European Gamble?
We have planned for some while to have a European tour next year and have set the leaving date as the first week in April
Are there any (if not many! ) trippers out there with their polished crystal balls at the ready, regarding problems that will be faced by us and many other intrepid travellers because of the then Brexit situation?
Will all GB plates be turned around in all French ports or chased and only stopped at the Tolls?
You never know...
Helen Bird
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Very much doubt that France will turn the tourist cash cow off, even for spite. Will probably be more tiresome getting away from your landing area but your euro will still be welcomed. And if France plays hard ball then I'm sure there will be other countries who will accept our money.
i'm sure Europe accepted the British traveller well before we joined the "Common Market".
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I have been to 12 countries which weren't in the European Union so one or two more won't matter. Well they will actually still be in it, won't they, but it looks as though we won't. As the Aussies say, No worries mate.
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The truth is none of us know what the eventual outcome will be. As I understand it the Government are trying to negotiate a Transition Deal which would effectively mean that things will remain the same for a couple more years. Even if the worse happens and there is no deal people will still travel through Europe from the UK. There maybe more passport checks on the point of entry into Europe but other than that forward travel in the EU will remain essentially the same. Given that both France and Spain receive millions of visitors each year from the UK I very much doubt attitudes will change.
David
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We've been going to Europe for donkeys years, We've seen all the changes and really nothing has changed and I don't expect it to change. Whatever the politicians say, we will continue to rub along with our neighbours in Europe. For anyone thinking there may be trouble ahead, I say just crack on regardless.
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Hello Helen,
Not sure of the efficacy of my crystal ball as I don’t know its provenance (note to self - will I have to stop using all French derived words like this? If all the German, Latin and Viking ones have to go we'll only be left with swearing at each other). It might not be a true blue British ball but some cheap "Polish" import (as per your query). However, this is what I can see in it.
After Brexit those who voted for it will remain true to their principles and refuse to have anything to do with the EU. This will of course mean they will not be holidaying in EU countries. Therefore, ports and favourite destinations will be much quieter. Resulting in fewer delays at ports and even easier touring . Dordogneshire will be renamed Périgueux. Those who continue to visit the EU will be welcomed as though “the prodigal son”. . . .
Oh! hang on a minute. There’s a problem. The test card has come on. Apparently, we have no idea what’s going to happen and the Irish Government is busy entertaining the Pope so we can’t ask them.
Moderator Comment - I appreciate that your was post tongue is cheek, but just a gentle reminder to everyone to avoid discussing the politics of Brexit but stick to comments about the process of Brexit and how that might affect any of us travelling to Europe in the next few years.
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I think there is a good chance that the amount of wines and spirits we can bring back into the UK could be severe cut - probably back to levels that existed before we became members of the EU. Hard to say what sort of a welcome we will receive - most likely to be varied according to how individuals judge our decision to leave. Bear in mind, though, that many of us wish(ed) to remain in the EU, but how would our friends across the channel be able to distinguish the difference?
As we go to France, perhaps a big red heart on the back of the caravan with the caption "Nous aimons la France". And similarly emblazoned tee-shirts.
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how would our friends across the channel be able to distinguish the difference?
IMHO money talks, and I can't see our friends across the water refusing to accept it from anyone, they're not going to question whether someone voted for or against Brexit.
It won't stop us next year, once Eurotunnel have their crossings for next May/ online I'll be booking a crossing
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Interesting thought you raise about how much wine you can bring back. This along with roaming tariffs and credit card charges, EHIC cards, Pet Passports are in the gift of the UK Government so perhaps it might not be a bad idea to remind our respective MP's that we don't expect to see these benefits removed on exit from the EU.
Perhaps your sign should say Je Suis EU?
David
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I find all this travel Brexit scaremongering a bit ridiculous. I’ve travelled extensively outside Europe, never had any problems. Was in Canada earlier this year, used my Halifax Clarity card and got top currency exchange rates with no fees.
Yes in some places I’ve had to queue at customs for a $30 visa, but then after half an hour I’m in, what’s the problem?
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I don't think even the Prime Minister knows the answer to your question. You could try writing to her and see what she says.
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I had no problems driving all over Europe before the common market, in fact at most border posts when the U.K. registration plate appeared we were waved straight through.
Do we really believe that Spain with about 18 million and France with about 14 million Brits visiting their countries are really going to make it too difficult for us.
On the off chance they decide to punish our audacity for wanting to leave I for one will be happy to spend my £thousands over there holiday funds over here.
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It will not stop us, either. This year, when we had parked on the promenade at St-Cast-le-Guildo, there was a man working in his front garden, near to where we were parked. He came over to say 'Bonjour', and shortly after wards he asked me what I thought of Brexit. I put my finger to my temple and said, "Les Anglais sont mal de tete." He smiled and replied, "mais oui" and carried on with his work.
And to a degree I agree with the sentiment that money talks, but it's more than that. Some EU people may show a little coldness, but the vast majority will see the split as nothing more than another change in the economic and political arena. Likewise, most brits travelling in the EU will have similar views.
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If we are really intent on visiting the EU, then we will deal with any bureaucracy in the process. And EU members will do likewise. It will, of course, depend on £/Euros exchange rates as to which direction the major flow takes. What might be a problem is if the UK becomes a cheap haven for caravan/motorhome holidays. Then, the already frantic clamour to get a pitch at certain times could really be a pain. Adding to the scuffle would be those Brits who were forced to stay in the UK instead of visiting the EU due to an abortively hefty drop in the value of the £. Interesting times ahead?
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I remember when the French Franc was for years about 10/11 to the pound and one year it fell to 7.5 to the pound. That was a really ouch year and before the likes of ACSI. But I suspect people cut their cloth to suit the conditions either by not going as far or not for so long. We have not been abroad for the last two years not because of the value of Sterling or even Brexit but simply because of medical appointment (none of them particularly serious) which get in the way of planning more than a couple of weeks at a time.
David
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,our "green card" travel insurance and uk passport was all we had in the 1960s when abroad with our caravans