8 Ways Your Euro Holiday Could Change
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1 More holiday spending money will be needed
The Pound is currently falling against the Euro. As it falls, holidaymakers face getting less Euros in return. That means your spending money won’t go as far on holiday. We don’t know how long it will continue falling and whether it will recover, but the fact remains: a weak Pound is not good for British holidaymakers going to Spain, France, Italy, Greece etc. If you’re still looking to get away this summer, consider an all-inclusive.
2 The cost of Euro holidays may go up
Holiday companies reserve the right to add a surcharge to your holiday if the cost for them goes up. So if the Pound becomes weak or there is a sudden increase in fuel charges for their flights or boats, they are allowed – via ABTA – to impose surcharges. In reality that’s unlikely to happen to anyone who has already booked. But expect holiday prices overall to go up in these circumstances.
3 The end of low cost airlines?
It was the EU’s ‘open skies’ decision, in 1994, to allow airlines free movement between European airports that heralded the growth of low cost airlines like Easyjet and Ryanair. The UK will now need to negotiate to be part of the European Economic Area and keep this benefit. Until we do, what happens is ‘up in the air’ (excuse the pun). Easyjet have already written to the PM and the EU pleading them to allow the UK to stay in the “single EU aviation market”.
4 EU flight delay compensation is over
Currently if your flight within Europe is delayed or cancelled, you are entitled to flight compensation under EU law. That law will no longer apply for a UK that is not part of the EU. But the UK may decide to create its own law to replace it.
5 Mobile roaming in Europe could become costly again
The EU recently brought in a cap to prevent mobile phone companies levying huge charges on those travelling outside of their home country. This cap will not apply in the UK.
6 Expats can stay, but no new ones will be allowed
The right to live and work in another EU country will no longer belong to citizens of the UK. According to the Independent, it’s unlikely tht expats will be asked to go home – but others will not be able to as easily go and live in Europe.
7 On the plus side, we probably WON’T need visas
In the old days you needed to apply for visas to travel around Europe. The Independent’s travel editor Simon Calder says: “The suggestion that the governments of Spain, Greece, Portugal, etc would single out Brits for tougher treatment at the border is far-fetched. We will simply continue to show our passports on arrival, as we do now – as the UK is outside the Schengen Area.”
8 End of the Calais drinks run
Outside of the EU, it’s likely we will go back to having the same import limits as other non-EU countries: one litre of spirits, four litres of wine and 16 litres of beer. No more hopping over the Channel to stock up.
On your side…
Whatever happens next, rest assured FamilyBreakFinder will continue its mission to find you the best and cheapest travel deals in Europe and beyond. Sign up for our family deals newsletter and also receive our free book, the Cheap Family Travel Guide 2016.
For more on this story, see The Independent’s What does Brexit mean for British tourists travelling to Europe?
