Holidaymakers are being warned about travelling to Spain, Greece, Italy and Turkey for various reasons including safety, health and strike warnings.

Spain

Warning has been issued by Spain with regards to two new afflictions spread by parasitic ticks, as there’s a worrying surge in cases. Spanish health officials have rolled out a fresh project tracking the pests that are propagating Lyme disease and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF).

The bugs are now a part of the National Plan for Surveillance and Control of Vector-borne Diseases due to the rise in cases.

Notable symptoms encompass high fever, muscle ache, and light-headedness, however over 80 percent of cases manifest no visible symptoms or are minor – signs typically start showing between two to seven days.

Greece

The Foreign Office has released a cautionary statement for tourists travelling or set to journey to Greece this year.

Officials have put out an advisory on the gov.uk website under its safety and security section; travel plans might be disrupted because of certain strikes.

An attempt to anticipate and plan ahead is recommended, but they further emphasise that disturbances can sometimes happen without any prior notice.

Key dates have been highlighted by officials, pointing out: “There are regular strikes, sometimes called at short notice, that can cause disruption to buses, trains, ferries and air travel, as well as road networks and borders. Demonstrations often take place around major squares in central Athens, in particular Syntagma Square.”

• May 1 (Labour Day) is one such date to be wary of.
• November 17 (anniversary of when student protests against a military dictatorship were put down violently ‘Polytechnio’).
• December 6 (anniversary of the shooting of 15 year old student Alexandros Grigoropoulos).

Turkey

Brits in Turkey have been issued a crucial safety warning. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has released new information regarding sexual assaults in the country.

Holidaymakers were informed: “In 2023, 42 cases of sexual assault, including rape, were reported to British consular staff in Turkey. Most cases occurred during summer holidays in coastal tourist areas.

“Crimes were committed at night by someone the victim met during the day, including hotel and spa workers. There have also been sexual attacks on minors visiting toilet facilities alone. Be extra vigilant in these situations.”

Italy

The Gov.uk website has cautioned that “terrorist attacks in Italy cannot be ruled out”.

They Government told Brits: “Italian authorities have increased security around some Jewish community sites due to events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.”

“Stay aware of your surroundings, stay away from demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities. “.

There is also a warning about spontaneous demonstrations “that can occur with little or no notice in cities,” advising holidaymakers: “Avoid any protests, political gatherings or marches.”