Travel Question: Will Brexit affect holidays in Spain?

Q Given the absolute chaos surrounding Brexit, is it safe to book a holiday to mainland Spain in October 2019?

Nina W

A With barely four months before Brexit day, 29 March 2019, we don’t know what awaits British travellers to the European Union after the UK leaves the EU. Travel will be certainly be trickier, but how much worse is unclear.

We know a few things: UK nationals will need at least three months remaining on their passports (at present British passports are valid in Europe until expiry day), and will not be entitled to use the fast-track lanes at border crossings/airports. The EHIC scheme for reciprocal healthcare will end, though the UK government has kind-of promised a continuation of some sort. The law banning mobile-phone firms from charging extra for calls and data in Europe will cease, though operators have yet to set out what will replace it. And it looks like motorists will need to obtain an international driving permit or two (different EU countries are signed up to different treaties, so for a trip embracing Spain and France you would need both types).

If the UK economy tanks, for example due to a no-deal Brexit, that could affect travel companies, which are particularly sensitive to movements in sterling. But so long as you book a package holiday (flights and accommodation in the same transaction) the worst that could happen if your airline/holiday firm goes bust is that you get a full refund, but no holiday. The European legislation known as the package travel regulations has been enshrined in British law, and there are no plans to repeal it.

So I would book now – but only for the half-term weeks from 19 October to 3 November; for earlier in October there is no advantage in doing so 11 months ahead, and instead I suggest you start looking to pick up a bargain in late August.

Every day our travel correspondent Simon Calder tackles a reader’s question. Just email yours to s@hols.tv or tweet @simoncalder