Ten places where selfies are banned
Taking a selfie in front of a landmark is now one of the most important things for tourists to do on holiday, with 25 per cent of holidaymakers admitting they travel somewhere just to take a photo to post it on social media, according to Vueling.
Unfortunately for some, taking a photo on holiday doesn't always go to plan and many travellers find themselves in hot water, often needing to be rescued or appearing in court for breaking the law. Remember the young selfie-taker in Lisbon who inadvertently destroyed a 126-year-old statue? Or the girl who had to be rescued after attempting to take a selfie of the perfect sunset in Turkey and getting stuck between rocks when she slipped.
Now, some of the biggest attractions and destinations are taking extra measures to stop travellers from taking extreme selfies by banning them altogether. From beaches to zoos and even entire ｃountries, there are many places where your selfie stick is not welcome.
We've rounded up ten of the world's tourist attractions, seaside spots and museums where selfies are banned. And if your next holiday location isn't in our list, Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) has compiled a guide to photography and selfie stick regulations at some of the world's most popular tourist attractions.
Disney theme parks
If you're hoping to take a selfie with Mickey or pose in front of Cinderella's Castle, you'll have to do it without the help of your selfie stick as they are banned in all Disney theme parks. The company said this is due to safety concerns and while the gadgets were already prohibited on rides, from 2015 Disney decided to ban them completely from the parks. Visitors who take selfie sticks to the parks in Paris, the United States and Hong Kong are asked to leave them at the entrance.
South Korea
In South Korea, anyone selling an unregistered bluetooth-enabled selfie stick could face a £17,000 fine or up to three years in prison. The focus of the Ministry of Science’s crackdown is models that come with bluetooth technology, allowing the user to release the smartphone shutter remotely, rather than using a timer. As such they have to be tested and certified as the ministry claims they pose a disruption to other devices using the same radio frequency.
Garoupe Beach
Antibe's Garoupe Beach has strictly prohibited the use of selfies as it argues that people should enjoy the classy seaside spot rather than be preoccupied taking photos to share on social media. The beach, which calls selfies 'braggies,' claims they spoil the atmosphere. A spokesperson said: "The Garoupe beaches are among the most glamorous and pristine beaches in all of France and we want people to be able to enjoy our exclusive beach in the moment, not spending the majority of their time bragging to their friends and family back home."
New York's tigers
Visiting tigers in New York's parks and zoos? A bizarre law from the state says that the popular trend of taking selfies with tigers or other big cats is prohibited. Tiger selfies were reportedly banned due to the number of people on dating app Tinder who posted profiled pictures of themselves posing next to the animals. Assembly member Linda Rosenthal, who sponsored the bill, said the law was enforced to stop animals being exploited.
Sistine Chapel
A photography ban at the Sistine Chapel has been in place since the 1980s and it has nothing to do with spoiling the atmosphere or for security reasons. The ban on photos and video, including selfies, was introduced when the chapel's art was restored thanks to the assistance of Nippon Television Network Corporation of Japan, which offered $3 million in return for exclusive rights to photography and video of the art. Who knew?
Lake Tahoe
While savvy travellers wouldn't risk the lives of themselves or the animals by taking a 'bear selfie,' there is a ban in place in Lake Tahoe as authorities say the area is overrun with people trying to take photos with bears. There have been incidents where a mother and cub were followed by a group of selfie-takers and officials say that if the problem persists, Lake Tahoe will close off its areas that attract the most bears for the safety of everyone.
Van Gogh Museum
Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum reintroduced its ban on photos after allowing personal photography for a short time in 2013. It reinstated the ban in 2014, saying that photography in the popular tourist attraction "caused tension between those wishing to photograph and those wishing to view the paintings". With many people insisting to take selfies with the paintings, this also let to a number of complaints from visitors.
Mumbai
Following a number of photo-related deaths, the Indian city of Mumbai launched police patrols to prevent more fatalities. A ban on selfies was introduced in 16 locations across the city and anyone going in the prohibited areas, even if they are not taking photos, risk being handed a fine of £12.50. The ban applies to spots along the coastline where there are no railings or barriers.
Running of the Bulls
Running from a bull while taking a selfie is as dangerous as it gets and in the past Pamplona's Running of the Bulls festival has seen photo-related fatalities. A local law was passed to prevent runners from taking photos while taking part but the £2,400 fine hasn't stopped visitors from attempting to take selfies. In 2014, three Brits were fined 650 euros for filming the Bull Run with a drone and in the same year, police launched a search for a man who was pictured running while taking a selfie.
Colosseum
Rome banned selfie sticks at its iconic Colosseum over fears that the ancient amphitheatre would be damaged and as a security measure for visitors. Spokesman Christiano Brughitta said: "The twirling around of hundreds of sticks can become unwittingly dangerous." Colosseum director Rossella Rea added that the gadgets were "extremely dangerous" inside the site as when fully extended with outstretched arms, they take up over half the width of the interior corridors.
Article Source: http://travel.aol.co.uk/photos/places-that-have-banned-selfies/464663/?ref=21648286
Image Source: https://d13yacurqjgara.cloudfront.net/users/249462/screenshots/1752010/angelynem-no-selfie-zone-sign.jpg
VOCABULARY WORDS:
1. Landmark (n.) ~ an object or feature of a landscape or town that is easily seen and recognized from a distance, especially one that enables someone to establish their location
2. In hot water (idiom) ~ in a situation of difficulty, trouble, or disgrace
3. Pristine (adj.) ~ in its original condition unspoiled
4. Savvy (adj.) ~ shrewdness and practical knowledge the ability to make good judgments
5. Overrun (v.) ~ spread over or occupy (a place) in large numbers
6. Reinstated (adj.) ~ restored (someone or something) to their former position or condition
7. Unwittingly (adv.) ~ without being aware unintentionally
8. Exclusive (adj.) ~ restricted or limited to the person, group, or area concerned
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1. How do you feel about taking selfies? Is it common in your ｃountry?
2. Why is the use of selfie sticks banned in your ｃountry?
3. Do you agree that taking selfies should be banned in historical and religious sites? Discuss your answer.
4. In what other places should taking selfies not be allowed? Explain your opinion.
