Claire De Stefano and pal did not even book a hotel for their girls holiday
A sun-seeking mum jetted off to Ibiza for a mere 24 hours, making it back in time for work the next day. Claire De Stefano, 52, had initially planned a longer getaway to the White Isle with her friend Donna Duncombe, 50.
However, when their schedules clashed, they opted for a whirlwind one-day trip without even booking a hotel. The duo departed the UK at 6pm on August 12 and were tucked up in their own beds by 1am on August 14, meaning they went nearly 48 hours without sleep.
Claire was back at her desk by 7:30am, telling her incredulous colleagues about her trip. The mother-of-four from Romford, East London, said: “We had wanted to go to Ibiza again this year for a few days but unfortunately our diaries didn’t match up.
“So, we decided to bite the bullet and just fit a day in. It was so nice to get away from reality and do something a little bit different rather than washing and working. I would definitely do it again. We are looking at doing more of these trips. We want to visit some of the other superclubs that we didn’t get to in our youth – when life and children got in the way.”
The friends wrapped up a full day’s work on August 12 before heading to London Stansted Airport at around 6pm for a Wetherspoon dinner. They touched down in Ibiza just after 10pm and made a beeline for a bar, before hitting the iconic nightclub Pacha where they danced the night away until 6am.
After witnessing a beautiful sunrise on the beach, they spent the day basking in the sun, having breakfast in the Old Town and taking a dip in the sea. They then jetted off from Ibiza airport to return home on August 13, ready to get back to work the following day, August 14.
Their total expenditure came to an estimated £197, which included £62 for return flights. Claire shared: “We got into the club and soaked in the atmosphere, then we danced until 6am.
“There were some sunbeds out so we chatted there for an hour while the sun rose. It was beautiful. We changed into our swimming costumes under our evening wear and spent the day on the beach. It was a lovely relaxing day.”
For their holiday, the pair packed light, carrying only their passports, a swimsuit, a change of underwear, sun cream, and a travel toothbrush in their handbags. Claire, who is employed as a safeguarding officer, revealed that her four adult children and all her colleagues thought she was bonkers, but she had a fantastic time.
The mum and her self-employed friend are already planning their next adventure, with hopes of experiencing the clubbing scene abroad again in the future. She added: “We had an amazing time. Everyone said we were crazy but sometimes you have to be a bit crazy. I need stories to tell my grandchildren eventually.
“The club was everything we had hoped it would be. It met and exceeded both our expectations, and we are eager to do it again. We are in our 50s but we felt no judgement on the dance floor. Everyone was just having a good time together.
“I got to work at 7.30am and told everyone I was in Ibiza a few hours ago. They didn’t believe me. But you have to try everything once. It was our first time doing a day trip, but it certainly won’t be the last.”
The mum also expressed her belief that more young people should embrace clubbing, which she feels is becoming something of a lost art. She believes that hitting the dance floor keeps you youthful and helps create unforgettable memories with friends.
She said: “I do enjoy going out with my friends and dancing- I always have done. I think it keeps you young. It is definitely a dying art. I have four adult children who never go out. I don’t think it is part of their make-up.
“I was clubbing in the late 80s where clubs were the place to be. Everyone used to go. That isn’t unfortunately a thing with the youngsters these days. It is a shame because we used to have great times back in the day. And we still do today!”