Brits set to be banned from using wheelie suitcases on holidays later this year
Thousands of Brits will be heading off to Croatia this year. The cheap and cheerful destination has plenty to offer from the beaches of Hvar to interesting cities like Split and Dubrovnik.
However, despite the nation's cheap beers – which are generally just above £2 a pint according to Finder – there are some downsides to Croatia. Dubrovnik is set to introduce new measures in a bid to protect its Old Town, with the mayor looking to reduce the noise wheelie cases make on its cobbled streets.
Local residents reportedly complain about waking to the sounds of tourists clattering through the streets with suitcases in the middle of the night, according to the Daily Express. The city is looking to develop a system where tourists will leave their luggage before entering the Old Town – and will need to pay a fee to get it delivered to their accommodation.
READ MORE: Brits could face £3,400 fines for wearing wrong clothes on holiday this summer
The mayor has said the new measure is "just the beginning" in a battle against overtourism. It's not the only new rules that Brits will need to have on their radar.
The country recently announced a series of new rules for tourists, from bikini bans to limits on booze – and fines of up to £3,400 for those who flout the restrictions. Split is following in Dubrovnik's footsteps and banning visitors from wandering around its historic centre topless or in a bikini.
The new rules prohibit people from walking around the old towns "in a bathing suit, underwear or no clothes in a public space", and applies to both tourists and locals – and fines of up to €150 (approximately £128) for those who disobey.
Holidaymakers who wear "clothing that promotes drug use" could also be slapped with a penalty.
There are some hefty fines if you're considered a "disturbance to public order" such as being visibly drunk in public, with on-the-spot penalties of up to €4000 (£3,400).
The Foreign Office updated its Croatia travel advice to reflect thechanges which also include bans on sleeping in public areas, climbing on top of monuments, urinating in public spaces, drinking alcohol near "protected public spaces" (for example, schools) and vomiting in public areas.
The UK government warns: "You can also be fined up to €4000 for actions considered to be disturbances to public order. These include fighting, verbal abuse and drunken behaviour.
"Most towns have signage to advise about actions that are prohibited by local law. Take notice of your surroundings, including signage, and seek local advice. Drug related offences are punishable with fines and jail sentences."
Croatia isn't the only country to introduce new laws to control tourists' behaviour. Spanish hotspots have introduced a number of new tourist rules in recent years from drinks limits to smoking bans, with hefty fines for rule-breakers.
In Spain, slipping off your top layer can land you a fine of up to €200 (£171) and three penalty points. In parts of mainland Spain and Majorca, you are now prohibited from going shirtless in public in certain areas such as on city streets. Most of the shops, many bars and restaurants, the bus service and public services all require you to wear a t-shirt.
In the last few months, multiple Italian beach destinations have introduced new rules to limit the damaging effects of tourism too. Sorrento, a popular hotspot on the Amalfi coast, even announced a new ban on bikinis.
Those who break the rules could be risking fines of up to €500 (approximately £425). The rule also applies to anyone wandering around topless.
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