Tourists beware: if it’s fun, Italy has a law against it

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Title – Tourists beware: if it’s fun, Italy has a law against it
Source – The Independent
Date – 17th August 2008

This headline is a little harsh; they have not really banned fun, they are merely controlling the excesses of their society to protect it. After all, three people sitting on a bench in Novara could easily turn from simple harmless fun into a riot…. Thinking about it, they may actually be creating fun; I can’t believe there are not people wandering round looking for couples sitting peacefully together on park benches and sitting next to them, thus plunging the couple into the criminal underworld; or groups of friends playing stand-up sit-down, where they have to avoid any two people being seated at any one time by someone else having to jump up… As for building sandcastles, I wonder if the law extends to other structures made of sand or is simply designated to eliminate sand ‘castles’… I have a vision of domes, articulated lorries and all manner of sand structures taking the place of the more traditional castle…

But on a slightly more serious note, understanding local laws and culture will go a long way to ensuring you have a event free trip. Never assume that what goes at home, goes abroad. It’s fair to say that breaching any of these strange local laws will probably not see you deported from Italy, but you may well find yourself with an unwanted fine to pay.

In other parts of the world something as simple as wearing revealing clothing such as swim wear may land you in substantially deeper water and many activities we take for granted at home can lead to serious difficulty, unnecessary danger, large fines and even larger prison terms. Ignorance or claiming you are a foreigner will simply not wash as an excuse.

Our Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety & Awareness workshop will prepare you for any destination you choose to visit. We will provide you with personal safety and cultural awareness advice for the countries you are visiting. By providing you with the tools to allow you to prepare effectively for your travels, you will gain the confidence that will allow you to make the most of your travel experiences.

Please visit our website at www.safegapyear.com or join us on Facebook. For a complete list of Blog entries visit our National Press Archive page.