TIME Bizarre

Internet Heroes Found a Complete Stranger to Take on Their Group Vacation

A random Facebook message led to a free vacation for Joe McGrath

Though your parents might have warned you never to meet up with strangers from the internet, that’s how one lucky Manchester, England man got a free vacation, according to The Manchester Evening News.

Joe McGrath, who works on a radio show, recently received a strange request on Facebook — to accompany nine friends on a pre-booked vacation to Spain, all because their other pal, who shares Joe’s full name, couldn’t go.

“Would you consider coming on a holiday with a group of nine strangers if they had already arranged flights for you and an all inclusive hotel?” the message asked, according to a post on Joe’s Twitter.

McGrath said yes, and apparently had a fantastic time with the “mega” group.

Here he is with his new pals:

https://t.co/99MQXdZVyw”>pic.twitter.com/99MQXdZVyw

The Manchester Evening News reports the group of nine friends sent out messages to 15 Joe McGraths, and the radio employee was the only one who got back to them. That Joe McGrath then lied to his mother about his companions on the trip.

“I want to apologize to my mum who thought I knew these people all along,” he said on Facebook.

Tap to read full story

Your browser is out of date. Please update your browser at http://update.microsoft.com


YOU BROKE TIME.COM!

Dear TIME Reader,

As a regular visitor to TIME.com, we are sure you enjoy all the great journalism created by our editors and reporters. Great journalism has great value, and it costs money to make it. One of the main ways we cover our costs is through advertising.

The use of software that blocks ads limits our ability to provide you with the journalism you enjoy. Consider turning your Ad Blocker off so that we can continue to provide the world class journalism you have become accustomed to.

The TIME Team