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Summer is almost over, but for some, the holiday season isn't over yet. Popular European destinations, such as Italy or Spain, are not to be missed by vacationers even during September. Several beaches there are extremely popular.

As Forbes reports, the situation on some of the most visited beaches has gotten so out of control over the past year that local authorities have had to introduce several strict measures. Their aim is to further improve the vacation experience for tourists and make life easier for locals who are exposed to excessive tourism on a daily basis. What prohibitions do you need to know about before visiting popular destinations in Europe?

Businesses in Barcelona will suffer due to dress code

Spain is undoubtedly one of the most popular European summer destinations. During the season, more than a million visitors visit it. Various rules apply to them, including an appropriate dress code.

In Spanish destinations including Barcelona, Malaga and Palma de Mallorca, you will not be allowed to wear swimwear outside of the beach and pool. At the same time Several restaurants in Barcelona have a strict dress code. Visitors wearing football jerseys, strapless tops, accessories purchased from street vendors, or any clothing displaying alcohol brand logos are not allowed to enter.

Spain is one of the most visited European countries, also for its nightlife. Tourists flock to the city of Benidorm for entertainment. However, it is also known for imposing fines on visitors who try to reserve their beach spot by laying down a towel. Another restriction applies to people who sleep or swim on the beach between midnight and 7 a.m. They face a fine of up to 1,200 euros.

Several popular destinations have implemented strict measures to control overtourism. Source: freepik.com

In the case of drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes in public, they face an even larger fine, up to 2,000 euros. Tourists who expose themselves on non-nudist beaches will also face fines. Their inappropriate behavior can be charged up to 650 euros.

Galicia has decided to shine a light on holidaymakers who urinate or perform other physiological needs directly on the beach or in the sea. The situation is similar in the city of Virgo, where they face a fine of 750 euros. The measure was introduced there after the discovery of worrying levels of contamination.

In Italy, the bans also apply to tour guides

Italy, which is considered the second most popular summer destination, has not avoided the measures either. Some of them are similar to those in Spain. An example is wearing swimwear outside beaches and swimming pools. The town of Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast fines holidaymakers up to €500 for this innocent offence.

An interesting rule also applies in Sardinia. Local officials have introduced a ban on sunbathing on towels because they catch too much sand. Several Sardinian beaches have a daily limit on the number of visitors, Some of them also have an entrance fee. If you want to visit Cala Mariolu beach, you have to hurry. No more than 550 tourists are allowed to enter during the day.

If you stray onto Spiagga Rosa beach, you will face a fine of 3,500 euros. In the past, this unique place with pink sand was hit by holidaymakers who stole sand from it and destroyed the environment.

In Sardinia you have to pay to enter some beaches. Source: freepik.com

Posing for selfies at popular tourist spots in Portofino will also cost you dearly. One photo can cost you 275 euros. The bans also apply to tour guides. In Venice, they are not allowed to use megaphones and loudspeakers. The number of tourists in a group is also limited, it can only be 25 people.

Some measures are considered excessive by Italian activists, such as the ban on sitting on the legendary "Spanish Steps" in Rome. Tourists can receive a fine of between 250 and 400 euros.

Other European destinations were also inspired by the measures

Excessive tourism also worries residents of destinations such as Portugal, France, the United Kingdom, and Greece. In an effort to control the problem, several measures have been implemented in their territory.

In Portugal, it is forbidden to play loud music on the beach. If you violate this, you risk a fine of 4,000 euros. Prohibitions and restrictions in this country also apply to unauthorized ball games, camping outside campsites, and fishing in areas designated for swimming.

Some destinations have banned smoking on the beach. Source: pexels.com

You can no longer smoke on French beaches. The United Kingdom has given the green light to walking dogs on certain beaches between May 1 and September 30. You can pay from 100 to a thousand pounds for this. You can also pay a thousand pounds for carrying pebbles or camping on the beach.

There must be up to 70 % beaches in Greece without sunbeds. In the case of protected beaches, the number is even smaller, namely 15 %.

Social media, like many other things in life, is best used in moderation, according to a key finding from a team at Iowa State University that focused on young people and their mental health. When a group of college students limited their social media use to just 30 minutes a day, participants scored significantly lower on anxiety, depression, loneliness, and fear of missing out (FOMO).

FOMO – is an abbreviation for the English expression “fear of missing out”, which means “fear of missing out”. FOMO is often associated with social networks – users may feel that if they do not scroll on Facebook/Instagram, they will miss information and will not be able to stay up to date.

People who are dissatisfied and less confident are more at risk of FOMO. As a result, their self-esteem drops even more and they feel like a failure. Symptoms also include irritability, nervousness, impatience, bad mood, and anxiety.

Young people are using social media more and more often, and their mental health is suffering as a result. Source: unsplash.com

Social media threatens young people's mental health

Although tens of millions of people around the world use them every day, In recent years, concerns have been growing about the psychological impact of these platforms – especially on young people and adolescents. The American Psychological Association recently issued warnings regarding social media use among teens and its impact on their health, reports StudyFinds.

Recent research shows an undeniable trend: Young people are using social media more and more often, and their mental health is suffering as a result. Therefore, the scientists prepared a two-week experiment in which 230 university students participated.

Half of the participants were given the task of limiting their social media use to thirty minutes a day. They were given automatic reminders every day to ensure they didn't forget. This group had significantly lower scores in anxiety, depression, loneliness, and fear of missing out at the end of the study compared to the control group, which was allowed unlimited social media use.

The experimental group also scored higher on "positive affect," which the study authors describe as "the tendency to experience positive emotions described by words like 'excited' and 'proud.'" This term ("positive affect") is used to describe states where a person feels good, has positive feelings, and experiences pleasant experiences.

The restriction helped significantly

“I was surprised to find that participants’ well-being improved not just in one dimension, but in virtually all of them. I was thrilled that "A simple intervention like sending a daily reminder can motivate people to change their behavior and improve their social media habits," says lead study author Ella Faulhaber in a university statement.

The psychological benefits of limiting social media use were also evident in participants who occasionally exceeded the thirty-minute time limit. "The lesson here is that it's not about being perfect, it's about making an effort that's crucial. I think self-restraint and paying attention are the secret ingredients, more than the thirty-minute limit," Faulhaber explains.

Study co-author and psychology professor Douglas Gentile adds that these findings fit perfectly with other research coming from the fields of kinesiology and health. "When we know how much time we spend on different activities each day, and when it can be measured, it makes it easier for people to change their behavior," says the scientist, citing as an example the positive impact of smart watches and step-counting bracelets.

They felt the positive changes immediately

Many study participants said that the first days of limiting social media activity were difficult. One participant noted that after a while, he began to feel much more productive and in tune with his life. Other participants reported sleeping better or spending more time with other people in person.

The study authors also point out that other projects have examined the effects of limiting or abstaining from social media use. However, many of these interventions have required strict supervision, deleting apps, or using a special app to block or limit social media, similar to what is done with substance abusers.

Limiting your social media usage can gradually bring real benefits to your life. Source: unsplash.com

Important advice

For anyone trying to limit the time spent on social media, Faulhaber has three recommendations:

• Create awareness: Use a timer or integrated app to see how much time you spend on social media.
• Be lenient with yourself: Be aware that it's not easy to stick to a time limit. Social media apps are designed to keep you scrolling.
• Don't give up: Limiting your social media usage can gradually bring real benefits to your daily life.

Finally, the study authors state that it is also important to be mindful of how and when we use social media. Future studies could look at this topic, as well as the long-term effects of limiting social media and what people do with the time they get back.

“Many indicators show that anxiety, depression and loneliness are getting worse, and we can feel helpless because of it. But there are things we can do to improve our mental health and well-being,” concludes Professor Gentile.

Young people want to see the world more than their parents. However, traveling is not the cheapest hobby, so they are looking for different ways to save as much as possible. That is why many of them prefer the Airbnb service, which offers accommodation at a relatively low price.

While it's praised by tourists, it's become a nightmare for locals. As Forbes reports, it's already been criticized since it officially launched in 2007. Property owners began offering short-term rentals, which have become a more affordable option for travelers than hotels. However, there was a limited supply of housing for locals, and prices began to rise.

This problem has been particularly noticeable in world capitals such as Barcelona, where residents are currently fighting against tourism, as it has had a significant negative impact on their daily lives in recent years. They also want to ban these "unregulated hotels", who must suffer in their neighborhood.

The mayor of this Catalan metropolis, Jaume Collboni, is also on their side. He claims that the housing crisis is the city's biggest problem at the moment. Housing in Barcelona has become downright unaffordable over the past ten years. Real estate prices there increased by 38% over the same period. In the case of rent, the increase was even greater, by 68% over the same period.

As a result, the Barcelona City Council took action and By 2028, it plans to cancel more than 10,000 licenses it has granted to property owners for short-term rentals. However, there is another problem related to this. If this accommodation option is completely removed from the tourism industry, there is a risk that hotel prices will increase. This will negatively affect not only travelers, but also tourism.

Regulations are also underway in other metropolises

This is not the only case where a country has introduced regulation or a complete ban on short-term accommodation. In 2014, Berlin banned them. Four years later, he allowed them again, but under stricter conditions.

Short-term rentals are more convenient for tourists than hotels. Source: pexels.com

A similar situation occurred in Munich. Short-term rentals there have been limited to eight weeks per year. After that period, landlords must obtain a permit.

Regulations also began in Austria this summer. Hosts there can only rent out their properties for 90 days a year. The same limit has been set in Honolulu, Hawaii. In contrast, in Paris, apartments and houses can be rented out for up to 120 days a year.

The situation was worse for tourists and landlords in Amsterdam. Owners can only offer their properties for short-term rentals for 30 nights per year. As a result, the number of listings has decreased. There are currently only around 5,000 in the popular Dutch metropolis.

Lebanon has solved the problem of high tourist numbers in its own way. It has banned new registrations of short-term rentals in some historic districts, which has helped reduce housing prices by nine percent. In the capital of Mallorca, it is not possible to stay in apartment buildings. Only isolated family houses or villas are available.

Some cities have strict bans

There are countries where you won't be able to find a short-term rental at a good price. An example is the Malaysian island of Penang, where the option has been completely abolished. The Tuscan metropolis of Florence also tried to do the same last year. Although the ban only applied to the historic center area, it was recently overturned by a regional court. Other popular Italian destinations, such as Rome, Venice and Milan, are not ruling out restrictions.

The strict ban since last September also applies to New York. In the event that the tourist is not registered in the city and does not live in the apartment in the presence of another resident, the possibility of short-term rental is illegal.

In some countries, the option of short-term rentals has been banned altogether. Source: pexels.com

Despite New Yorkers struggling with high housing prices, Airbnb has contributed only about one percent to overall rent growth. A bigger problem is excessive tourism, which impacts the lives of locals.

The Czech Republic will not avoid stricter conditions either

Czech Airbnb providers will face several new obligations from 2025. The issue of regulation has been addressed there since short-term rentals became the main source of income for many landlords. Prague has been trying to enforce it for a long time, but its steps have so far been fruitless.

Cities and municipalities lose tens of millions of crowns annually due to undeclared stays through platforms like Airbnb. In addition, they are also concerned about tourists who disturb the locals with their maladaptive behavior.

Excessive tourism in some countries negatively affects housing prices. Source: pexels.com

Starting in the new year, landlords must register their guests through the e-Turista portal. V prípade, že tak nespravia, hrozia im 100-tisícové pokuty v korunách. Zároveň hostitelia budú musieť pod registračným číslom v registri uviesť dátum začatia svojej činnosti v danej lokalite, najvyšší možný počet lôžok či svoje osobné a kontaktné údaje.

Situáciu chce riešiť aj ministerstvo pre miestny rozvoj. Plánuje poskytnúť obecným správam právomoc, v dôsledku ktorej by mohli krátkodobé prenájmy regulovať oveľa prísnejšie.

Practical information for travelers

Traveling can be an exciting and enriching experience., but to enjoy your trip to the fullest, it's a good idea to be prepared. In this article you will find some invaluable tips and tricksthat you should know before you set off on your journey.

 

A. Print out all important documents

Don't forget to make a copy of your passport and it is useful to have also a printed version of your travel insurance.

To enter many countries you will need a visa or other documents.

It always helps to have a printed copy of all important documents, such as also an electronic version on your phone.

This way, if your phone gets lost/your battery runs out, you'll have a backup.

 

B. Get a SIM card as soon as you land

A SIM card will come in handy as soon as you arrive in the country, especially if you are travelling by public transport from the airport/bus terminal to your accommodation.

With You will most likely be dropped off in the city center or on the side of the road, and it's very useful to have the internet to find out, where are you located.

 

The Cascadas de Agua Azul, Mexico. Photo by: Natália Jančušková

C. Download offline maps in advance

Even if you have a sim card with data, you don't always have a signal.

Make sure you have downloaded the offline version of the maps, which covers the area you are traveling to.

Another useful tip is pin key locations to the map – such as accommodation, attractions, bus terminals and places to eat.

Still like that you will be able to find your way to key places, services and attractions.

 

D. Take a screenshot of your accommodation and write down the address

Don't rely on having internet access during your arrival.

You'd be surprised how many passengers gets off the bus in a new city and doesn't know the address or even the name of the place where they are supposed to stay. In case you don't have internet and access to your emails or apps,  you can get into a really awkward situation.

Take a screenshot of your accommodation and booking or write down important information in your notes.

A screenshot is ideal, as you will be able to show it at the accommodation. if there are any ambiguities or complications with the accommodation.

 

East coast of Costa Rica. Photo by Natália Jančušková.

E. Read reviews

While it's not the way to focus on one negative review out of 10 positive ones, Reading reviews is definitely worth it.

Whether it is about accommodation, attractions or services.

Filter reviews by "newest first" and make sure you know what to expect.

The amount of accommodation It is undergoing changes and they are not always positive.

 

F. Beware of scams

Traveling is an amazing experience, and many of the people you meet will be welcoming, friendly, and helpful.

However, you will also encounter locals who will try to take advantage of travelers.

The most common scams usually involve taxi or tuk-tuk drivers, or money exchange kiosks.

Exchange money only at authorized currency exchange kiosks. – your accommodation should help you with this.

 

Tikal, Guatemala. Photo by: Natália Jančušková.

G. Check the weather when planning your trip

Research the individual countries you want to visit, and Plan which month would be best for you to travel.

If you plan to visit several countries during one trip, arrange them logistically with the weather in mind.

Sometimes it may not be the most financially advantageous,This way you will avoid a negative experience and wasted time and money.

 

H. Plan your route, but allow for flexibility

Whether you plan to visit one country or several countries, plan your trip in advance.

Having a rough plan of your route is a good idea so that you have an idea of what you would like to see in your time frame.

However, don't be too strict in your plans and Leave it to the natural course of life.

Be be flexible and take advantage of opportunities to visit places you didn't include to your original itinerary.

Having unexpected experiences is one of the best things about traveling!

 

You can find the continuation in a new article soon.