Tourists behaving badly is not a new phenomenon. What is new is that the digital age means such antics are instantaneously viewable for the world to see.
One French couple was arrested recently in Italy for trying to take 90 pounds of white sand from a Sardinia beach. The beach is protected for a reason.
Now the couple faces a $3,500 fine and up to six years in prison.
Once you’re in another country you can be arrested for violating laws as though you were a citizen of that country. Ignorance of the law is no defense against it, even when abroad.
Be on your best behavior, or have extra cash on hand for legal fees. Here are some unusual tourist crimes and the penalties that go along with them.
