Post-Brexit travel: everything you need to know to have a stress-free trip
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Last month, the UK government confirmed that EU airlines will be able to continue to operate flights between the UK and the EU, even in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
"Europe is the most popular holiday destination for UK travellers with 58 million trips made each year. Today's announcement provides further assurance that, whatever the outcome of Brexit, travellers can continue to book holidays and business trips with confidence," says Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of the Travel Association ABTA.
Mr. Tanzer also confirms that if a deal is made, there will be an announced transition period until the end of 2020, meaning that travel to Europe will remain the same.
The European Council and Parliament have confirmed that post-Brexit UK travellers planning a short stay, 90 days out of any 180 days, will be granted visa-free travel. While this needs to be formally adopted, it means that it is unlikely you will be required a visa for any upcoming short break in Europe.
But what should you watch out for once you have snapped up a holiday bargain?
Check your passport is valid for travel
All passports issued before Brexit will remain valid even in a no-deal scenario.
However, in the case of a no-deal Brexit, the UK government advises travellers to ensure they have at least 6 months left on their passport and it must be less than 10 years old, even if it has six months or more remaining.
Keep in mind that it can take up to three weeks to renew a passport so check now to avoid disappointment.
Consider purchasing a pay-as-you-go sim card when abroad
Currently, travellers enjoy free roaming in European countries. This costs students no more two pounds for every 100MB, ensuring that you can upload to Instagram or check where you are going on Google Maps. The cost of making calls, sending text messages or using the internet on your phone in countries belonging to the European Union is the same in the UK.
Image credit: Austin Distel on Unsplas
Since this is an EU rule, this is likely to change post-Brexit and will be up to the discretion of your phone service provider.
Before you travel, check with your mobile phone provider about the costs of using your phone in the EU. Alternatively, consider purchasing a pay-as-you-go SIM card sold by major supermarket retailers across Europe who offer cheap top-up cards.
Research exchange rates
There is no surefire way to work out when is the best time to exchange currencies. The value of the pound has changed majorly since the 2016 referendum and continues to fluctuate.
Check exchange rates in advance and consider exchanging some of your travel money when you notice an exchange rate you agree with rather than accepting the rate you are dealt with when you arrive abroad.
Check with your travel insurance provider whether they cover Brexit-related delays or cancellations
Whether you are travelling in the EU or beyond, it always is important to take out travel insurance which covers your current circumstances, including any medical conditions.
If you have an annual policy, check the terms and conditions. A study conducted by MoneySavingExpert.com finds that some travel insurance providers do not cover Brexit-related disruptions at all while others warn that if you take out a policy after a no-deal-Brexit,
While Brexit should not prevent your future travel plans, planning ahead is crucial to organising a stress-free trip.
Lead image: JESHOOTS-com on Pixabay