From the ban on driving a suitcase to the rule banning sex dolls in public: six surprising laws in holiday destinations that could hit tourists with fines of up to £31,750 if broken

Plastic bags. Bikinis. Sex dolls.

These are three things that could get you in trouble on your next vacation, along with taking a photo and swearing.

How? Read this handy guide to six surprising laws in holiday hotspots around the world to find out…

The plastic bag rule

Tourists going to Kenya should avoid bringing plastic bags into the country. Having one is an offense and can lead to a large fine or even a prison sentence.

The Kenyan government introduced the law in 2017, banning the sale and use of plastic bags. Reuters reported.

Rule breakers face up to four years in prison or fines of up to $40,000 (£31,750).

The suitcase rule

Tourists flying to the Croatian city of Dubrovnik should pay attention to their noise levels during their holidays.

A local government initiative asks tourists not to wheel their suitcases through the Old Quarter and instead carry them by the handle.

It is part of a series of new measures announced by Mayor Mato Frankovic this year to regulate and punish noise pollution.

According to initial reports, tourists could be fined €265 if they are caught breaking the rule.

A campaign launched by the city’s local government has since made it clear that the measures aim to “raise awareness of noise regulation in the city” and that “no financial penalties” will be imposed, reports themeyor.eu.

The blow-up doll rule

Anyone heading to a bachelor party in southern Spain should take into account the local laws in Malaga.

The city has become a tourist favorite thanks to cheap flights and a vibrant nightlife.

But in 2022, the city council cracked down on gross party antics, banning nudity and “erotic objects in public” such as inflatable sex dolls.

Malaga City Hall told MailOnline Travel that it is ‘forbidden’ to be naked in public or wear only underwear, and to carry items including dolls of a sexual nature.

Anyone caught violating this law risks a fine of up to €750.

The curse rule

Tourists planning to fly to Australia should be aware of the country’s law against swearing in public in certain regions, according to the online travel agent eShores.

For example, in New South Wales, which includes Sydney, offensive language cannot be used “in the vicinity of a public place or a school”, says the NSW Summary Offenses Act 1988.

Anyone caught swearing could be fined up to £342 (660AUD) under this measure.

The bikini rule

On inhabited islands in the Maldives, local laws prohibit the wearing of bikinis.

Police action may be taken for indecent exposure to those who do not adhere to the rule.

However, some inhabited islands, such as Maafushi and Fulidhoo, have been designated as ‘bikini beaches’, where tourists can don their skimpy beachwear.

The photo rule

Positano on Italy’s Amalfi Coast, with its pastel-colored houses, has been rated an Instagram appeal of 11.

But visitors should control their urge to secure photos for their feeds because if they stop to take a photo, they could be fined €275.

This is because the fishing village has introduced two waiting zones during the high season to prevent tourists from ‘lingering’ to take photos.

In a statement shared with The times Earlier this year, the city’s mayor Matteo Viacava said: ‘The aim is not to make the place more exclusive, but to let everyone enjoy our beauty.

‘We want to avoid dangerous situations due to overcrowding.’

The rule was introduced this year and implemented during the high season, from April to October.