Travel insurance

Millions of Brits are preparing for summer holidays but a leading pharmacist is warning that some everyday UK prescriptions could be banned overseas

As the UK anticipates the summer holiday season, a leading pharmacist has issued a crucial warning to those planning to travel with medicines. Peter Thnoia of PillTime urges holidaymakers to think ahead or face potential complications due to stringent drug regulations in various destinations.

Highlighting that common UK prescriptions could be prohibited abroad, Peter is alerting travellers about the danger of leaving medication arrangements to the last minute. With school holidays approaching, he stresses the necessity for people to order their medications no less than a fortnight prior to departure.

Peter also underscores the significance of carrying appropriate documents for your medication to avoid the inconvenience of confiscation at the airport. He prompts tourists to research the specific pharmaceutical laws of their destination, particularly as certain meds like Co-codamol may be restricted in some countries, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Peter urges people going abroad to process their prescription orders at least two weeks before their holidays and alert their GP of any unusual early requests. “We’d always recommend people put in their prescription requests around two weeks before, but if you’re ordering earlier than normal, your GP might flag or reject the request,” Peter advises.

“If that’s the case, then you need to contact your GP in good time, explaining your holiday, so they can approve the request.” With over a quarter-century of experience in the pharmacy sector, Peter highlights that many people leave prescriptions until the last minute, causing unnecessary stress before a trip.

“Pharmacies are accustomed to busy periods, but late requests add pressure for everyone,” he said. “Ordering well in advance helps us deliver your medication without any hitches – and gives you peace of mind as your holiday draws near.”

However, it’s not just about timely ordering. Peter also advises travellers on the correct way to carry medication to avoid complications at security or border control.

“Always keep your medication in your hand luggage, in its original packaging with the prescription label intact,” he says. “Security staff may need to verify it, particularly if it’s liquid or regulated,” he added. “If you’re unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist for a supporting letter. This can be particularly useful when travelling with larger quantities.”

When going abroad with medication, it is essential to confirm that you can transport it legally and safely. Always keep your medication in its original packaging, complete with the prescription label, and include a doctor’s letter if necessary. Make sure to pack your medication in your hand luggage for easy access and to reduce the chances of loss or damage. Review the regulations of the airline and the destination country, particularly concerning controlled substances and liquids exceeding 100ml.

What medication could cause issues?

As the six-week holiday period approaches, Peter shares a simple tip to ensure your holiday goes ‘without a hitch’. He says: “Know the rules of the country you’re travelling to, because you’d be surprised how many everyday tablets are banned or regulated abroad.”

He went on to say: “For example, Co-codamol is available over the counter and in supermarkets here in the UK. But in Greece, the codeine element is treated as a controlled drug – so you can only bring it into the country with a prescription and a doctor’s note.”

Open Prescribing data reveals that more than 3.5 million prescriptions for Co-codamol have been issued in the first quarter of this year (January-March 2025). While lower strengths of Co-codamol can be purchased without a prescription in the UK, higher doses necessitate one.

This implies that millions of Brits who depend on this medication for pain relief could potentially run afoul of foreign laws if they take their medication abroad. Some countries have restrictions or outright bans on drugs like codeine, tramadol, and loperamide.

• Japan: Has intricate regulations concerning prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Some widely used allergy and cold treatments, including those with pseudoephedrine, are either prohibited or necessitate special authorisation. Attempting to bring in banned drugs may lead to arrest.
• Indonesia: Prohibits medications that contain codeine and tramadol.
• Qatar: Certain over-the-counter cold treatments require a prescription.
• India, Pakistan, Turkey: Maintain stringent lists of banned medications, and travellers are advised to consult their respective embassies prior to carrying any drugs.
• United Arab Emirates: Enforces strict regulations on numerous prescription medications, including those with codeine, tramadol, and specific anxiety drugs.

Certain countries also enforce stringent regulations on medications containing pseudoephedrine and other components commonly found in cold and allergy remedies. Pseudoephedrine, a key ingredient in decongestants such as Sudafed, is often regulated due to concerns about its potential misuse in the illegal production of substances, particularly methamphetamine.

What should you do?

Peter recommends: “If you’re unsure whether your medication is restricted in the country you’re travelling to, then check the official embassy website for your destination. It will explain exactly what you can and cannot bring into the country. It’s always best to be safe and check before you travel so that you have all the essential medication you need to make sure your holiday is as enjoyable as possible.”

Do consult with your GP regarding any trips abroad and the medicines you’ll need to bring along. Your doctor can provide a letter explaining why certain medications are necessary and may offer alternative solutions if needed.

Always carry medications in their original containers with labels visible. It’s also wise to request any permits or certificates in good time before setting off. Be prepared for inspections at customs by declaring any medication, which might mean enduring some delays.

The UK government has issued a new travel warning against all travel to parts of Mexico as Tropical Storm Erick has taken shape off the southern coast of the country

A fresh UK government travel warning has been issued for parts of Mexico due to Tropical Storm Erick which is forecast to develop into a hurricane by the afternoon of June 18th.

Erick is currently south-east of Punta Maldonado in Mexico and is expected to intensify into a hurricane with forecasters warning it could make landfall on Mexico’s Pacific coast.

Heavy rain is forecast to affect Guerrero, Oaxaca, Chiapas, and southern Veracruz, and a hurricane watch has been issued for the Pacific coast.

Forecasters said Erick was moving west-north-east at 12 miles per hour and will move closer to Mexico’s coastline by late Wednesday with maximum sustained winds of 40 miles per hour being reported on Tuesday.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) warned Britons that their travel insurance could be rendered invalid if they fail to adhere to the advice issued.

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The FCDO’s website issued the following warning:

“Tropical Storm Erick is expected to make landfall on the pacific coast on 17 June with heavy rains affecting Guerrero, Oaxaca, Chiapas and the south of Veracruz.

“It is expected to gain strength and become a Category 2 hurricane by the afternoon of 18 June affecting an area along the southern pacific coast from Puerto Angel in Oaxaca to Punta Maldonado in Guerrero.”

The FCDO has warned: “You should closely monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Center and follow the advice of local authorities and your tour operator, including any evacuation orders.”, reports the Express.

“See the tropical cyclones page for advice about how to prepare for travel during hurricane season and what to do ahead of a storm.

“In the aftermath of a hurricane, there can be flooding, high winds and continued rainfall.”

A previous warning states:

“The hurricane season in Mexico normally runs from June to November and can affect the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Tropical storms and hurricanes cause floods, landslides and disruption to local services, including transport networks.

“After a hurricane there can still be continued flooding, high winds and rainfall. Monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Center and follow the advice of local authorities and your tour operator, including evacuation orders.”

Travel company Great Little Escapes has been removed from the ATOL scheme and ceased trading, leaving Brits with holidays booked through the firm in chaos

UK-based travel agency Great Little Escapes, also operating as Our Holidays and Tunisia First, has abruptly ceased trading, casting uncertainty for many travellers.

British holidaymakers are faced with turmoil as bookings fall through following Great Little Escapes being stripped of its ATOL scheme membership and halting its operations.

The Berkshire-based firm touted itself as a provider of the ‘best cheap breaks in the UK’, focusing on city breaks, while Your Holidays boasted a varied offering, including deals for hen and stag dos, LGBT getaways and bespoke packages.

Falling into financial difficulty, the company’s latest figures reveal a near £77,000 loss last year and a hefty £186,000 deficit reported for 2023, says TTG, the travel industry’s news outlet.

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In the UK, it’s mandatory for any business selling holidays and flights to possess an ATOL (Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing), providing a safety net for consumers’ finances. The ATOL protection ensures that customers can either continue their planned trip or claim a full refund if a travel operator collapses, reports Wales Online.

Following the company’s sudden downfall, ATOL stated they are “currently collating information from the company” and will issue guidance promptly.

Those potentially impacted have been instructed not to submit claims yet, with warnings that premature attempts will be turned down.

But now hundreds of summer breaks are in jeopardy and holidaymakers are desperate for clarity.

The authority also issued explicit guidance for associated travel agents, noting: “If you are a travel agent of Great Little Escapes LLP and you are currently holding consumer payments which you have not yet paid to Great Little Escapes LLP, you must not use these funds to refund consumers until you have received instructions from the Air Travel Trust.”

The collapse of this latest travel agency is sure to unsettle those thrifty holiday-seekers keen on saving on their bookings to have more spending money for beachside cocktails and souvenirs during their getaway.

What to do if your holiday company goes bankrupt

So, what’s the next step if your travel firm goes under? What rights do you have, and how can you reclaim your hard-earned cash?

Discovering that your holiday provider has folded is every traveller’s worst fear, especially when you’re yearning for that essential escape. Thankfully, various laws and regulations exist to aid you in getting a refund should things take a turn for the worse.

Your first port of call should be to touch base with your travel agent if you arranged your trip through them, to confirm your booking is still valid.

All providers offering services within the EU are bound by consumer protection legislation. According to the European Consumer Centres Network: “If you book a holiday, rental car, accommodation or a flight in the EU, Norway or Iceland and run into problems, rest assured that consumer rights are in place to support you.

“If your flight is cancelled, your baggage is lost, your cruise doesn’t go smoothly, or you miss your train connection, EU legislation will ensure you obtain redress.”

In the UK, travel companies that provide packages, including a flight, and sell them to customers must protect your money through the ATOL scheme.

As the Post Office notes, this means that if you booked your overseas holiday with an ATOL member and it goes bust before you travel, you can apply to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for a full refund. If you’re already on holiday when the company goes bankrupt, the CAA will arrange for you to return home.

ABTA, the Association of British Travel Agents, also provides financial protection for UK consumers who book holidays through ABTA members. This protection ensures that consumers receive refunds or assistance if their travel company goes out of business.

Package holidays and agency booking can also offer travellers extra reassurance and customer service. “Booking through a professional agent gives you the peace of mind that you are protected in the event of any changes to your travel,” said Sarah Davies, a travel advisor from Life Begins with Travel. “Even if just to have someone on the end of the phone to guide you through the process.”

Davies explained that many online travel companies weren’t members of ABTA, though, so it was important to ensure you choose a company with both ABTA and ATOL protection “so you don’t end up out of pocket and that you’re well looked after.”

Look for the ATOL logo when booking, and you should receive an ATOL certificate immediately after booking. You can also check a company’s ATOL status on the CAA website.

If you can’t reach the travel company, contact your airline and accommodation provider directly to confirm your booking and check that they’ve received your payment. If everything checks out, you should be all set to go on your hols.

However, if the booking doesn’t exist or you can’t get through to those companies, possibly because they’ve gone out of business, check your paperwork to determine whether you’ve ABTA or ATOL protection.

Making a claim

The Civil Aviation Authority notes that the refund process is quite straightforward. ATOL-protected consumers complete an ATOL Claim Form, and it then requests the documentation from the ATOL holder issued to the customer.

They will request evidence of payment to the ATOL holder or overseas supplier, depending on your claim type.

In some cases where you’ve paid by credit card, they may direct you to contact your card issuer for a refund. For more details, visit their website.

How to make a claim

1. Check your ATOL certificate or invoice to confirm that the trip was ATOL-protected and lists the ATOL holder.
2. Visit the CAA ATOL Claims Portal to submit your case as the Lead Passenger
3. You’ll need to provide an ATOL certificate/reference, booking and payment details, receipts for any extra costs
4. The CAA then processes the claim and may seek reimbursement through a credit card provider (Section 75), in some cases.

Will Travel insurance cover me?

Travel insurance doesn’t usually cover you if your holiday company goes bust — but some policies do include cover for things like “end supplier failure” or “scheduled airline failure.” It’s definitely worth having a quick look at the fine print to see if you’re protected.

Do I have Credit card protection?

If you haven’t got travel insurance in place at the point when your holiday company goes bust, you may be able to claim back your money through your credit card company.

To be eligible, you need to have paid more than £100 for your holiday or flights and booked directly with the holiday company or airline.

Next steps

• Do not apply for CAA claims before they publish details about a failed ATOL holder
• If you’re overseas, the CAA will inform you of the repatriation plan.
• Upon failure, the CAA list is updated; find it on the ATOL portal .
• Gather all documents: receipts, bookings, and communications; this will support your claim

At a glance:

If a travel company with an ATOL goes bust:

• You’ll get a refund if you haven’t travelled yet.
• If you’re already abroad, ATOL ensures you’re not stranded and helps bring you home.
• It applies to package holidays and some flight-only deals sold by UK companies.

If something goes wrong:

• First, go to the travel company.
• If unresolved, and it’s financial or related to collapse, go to ATOL via the CAA.
• For complaints not involving insolvency (e.g. poor service), escalate to an ombudsman or Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) body.

A consumer rights champion has explained the rules after one woman had to eat Greek food every day on her Greek holiday

A consumer rights expert has explained what you can do if your hotel on a foreign holiday refuses to serve you a full English breakfast, after a woman got £100 from TUI because she couldn’t get British food on her Greek break. Susan Edwards took a seven-night getaway to the Greek island of Corfu but was horrified to find there was no English food available – although she did get chips one night.

Susan, from Westerhope, described the holiday as “horrendous from the minute [they] got there.”

Susan said: “It was all-inclusive, £750 each we paid and there was no food we could eat and we couldn’t have anything to drink.”

Susan, who has ulcerative colitis, said: “On a morning you could have toast, a hard boiled egg, or something in sauce. There was no bacon. For breakfast there was mozzarella and sliced tomatoes. There was no hot bacon or sausage.

“We got chips one day. One day out of the whole lot. There was fish, sardines and rice – I was sick to death of looking at rice. There was pasta and salads, none of this was marked (labelled). One night there was a Greek night and they had kebabs, I couldn’t eat that. It’s the worst holiday I’ve ever been on.”

Susan was offered £100 in holiday vouchers from TUI but has turned down the offer.

Consumer rights expert Helen Dewdney, known as The Complaining Cow, said your package holiday rights are protected under the Package Holiday and Linked Travel Arrangements 2018.

She said: “A package holiday consists or two or more components, such as accommodation and flight or transfers, and must last longer than 24 hours or at the very least have an overnight element. The organiser (i.e. the travel company with which you booked) is liable for the failures of hoteliers, suppliers and services within the contract.”

Helen said: “The organiser must not provide misleading information. If the holiday does not match the description, you will be entitled to redress. The organiser must clearly state the details of the booking in a Standard Information Form, before you make any payment. The Form must include specifics of any arrangements: dates, times, costs, meals, excursions included/excluded, activities, transportation, cancellation fees, contact details for the package organiser, information on compulsory/voluntary insurance regarding repatriation in the event of illness/death/accident, and/or the cost of termination of the contract by the traveller.”

She added: “You are entitled to redress for the disappointment and distress caused by things going wrong. The amount will be dependent on what and for how much of the holiday.”

Helen said: “Make sure you take out travel insurance at the same time you book your holiday. You never know what might happen between now and then!”

She added: “Is it reasonable to claim for a lack of ‘English food’ on a continental holiday? Probably not. However, at least one TUI customer has succeeded in claiming limited compensation for this alleged breach, although she has got to buy another holiday to use it!”

A spokesperson for TUI UK and Ireland said: “Our priority is to ensure customers have the best possible holiday experience, so we are sorry to hear that Mrs Edwards felt dissatisfied with her holiday. We have been in touch directly with Mrs Edwards to come to a resolution.”

Brits getting ready to brave the infamous sunbed wars on Spain holidays may want to double check their destination’s rules – or face potentially hefty fines

Brits who lay out their towels to reserve a sunbed for hours at a time have been warned they could face hefty fines of up to €250 (approximately £210).

The team at travel insurance comparison site Tiger.co.uk have warned Brits heading on Spain holidays to think twice before laying out a towel on the beach, as it could actually land you facing some hefty extra charges.

They explained: “In popular areas of Spain like Barcelona and Costa Blanca, tourists can now be fined €250 for reserving sunbeds, meaning waking up early to bag a spot for you and the family is no longer allowed. This rule was introduced following numerous complaints about sunbeds being reserved for hours with no one in sight.”

The rules were brought into force last year, in a bid to stop tourists from reserving spots on public beaches with towels and sunbeds, despite then not returning for hours a time – meaning other visitors had to make do with leftover space, causing issues such as fights breaking out, or crowding.

READ MORE: Tourist sets alarm for 6.30am to get best sunbed – but is stunned by what she finds

Council leaders in Calpe, in Costa Blanca, said that police would be given the power to remove unattended sunbeds or towels that were on the beach before 9.30am. Those caught breaching the rules will need to head to a municipal depot to get their belongings back – and get hit with the £210 fine in the process. The rules don’t just apply to those laying out a towel; tourists who try to keep a spot unattended for over three hours could also face similar fines.

It’s not just on the beaches where fights for sunbeds break out. The 5am ‘sunbed wars’ have become a classic part of summer holidays, as holidaymakers get up at the crack of dawn and brave a mad dash just to lay out their towels to ‘reserve’ the poolside sunbeds.

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Every year, the chaos causes everything from fights breaking out to huge queues by the pool before the sun has even risen. Just recently, holidaymakers were spotted using a sneaky tactic in Tenerife to try and reserve their spot before the pool staff had even laid out the loungers, in a move that some have dubbed as “pathetic”.

It causes plenty of tension especially when people leave their towels on sunbeds but don’t return for hours at a time, leaving other tourists having to find alternatives even though there are empty loungers in front of them.

As a result, most hotels are trying to combat the madness by introducing rules around reserving sunbeds, such as having staff remove belongings that have been left unattended for hours.

Have you seen any ridiculous sunbed wars? Let us know at [email protected].

Travel experts have named the places you could find yourself at risk – including in Spain, France, Italy, Turkey and Thailand

Holiday season is almost in full swing with just weeks until we hit the peak summer travel window, and millions of people will head from the UK to familiar locations in the sun. Each year we make more than 55million holiday trips abroad, with places like Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Portugal topping the list of destinations.

People from the UK usually travel to familiar locations, believing they will be safe from crime and disease, while shunning places they think may be more ‘trouble’. But travel experts have warned some of the most familiar spots are actually the most dangerous – where you are most likely to experience things like becoming a victim of crime.

Those destinations include familiar favourites such as Spain, France, Italy and Turkey.

Diana Peng from Just Wanderlust said: “Places that are regarded as safe but aren’t include popular places such as Paris and Barcelona. I’ve heard so many horror stories from travelers to those cities and I’ve also been the target of crime in those cities – it is rampant and yet, it’s barely discussed.

“Groups of pickpockets and scammers frequently work the tourist crowds in these popular cities. They are also easy targets: preoccupied, lost, or trying to get photos more so than paying attention to their surroundings.”

Patrick Farrell of Viceroy Bali added: “Regions like Cancun and Acapulco in Mexico make me think they are safe, when in fact, they are not. I have received clients who booked luxury wellness retreats there, only for them to experience unforeseen safety concerns outside the resort areas.

“Furthermore, cities like Paris and Barcelona are pretty in their own right, but they do pose some level of safety concern. The two cities have a high risk of pickpocketing and scamming tourists. My advice always is to look at government-issued travel advisories, and talking to someone who knows the city is very useful.”

Ross Thompson at Covac Global said: “Places like Naples, Italy and Tokyo, Japan sit on massive seismic and geologic risks. Naples sits near Mt Vesuvius which is an active volcano that last erupted in 1944. While it’s closely monitored it sits near a highly dense population and is closely monitored for a reason.

“Tokyo sits on a major seismic zone where an earthquake or tsunami can strike not only Tokyo but many other highly visited Japanese cities without warning causing massive destruction.”

He added: “Hidden risks can manifest politically, even if they say it is welcoming to Western tourists, they may have less noted political or civil strife either internally or externally. Think about the attempted coup in Turkey in 2016 where the opposition actually seized airports, bridges and media entities and both tanks and fighter jets filled the cities and skies.”

Ross also warned about ‘kidnapping in Mexico’s most popular cities’ and the risk of illness in Western Africa, Thailand and Brazil.

He highlighted Bali in Indonesia as a particular risk – surrounded by active volcanoes, at threat of political upheaval and home to ‘a host of exotic diseases including Dengue Fever, Malaria and Typhoid’

He said: “And when disaster does strike – you’re on an island and you and everyone else wants out.”

Christian Petzold, travel expert at BCN Travel, said: “Mexico is the proverbial example. Cities like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum are tourist havens: splendour and creation in concert. Yet, in the past few years, intermittent conflicts of criminal gangs have touched even these sanctuaries of tourism, some directly in the proximity of tourist zones.”

He added: “Paris, on the other hand, although arguably one of the most visited cities, is known for petty crimes around Gare du Nord, Montmartre, and near the Eiffel Tower. Pickpocketing is almost a fine art there, whereas protests and strikes disrupt transport and city services with unpredictability. I always recommend guests carry crossbody bags, beware of strangers who get too friendly too fast, and keep eyes and ears open for local news updates.

“Rome has a similar ambience. Whereas it is rich in history and culture, Termini Station and some venues near the Vatican attract scams and thefts: from fake helpful locals to those touting friendship bracelets or petitions, the usual distraction-and-robbery routine.

“Thailand poses a curious case. Generally safe and world-renowned for hospitality, guests should be wary of certain transportation modes, especially tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis, which are often unregulated. Some islands like Koh Tao have been in the spotlight due to a string of deaths of tourists that went unsolved amidst rumblings of local corruption. When it comes to political differences in Bangkok, protests tend to escalate relatively quickly, thereby promptly throwing an alienated tourist into the midst of demonstrations.”

How to stay safe on a foreign holiday

Staying safe on a foreign holiday involves a mix of preparation, awareness, and common sense. Here’s the best advice broken down into key areas:

Before You Go

1. Research the Destination Check travel advice from the UK Foreign Office: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. Understand local laws, customs, and any safety concerns (crime, weather, political instability, etc.).
2. Get Travel Insurance Make sure it covers health emergencies, cancellations, theft, and adventure activities if applicable.
3. Copies of Important Documents Keep digital and printed copies of your passport, travel insurance, visa, and emergency contacts.

While You’re There

1. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas. Be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded places (tourist hotspots, public transport).
2. Protect Your Valuables Use a money belt or hidden pouch. Leave expensive jewellery and unnecessary tech at home or in a safe.
3. Use Reliable Transport Use official taxis, ride apps (e.g., Uber), or public transport where safe. Don’t hitchhike.
4. Be Cautious with Alcohol Drink in moderation and never leave drinks unattended. Avoid accepting drinks from strangers.
5. Local Laws and Etiquette Respect dress codes, especially in religious or conservative areas. Know what’s illegal – e.g., vaping in Thailand, chewing gum in Singapore.

Health & Emergency

1. Know Emergency Numbers Not all countries use 112 or 999. Look up the local emergency number.
2. Medications Bring enough prescribed medication with a copy of your prescription. Check if your medication is legal in your destination country.
3. Vaccinations & Health Risks Visit a travel clinic for any necessary jabs or malaria tablets.
4. Avoid Unsafe Food/Water In higher-risk areas, stick to bottled water and avoid street food that isn’t freshly cooked.

Tech & Communication

1. Stay Connected Get a local SIM or roaming plan. Share your itinerary and daily check-ins with someone back home.
2. Download Essential Apps Maps, translation, local transport, embassy locator, travel insurance app.

Brits are being warned to check before travelling to the likes of France, Italy, Spain and more to avoid being surprised by a common extra cost when they check-in at their hotel

Brits planning their summer holidays are being warned to check for additional costs before they head off to their destination.

That’s because there are plenty of hotspots in the likes of France, Spain and Italy charge a tourist tax, often for every day of your stay. While this isn’t usually more than a few euros each day, it’s worth noting that it’s rarely included in the original cost of your holiday, but rather is paid when you check-in to your hotel.

However, a survey from Quotezone revealed that 45% of Brits don’t plan for additional expenses on holiday – and so can be caught off-guard when they’re asked to pay at reception.

Greg Wilson, CEO and travel insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “If you’re planning a trip to any city in Europe this year, you must be aware of the potential additional costs to your holiday such as tourist tax – often these extras are not obvious beforehand and normally due for payment when you check out of your accommodation. Tourism taxes range anywhere between less than €1 to almost €15 per night and can be charged per person.”

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Although tourist taxes aren’t new, they’ve been an increasing source of tension in recent years as holiday destinations look to combat overtourism. Just recently, Jet2’s CEO Steve Heapy raised concerns that tourist taxes might increase as a result of the over tourism demonstrations in Spain.

It comes following protests in hotspots such as Barcelona and the Canary Islands, with locals calling for more restrictions. The Mayor of Salou Pere Granados had previously championed a charge of 84p per day for tourists, explaining at a round table: “The tourists pay tax in the same way as the residents pay taxes. If I come to London, I generate waste.”

However, Benidorm’s mayor Antonio Perez said he was against the tourist tax “because it’s stigmatising the visitors as the ones who are preventing me from having a better city or better services”.

Meanwhile in Italy, in recent years Venice has introduced a tourism tax for ‘day trippers’, in a bid to combat the crowds that descend upon the city, including during peak cruise holiday seasons. Just last year city officials confirmed they would be increasing the tax for 2025, and even doubling the fee for last-minute holidaymakers.

The experts at Quotezone warned: “When budgeting for your trip, it is important to take additional fees and tax into consideration. Recently many countries have actually raised their fees for tourists. Visitors in Paris may find themselves paying up to €14.95 a night – while Venice has introduced a trial for visitors to pay a €5 entry fee to the city during daytime hours, including additional costs for anyone staying in the city overnight. While planning your trip, make sure to research tourist tax in that area so you can be prepared for the additional costs.”

Do you think a tourism tax is a good idea? Let us know in the comments below.

The Spanish capital is a vibrant city with plenty to see and do, and it’s also one of the ‘most budget-friendly’ city break destinations in Europe, according to travel insurance experts

Madrid, Spain’s capital and a hive of activity, has been crowned as one of the “best budget city break” locations for those looking to escape during the summer. Characterized by its energetic streets, Madrid is also celebrated by Spain’s tourist board for its “welcoming and diverse” atmosphere, affirming it as an ideal spot for every type of traveller.

Research by travel insurance gurus at Quotezone pinpoints Madrid as offering one of the most wallet-friendly getaways on the continent, standing out as the sole Spanish metropolis in the line-up and trumping other European hotspots like Athens, Vienna, Rome and Paris when it comes to saving those pennies.

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The selection was made by weighing up elements critical to frugal globetrotters – think tourist levies, snooze spots prices, cost for nosh and a pint, public transit fares, and how far you’ll need to trek from the tarmac.

As visitor taxes hike up elsewhere, Madrid’s lack of this surcharge is a notable highlight. The city also scores points for its reasonable food scene.

Despite having its share of swanky eateries, the capital doesn’t disappoint when it comes to more modestly priced meal choices, reports the Express.

You won’t have to splash out much in Madrid, with an average spend of about €14 (circa £12) for dining delights, the study reveals.

And, for those desiring a bevvy to sip in the sun, the typical price tag for a brew sits at around €3.50, which equates to near £3, albeit a tad steeper than the likes of Zagreb, where a local ale will set you back just about £2.50.

However, in contrast to the average pint price of £5.90 found in London, Madrid’s beer comes across as a significant money-saver.

As noted by Quotezone, a single public transport ticket in Madrid costs just €1.50 (around £1.30), representing a budget-friendly way to traverse the bustling cityscape.

Madrid offers a wealth of activities regardless of your holiday preferences; from its vibrant streets lined with a myriad of shops and global cuisine restaurants to bars and a pulsating nightlife.

History buffs will revel in the numerous museums and the plethora of historic buildings that can be found throughout the city.

“Madrid’s authenticity is hard to beat,” remarked the Spanish tourism board. “It is welcoming and diverse. Madrid is, without a doubt, one of Europe’s most interesting cities.”

The magnitude of the earthquake has since been updated to 6.0 as a tsunami warning was issued after the earthquake struck near the coast of Crete, which is the most populous of the Greek islands

Holidaymakers in Crete have been warned to steer clear of coastal areas amid tsunami concerns following an earthquake.

An urgent tsunami alert was sounded on the Greek island this morning after a significant 5.9 magnitude tremor hit near the coast of Crete, Greece‘s most densely populated island. The Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection in Greece subsequently announced: “A magnitude 5.9 earthquake occurred 48km SE of Kasos. Risk of possible Tsunami in your area. Move away from the coast immediately. Follow the instructions of Local Authorities.”

The quake’s magnitude has been revised to 6.0 since the initial reports. Coastal alerts were issued this morning in regions frequented by holidaymakers from all over Europe, including Brits.

For those with travel plans to Greece who are reconsidering their trip in light of the earthquake, it’s crucial to understand your legal position and refund entitlements.

Have you been impacted by the earthquake? Email [email protected]

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This issue is particularly pertinent at present, as several top European holiday spots have recently been affected by natural calamities, power outages, and social unrest, prompting many travellers to think about cancelling their forthcoming holidays.

This advisory follows a recent caution from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to tourists planning trips to Turkey after a 6.2-magnitude quake struck Istanbul on April 23.

The FCDO has issued a warning that “many parts of Turkey regularly experience earthquakes and ‎tremors”, cautioning that these natural events can be “high magnitude, cause damage to infrastructure, and pose ‎a risk to life”. ‎.

In other news, Spain and Portugal have been plunged into disarray due to an unexpected blackout, leaving millions, including British holidaymakers, in chaos.

Tourists flocking to Spanish destinations like the Balearic and Canary Islands are being alerted about possible upsets this summer, as local activist groups are set to intensify their anti-tourism demonstrations.

With travel abroad currently fraught with unpredictability, the specialists at Tiger.co.uk are advising Brits to verify cancellation policies with their travel insurers if they’re considering pulling out of their plans and seeking reimbursement.

Regrettably, standard insurance packages typically don’t cover travellers who simply decide against going on their trip – a situation referred to as ‘disinclination to travel’ within the insurance industry, where providers usually won’t compensate.

However, there’s an important caveat: when the FCDO advises against travel to a particular area, such as it has done for regions of Turkey within 10km of the Syrian border due to “fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism”, travel companies are obligated to offer either a full refund or alternative arrangements. It’s vital to note that travelling to a location against FCDO advice is likely to nullify any travel insurance coverage.

As of 11am on May 14, the FCDO has yet to issue guidance on the earthquake that struck Greece.

Ian Wilson, a travel insurance specialist and managing director at Tiger.co.uk, commented: “While the chances of being caught up in a natural disaster or civil unrest while abroad are relatively small, it is understandable that some travellers will have concerns about safety and potential disruption to their holidays this summer and may be thinking of cancelling their trip.”

He warned that: “However – unless the UK Foreign Office has issued official advice against travel to your chosen destination – you will most likely be left out of pocket if you choose to cancel, as tour operators or insurance providers are not obligated to refund you for having a change of heart.”

He further explained that: “Most standard travel insurance policies contain cancellation cover which provides cover if your holiday can’t go ahead, but this will only apply in circumstances beyond your control, such as a sudden illness or the death of a close relative.”

Stressing the fallout of personal decisions, he said: “In short, if you decide you no longer want to travel but the provider says the trip can still go ahead, you will have limited grounds to seek reimbursement.”

For those still anxious about travelling, Wilson advised: “However, if you have a trip booked and are still worried about travelling, you may want to consider looking into travel disruption insurance, which offers protection for a wider range of risks, should the unexpected happen.

“This means that if your holiday is impacted by a natural disaster, an outbreak of civil unrest or sudden airline strike, you are likely to be protected financially.

“When planning your holiday abroad, it is important to do some research to ensure your intended destination is safe for tourists. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has a red list of over 70 countries that have no-go zones for UK travellers, and visiting these areas could invalidate your travel insurance.

“Always make sure you check the destination on the FCDO website and look out for any warnings against travel before you book a trip.”