'Not allowed': Little-known rule that could change your holiday plans
Visitors to Royal Caribbean's private island - Coco Cay, in the Bahamas - won't be able to indulge in any beachside booze for one day this month.
The cruise line must comply with local Bahamian laws, which state that no alcohol is allowed to be sold on the day of the country's general election, May 12th.
Aussie travellers have been caught out by similar laws before, proving that it always pays to check in with local holidays and elections before booking your trip.
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Alcohol sales will be banned on Coco Cay, Royal Caribbean's island in the Bahamas. Royal Caribbean
A few years ago, my boyfriend went on a boys' trip to Thailand - basically five days of golf, beers, and surfing.
But their plans were thwarted when they realised that one of the days they'd dedicated to pub-hopping to watch the footy fell on the day of the Thailand election, meaning alcohol sales were banned.
If they'd planned ahead, they could have stocked up on beer from 7/11 the day before, but they were blindsided and ended up having to have a day off the booze (which, let's be real, might have been a good thing in the long run).
In Bali, travellers have had similar experiences. A friend of mine booked a week's holiday on the Indonesian island, but just before leaving, found out her trip coincided with Nyepi, an annual Day of Silence.
On this day, all shops are closed, no noise is allowed outside, and all visitors must stay inside their hotels.
READ MORE: The best campsites in Australia for a night under the stars, according to new study
Bali falls silent for Nyepi. Getty
Though sometimes, it's worth travelling to certain destinations to experience their national holidays. Carnivale in Rio, Lunar New Year in some Asian countries and France's Bastille Day are all amazing things to see for yourself.
But other times, it can throw a spanner in the planning of your holiday.
Local holidays can affect hotel prices, public transport, opening hours of shops, restaurants, and attractions, and even change the feel of a whole city.
Here are some major ones that Aussies should be aware of before booking a holiday.
Expect massive crowds during Golden Week. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Japan - Golden Week
During Golden Week, four national holidays fall within seven days, so it's become one of the busiest periods for domestic tourism in Japan. It also occurs during late spring, when the weather is perfect, so it can create a bit of travel chaos.
Bullet trains book out far in advance, while accommodation and flights are more expensive. Expect massive crowds in cities like Tokyo and Osaka, and at sites like Disneyland, Universal Studios, and popular shrine.
Everything in big cities stays open, but if you travel more rurally, small businesses may close.
Golden Week 2027 in Japan runs from April 29 to May 5.
Bali - Nyepi
The island's day of silence. For 24 hours, the entire island of Bali literally shuts down to trick evil spirits into thinking the island is deserted.
No cars, no shops, and all visitors must stay inside their accommodation - guards patrol beaches to ensure rules are followed. The airport is also completely closed this day.
It falls in March - for 2027, it's on Monday the 8th.
Songkran is a nationwide water fight. Getty
Thailand - Songkran
If you're in Thailand during Songkran (Thai New Year), you will get wet.
It's basically a three-day, nationwide water fight, where locals and tourists roam the streets with water guns, water balloons, and hoses - everyone is fair game.
Want to stay dry? Stay inside.
Songkran falls on April 13 to 15 each year.
In Thailand, along with the ban on alcohol on election days, alcohol sales are also banned during certain hours of each day, which could see travellers fined up to $470. Read more here.
South Korea - Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving)
This is a family-centric holiday where the country slows down as everyone takes a break. It triggers one of the world's most intense traffic jams as people leave Seoul, and train tickets often sell out the second they are released.
Many restaurants and shops in Seoul close for the three-day period. However, palaces and museums often stay open and host traditional games.
Chuseok next falls on September 24–26, 2026.
Semana Santa sees street closures across Spain. Getty
Spain - Semana Santa
Spain's Holy Week, leading up to Easter Sunday, is marked with massive processions and street closures. Major city centres effectively become pedestrian-only zones - expect lengthy delays.
Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are the "big" days, when most shops and businesses will close. Restaurants remain open but you'll need a reservation.
Hotels in Seville during Semana Santa often require a minimum 3-to-5-night stay and can cost 3 times more than their usual rates.
Head to a smaller town if you want to avoid the chaos.
Countries with Election-Day alcohol bans
- Thailand
- Philippines
- India
- Mexico
- Bolivia - shops are also closed, and cars are prohibited
- Peru
