Think the state of the loonie means a staycation this year? The Brexit effect might change your mind.
While the British continue to grapple with the aftermath of their vote to break away from the European Union, Canadian travellers can reap some cost-savings — at least in the short term — on travel to the U.K. The pound plummeted almost overnight to a more-than-30-year low, meaning everything from London flights to West End theatre tickets is now a better value for Canadians. And it appears many are already on the hunt for flight bargains: According to our Cheapflights data, in the wake of the Brexit vote, searches for flights to the U.K. from Canada spiked 49 per cent.
With uncertainty abounding, there’s no telling how long current cost savings will last. So, with that in mind, here are our Brexit strategy tips for Canadian travellers.
Cash in on cheaper-than-usual flights and other travel deals.
According to our data, airfares on flights to London from Canada for travel this August are down about 11 per cent over last August. And more travel deals could be on the way: British Airways is already running a flight sale to London (ending June 29) with flights starting at $639 out of New York, so keep an eye out for pop-up deals.
If you’ve already booked a flight to the U.K. (even prior to the Brexit vote), book as many other parts of your trip as possible now.
We’re talking hotel rooms, activities, theatre tickets, meals, car rentals and other ground transportation, and anything else you can book ahead of your travel dates. With the improved exchange rate, it’s worth purchasing pieces of your trip you know you’ll use now while they’re more affordable.
Consider adding other European destinations to your trip.
The rule changes that will come when the U.K. officially exits the EU are at least two years away so the window to travel easily between countries is still open. (Side note: The loonie gained buying power against the Euro too.) But with some doubt over whether the U.K.’s discount airlines will retain their ability to operate so freely between the U.K. and the EU, this might be the time to add on a side trip to Paris or Barcelona.
Don’t get ripped off by airport currency exchange desks.
Some currency brokers are taking advantage of travellers exchanging dollars for pounds right now. Buy your currency in advance from a bank you trust before you leave on your trip, or use an ATM once you arrive to get the official exchange rate.
Be prepared for crowds.
With so many people outside the U.K. looking to snag deals on flights in the wake of the Brexit news, the amount of travellers descending on the U.K. is likely to be higher than usual this summer. In fact, flight searches from the U.S. to the U.K. doubled in the days after the vote while those from China jumped 61 per cent, and searches from EU countries went up more than 30 per cent. Keep in mind too that many Brits are likely to vacation close to home this year, thanks to the Brexit-induced “currency shock”. A few things you can do to combat crowds: plan your activities and meals for less popular times, pack lightly to navigate airports efficiently, and, if possible, plan your trip for the end of the summer when families are likely to head home before school starts up again.
This was already shaping up to be one of the busiest summer travel seasons in history, and the short- and long-term effects of the Brexit appear to only be adding to the fervor. With uncertainty around what’s to come for travel in the U.K. or the EU, now might just be the time to carpe diem.
Main image: istockphoto/lolostock
