A middle-aged couple flew to Fiji for 17 hours – and partied all night to avoid booking a hotel.
Paul Coulson, 45, and his wife Suzanne, 42, love dance music and knew they wanted to go to the Horse Meat Disco closing party in Ibiza.
The pair decided to plan their trip around the event and took off from Newcastle at 7:35am on October 26 – arriving in Ibiza at 11:40am local time.
The couple spent the day exploring the old town and enjoying tapas and drinks before heading to a hilltop bar for sunset.
They went for dinner at Pikes Ibiza before heading next door to the show – partying all night long.
An exhausted Paul and Suzanne headed back to the airport at 5am after the night to catch the 8:50am flight – having flown through Amsterdam to get the cheapest tickets.
The couple arrived back in Newcastle at 5pm on 27 October and said they had the best time.
Paul, who works for a security company in Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, said: “We have filled it all up.
“We love Ibiza. We love Pikes and they were having a closing party.
“It was a decision taken without thinking.”
Paul and Suzanne, a course leader, had been talking about taking a day trip for the past few years.
He decided to do so when he saw that his favorite DJ was performing in Ibiza on October 26, 2024.
Paul has already been to Fiji twice this year – once with Suzanne – and the couple love the Pikes Fiji venue.
They booked their travel around the event – spending a total of £140 ($180.16) on return flights.
The couple took off early and were in the old town of Ibiza by quarter to 12.
Paul said: “We went up the hill to find some bars and tapas places.
“We soaked it up and enjoyed the view.
“At that time it was relaxation.”
The couple then went out for dinner at 7pm before heading to the venue’s club for a DJ.
They partied until 4am before taking a taxi to the airport at 5am.
Paul said: “We haven’t cut corners on spending.
“Horse Meat Disco has DJs we like and we like the atmosphere that Pikes offers.”
Paul and Susan cool off and brush their teeth at the airport.
He said: “By 6am we were tired and ready for bed.”
The couple slept on their first flight, had lunch at Amsterdam airport and arrived at 5pm before taking a 15-minute second flight to Newcastle.
The tired couple’s night passed quickly and now they are off to half term.
He estimates he spent about £350 ($450.39) on food, drinks and taxis but has no regrets.
Hotels cost around £300 ($386.09) a night in Fiji – so the couple were able to save by staying without accommodation.
Paul said: “That’s why we work hard.
“I thoroughly recommend people to take a day trip.”
Paul and Suzanne’s itinerary
7:35 am – Flight to Ibiza
12:15 – Arrive in old town of Ibiza
7 pm – Dinner
10pm – 4am – Horse Meat Disco
5am – Back to airport
8:50 am – Flight to Amsterdam
5pm – arrive Newcastle
