Attention vacationers! These 6 vacation traps can be really expensive

Summer is here - the suitcases are packed, the vacation feeling is at the start. But watch out: If you think you have total freedom on the beach or in the resort, you could be very much mistaken. New bans in popular vacation destinations are causing trouble, fines - and a lot of misunderstanding. We show you what you should not do if you don't want to return with empty pockets or a bad mood.

Bikini ban in Portugal - please what?

Sun, beach and bikini - they go together like ice cream with a waffle. But in Albufeira, a well-known seaside resort in Portugal's Algarve, the rule from July is: swimwear only on the beach, in the hotel or on the way there. Anyone strolling through the town in a bikini will soon risk a hefty fine of between 300 and 1,500 euros. Although there is to be an "awareness campaign" first, will tourists know that they are being targeted? Doubtful.

Swimsuit stress in France - no shorts in the pool!

In France, many swimming pools have a clear dress code: loose swim shorts? Forbidden! Only tight swimming trunks are allowed - for hygiene reasons. "Shorts, underwear and swim shorts are expressly forbidden," says the website of the swimming pools in Grenoble, for example. So it's better to check your swimming trunks beforehand - otherwise you won't be able to jump into the cool water.

Photography can be expensive - especially in Poland and the Czech Republic

Vacation photos are a must - but not allowed everywhere. In the Czech Republic and Poland, many military and state facilities are off-limits to the lens. And the list is long: in Poland, 25,000 locations are affected - from bridges and airports to ports. Anyone who takes photos anyway risks fines of up to 4,700 euros or even up to 30 days in prison. And whether everyone really understands the signs with "Zakaz fotografovani" is questionable...

Limone says: soda yes, alcohol no!

Limone on Lake Garda is a real vacation paradise - but anyone who wanders through the park there with a cool beer could soon receive a letter from the municipality. Since mid-April, drinking in public areas such as parks and sidewalks has been prohibited. Those who do not comply will pay between 25 and 500 euros. Mayor Franceschino Risatti is serious.

Camping with a sea view? Better not in Greece

The dream of many: waking up by the sea. In Greece, this has been a thing of the past since May. Wild camping or parking motorhomes on beaches, coasts or even in forests is now prohibited. According to the ADAC, the police carry out regular checks - anyone caught will be fined 300 euros. Parking in residential areas is also taboo after 24 hours. So find out in advance where you can really park your motorhome.

Smoking on the beach - banned in France from July

"The freedom to smoke ends where children's right to clean air begins," says Health Minister Catherine Vautrin. From July 1, smoking will be banned on beaches, in parks and other public places throughout France. Violators will be fined 135 euros. France is taking health protection seriously - will all holidaymakers be so relaxed about it?

Rules are good - but sometimes too much of a good thing

Sure, rules protect - the environment, children, public spaces. But the flood of bans sometimes feels like a sledgehammer against mosquitoes. Do we really need to regulate every swimming costume, punish every cigarette and monitor every photo? A little more sense of proportion and trust in personal responsibility would be wiser in many cases - and would not unnecessarily spoil the summer for travelers and locals alike.