Being latched onto abroad! NOW

[Poisongirl81]

Help! We don't want to appear rude but we are in Spain with my toddler and another couple have latched onto us for a week now...they have 3 dc and are different ages to ours 🙂 today we got up early to put towels down but they spotted us and so sad next to us...again! We can't move our towels now as it would be rude. We just want to chill and read but they talk all day mainly at us!

Maybe channel the Hugh Grant character in Notting Hill ? As they approach, just stand up and pointing away and say, "No, just....no...not today. Go away. No no no NO!" and sit back down. Pick up phone. Resume your day. I have used this tactic before as it precludes having to explain.

Cannot believe that you have put up with it for so long! I would just tell them straight and if that doesnt work, I would have to resort to being rude. Its not as if you are ever going to see them again!

Let them get a lounger, don't bother getting one, let them go to the pool and when they are there, go to the beach.

If they follow you, say that you don't want any company today.

Good luck! Please come back and tell us you've had a lovely peaceful day. Holiday time is so important for relaxing not entertaining other randoms. You've got this!

You only have a couple of days left,if they approach you all you have to say is this is a family holiday and we want to spend it alone with our family!

Please don't stop doing things that you want to do because of some cling on's!

Just tell them straight-your kids are in holiday club and you want some time just the two of you.

Oh dear!!

I'm not sure id know what to do either . I'm such a softie I'd probably just let them carry on

I know how hard it is for some people to be assertive - i'm one of them! But the best way to learn is the hard way OP.

Not much holiday left - wishing you'd sorted this sooner? Next time you'll sort it on the first day

Be straight/rude. People like that have skins like rhinos anyway, they wont start sobbing 😀

I cannot believe that people do this

here is what you say:

I'm sorry, you are very nice and I have enjoyed meetign you, but my needs onholiday are obviously different to yours.
I have paid to put dd in kids club so I can sit here in completee quiet and read my book without any kids or disturbance.
I am going to do that now for the next 3 hours, so I'm taking my towle over there, please don't follow.

If their kids nag you, say nicely, please go away and leave me alone today.

I know it might feel awkward to be a bit firm with them, but it's not rude. Wanting to spend your holidays with your family is not rude. Having to resort to a colder front because they won't take the hint is not your fault.

I would sort it today so you can enjoy the rest of your holiday. They've got the wrong impression and it won't stop until you stop it.

My top tips would be take on with them very little. Whisper with your partner so they feel shut out. Move to the beach. If they follow, get up and move again. Eventually say you need to be alone. Need, not want.

People on mumsnet always write in to complain after they've allowed things to go on for a while instead of reacting straight way. You've encouraged this family to think you want them to be your 'holiday friends' by allowing them to sit/lie next you for a week by the pool, even letting them share your sunbed!!

If you are reading this, stand up NOW and just move. Just say,' Bye, nice to have met you, but we really want some time to ourselves for the rest of our stay'.

Come on OP, we need a running commentary on what they are up to.
This could turn into your entertainment for the morning, we'll tell you your next move, what to say and you tell us what the reaction was.

Yeah i'm wondering if they've rocked up yet or if OPs still alone too ...

Tell them you're headed off to this afternoon or tomorrow, be vague on details of times etc, and hope they go there to find you, whilst you relax by the pool

Tell them that you want to lie quietly as your DH is feeling a bit delicate and you think it's something he ate, or possibly norovirus. you're concerned as that's really contagious isn't it?

Watch them back away slowly and tut as your poor DH gets in the pool.

Engineer a row with your DH. Pretend it's festering all day so the atmosphere around you is horrible. Mumble words like 'bastard' and 'fucking prick' under your breath from time to time. Sulk and ignore. A friend of mine showed me this technique ages ago. It really works. Nobody wants to be around a rowing, toxic atmosphere.

Should be possible to do without being rude or swearing. A big smile "lovely to chat Im going to read my book now" then do so until they sod off.

Sympathy this is my idea of holiday hell and the reason we self cater!

Anyone else remember a brilliant Victoria Wood (RIP) sketch where she is on a plane on her way to her holiday and meets a nightmare couple who tell her they always make friends on holiday and they are "not going to let you out of our sight". Then explain their last holiday "friend" disappeared "they found his clothes on the beach - but of Peter - no sign".

In a similar situation when I was a child, my brother told the kids that my dad was a serial killer.

We had this once but luckily it was day 10 of a 14 day holiday. The couple followed us around, asked where we were going everyday, sathe at next table at breakfast and dinnet and desperately tried to get our kids to be their (much younger) kids best buds. We held them at bay as much as we could but they kept going on about a big goodbye night out on our last night and how we must exchange details and meet up in the UK. We had been vague with our pick up time and we told them we were due to be picked up Sunday morning but we actually left Saturday afternoon - sneaked out around the back of the hotel - so we missed our 'big goodbye night out'. I still feel a bit guilty about them wondering where we'd gone. For a while we were terrified we'd given them enough info to track us down but I think we're safe now

I actually feel stressed on your behalf reading that OP. I never go away on holiday with other families because I like mine and my children's company only and don't want to have to cooperate with other people. The thought of picking up random strangers to have to deal with chills my blood.

I must have a 'piss off and leave me alone face' as I have no problem getting rid of hangers on. Large headphones and a book held in front of my face and pointedly ignoring people works well for me.

Me and ex DH used to always attract these people..... even just at Haven sites!!

I always tolerated them!!! Wish I'd had MN back in the day

"Look, I'm sorry to be blunt, but we are tired & want some family time on our family holiday , we want some quiet, peace & space."