Why empty pools and go-home stickers could greet holiday makers this summer

Every year, there is some sort of drama regarding some different holiday destination but it’s never the same issue, so it’s hard to predict what to expect heading into the summer holiday season.

The Easter break is probably the best indicator of what holidaymakers can expect though, and this year it passed off with relative ease… No airport chaos, no political problems in the usual holiday hotspots, no crazy weather patterns.

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With the countdown officially on until school’s out for summer (there are only 100 days to go!), we’re taking a look at the most likely problems travellers might encounter on their holidays this year.

Pic: Shutterstock

Problems with pools in Spain

Heading to Spain you’re guaranteed some strong sunshine, however, we’re sorry to say that the lack of rain in the last while has caused the worst drought in 200 years.

Different local councils along the Costa Del Sol have already banned the filling of private swimming pools, some public and hotel pools will likely be closed, and the open ones may be filled with non-mains water that may not be filtered.

Pic: Shutterstock

Spain isn’t the only destination worried about the water levels this summer either. Italy particularly Sicily is in danger of drought. The area was hit by forest fires last summer too.

Organised chaos at popular airports

Pic: Getty

While we don’t have to worry as much about airport queues as our British friends who have to line up for visas, there have been a few changes to the way we travel that might affect the seamlessness of your journey.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Jordi Boixareu/ZUMA Press Wire/REX/Shutterstock (14411924a) As Holy Week goes on Barcelona’s Gothic quarter visitors walk past a graffiti against tourism reading ‘Tourist go home.’ Protests against mass tourism have been going on for years in the Catalan capital. Catalonia expects a record number of visitors for 2024 Easter holidays. Anti-Tourism In Barcelona, Spain – 29 Mar 2024

There’s an impending change to the 100mls limit rule in some airports but not others, so you may end up having to empty your make-up bag in the bin to get through security- best advice is to check for each individual airport online before you travel.

Apparently, some popular airports also experienced some whopper queues over the Easter break. Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling posted a video at Faro airport in Portugal absolutely rammed with people. So arrive early is still probably the best thing you can do.

‘Go f**king home’

Pic: REX

While tourism is an essential part of the local economy for many holiday hotspots, for the people living there, visitors are making the place unlivable, and people are not happy.

Activists in Tenerife claim that the cost of living has been pushed up so much that some locals are living in their cars or even caves. Ibiza and Santorini are two other destinations that have reported the same problem.

Pic: REX

Protests are to take place on the Canary Islands calling on politicians to curb mass tourism, and while it’s nothing personal at all, the appearance of ‘Go f**king home’ stickers have been noted in Malaga.

Amsterdam has also relaunched its Stay Away campaign, aimed at keeping rowdy groups of foreign holidaymakers out of the city.

Holiday headaches at home

Keem Bay. Pic: Mark Gusev/Shutterstock

It won’t be all plain sailing if you’re planning a staycation this summer either.

Tourists are being reminded that in Ireland we are prone to getting four seasons in a day, so be prepared for all weather. Wear sunscreen, and if you’re planning to hike one of the country’s gorgeous trails, be sure to be properly equipped so mountain rescue doesn’t have to be called out!

Finally, tourists are being reminded not to take unnecessary risks to get the perfect selfie. Stay well away from cliff faces, and don’t risk getting caught out in a current.

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