Summer Travel Updates: What UK Holidaymakers Need to Know Before They Go
- William Petrie-Hurn
- Jul 10
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 4
Planning a Family Holiday This Summer? Here’s What You Need to Know!
Are you planning a family holiday this summer? From faster UK airport arrivals to higher tourist taxes in Barcelona, a few important changes could affect how smoothly your trip runs — and how much it costs. Here’s a clear, practical roundup of the key updates to know before you travel, plus simple steps to protect your holiday from unexpected disruption.
UK Airport eGate Rules Are Changing for Families
From 8 July 2026, children aged eight and nine will be able to use UK electronic passport gates for the first time. They must be at least 120cm tall and travelling with an adult. Until now, children under 10 had to use staffed passport-control desks. This often meant longer queues for families.
The change applies to more than 290 eGates across the UK and at juxtaposed border-control points in Europe. It is expected to affect major airports including Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Gatwick, Glasgow, Heathrow, London City, Luton, Manchester, Newcastle, and Stansted. It will also impact checks in Brussels and Paris.
For families returning during the school-holiday rush, the aim is simple: shorter queues, quicker arrivals, and a smoother end to the trip.
Flying Early with Jet2? Use Twilight Bag Drop
Jet2 passengers with flights before midday may find the airport experience easier by checking in and dropping bags the evening before travel. The free twilight check-in service runs between 4:30 PM and 9 PM at selected UK airports. This gives eligible travellers a four-and-a-half-hour window to drop luggage ahead of a morning flight.
Passengers should still check in online in advance, usually from 28 days before departure and no later than 24 hours before flying. If you are travelling with children, using twilight bag drop can make the next morning feel far less rushed.
Barcelona Tourist Tax Is Set to Rise
Barcelona is increasing its tourism charges from April 2026. This is part of wider efforts to manage visitor numbers and support local housing. Visitors staying in five-star hotels could pay up to €12 per person per night. This amount includes a higher tourist tax plus the city surcharge.
Holiday-home guests will pay less than five-star hotel guests but will still face a notable increase. Cruise passengers will also be charged depending on their stay. The surcharge is expected to rise by €1 each year until 2029. Barcelona has also announced plans to phase out short-term holiday lets by 2028.
If Barcelona is on your list, build these extra nightly costs into your budget before you book. This is especially important for family trips where per-person charges can add up quickly.
Going to Greece? Learn a Few Local Phrases First
Rules, entry systems, and airport processes matter — but so does feeling confident when you arrive. If you are travelling to Greece, learning a few everyday words can make restaurants, cafés, transport, and sightseeing feel much easier. It also shows respect for local culture.
Kalimera — good morning
Kalispera — good evening
Efharisto — thank you
Parakalo — please or you’re welcome
Signomi — excuse me or sorry
A friendly tone goes a long way. Even a small effort can make everyday interactions smoother.
Winter Sun Idea: La Graciosa
For a quieter escape, La Graciosa in the Canary Islands offers mild winter temperatures of around 22°C. It features sandy paths, no paved roads, and easy access to the Chinijo Archipelago Marine Reserve. UK travellers can fly to Lanzarote, then take a taxi to Orzola and a short ferry to the island.
Protect the Trip You’ve Planned
Alongside rule changes and destination costs, holiday protection should be part of your planning. ATOL protection can safeguard package holidays that include flights. This helps protect your money if a travel company fails and supports repatriation if you are already abroad.
Family travel insurance is just as important. A suitable policy can help cover medical emergencies, cancellations, delays, lost luggage, and other unexpected problems. Before buying, check cover limits, exclusions, pre-existing medical conditions, activity cover, and the claims process.
Quick Pre-Travel Checklist
Check whether your children can use UK eGates before you travel.
If flying early with Jet2, see whether twilight bag drop is available for your airport and flight.
Budget for local tourist taxes, especially in Barcelona.
Learn a few key local phrases for your destination.
Book ATOL-protected package holidays where applicable.
Compare family travel insurance carefully and keep policy documents handy.
Final Thought
A smooth holiday starts before you reach the airport. By checking the latest travel rules, allowing for destination charges, preparing a few useful phrases, and choosing the right protection, you can travel with more confidence. This way, you can spend more time enjoying the journey.
Additional Tips for an Accessible Holiday
When planning your family holiday, consider accessibility. It’s essential to ensure that your travel arrangements cater to everyone's needs. Here are some tips to help you plan an inclusive trip:
Research Accessible Accommodations: Look for hotels or rentals that offer accessible features. This includes ramps, elevators, and adapted bathrooms.
Plan Your Transport: Ensure that your transport options, whether it’s flights, trains, or car rentals, are accessible. Check for assistance services at airports and stations.
Explore Local Accessibility Options: Research local attractions and their accessibility features. Many places offer guided tours that cater to those with mobility challenges.
Communicate Your Needs: Don’t hesitate to inform your travel provider about any specific requirements. This ensures that they can accommodate your needs effectively.
By prioritising accessibility in your holiday planning, you can create a more enjoyable and stress-free experience for everyone in your family.
Why Choose BGB World Travel?
At BGB World Travel, we are your friendly, supportive accessible travel specialists. We are here to guide you through your dream holiday plans. Our goal is to help you discover your perfect getaway while ensuring that every aspect of your trip is tailored to your needs.
Whether you are looking for barrier-free experiences or fully inclusive trips, we are committed to making your travel dreams a reality. Let us help you create unforgettable memories on your next adventure!
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