Expert Advice

Brits planning trips to Portugal this summer have been urged to stay vigilant, as there is a ‘troubling’ scam on the rise that targets tourists

If you’re jetting off to Portugal this summer, there’s one “troubling” threat facing tourists that you need to know about. Portugal ranks among the most sought-after holiday spots for Brits, with roughly 3 million of us flocking to sun-drenched destinations such as Porto, The Algarve, and Madeira each year.

However, for those planning to chase the sunshine in the months ahead, there’s an important warning to heed. According to travel experts on social media, Portugal is grappling with a crisis that sees criminals deliberately targeting tourists to turn a quick profit – all while the nation’s cultural heritage pays the price.

Eric and Josien, a couple based in Portugal who frequently post travel content on Instagram, revealed that thieves across the country are pinching the iconic ceramic tiles adorning buildings and flogging them on the street, mainly to unsuspecting tourists who have no clue about the tiles’ origins.

The tiles, known as azulejos, are hand-painted ceramic pieces used to decorate churches, palaces, train stations, and even some residential properties. They represent a cherished element of Portugal’s culture and heritage, yet according to locals, there’s an “illegal black market” centred around stealing these tiles and hawking them on the street.

They explained: “Azulejos – those beautiful, hand-painted ceramic tiles – are one of Portugal’s most iconic and treasured art forms. Dating back over 500 years, these tiles cover churches, palaces, train stations, and even ordinary homes, turning buildings into vibrant storytellers of Portuguese history, culture, and craftsmanship.

“But behind this beauty lies a troubling reality: an illegal black market that thrives on stealing these tiles.

“Thieves often target abandoned or under-renovation buildings, or even occupied homes late at night, using special tools to remove the tiles without damaging them. Once taken, these tiles are sold as ‘vintage’ or ‘reclaimed’ pieces through online shops, antique markets, and tourist areas – sometimes even shipped abroad.

“Because buyers rarely ask where these tiles come from, and regulations around these sales are limited, thieves profit while Portugal’s heritage suffers.”

Visitors to Portugal can purchase genuine azulejos from local craftspeople throughout the country, and the Instagram duo encouraged travellers to seek out artisan boutiques rather than purchasing from street sellers.

They added: “Never buy tiles without knowing their origin. If it looks like an authentic azulejo, ask questions and proof of its source. And support local artisans and shops that create or sell new, authentic tiles.”

What are azulejos?

Azulejos are intricately decorated ceramic tiles that typically measure around 5 to 6 inches (13 to 15cm) square. They’re most commonly found in Portugal and Spain, where they’ve been crafted since the 14th century. In Portugal, the tiles have predominantly featured in religious architecture, including adorning the Coimbra Cathedral.

While Spain largely stopped making the tiles by the 18th century, Portugal pressed on, eventually shipping them to the Azores, Madeira, and Brazil. They’re now frequently manufactured in Puebla, Mexico, where they’re regarded as the finest in the Western Hemisphere.

Due to their historical and cultural importance, they’ve become a sought-after keepsake for holidaymakers visiting Portugal. That said, you should always ensure what you’re purchasing has been ethically sourced, and its origins can be verified. If you suspect the tiles being offered could be stolen, steer clear of buying them.

The Portuguese National Tourist Board has been contacted for comment.

easyJet passengers are being warned they could face serious consequences if they don’t completely switch off certain electronic devices

Holidaymakers travelling with easyJet this summer are being warned that they could unknowingly fall foul of strict cabin rules unless they fully switch off a commonly used electronic device before stepping on board. The trouble is that many passengers only discover the rule once they’ve already reached the airport or are on the verge of boarding, where last-minute slip-ups could spell serious problems.

According to EasyJet, the warning relates to e-cigarettes and vaping devices, which must be carried in hand luggage only and are strictly forbidden from being stowed in hold baggage under any circumstances. The airline’s official policy states: “All electronic cigarettes and vaping devices must be carried in the cabin, re-charging is strictly prohibited and the device must be completely switched off.”

It also advises passengers to keep their devices on their person where they can be kept an eye on throughout the flight, reducing the risk of accidental activation. These rules are in place due to concerns over lithium-ion batteries, which are used to power vaping devices and are well known for posing a fire risk if they become damaged or overheat.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority categorises lithium batteries as a significant safety risk in aviation due to their potential for ‘thermal runaway’, producing intense heat and flames that are notoriously difficult to extinguish in confined spaces. The International Air Transport Association has highlighted a worldwide rise in lithium battery-related incidents, which has gone hand in hand with the increasing prevalence of portable electronic devices, prompting airlines across the globe to tighten their rules considerably.

EasyJet also warns that passengers must take precautions to prevent their vaping devices from being switched on accidentally during flights, including ensuring they are fully powered down before boarding. The airline stipulates that travellers may carry no more than two spare batteries in their hand luggage, and that these must be properly protected to prevent them from coming into contact with metal objects.

Under UK aviation rules, vaping devices must be kept in hand luggage at all times. Official government guidance states that e-cigarettes are strictly prohibited from hold baggage.

Industry experts point out that confusion often arises because rules can vary between airlines and destinations, which can leave passengers unknowingly packing the wrong items before they even reach airport security. Aviation safety specialists also warn that using or charging vaping devices while on board flights is strictly prohibited by all major airlines, with penalties ranging from confiscation to fines or even travel bans in severe cases.

As summer travel demand picks up, holidaymakers are being urged to check airline regulations before they set off to avoid delays, confiscations, or being refused entry at the boarding gate.

According to pest control, people should routinely check their luggage for warning signs

Many people will be heading home today after a bank holiday weekend getaway. While travellers often take great care when packing, it’s quite common to spend far less time unpacking – simply tipping the contents of your suitcase straight into the wash.

Throwing your clothes in the washing machine as soon as you arrive home is a sensible idea. However, there is another crucial step everyone is urged to take when emptying their luggage. Holidaymakers are advised to check their suitcases carefully for signs of any unwelcome guests, such as bed bugs.

The advice comes from James Rhoades, the founder of ThermoPest, a pest control firm specialising in bed bug treatment and registered with the British Pest Control Association. James says frequent travellers should check their suitcase as part of their routine whenever they return from a holiday.

The tip could help to prevent issues year-round, but it could be especially helpful for travellers to get into the habit now, ahead of the summer holidays. He explained: “During hot weather, bed bugs become more active and need to feed more frequently.

“They get all their hydration from blood, so a warm, humid summer gives them the perfect opportunity to bite. With people wearing lighter sleepwear or using thinner sheets, there’s less of a barrier between the bugs and their food source – us.

“There’s also typically a rise in cases after holiday periods, as bed bugs can easily be brought back hidden in suitcases or laundry. Once inside, they spread quickly, so early detection and prevention are key.”

Fortunately, there are steps people can take to minimise the risk when they arrive at their holiday and when they return home. “Hotels, guest houses, and short-term rentals can become hotspots for bed bugs during peak travel periods. Before unpacking, check the seams of the mattress, headboard, and upholstered furniture for telltale signs such as tiny rust-coloured spots or shed skins.

“Keep luggage elevated on racks rather than placing it directly on the floor to reduce the chance of bed bugs crawling into your belongings. You could also store clothes in sealed bags inside your suitcase for added protection and to make it harder for bugs to hitch a ride home,” says James.

When it is time to return home, it’s recommended that you unpack your clothes straight into the machine and carefully inspect your suitcase. James claims: “Returning home is one of the most common times for bed bugs to be introduced into your living space. As soon as you arrive back, unpack directly into the washing machine and wash everything on a hot cycle.

“Visually inspect your suitcase inside and out, paying close attention to pockets, seams, and linings for any signs of bed bugs such as dark spots, shed skins, or live insects. If you travel frequently, making this a routine step can help you spot potential issues early before they spread.”

There’s a simple passport and booking mistake that could see holidaymakers pay up to an extra £160 per passenger, just to correct it, or be denied boarding at the airport

An easy passport mistake could see holidaymakers denied boarding at the airport or charged a fee.

Jetting off abroad is always exciting, but there are a few key pre-planning checks everyone should make to ensure a smooth, safe journey. From ensuring the passport is in date, securing valid travel insurance, checking any travel advice on the Foreign Office website, to understanding the country’s entry requirements and the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES).

Then comes the fun part: booking a luxurious hotel or resort, planning a desirable itinerary, finding the best flights, and heading to the airport. Yet, amid the anticipation, there’s a simple mistake with passports and flight bookings that could cause major disruption to anyone’s travel plans, and it’s easily avoidable.

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Gavin Lapidus, Company Director at eShores, a UK-based travel agent, warned that a traveller’s name on a passport must match the name on their booking. This can be an issue for shortened or nicknames, name changes, including for those who are married, and any spelling mistakes.

If the name on their booking does not match the passport, holidaymakers could “be denied boarding, experience delays at security or check‑in, or be charged a fee to correct the name”, Gavin exclusively told the Mirror. “Airline policies vary, so it’s important to triple‑check name details before booking.”

The travel expert further advised: “Travellers should never use shortened names, nicknames, or aliases when booking flights. For example, booking under ‘Bob’ instead of ‘Robert’ can result in being denied boarding if it doesn’t match the passport exactly. Always use your full legal name as it appears on your passport to avoid delays or additional fees.”

Gavin also warned about the cost of correcting a spelling mistake. “Minor spelling errors can sometimes be corrected, often for a fee. However, full name changes are usually not allowed,” he explained.

“If you spot an error, contact your airline as soon as possible, as acting quickly improves your chances of having it fixed. Be prepared to show valid identification and expect potential charges.”

For easyJet passengers, they can amend their title or correct spelling mistakes via the airline’s website or mobile app free of charge. However, if anyone needs to change the name on the flight booking, easyJet will charge £60 per passenger per flight when amended online, or £65 with the customer service team.

Meanwhile, Ryanair will charge £115 per passenger for a name change when made online, or £160 through an agent. For Jet2, if a name change is made 15 days before the departure date, it will cost £50, but 14 days or less will set a passenger back £150.

For Brits who are married but have not yet changed their maiden name on their passport, Gavin further advised: “If a traveller has recently married, the name on the booking must still match the name shown on the passport. There is no legal obligation to change your surname immediately after marriage.

“If your passport is still in your maiden name, you can continue to travel using it until it expires, as long as your flight booking is made in the same name. You can update your passport at any time using your marriage certificate.”

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