are being urged to put their phones away while in certain countries this summer to avoid the risk of fines and legal trouble. A growing number of countries are cracking down on in certain situations, as travel experts urge holidaymakers to read local laws and policies before flying.

According to Brenda Beltrán, a travel expert at , what may seem perfectly normal in the UK, like checking Google Maps or sending a quick voice note, can be frowned upon or banned entirely in other parts of the world. "People think using their phone abroad is harmless, but in some places, it's considered rude, disruptive, or even illegal," says Ms Beltrán.

She adds: "Travellers can be fined simply for using their phones while walking near roads or for taking selfies in prohibited areas. The rules are changing quickly, and people need to stay informed."

For Brits jetting off to Italy this summer, some towns in the Lake Como region have introduced fines for phone use while walking, claiming it's a safety issue and distraction for tourists.

Over in France and Spain, using your phone while driving or even idling at traffic lights can lead to on-the-spot fines of up to €1,000 (£850).

In Japan, talking on your phone on public transport is socially unacceptable and many trains ask passengers to switch their phones to do-not-disturb mode and avoid calls entirely, the expert warns.

The expert adds that in the United Arab Emirates, filming strangers, especially locals, without consent, can lead to arrest under privacy laws.

Phone use, even for photos, is often banned or considered disrespectful in temples and sacred sites across Asia. "You wouldn't light up a cigarette in a church, so don't assume it's fine to film or FaceTime in a sacred temple," says Ms Beltrán.

"Checking a text might seem harmless, but in some cultures, it's seen as disrespectful or distracting. At worst, it could lead to a fine or being removed from a site entirely," she adds.