Recently updated on January 22nd, 2020 at 10:07 pm
As the outcome of Britain’s referendum on EU membership became clear on the morning of June 24th 2016, the decision to support Brexit – while divided in opinion across the UK – marked a historic moment in the joint nations’ history. And from that day, the effects of this monumental moment became instantly apparent. While the news of the UK leaving the EU broke, the strength of the pound fell, making both the dollar and euro comparatively stronger, signally an opportunity for travellers from across the United States and Europe to visit Britain for less.
However, visitors to the UK shouldn’t expect places like England’s capital to be any less busy. London is one of the most popular destinations in Europe, and with the draw of its Royal heritage, historic landmarks and contemporary culture, there’s no sign that this will change anytime soon. But now, as we’re met with the optimum moment to make travel funds go further, there’s no better time to make the most of a stay by dining out in London’s fine restaurants, shopping in the prestigious west end, and using any leftover travel funds for an additional excursion or two.
This gives visitors the chance to delve further into the life and culture of the British Isles, perhaps by gaining an appreciation for the burgeoning wine scene that’s a result of flourishing vineyards in England and Wales, or perhaps by really getting to know the local cuisine, with rich seasonal produce that’s utilised within many top British restaurants. And in the spirit of getting an insider’s perspective on Britain, our Travel Director Rachel Thomas gives us an insight into why all visitors to come here should explore beyond the boundaries of London.
One of the biggest changes for travel between the UK and Europe as a result of Brexit will be the introduction of new passport and visa regulations, but for travellers from the United States the impact of these changes should be minimal. Anyone planning a multi-stop trip between UK and mainland Europe though, might want to book their seat soon; the low fares offered by budget airlines flying between the UK and other parts of Europe have been made possible up until now due to the European Union’s Open Skies agreement. Now, with the UK leaving the EU, new air service agreements will need to be negotiated.
Naturally, all of these outcomes remain uncertain, and as Britain’s exit from the EU takes course over the next two years, the effects will certainly be gradual. There is one certainty we can vouch for, though: there’s never been a better, or more affordable, time to visit the British Isles.
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Image credits: Cover photo of the thames in London © iStock / Deejpilot. The Lake District © iStock / Oleg Albinsky. Big Ben in London © iStock / Xavier Arnau. A British vineyard © iStock / My purgatory years. Patchwork countryside in Britain © iStock / foto Voyager.