Renee Roebuck, from Rotherham, loves Benidorm in Alicante, Spain so much that she visits three times a year and saves all her money for her regular, blow-out trips
A Benidorm-obsessed nan who has been to the British tourist hotspot over 100 times has explained what keeps her coming back for more.
Renee Roebuck just loves Benidorm. She has visited the Spanish holiday location for the past 31 years and says other destinations simply don’t compare. While many travelers come for the sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and historic Old Town, there’s another very special reason why this 81-year-old loves Benidorm: Tribute bands.
Happily, the Alicante settlement is crawling with them. Renee spends her days decked out in merch watching a different cover band or singer every night. Sometimes even joins artists on stage for a boogie. The nan isn’t the only holiday-goer who loves a good show.
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New research from TUI shows that nearly nine in 10 Brits enjoy watching tribute acts while on holiday. And 68% of survey participants dub it one of their favourite forms of entertainment during a trip abroad – with tribute acts beating out alternatives like karaoke (43%) and nightclubs (37%).
Renee visits the sunny spot alongside her husband Alan and occasionally her children and grandchildren. The full family often spends two weeks in Benidorm over Christmas. “Benidorm is my happy place,” said Renee, a former fruit market worker, from Rotherham.
“Ever since my first trip, I’ve never looked back. I go with my family four to five times a year, and I can’t get enough of the lifestyle there. I don’t go out much in England, so I can save money to go to Benidorm more often. If I had my way, I’d never come home.
“My favourite thing to do is to watch a tribute act – I see a different one every night when I’m on holiday.”
After a cancer diagnosis at the age of 60, Renee was forced to have two-thirds of her stomach removed. Ever since, the nan has been determined to live life to the max.
For her, this involves lounging in the sun and listening to classic tunes performed by local tribute artists – especially Bob Marley and Take That. But Renee and Alan both love the variety of bands that Benidorm has to offer.
Renee’s granddaughter, Lauren Chant, works as a Travel Advisor at TUI’s Sheffield Superstore and books her nan’s holidays, which often become trips for the whole family.
Renee said: “I like to stay in a nice area just outside of the hustle and bustle, and always book with TUI as they book tribute acts to come and perform at the hotel. When I have stayed at apartments, I’ve ended up walking to the hotels or bars to be able to see the entertainment.
“I go to Benidorm so often that the performers even remember me now – they’ll bring me up on stage and chat after the shows. It’s different to going to see a big band or famous singer as, with tributes, you’re able to get to know them properly – and they’re all ever so good at what they do.
“They engage with the audience more and you get a real feel for their personalities.”
When it comes to booking a holiday, almost a quarter of Brits (24%) admit that the entertainment on offer in a holiday destination or hotel is a deciding factor.
Tribute acts in particular appear to be a priority for holidaymakers – with 85% of survey participants attending at least a couple of acts during a week’s vacation. Despite her many visits, Renee hasn’t tired of the holiday spot.
She added: “Benidorm really does have it all. You can find busy or quiet places, a lovely beach, and you’ll never get bored there – there’s plenty to do, especially if you love the tributes. I’m able to really make the most out of life when I’m there, and I’m always up dancing.
“It’s just brilliant. I’ll keep going every year, as many times as I can, for the rest of my life.”