to do — you never get bored.' The couple say they avoid the spots frequented by large stag dos and hen parties. Karen said: 'We know the spots to avoid. 'Simply the best' "But we do still occasionally see the stag groups zigzagging home at 6am. 'There's plenty of mad behaviour to see sometimes — and plenty of people passed out on benches.' But they find lots of quieter locations to enjoy their evenings. 5 A George Michael tribute act performs in one of Benidorm's clubs Credit: SWNS 5 A drag act takes to the stage at the holiday resort Credit: SWNS Some of their favourite nights out have been to see a Pink Floyd tribute act, a Tom Jones tribute and a comedian called Tony Scott. The couple largely stay in a self-catered apartment which they visit several times a year — and get a discount because of their loyalty, which keeps costs low so they can afford more visits. But they don't mind, as all the local produce is better quality for their home-cooked meals. Mark explains: 'We do sometimes go for meals but Karen is coeliac so it's not that easy. 'The supermarkets are much better than in England and there are so many gluten-free options for us.' The couple say that since discovering their love for Benidorm they have only holidayed elsewhere once, in Tenerife. But nothing compared to their beloved Benidorm, so they have decided to forget further travel elsewhere. People do have their own opinions, but I don't like it when people share derogatory views about it when they've never been Mark Gregory Mark says: 'There are times we think we might be 'Benidormed out'. 'But then we realise it doesn't compare to anywhere else. And when we go, it just gets better and better.' They now have no plans to visit elsewhere, and live a frugal life at home so they can afford their £6,000-per-year trips. Mark added: 'Whenever we go back there are new places that have opened, but we like the familiarity. 'If we go to a new place it takes a few days to find our feet, whereas going here, it's like coming home.' He added: 'People do have their own opinions, but I don't like it when people share derogatory views about it when they've never been. 'If you've never tried it, and you've just watched the TV show or read about it, don't just jump on the bandwagon. Benidorm is quite simply the best.' 5 Karen poses with Benidorm's Meat Loaf impersonator Credit: SWNS Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
We're Benidorm superfans – we've spent 5-figure sum in seven years… here's the reasons it's the best place to holiday
IT was the home of the beloved British comedy for over a decade, but to Mark and Karen Gregory, Benidorm is no joke. The superfans of 5 Mark and Karen Gregory have holidayed in Benidorm a whopping 25 times Credit: Mark Gregory 5 The couple have spent over £30k in the last seven years sunning themselves in Benidorm Credit: Mark Gregory The couple, both 50, have spent over £30,000 in the last seven years sunning themselves in Benidorm, located in And the pair, from Swansea, now have no plans to holiday elsewhere ever again, despite Mark says: 'We used to go to 'We thought we'd try it for a week and we were so pleasantly surprised that my wife started looking for accommodation to go again as soon as we got home. read more on benidorm 'It's the very best place to holiday. "The people who have bad opinions about it have never been. 'We aren't big drinkers but enjoy the "The Most read in News Travel The couple often return to the same haunts every time they visit — enjoying a pint at the Western Saloon, dinner at Country Ribs or Kathmandu curry house, and cocktails at the Hotel California Beach Club. 'Stag groups zigzag home at 6am' They even love seeing the same Moment huge fight breaks out at Benidorm swimming pool in front of shocked tourists Referencing the sitcom, which aired from 2007 to 2018, Mark reflects: ' 'Yes, you get your typical beer-bellied Brits abroad, but there is a much nicer, quieter side too. "We mainly go outside of the peak season as it's much cheaper, but there's entertainment all year round. 'People do have their own opinions of Benidorm and it is a bit of a 'Marmite' resort — but lots fall in love with it and we can see why.' The couple enjoy the year-round nightlife, particularly the live music, tribute and drag acts. And they love it so much they've visited 25 times since late 2018 — barring the pandemic lockdowns — having spent over £30,000 at various resorts in the town. Mark said: 'We mainly stick to the winter but we've been in May a couple of times. " 'And there is still so much to do — you never get bored.' The couple say they avoid the spots frequented by large stag dos and hen parties. Karen said: 'We know the spots to avoid. 'Simply the best' "But we do still occasionally see the stag groups zigzagging home at 6am. 'There's plenty of mad behaviour to see sometimes — and plenty of people passed out on benches.' But they find lots of quieter locations to enjoy their evenings. 5 A George Michael tribute act performs in one of Benidorm's clubs Credit: SWNS 5 A drag act takes to the stage at the holiday resort Credit: SWNS Some of their favourite nights out have been to see a Pink Floyd tribute act, a Tom Jones tribute and a comedian called Tony Scott. The couple largely stay in a self-catered apartment which they visit several times a year — and get a discount because of their loyalty, which keeps costs low so they can afford more visits. But they don't mind, as all the local produce is better quality for their home-cooked meals. Mark explains: 'We do sometimes go for meals but Karen is 'The supermarkets are much better than in England and there are so many gluten-free options for us.' The couple say that since discovering their love for Benidorm they have only holidayed elsewhere once, in Tenerife. But nothing compared to their beloved Benidorm, so they have decided to forget further travel elsewhere. People do have their own opinions, but I don't like it when people share derogatory views about it when they've never been Mark Gregory Mark says: 'There are times we think we might be 'Benidormed out'. 'But then we realise it doesn't compare to anywhere else. And when we go, it just gets better and better.' They now have no plans to visit elsewhere, and live a frugal life at home so they can afford their £6,000-per-year trips. Mark added: 'Whenever we go back there are new places that have opened, but we like the familiarity. 'If we go to a new place it takes a few days to find our feet, whereas going here, it's like coming home.' He added: 'People do have their own opinions, but I don't like it when people share derogatory views about it when they've never been. 'If you've never tried it, and you've just watched the TV show or read about it, don't just jump on the bandwagon. Benidorm is quite simply the best.' 5 Karen poses with Benidorm's Meat Loaf impersonator Credit: SWNS Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
We're Benidorm superfans – we've spent 5-figure sum in seven years… here's the reasons it's the best place to holiday
IT was the home of the beloved British comedy for over a decade, but to Mark and Karen Gregory, Benidorm is no joke. The superfans of the Spanish town have holidayed there 25 times. 5 5 The couple, both 50, have spent over £30,000 in the last seven years sunning themselves in Benidorm, located in Costa Blanca, after falling in love with it during their first visit in 2018. And the pair, from Swansea, now have no plans to holiday elsewhere ever again, despite anti-tourism protests in some Spanish resorts. Mark says: 'We used to go to Majorca and the Canaries, until we spotted a deal for a trip to Benidorm one day. 'We thought we'd try it for a week and we were so pleasantly surprised that my wife started looking for accommodation to go again as soon as we got home. 'It's the very best place to holiday. "The people who have bad opinions about it have never been. 'We aren't big drinkers but enjoy the budget alcohol. "The pints are 80 cents and bottles of cava are €2.' The couple often return to the same haunts every time they visit — enjoying a pint at the Western Saloon, dinner at Country Ribs or Kathmandu curry house, and cocktails at the Hotel California Beach Club. 'Stag groups zigzag home at 6am' They even love seeing the same Meat Loaf tribute act, often referred to as 'Meatloaf Benidorm', at venue Jokers. Moment huge fight breaks out at Benidorm swimming pool in front of shocked tourists Referencing the sitcom, which aired from 2007 to 2018, Mark reflects: ' The TV show is about typical Brits in the sun, but that's only about ten per cent of the place. 'Yes, you get your typical beer-bellied Brits abroad, but there is a much nicer, quieter side too. "We mainly go outside of the peak season as it's much cheaper, but there's entertainment all year round. 'People do have their own opinions of Benidorm and it is a bit of a 'Marmite' resort — but lots fall in love with it and we can see why.' The couple enjoy the year-round nightlife, particularly the live music, tribute and drag acts. And they love it so much they've visited 25 times since late 2018 — barring the pandemic lockdowns — having spent over £30,000 at various resorts in the town. Mark said: 'We mainly stick to the winter but we've been in May a couple of times. " In winter it can be nearly 40 per cent cheaper — not just to get there, but at the bars and restaurants too. 'And there is still so much to do — you never get bored.' The couple say they avoid the spots frequented by large stag dos and hen parties. Karen said: 'We know the spots to avoid. 'Simply the best' "But we do still occasionally see the stag groups zigzagging home at 6am. 'There's plenty of mad behaviour to see sometimes — and plenty of people passed out on benches.' But they find lots of quieter locations to enjoy their evenings. 5 5 Some of their favourite nights out have been to see a Pink Floyd tribute act, a Tom Jones tribute and a comedian called Tony Scott. The couple largely stay in a self-catered apartment which they visit several times a year — and get a discount because of their loyalty, which keeps costs low so they can afford more visits. But they don't mind, as all the local produce is better quality for their home-cooked meals. Mark explains: 'We do sometimes go for meals but Karen is coeliac so it's not that easy. 'The supermarkets are much better than in England and there are so many gluten-free options for us.' The couple say that since discovering their love for Benidorm they have only holidayed elsewhere once, in Tenerife. But nothing compared to their beloved Benidorm, so they have decided to forget further travel elsewhere. Mark says: 'There are times we think we might be 'Benidormed out'. 'But then we realise it doesn't compare to anywhere else. And when we go, it just gets better and better.' They now have no plans to visit elsewhere, and live a frugal life at home so they can afford their £6,000-per-year trips. Mark added: 'Whenever we go back there are new places that have opened, but we like the familiarity. 'If we go to a new place it takes a few days to find our feet, whereas going here, it's like coming home.' He added: 'People do have their own opinions, but I don't like it when people share derogatory views about it when they've never been. 'If you've never tried it, and you've just watched the TV show or read about it, don't just jump on the bandwagon. Benidorm is quite simply the best.'
Daily Mirror
19-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Brits call out 'horrendous' hotel behaviour but admit 'we find it funny'
British holidaymakers Mark and Karen Gregory, both 50, are frequent Benidorm-goers and usually opt to stay at apartments - but their accommodation often overlooks major hotel pools Holidaymakers at a Benidorm hotel have been filmed participating in a frantic "sunbed dash", where every available lounger is claimed within a staggering three minutes. Frequent Spain holidaymakers Mark and Karen Gregory, both 50, typically opt for apartment accommodations that often overlook major hotel pools, giving them a front-row seat to the morning mayhem. During their May trip, the couple from Swansea, Wales, captured multiple instances of sun-hungry Brits racing to secure the best sunbeds. Mark, who runs an online sales business, recounted: "We saw people queuing from first thing - the queues were horrendous! People were properly running in. "One hotel we did stay in, the pool opened at 8.30am and by 8.33am every bed had a towel on. I think it happens everywhere - just because hotels don't have as many beds as they do guests." Have you witnessed any hotel shenanigans? Email webtravel@ Article continues below The pair prefer to observe the chaos rather than participate. Mark added: "We don't partake at all, we just observe. I know it's a bugbear for a lot of tourists - but we just find it funny." Making sure you have a good spot by the pool or beach is serious business. And the stakes are high. Brits who lay out their towels to reserve a sunbed for hours at a time have been warned they could face hefty fines of up to €250 (approximately £210). The team at travel insurance comparison site have warned Brits heading on Spain holidays to think twice before laying out a towel on the beach, as it could actually land you facing some hefty extra charges. They explained: "In popular areas of Spain like Barcelona and Costa Blanca, tourists can now be fined €250 for reserving sunbeds, meaning waking up early to bag a spot for you and the family is no longer allowed. This rule was introduced following numerous complaints about sunbeds being reserved for hours with no one in sight." The rules were brought into force last year, in a bid to stop tourists from reserving spots on public beaches with towels and sunbeds, despite then not returning for hours a time - meaning other visitors had to make do with leftover space, causing issues such as fights breaking out, or crowding. The fines don't always stop poor behaviour, however. While having a late-night chinwag on their balcony in Magaluf, Spain, Mandy Boyd spotted some lads she thought were having a cheeky swim in the pool. But upon closer inspection, the 34-year-old realised the young men were trying to nab the best beds at 2am, despite the fact that the pool wasn't due to open until 9am the next day. The quartet of girls watched as the lads dragged out their sunloungers to try and secure prime spots. Mandy and her mates patiently waited on the balcony for the perfect moment to dash down and swipe the towels.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
One Woman's Memoir Enables Readers To Embark On A Nostalgic Journey Through The Heartland Of the US in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s
Palmetto Publishing Announces The Release of JOURNEYS FROM THE DRIFTLESS Journeys from the Driftless Charleston, SC, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Have you ever wanted to turn back time and lose yourself in a book from the good ol' days? In Karen Gregory's new book Journeys from the Driftless, Baby Boomers can revisit their own childhood memories. 'Most everyone will find a memory that will sweep him or her back in time to a treasured day, a moment they will never forget. Escape for a while with Journeys from the Driftless,' said the author. Readers will follow Karen as a child, a self-described timid girl with grand aspirations, who then evolves into a full-fledged woman shaped by the events of her time. The book is meant to captivate you, stir your emotions, and invite you to treasure the memories it rekindles. Journeys from the Driftless: Growing Up on an Iowa Farm is available for purchase online at and Barnes and For more information about the author, please visit any of his/her social media platforms Facebook: Twitter: LinkedIn: About the Author: Karen Gregory, author of Journeys from the Driftless, hails from Northeast Iowa where she spent her formative years on a farm that inspires her stories. Leaving at 18, she pursued a graphic design career that evolved into successful stints as an art director and writer at renowned advertising firms, including Ogilvy & Mather and GSD&M. After 30+ years crafting award-winning campaigns, she and her husband and kitties retired to Tucson, where she continues to write for a local ad agency. Karen's engaging narratives are a testament to her roots, offering readers a nostalgic journey into simpler times. Media Contact: Karen Gregory, Available for interviews: Author, Karen Gregory Attachment Journeys from the Driftless CONTACT: Leah Joseph Palmetto Publishing publicity@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
