Are you an exuberant traveller who jumps up from the seat as soon as the plane lands? That will cost you €62 (£54) if you happen to be landing in Turkey. Why? The Turkish Civil Aviation Authority deems that act to be a contravention of a brand new rule that says that if the plane is still taxiing, you must remain seated and buckled up.
They are not the only airline to impose a fine. Ryanair may charge disruptive passengers £500 or more and eject them from the flight. The Irish airline and Europe’s biggest said this would be the “minimum” punishment and that it would continue to pursue ejected passengers for civil damages.
There is also a growing trend to scupper the antics of “unruly” holidaymakers abroad by making a dent in their wallet. In 2023, the Dutch capital, Amsterdam banned alcohol-fuelled guided tours and cannabis smoking in the Red Light District imposing on-the-spot €100 fines on those breaking the law.
In Spain’s Mallorca, Ibiza and Magaluf (notoriously party towns), levies can reach up to €3,000 (£2,615) for drinking in public. Mallorca goes further by insisting there should not be any hanky panky on their beaches.
In Malaga, a 10-point Improve Your Stay campaign has been rolled out. You will see messages advertised on buses, billboards, and on social media feeds that warn against littering, too much noise, reckless scooter use and revealing dress in their streets. Fines for up to €750 (£650) will be handed out to those who do not comply.
In Portugal’s Albufeira, walking around town topless or in just a swimsuit and general nudity could set you back €1,500 (£1,307). In France, Yannick Moreau, the mayor Les Sables-d’Olonne is asking for decorum on their streets, saying topless tourists face fines up to €150 (£130) if they are caught without clothes away from the beach.
What makes tourists want to strip off away from the beach? According to psychodynamic psychotherapist Moya Sarner:
The “whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” state of mind that some people can slip into when on holiday can feed a fantasy that we can split off parts of our lives and ourselves, and behave recklessly without consequences.
“In this state of mind, in a place far from home, looking onto a beautiful beach in the sunshine and supping a cocktail or 12, holidaymakers can lose their sense of values and propriety, and behave in ways they would never consider back home”
So, long sandy beaches, gloriously sunny days, and an easy local vibe can relax inhibitions, but taken too far, this kind of mindset is one that Juan Antonio Amengual, mayor of Calvià, Mallorca, would like to see gone. In a recent speech, he said:
“We must act with two main ideas in mind: the protection and preservation of the environment, and ensuring that tourism is in harmony with our society. Tourism cannot be a burden on citizens.”
Fining of bad behaviour is becoming the go-to deterrent, sometimes for behaviours that may seem bad. In Italy’s Cinque Terre, hiking in inappropriate footwear, such as flipflops, could see ramblers fined up to €2,500 (£2,180). In Spain, Greece, Italy, France, and Portugal, driving in flip-flops or bare feet may cost you up to €300 (£261).
In Venice, if you jump into a canal for a swim (not sure why you would want to), you will face a fine €350 (£305) or if you sit on the ground or steps to eat or drink, you’ll be banned from the area and fined up to €200 ($235).
You will be fined fine €350 (£305) if you jump into the canal in Venice
In France, smokers are fined €90 (£78) on the spot for lighting up in public beaches and playgrounds. And, perhaps what may appear to be an innocent faux pas of taking a shell or pebble from a beach in Greece is not allowed. For this child-like infraction, you could be fined up to €1,000 (£871). Probably best to take a photo instead.
Some may feel that these measures are draconian and chip away at free-spirited fun. However, Jessica Harvey Taylor, Head of Press at the Spanish Tourism Office in London, told the BBC. ”
They are designed to protect the holiday experiences of the vast majority of people who behave responsibly on holiday.”
The message is clear: show restraint, as being away from home isn’t an invitation to behaving with abandon.