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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Would you take a speaker on a solo holiday?

266 replies

itssoeasy · 07/06/2026 18:18

To use in your Airbnb and on the beach?

OP posts:
Plmnki · 07/06/2026 21:04

If you use speakers on the beach it will be dangerous because I’ll hit you with a rolled up newspaper.

I cannot believe someone could be so selfish and idiotic. Your upbringing must have been sorely lacking for you to think behaving in such an arsy, horrible way is acceptable.

Ilovemyshed · 07/06/2026 20:52

itssoeasy · 07/06/2026 18:24

I feel like the beach would be fine? It’s an open area, not like a train…

It absolutely is not. Use headphones. Totally unacceptable and anti social.

SqueakyFromme · 07/06/2026 20:52

SleepingStandingUp · 07/06/2026 18:46

also, it's just more stuff to carry around. what happens when you want to go in the sea or pop for food or a walk?

the speaker may get covered in sand or disappear I’d bet

SqueakyFromme · 07/06/2026 20:47

god forbid people may want to listen to the sound of the sea and nature and relax in the tranquility

Maddy70 · 07/06/2026 20:44

Arlanymor · 07/06/2026 18:18

Yes to the Airbnb, no to the beach, use headphones please, we don't all want to hear your music.

This

fabstraction · 07/06/2026 20:36

I'm not actually bothered by people playing music as long as it's not blaring. Just loud enough that you can hear it if you're not sitting right next to someone else is probably fine. I'd just be aware of the situation. Someone right next to me and trying to sleep or read? I'd probably move or just forego the music. N-one nearby and windy enough to drown out most sounds? Perfectly fine to play something at a low volume.

It's not like people are forced to sit right beside you, and people tend not to be silent at the beach, anyway. I'd rather hear music at a low volume than their conversation, sometimes.

That said, it should be safe to listen though headphones. If it's not, I don't think I'd feel safe with a speaker going, either. In fact, I'd just not sit there at all, most likely.

moleeye · 07/06/2026 20:35

OP: “Should I take my speaker to the beach like a 12 year old”

Everyone: “no, don’t be a selfish arse”

OP: “I shall do it anyway as I am a selfish arse”

PeloMom · 07/06/2026 20:32

Then sit close to a bar or something and listen to their music if you can’t do without music

user1491396110 · 07/06/2026 20:31

When i go to the beach I want to hear nature, it would spoil it for me if someone had music playing

Pigeonatthewheel · 07/06/2026 20:31

It’s a judgment call based on many factors. Proximity of others, who arrived when, how loud it is, type of music, time of day. I would say that if it’s just you the selfishness factor increases as in a group you can at least be sure there are others benefiting from it. Definitely don’t have it so loud that others can’t enjoy their own headphone use. To those who think it’s never acceptable I’d perhaps argue that many bars and restaurants play music as people do enjoy music (on the beach is definitely different to on a train). If others request you turn it off then I’d say you should oblige but if they’re too timid to ask, that’s their problem. As for playing it in your room, absolutely fine but stick to the volumes you might have the hotel TV at. I also think a bit louder is fine if in the early evening for around an hour to get into the going out vibe.

igelkott2026 · 07/06/2026 20:29

itssoeasy · 07/06/2026 18:32

Because I feel like it’s dangerous to always have headphones on, especially when you’re alone on the beach in the evening.

Then don't. Leave the headphones off and tune into your surroundings. Listening to music is not essential.

But if it's actually empty then nobody will hear music from your phone anyway.

pinkspeakers · 07/06/2026 20:27

And I think some beaches it would be fine too. Though I can also imagine cases when it wouldn't be.

SpudGunToo · 07/06/2026 20:26

LewKirtonHeavenInTheAfternoonNSOul · 07/06/2026 19:17

They're going to take a speaker regardless what pp have said.
Imagined or real.

No, I don’t think it’s real, just another person who thinks it’s amusing to wind people up.

pinkspeakers · 07/06/2026 20:25

We sometimes take a speaker with us to play music in our accommodation. In fact, that's a good idea for my packing list when I travel by myself later this summer. It's the sort of thing DH might normally bring but wouldn't be on my radar.

Doggymummar · 07/06/2026 20:24

hopspot · 07/06/2026 18:46

Everyone has different tastes in music. You might think it’s not shite but others will.

I live in Brighton and the beach is a no go zone due to selfish twars doing this. Hideous.

CurdinHenry · 07/06/2026 20:23

I think a woman on her own with speakers on the beach who is also worried about personal safety on the beach is an idiot

Callmeback · 07/06/2026 20:21

BackToLurk · 07/06/2026 20:19

It depends on the country doesn’t it? Pretty common in some places.

Where?

Ophir · 07/06/2026 20:20

Yes. Of course.

Not for the beach though

BackToLurk · 07/06/2026 20:19

itssoeasy · 07/06/2026 18:41

Firstly, it’s not shite.

Secondly, it’s really common for my area? You always get groups down at the beach at the weekend listening to music.

It depends on the country doesn’t it? Pretty common in some places.

SpudGunToo · 07/06/2026 20:17

itssoeasy · 07/06/2026 18:37

I’m putting my side across, I am allowed to do that?

You are, and you can also come back and have a cry when someone throws your speaker in the sea.

Callmeback · 07/06/2026 20:16

MrMucker · 07/06/2026 19:47

You sound quite lonely, whether your question is genuine or not.
Sorry for you, it won't be for ever.

I'm no fan of the OP's antisocial choices but it's pretty patronising to suggest she's lonely because she's solo travelling.

SpudGunToo · 07/06/2026 20:15

itssoeasy · 07/06/2026 18:24

I feel like the beach would be fine? It’s an open area, not like a train…

Oh, you’re one of those?

Haddit · 07/06/2026 20:14

What age are you? You sound very immature and entitled. You’re going to do exactly what you want so why ask us?
Are you even going on holiday? Or just wanting a bit of attention?
Either way, probably time to grow up.

Ponderingwindow · 07/06/2026 20:14

Your amplified sound should not reach outside anyone who has not chosen to hear it.

people who bring speakers to the beach or the park are jerks.

SliceofTosst · 07/06/2026 20:13

No. And anyway phones are loud enough without a speaker.

If you're that bothered about safety don't go on the beach after dark or just wear one earphone.