Holidaymakers should always familiarise themselves with local customs and laws before travelling, to avoid landing themselves in hot water with foreign authorities.
Not every country follows the same laws as we do in Great Britain, and if you don't do your research beforehand, your fun in the sun could result in a harsh penalty. In more extreme cases, you could even find yourself deported or handed a custodial sentence.
For unprepared holiday-goers, Bali recently even announced it will release a tourist guidebook in a bid to help visitors stay on the right side of the law - after an influencer was caught in the nude, posing with a sacred tree.
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The Star reports that European countries have also introduced a whole slew of new restrictions recently such as fines for urinating in the sea, but some local laws are more unusual than others. A UK law could see pub-goers hit with a £200 fine for being drunk, while Spain has recently introduced a flurry of fine-able offences - including bans on inflatable sex dolls and blow-up penis costumes.
Cheeky tourists could be handed fines of up to £650 for ignoring the rules.
Experts at StressFreeCarRental.com have warned holiday-makers to do their research before they jet off – and they've uncovered some bizarre rules along the way. Check out some of the strangest ones below that could land you in trouble.
Blow up dolls
The popular Spanish party resort Malaga is known for its buzzing nightlife, but officials and locals have long expressed their distaste over the behaviour of the tourists it attracts. Those heading over for a raunchy holiday have been warned to leave their rude inflatables and costumes at home or risk a fine of 750 euros.
The local government recently announced that it would be forbidden to walk or remain in the streets only in underwear or with clothes or accessories that represent genitals or with dolls or elements of a sexual nature in a significant crackdown against stag and hen dos. The new rule, approved this year, means tourists should stay clear of any funny sex accessories heading to the South of Spain.
Wearing high heels
In Greece, by law, it is forbidden to wear high heels to lots of famous tourist attractions like the Acropolis and the Epidarus Theatre in the Peloponnese region. This is to preserve the history and ancient stone ruins of iconic sites.
The ban, introduced in 2009, was put in place because the sharp-soled shoes were causing damage to the national treasures. Visitors to the site should wear soft-soled shoes when visiting, so pack flats if heading to the Acropolis of Athens or risk a significant fine.
Standing on money
Stepping on Thai currency is a crime; even accidentally standing on Thai money could get tourists a hefty jail sentence. The act is seen as disrespectful to the king because Thai notes and coins contain an image of his face.
In Thailand, they see feet as the dirtiest part of the body, so under crimes violating majesty, the act is punishable with up to 15 years of imprisonment.
Taking a selfie
The Mayor of Positano, a famous town on the Amalfi Coast, has introduced red zones as of Easter weekend, prohibiting tourists from lingering at some of its most popular locations. To stop human traffic jams, common in the peak season, tourists caught staying for too long to take pictures of the scenery will be fined 275 euros.
Luckily, the rules are only in place between 10.30am and 6pm, so they lift in time to catch the stunning sunsets.
Jaywalking
Jaywalking is walking in the street or road unlawfully without regard for approaching traffic, which is illegal in New York. Tourists from abroad who cross the road whenever they deem it safe often unknowingly break these laws and are issued fines and tickets by police officers.
The most common violation among pedestrians is failing to give the right of way to vehicles, walking against the traffic and not obeying the pedestrian control signs.
Swearing
Swearing in public places in Australia is illegal, and if caught using foul language, offenders could be given a hefty fine. Every year in Australia, there are thousands of offensive language incidents, and thousands of dollars are taken in fines.
The maximum penalty for using foul language in public in New South Wales and Western Australia is 660 and 500 dollars, while the maximum penalty for foul language in South Australia is harsher at a whooping 1,250 dollars of three months imprisonment.
Being drunk in a pub
Shockingly, it is against the law to get drunk at a pub in the UK. The Metropolitan Act of 1839 says it's against the rule for 'the keeper of a public house to permit drunkenness on-premises'.
Heading to the pub and having one too many could leave pub-goers with a £200 fine if found to be intoxicated.
Public displays of affection
PDA, including kissing, hugging, and holding hands, is illegal in Dubai, and those found to be breaking the law could be imprisoned or deported. Many foreigners have suffered the consequences of not following this rule, so couples should be extra careful when visiting the country.
Feeding stray animals
This popular getaway location has introduced new rules prohibiting feeding stray animals under plans to preserve a better and cleaner environment. The new law in Santa Cruz de Tenerife means tourists can be fined for feeding stray and wild animals, such as pigeons, cats and dogs, because it is seen to be contributing to littering.
Minor breaches will see tourists slapped with a 750 euro fine, while incidents deemed more serious will see tourists fined an eye-watering 3,000 euros.
Kissing at train stations
The French railways became tired of the delays that farewell kisses were causing on the platform, which led to a law prohibiting smooching when the train was at the station. The law has been in place since 1910 to avoid costly delays and overcrowded train stations, but there is no formal penalty today. But to be safe, save kissing for the bus station.
What's the most bizarre custom you've come across on your travels? Let us know in the comments.
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