Your Monthly Family Travel Insider

July is here, and summer holidays are in full swing. But this year, there’s more than just sunscreen and snacks to think about.

Travel is evolving fast. With new passport rules, ID checks, and unexpected fines for beachwear, families have a growing list of things to double-check before take-off. At the same time, theme parks and resorts around the world are unveiling major family-friendly upgrades, offering plenty to get excited about.

Passports, Visas & Paperwork

If you’re heading to Europe, be aware of recent rule changes.

For Spain, Portugal, and Greece, British passports must have been issued less than 10 years before arrival and be valid for at least three months after your planned departure. For Turkey, passports need five months of validity from entry. Some older passports show extended expiry dates from early renewals, and these aren’t always accepted.

In Spain, check-in times may be longer. Hotels, rentals, and campsites must collect personal details for everyone over 14, including names, contact info, nationality, and your relationship to any children under 14. You may be asked again, even if you submitted this when booking.

The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is now active and required for many non-UK travellers, including US citizens. It costs £10 per person.

Looking ahead, the Entry/Exit System (EES) launches in October 2025 for the Schengen Zone which includes most of mainland Europe, such as Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and Portugal. It will replace passport stamping and require biometric data (like fingerprints or a photo) on first entry. Children under 12 are exempt. Expect longer queues at first, though many ports are adding kiosks to speed things up.

The Etias visa-waiver system will follow in late 2026, also for Schengen countries. It will cost €7, be valid for three years, and apply to non-EU travellers. Applications will be online, and under-18s will be free.

Local Laws, Fines & Cultural Etiquette

Some of this summer’s biggest surprises aren’t at the airport. They’re on the beach or in the town centre.

In Spain, wearing just a bikini or swim trunks in the street (or being shirtless) is banned in cities like Barcelona, Palma, and parts of Malaga. Fines can reach €300. Portugal’s Albufeira has proposed even stricter rules with fines of up to €1,500 for wearing beachwear outside designated zones.

Alcohol and smoking rules are tighter, too. In parts of Madrid, the Canaries, and the Balearics, drinking in public (including on beaches) is banned. Some all-inclusive resorts now limit guests to six drinks per day, and happy hours and pub crawls are banned.

Smoking is also prohibited on most Spanish beaches and could land you with a €25 fine. In Greece, smoking indoors in public places can result in fines of up to €500. Ouch!

These laws aren’t new, but enforcement has increased, and families may be caught off guard if they’re unaware.

Accommodation & Tourist Taxes

In Spain, short-term rental rules are tightening. Cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Malaga, and Alicante have capped or banned new holiday rentals to ease housing pressure. For families, this may mean fewer choices and higher prices, especially in popular spots. Booking early is key, and hotels may be a more reliable option.

Tourist taxes are also rising. In Portugal, Lisbon’s tax doubled to €4 per person. Other cities charge €1.50–€2 per night. In Greece, taxes vary by season and accommodation level, with high-end hotels charging up to €8 per room in peak season.

Be sure to check your booking details and factor these into your budget.

Travel Bans & Insurance Gaps

In June, the U.S. introduced a new travel ban affecting entry from 12 countries (including Afghanistan, Iran, and Yemen) and partial restrictions on seven more (such as Cuba and Venezuela).

Most families won’t be affected, but it’s important to know:

• Green card holders and dual nationals (with a non-restricted passport) can still enter.
• Some close relatives of U.S. citizens may qualify for exemptions.
• Student and visitor visas from banned countries are not being issued.
• Airlines are enforcing these rules, even for transit passengers.

Travel restrictions for Russian and Belarusian nationals also remain in place in many countries, though some exemptions apply for immediate family.

Another concern is travel insurance. Many families are unaware that most policies exclude coverage for events linked to war, unrest, or terrorism, even if the plan was purchased before any conflict began. One family recently had to cover flight costs out-of-pocket after political disruptions in Doha invalidated their claim.

That said, travel insurance still covers essentials like medical emergencies and repatriation. Just be sure to check the exclusions carefully.

Destination Highlights & Family Attractions

There’s plenty to celebrate this month for theme park lovers.

In Shanghai, the world’s largest Legoland opened on July 5, featuring 75 attractions, 85 million Lego bricks, and a 250-room themed hotel. It even includes a ride inspired by the Chinese classic Journey to the West.

In Okinawa, Japan’s largest theme park, Junglia, opens July 25. Set in a lush jungle landscape, it features hot air balloon rides, ziplines, jungle coasters, and a family-friendly open-air spa. It’s also conveniently located near the Churaumi Aquarium.

In the UAE, Yas Waterworld has expanded with 20+ new rides and splash zones, including a side-by-side raft race and mini zero-gravity slides for younger kids.

Meanwhile, Disney World’s Cool Kid Summer campaign runs through September, with DJ parties and character meet-and-greets. Some rides remain closed for refurbishment, including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and EPCOT’s Test Track.

Long-term, Disney has secured approval to build three new parks by 2045!

Universal’s Epic Universe is now open, and Halloween Horror Nights has teased new attractions, including Five Nights at Freddy’s experiences.

Airlines & Flight Policies

If you’re flying with kids this summer, here’s what to know:

Lufthansa was named the World’s Most Family-Friendly Airline for 2025, followed by British Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Air Canada: all recognised for their child-friendly services and policies.

Southwest Airlines has scrapped its “bags fly free” policy for new bookings. Checked bags now cost $35 for the first and $45 for the second. Something to watch if you’re packing for multiple kids.

United Airlines has introduced a stricter 45-minute domestic check-in cutoff. Leave extra time, especially if juggling bags, buggies, or snacks.

And don’t forget: Real ID requirements are now in effect for U.S. domestic flights. If your ID doesn’t meet the new standard, use a valid passport instead.

We’ll be back next month with more updates to keep your family travels smooth, safe, and inspiring.