Sex on the Beach - Hangover in Jail?

A year ago this month a British couple were arrested in Dubai and charged with indecent behaviour after a local police officer caught them having sex on a beach. They received a three month prison sentence before boarding their flight home, red faces all round. Under the circumstances they were pretty lucky to escape a flogging. However the episode serves as a useful reminder that there may well be unforeseen legal consequences associated with getting frisky al fresco.

Romania punishes such transgressions with distinct severity whereas Swedish attitudes are notably more relaxed.In European countries the penalties are generally milder but even in Germany, for example, a prison sentence is possible, although the matter is much more a question of judicial discretion.

In popular holiday destinations like Croatia and Turkey they dispense fines for perceived public indecency. In Spain, fines can amount to a hefty 75,000 Euros. ¡Madre mía!

In Greece, Italy and Eygpt you can end up in jail for if you're caught in a public clinch. And the sentence would not be a token spell in the slammer. There's a real possibility you could spend years behind bars.

Islamic countries are the most unyielding in their moral opposition to open displays of affection. In Dubai merely kissing and hugging in public can be punished with a custodial sentence.

Topless sunbathing, or otherwise loafing about in the buff, is frowned upon in Kenya, Malaysia, Thailand and South Africa and definitely to be avoided. The best thing is to approach the customs and laws of the country you find yourself in with an attitude of respect.

However, if your preferred menu must include free-range nooky then Bulgaria, Norway, Canada and Jamaica should number among your choice holiday destinations. In these places you'll get off with a caution!