If you’re vacationing in Europe this summer, you’d better bring along some extra cash. Popular tourist destinations in European cities are combating mass tourism by slapping some pretty ridiculous and costly fines on visitors them deem unruly. Wearing flip-flops while driving, taking a shell or pebble from a beach, and unbuckling your seat belt before the plane stops taxiing can now cost you. Those who wear a bathing suit off the beach in Spain, Greece, Italy, France and Portugal could face fines of up to $1,747. Drinking alcohol on the street can set tourists back $3,495, while leaving your towel to hold your pool chair for too long can cost $291. Don’t even think about wearing flip-flops to drive, because that will wind up costing you $349. Greece is pulling out all the stops, issuing fines in the amount of $1,165 for taking a shell or pebble off the beach, and if you swim in the canal in Venice, be prepared to cough up $407. Locals are fed up, saying the fines a call for respect. A brand-new 10-point “Improve Your Stay” campaign was introduced on busses and billboards in Spain, warning tourists that they are expected to dress in a tasteful manner and avoid littering, making excessive noise, and riding scooters recklessly, or risk a fine of $873. Officials say the rules are designed for the protection and preservation of the environment, and that tourism can no longer be a burden on citizens.
