Before jetting off on holiday this winter, whether for a ski trip or some much-needed winter sun, it’s important to be aware of all the changing rules and regulations in popular destinations and airports. One of the most important first steps, before you even board your flight, is to ensure you have packed your items correctly in accordance with airport guidelines and that you won’t be in breach of any overseas laws or regulations.
Researchers from Northerner have collected some of the most commonly confused holiday rules that Brits frequently get wrong, which could even lead to missed flights and fines.
With many Brits heading off for ski and snowboard holidays, it’s essential to note that many sporting goods must be packed and checked in separately. Since they could potentially be used as weapons, snowboards and ski poles will need to be checked in, along with items like spiked shoes or boots if you’re planning on doing any hiking while away.
An important rule to be aware of when embarking on a ski holiday is that you must not vape or smoke while on a ski lift or even while queuing for one. Many French resorts, in particular, prohibit this activity. Skiers caught smoking on the slopes or lifts of Les Gets for example can be fined, following the 2022 smoking ban introduced to clean up cigarette butts. Using alternative nicotine products while you ski such as nicotine pouches, is an excellent alternative due to being smokeless and also producing less waste.
Another packing rule holiday-makers should be wary of relates to vape devices and e-cigarettes. These need to be packed in carry-on luggage only, with a maximum of 20 batteries, and not in your checked in baggage. This is due to the lithium batteries inside the vape. Airport security can confiscate the items and you might be called back to open and check your luggage.
Germany’s Christmas Markets attract tourists from all around the world, known for their historical traditions, festivities, and amazing food and drink. They make for the perfect winter break in the lead-up to Christmas. However, Germany is also known for a number of peculiar laws, including those concerning noise at night and mowing your lawn on a Sunday. One thing market-goers should be wary of is the country’s stringent recycling laws, which also apply to public bins. Based on waste separation rules and guidelines, anyone who illegally disposes of waste in public bins without proper separation should expect fines, some of which can be severe. Penalties vary by state, and the amount of illegally discarded waste can incur fines of up to a thousand euros.
Many Brits will be seeking some winter sun this year, with places like the Canary Islands flooded with sun-starved holidaymakers. However, travellers should be aware of some recent rules on smoking at the beach. As a Spanish dominion, smoking on beaches is already banned in several areas. The Balearic Islands designated 28 of their beaches as no-smoking areas in 2023, and all 10 beaches in Barcelona also prohibit smoking and vaping. So, make sure to check the local guidelines before lighting up by the beach.
If you’re headed to Iceland and planning to embark on a popular expedition to see the famous Northern Lights, you may be considering doing so with a guided tour or by yourself. For those planning a self-led trip with a rental car, it’s important to be aware of these two rules of the road in Iceland: you must always wear a seatbelt in the car and you must always have your lights on while driving. While having headlights on when trying to view the Northern Lights may not be ideal, drivers not abiding by this law could be penalised.