Latest news with #TravelRepublic
Daily Record
14 hours ago
- Daily Record
Brit in Benidorm issues warning to holidaymakers over new 'scam' on streets
Frank moved to the Mediterranean coast 13 years ago, and as well as hosting parties as 'The Stag Man', he also offers advice to fellow Brits heading to the coastal city Brits dreaming of sun-soaked Benidorm holiday this summer are being warned by an ex-pat about a fresh "scam" plaguing the Spanish holiday hotspot. Frank, who has lived on the Mediterranean coast for 13 years and is known as 'The Stag Man' for his party hosting, took to TikTok to share his insights with fellow Brits planning a trip to the city on the Mediterranean coast. In a video posted on Tuesday (June 10), he highlighted a new con that tourists"probably won't be aware of". Filming on the streets of Benidorm, Frank pointed out individuals with clipboards approaching people. He recounted his own experience of declining to complete a "petition", saying: "As you've seen there, this is one of the scams that runs along the beachfront." Frank explained that unsuspecting holidaymakers are coaxed into signing petitions and then pressured to donate money. His partner also appeared in the clip to criticise the scam: "They'll say it's for the blind or the disabled and that they are petitioning to get something sorted here in Spain." And she condemned the practice: "It's full of a load of rubbish and illegal to do this here in Spain." Frank, meanwhile, concluded with a stark warning as he reiterated: "They're illegal, scamming, and they will take your money. Some people even get their wallets out and give them a few quid." Brits who have fallen prey to the scam have shared their experiences in response, including one woman who: "My husband fell for this in Old Town. A guy claiming he was deaf, my husband being deaf, we didn't realise the scam till after." Another praised the advice: "Thank you for the heads up. We are coming next Monday. I got scammed with the potato game three years ago." A third shared their unfortunate story, adding: "I had this scam done to me and my partner luckily we had no cash on us." Whilst a fourth person recounted: "I got caught in Old Town, he wanted €10 from me, when I said no he was so rude until my husband showed up." And a fifth TikTok user said: "I had the same guy do it at Placa del Castell last Wednesday. Told him no three times for him to go away. Felt bad for the ones who stop and listen to him that don't know any better." In a separate video, Frank highlighted another issue with tourists having their phones stolen. He explained that scammers would approach victims, claiming to be lost, and ask to use their phone for a Google Maps search. As soon as the phone is out, the scammer would grab it and run off. Benidorm, nestled in the heart of Costa Blanca, saw British tourists accounting for 45% of overnight stays in 2024 alone, according to Travel Republic. This equates to over 600,000 visitors. The city is home to 32 British pubs, many streaming live sports daily and renowned for their bargain beer prices. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Mirror
16 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Brit living in Benidorm issues warning to holidaymakers over 'scam'
A 'scam' is rife on the streets of Benidorm according to a British man who has lived in the resort town for 13 years – and others have admitted to falling for it and ending up losing money If you plan on travelling to Benidorm this summer, you may wish to heed the advice of a Brit living in the Spanish resort who has sounded the alarm over a new "scam" said to be sweeping the region. Frank moved to the Mediterranean coast 13 years ago, and as well as hosting parties as 'The Stag Man', he also offers advice to fellow Brits heading to the coastal city. Taking to TikTok on Tuesday (June 10), he said fraudsters have a new trick that you "probably won't be aware of". In video recorded on the streets of Benidorm, Frank pointed out a number of people holding clipboards who are approaching passers-by. And after turning down the opportunity to fill out a "petition" himself, he explained: "As you've seen there, this is one of the scams that runs along the beachfront." But how does it work? Frank claimed that holidaymakers are asked to sign petitions, which once completed, they are pushed into making a donation. His partner interjected, stating: "They'll say it's for the blind or the disabled and that they are petitioning to get something sorted here in Spain." However, she slammed: "It's full of a load of rubbish and illegal to do this here in Spain." Frank added: "They're illegal, scamming, and they will take your money. Some people even get their wallets out and give them a few quid." Proving that some Brits are falling for the trick, one TikTok user responded: "My husband fell for this in Old Town. A guy claiming he was deaf, my husband being deaf, we didn't realise the scam till after." A second praised: "Thank you for the heads up. We are coming next Monday. I got scammed with the potato game three years ago." A third revealed: "I had this scam done to me and my partner luckily we had no cash on us." A fourth detailed: "I got caught in Old Town, he wanted €10 from me, when I said no he was so rude until my husband showed up." Whilst a fifth TikTok user recalled: "I had the same guy do it at Placa del Castell last Wednesday. Told him no three times for him to go away. Felt bad for the ones who stop and listen to him that don't know any better." In a separate clip last week, meanwhile, Frank pointed out another "big problem" with holidaymakers having their phones stolen. He explained: "Generally, what happens is, someone comes up to you and they'll say to you 'oh, I'm with some friends, and I'm lost, and I don't know where I'm going. Can you do a Google Map search for me?' "What you do, because you're a nice person, is you whip your phone out, you get your Google Maps up, and as soon as you get your Google Maps up, they grab the phone and run off with it." Benidorm sits in the middle of the Costa Blanca and according to an index from online holiday provider, Travel Republic, British tourists accounted for 45% of overnight stays in this city alone in 2024, totalling over 600,000 visitors. The city boasts 32 British pubs, many of which stream live sports daily and are known for their very low beer prices.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Unassuming hobby loved by pensioners now a trend for Gen Z after TikTok boom
Birdwatching has become a massive trend on social media among younger Brits - meanwhile an increasing number of us are jetting off for wildlife holidays instead of boozy getaways If you thought birdwatching was a sport for retirees, you're mistaken – the newest enthusiasts of the trend are Gen Z. What's more, they're willing to travel to do it. While birdwatching might have a bad rep for being boring, Gen Z are proving that it is anything but. You might be surprised to find that #birdwatching on TikTok has over 374K posts on the app – mainly featuring young TikTokkers exploring the outdoors, showing off their best cottagecore outfits, as well as sharing their most impressive bird sightings. But instead of being seen as nerdy, it has viewers inspired. In fact, the growing popularity of the activity has even melded into Gen Z's growing interest in 'wildlife holidays'. Based on data gathered by the Travel Republic, searches for 'wildlife holiday' have increased by 336% over the past year. By comparison, searches for 'party holiday' decreased by 34%. Travel Republic revealed: 'We are seeing more and more young people looking to take part in activities traditionally associated with older generations, especially when it comes to activities centred around wildlife." They added: 'One major reason for this is that many Gen Zers are looking to spend their summer holidays in areas that are peaceful and centred around nature. Wildlife holidays are a great way to do this while also making unforgettable memories.' Some of the most popular destinations they've found Gen Z travelling to on wildlife holidays include Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the US and Australia. However, not everyone is travelling to far-off countries to explore this hobby. It's also taking off as a trend in the UK. Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you! A British outdoor influencer, @emmy_explores, went viral after revealing her new favourite hobby: birdwatching. 'No words, just my RSPB guide and binoculars!!!' she said in her caption. The video garnered over 270K views and millions of comments. Commenters were quick to share their own growing love for birdwatching. 'I've started at 23 and by far the best part is all the older birders who are so excited to see a young person birdwatching,' one user said. Others added that they had started birdwatching as a teenager. 'It's the best relaxing hobby anyone can join. Sitting down in nature watching nature!' one commenter explained the appeal. Many other comments also added their appreciation for 'dad hobbies'. In Emmy's videos, she explores some of the UK's most famous beauty spots, like the Lake District. Sam Bentley is another popular UK-based ecologist who regularly posts videos of him performing 'bird surveys' which rack up thousands of views. In the UK especially, this is becoming more important than ever. According to government data , bird species across the UK have declined by 2% between 2018 and 2023. However, when you look at just England, this figure rises to 7%. One of the biggest causes of this are modern farmland practices according to the Royal Society for the Protection of Bird's (RSPB) State of Nature report 2023. This is largely due to the use of fertilisers and pesticides, which impact bird's food supply. As bird numbers fall hopefully Gen Z's reviving interest in these tiny dinosaurs will also lead to heightened awareness over their safety.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Daily Mirror
'I live in Benidorm and tourists make this same mistake every time they visit'
A Benidorm expert has issued a stern warning to holidaymakers about a significant issue that has plagued the area, urging tourists to remain vigilant. Known as frankthestagmanofficial on TikTok, Frank is famed for organising stag and hen dos in the Spanish resort. He also uses his platform to share travel advice. In one video, he revealed a major problem affecting tourists. He raised the alarm for travellers, stressing that "this is really happening", and advised them to be "very, very careful" during their stay. Frank pointed out a "big problem" with holidaymakers having their phones stolen. In his clip, he explained: "Generally, what happens is, someone comes up to you and they'll say to you 'oh, I'm with some friends, and I'm lost, and I don't know where I'm going. Can you do a Google Map search for me?' "What you do, because you're a nice person, is you whip your phone out, you get your Google Maps up, and as soon as you get your Google Maps up, they grab the phone and run off with it." Frank clarified that if you're wondering why they insist on you unlocking your phone first, there's a straightforward reason. Once it's unlocked, they can "help themselves" to all your apps, including any money-related ones. If anyone approaches you with such a story, he strongly advises against taking out your phone. He admitted it's a "horrible" thing to suggest, but warns it's necessary given the current circumstances. The man issued a warning: "You help that one person, they'll run off with your phone, they'll take all your money,". "Just basically destroy whatever they can. And, do you know what people, let me tell you this right now, no one's going to help you then." His warning has resonated with many, garnering over 2.1 million views and numerous comments expressing gratitude for the warning. One user agreed: "It's rife now, and dangerous too." Another shared a consequence of this trend: "Such a shame for people who genuinely might need help as we're all too scared to help anyone." A third user drew a parallel: "Like a standard day in London then." Another commenter recounted a similar experience: "This happened to me in Bilbao. Ironically, I spent the rest of my holiday asking strangers if I could use their Google Maps to work out where I was going. Didn't run off though." Others thanked Frank for raising awareness, pointing out that some banking apps have facial recognition for added security, yet still advised against taking unnecessary risks. Benidorm sits in the middle of the Costa Blanca and according to an index from online holiday provider, Travel Republic, British tourists accounted for 45% of overnight stays in this city alone in 2024, totalling over 600,000 visitors. Benidorm has 32 British pubs, many of which stream live sports daily and are known for their very low beer prices.
Daily Mirror
24-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Little known offensive word Spanish use to describe British tourists
There is a specific term used to describe Brits abroad who take part in typically-loutish behaviour while on holiday in Spain, like excessive drinking Spaniards have reportedly coined a term to alert each other of the presence of British holidaymakers. Many Brits cherish the chance to jet off to various global destinations for a holiday, with Spain often topping the list as an ideal getaway from the UK's gloomy weather. The British are no strangers to the Spanish shores, famously flocking to places like the renowned Benidorm strip. According to a new index from online holiday provider, Travel Republic, British tourists accounted for 45% of overnight stays in Benidorm alone in 2024, totalling over 600,000 visitors. Benidorm has also been named the second-best holiday destination for a pub experience, home to 32 British pubs, the majority of which stream live sports daily. But the love affair with Spain may in fact be largely one-sided, according to recent developments. British tourists sometimes find themselves in hot water when travelling to or within Spain, and they're not exactly celebrated for their exemplary behaviour, leading locals to adopt a specific term to refer to Brits who exhibit troublesome characteristics. Earlier this year, The Sun disclosed that the term in question is "guiri", pronounced "guee-ree". It's understood to originate from the Basque language, meaning "blonde" or "fair-skinned", and refers to the physical traits of many tourists. Brits are not automatically labelled as such, but those who engage in poor conduct while on holiday could earn the moniker. Behaviours that might earn someone the "guiri" tag include excessive drinking, loud chanting, and other forms of rowdy conduct. Being labelled a "guiri" may cause offense to a few travellers, but it's a term used for all tourists according to some. You won't be run out of town for being one, but locals may poke fun at you for doing stereotypical "guiri" behaviours such as sipping sangria all day or only eating pizza, chips, and toasties. The best way to avoid the "guiri" tag is to immerse yourself in the local culture and making an effort to learn and speak the language. That said, tensions have been rising between Spaniards and British tourists in recent years due to consequences of overtourism. The mass demonstrations overtook 42 cities across Spain in April 2025 as hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of Spain to spotlight the housing shortage and soaring rental prices that has been exacerbated by overtourism. The clear and defiant message resonated with the Malaga City Council, which subsequently cancelled plans to build 1,300 tourist homes in the city. The new city strategy will veer away from property sales to non-Spaniards, considering a 'total ban' altogether.
