Renowned for its traditional baths, beautiful coastlines and distinctive cuisine, Turkey has long been a popular place for tourists worldwide.
It is especially favored by Britons, with 3.16 million visiting for some sunshine (and Baklava) in 2023.
However, if you plan to visit this summer, you might want to be aware of a travel advisory that could result in a sneaky penalty and dampen the vacation mood.
Looking to enjoy a clandestine alcoholic beverage or two? You might want to be cautious.
Turkey doesn't explicitly prohibit people from drinking alcohol in public spaces, but it can lead to a penalty under certain conditions.
'Disturbing the peace of others while under the influence' is a regulation that is enforced in Turkey and it results in a penalty of 617 lira.
It only amounts to £15, but that's equivalent to at least two, maybe even three glasses of Aperol Spritz (to be consumed responsibly). Vacation math, anyone?
Similarly, shops are prohibited from selling alcohol after 10pm, but don't worry: bars and restaurants are still allowed to serve drinks after this time.
This isn't the only pitfall that tourists have been cautioned to watch out for in Europe this summer.
British vacationers travelling to Spain, France and Portugal have been advised to carefully check expenses, as certain European hot spots have significantly increased in price.
Spain as a whole has experienced notable price hikes since 2020, with flights to Malaga increasing by 28% to £246 from £129. Ibiza Town has also seen a rise of 17% from £182 to £213.
Elsewhere, a travel advisory has been issued for those intending to stay with relatives and friends who are fortunate enough to live in Spain.
As it turns out, if you don't arrange the proper documentation, you could face a substantial £8,000 penalty.
Without an invitation letter, individuals staying with friends, rather than in a hotel or rented apartment, could encounter a hefty penalty.
The regulations changed following the UK's departure from the European Union, necessitating the requirement for those staying for 90 days or less.
So, before you travel abroad for your European summer, plan in advance to ensure you're not in for any unpleasant surprises!
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