Your holiday, their rules

Winter holidays are booming - but do you know the local laws?

With flight prices up to 167%^{^} cheaper in January than in August and winter holiday bookings soaring 25%^{^}  year on year, it’s no wonder Brits are trading winter coats for warmer climates. From Dubai’s golden beaches to Tenerife’s winter warmth, more of us than ever are chasing the sun while keeping costs down.

Over the past three years, flying during the peak summer months has been 50%^{^} more expensive than travelling in June or September. January is usually the cheapest month for short-haul trips, while long-haul flights often offer the best value in September, February and March. 

Travelling off-peak can make a holiday more affordable. But, while the promise of guaranteed sunshine is tempting, many tourists overlook local laws, and in some destinations, even enjoying a cocktail in the wrong place could result in fines or legal consequences.

Brits falling foul of foreign laws

Our recent analysis of Freedom of Information Request data from the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) reveals that between 2016 and 2024, 37,680 British nationals were arrested overseas. 

Arrests peaked in 2019 at 5,115 cases, while 2024 sat in the mid-range with 4,643. Even during 2020, amid pandemic lockdowns, the arrests of 2,711 British nationals were reported to the FCDO.

The research found that just over 5% of offences involved drug smuggling, and 3% related to sexual offences. The remaining 92% were classified as general or unknown. 

Most Brits know the basics when it comes to staying safe abroad – don’t carry drugs or weapons, and always follow local driving rules. But every country has its own legal and customs that can trip travellers up. Our new quick-reference tool helps you prepare before you go, with a rundown of the most common laws and customs that differ from home in some of the UK’s favourite winter destinations.

Check before you go: ‘Your Holiday, Their Rules’ tool

Select a destination below to find out about local laws that you should be aware of before you travel, from swearing in Dubai to touching manatees in Miami.

Start informed, stay covered

It’s also important to have comprehensive travel insurance in place before you jet off.

Travel insurance isn’t just for medical emergencies. It can also protect against lost or delayed luggage, trip cancellations and certain legal expenses, giving you peace of mind as you explore.

Most single-trip policies include personal liability cover, which can help with costs or compensation if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property. 

Some plans even cover legal expenses if you need to claim compensation for an injury or loss during your trip. With the right cover, you can focus less on unexpected problems and more on enjoying the experiences that make your journey memorable for all the right reasons.