This week in travel, we have several stories that may have flown under your radar. Among them: a beach in Italy has banned umbrellas for people between 10 and 65 years of age; authorities in the Bahamas have arrested five American cruise passengers for brawling; a swarm of bees delayed a United flight from Cancun; and in this week’s update of bad tourist behavior, a tourist jumped the barrier at Iguaçu Falls to retrieve his phone.
Italian Beach Bans Umbrellas
This summer, Punta Molentis Beach in Sardinia will not allow beachgoers to set up umbrellas on the sand. The beach has prohibited all umbrellas, gazebos, tents, and any other shade systems. Only families with children up to 10 years old or people 65 and older are allowed to have one large umbrella.
The new rule took effect after beachgoers had to be evacuated by boats following a fire. Overcrowding made it difficult to evacuate people on land, and umbrellas contributed to the problem. “This is also an area where the paid beach establishments are prohibited, meaning people set up umbrellas next to each other, which blocks access, causes various hazards, and blocks the view of the sea, which also led to the ordinance,” a spokesperson told CNN.
During high season (June through October), beachgoers will also be charged €10 ($11.50) for access. The only exemptions are for people with disabilities and their companions.
Police Detain Five Americans After Brawl on Cruise
Police in the Bahamas arrested five U.S. nationals at the Nassau Cruise Port. Three women and two men were involved in an altercation with other passengers at the port while on a cruise.
At the police station, the situation escalated when a woman threw a chair through a glass door and shattered it, while a male suspect kicked through it and tried to escape. Several police officers were injured before the suspects were subdued. They now face charges of assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest, malicious damage, fighting in a public place, and disorderly behavior at the station. They remain in custody, the Royal Bahamas Police Force said in a press release.
United Flight Faces Delay After Swarm of Bees Lands on Wing
Typically, bad weather or technical issues cause flight delays, but last week, a swarm of bees held up a flight. A United flight from Cancun, Mexico, to Los Angeles faced a brief delay after a swarm of bees landed on the plane’s wing.
A video shared by a passenger shows bees on the wing and ground staff inspecting the plane. The plane eventually took off, and the bees began to disappear as the flight picked up speed. A spokesperson confirmed to USA Today, “Some bees created a ‘buzz’ yesterday around United flight 1275, which took a short delay while we addressed the issue. The flight safely departed afterwards, and our unexpected guests fortunately chose not to join us for the remainder of the flight.”
No injuries were reported, and the flight landed ahead of schedule.
Tourist Crosses Barrier at World’s Largest Waterfall to Retrieve Phone
Last week, a tourist risked his life to retrieve his fallen phone at Iguazu Falls. He was on the Brazilian side of the falls when he climbed over the safety barrier on a walkway and jumped into water known for its strong currents and a 200-foot drop. He perched on the guardrails and, fortunately, made it back safely, but was reprimanded by authorities and has since faced criticism online. The waterfalls are shared by Brazil and Argentina, and climbing over the safety rails is prohibited on both sides.
