Can I Go on Holiday This Summer? Your Most Common Summer Travel Questions Answered
Written by Maria Hughes
Travel Expert
Published
Updated
If you've been thinking about booking a holiday this summer but feel hesitant because of recent headlines, you're certainly not alone.
From reports of airport disruption and airline strikes to concerns about jet fuel supplies and rising travel costs, it's easy to wonder whether now is the right time is to book. Searches like "Can I go on holiday this summer?", "Is it safe to fly?" and "Should I cancel my holiday?" have become increasingly common as travellers look for reassurance before making plans.
While disruption can happen - as it always has - most holidays go ahead exactly as planned. The key is understanding what protections are already in place, knowing your rights if something unexpected happens, and making informed choices when you book.
Whether you're planning a beach holiday in Europe, a UK staycation, or a last-minute city break, this guide answers the questions travellers are asking most. We'll explain what happens if flights are disrupted, whether package holidays offer extra protection, why travel insurance is still important (even for UK holidays), and where you might still find affordable last-minute deals.
Can I go on holiday this summer?¶
Yes.
Despite occasional disruption making the headlines, airlines, airports, hotels and tour operators continue to operate throughout the summer season, helping millions of people enjoy holidays in the UK and overseas.
It's worth remembering that news stories naturally focus on unusual events rather than the thousands of flights and holidays that operate normally every day.
If you're planning a trip, there's no reason to avoid booking simply because you've seen worrying headlines. Instead, check the latest FCDO travel advice for the country you plan to travel to, book with a reputable provider and make sure you have suitable travel insurance in place.
Is it safe to book a holiday now?¶
For most travellers, yes.
If you'd like additional reassurance, consider booking a package holiday, which comes with extra consumer protections compared with booking flights and accommodation separately.
Is there likely to be a jet fuel shortage this summer?
The government advice is that “UK airlines say that they are not currently seeing a shortage of jet fuel. The government is working with industry and international partners to keep passengers moving.”
What happens if there's a jet fuel shortage?
Recent reports about fuel supplies have understandably raised questions, but if an airline cannot operate a flight because of fuel availability, it's the airline's responsibility to manage the situation.
Depending on the circumstances, airlines may:
- Delay the flight while fuel is sourced.
- Operate an alternative aircraft.
- Rearrange passengers onto another service.
- Cancel the flight if no other option is available.
Passengers should always follow instructions from their airline, which is responsible for communicating any changes.
What happens if my flight is cancelled because of a fuel shortage? ¶
If your flight is cancelled because it cannot operate, your airline must offer you a choice between a full refund or an alternative flight to your destination at the earliest opportunity, or later if you prefer.
If you are travelling on a flight covered by UK or EU passenger rights, the airline also has a legal duty to provide care and assistance while you wait for your replacement flight. This can include reasonable meals and refreshments, hotel accommodation if an overnight stay is required, transport between the airport and hotel, and access to communication such as phone calls or emails.
These rights generally apply if you are:
- Flying from a UK or EU airport on any airline.
- Flying to a UK airport on a UK airline.
- Flying to an EU airport on an EU airline.
Whether you are entitled to additional financial compensation depends on the reason for the cancellation. If the cancellation is caused by extraordinary circumstances, such as a widespread fuel shortage beyond the airline's control, compensation is unlikely to be payable. However, the airline must still provide the refund or rebooking options and its duty of care.
If you've booked a package holiday, your tour operator also has responsibilities under package travel regulations. They must offer suitable alternative travel arrangements or a refund if they cannot provide the holiday you booked.
Is a package holiday better than booking separately? ¶
A package holiday can offer stronger consumer protection than booking your flights, accommodation and other travel services separately. In the UK, package holidays are protected by the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018.
A package holiday is generally created when you book at least two different types of travel service (such as flights, accommodation, car hire or certain tourist services) for the same trip through one organiser and pay for them as part of the same booking or package. In some circumstances, linked online bookings made through connected traders may also be covered.
Under the Regulations, the tour operator (or package organiser) is responsible for ensuring that all the travel services included in the package are provided as agreed. If a significant part of your holiday cannot be delivered - for example, a cancelled flight, unavailable hotel or major change to your itinerary - they must offer suitable alternative arrangements where possible at no extra cost. If they cannot provide an appropriate alternative, or the changes significantly affect your holiday and you choose not to accept them, you may be entitled to a price reduction, compensation where applicable, or a full refund.
If you experience difficulties during your trip, the tour operator also has a duty to provide appropriate assistance, such as helping you find alternative travel arrangements or providing information about local services. Having one organiser responsible for your holiday can make resolving problems much simpler, rather than having to deal with multiple airlines, hotels or booking platforms individually.
Should I buy travel insurance if I'm going abroad?
Travel insurance is designed to help financially protect you against unexpected events before and during your holiday.
Depending on your policy, it could include cover for:
- Medical emergencies, including 24-hour emergency assistance
- Trip cancellation (due to an insured reason such as illness or injury).
- Lost or stolen luggage.
- Personal liability.
Buying your policy as soon as you book may also provide cancellation cover before you travel.
Should I cancel my holiday because of the news? ¶
In most cases, no. If you simply choose not to travel on a booked trip because you no longer wish to go, your tour operator or airline is not obliged to provide a refund and it is not covered by travel insurance. Do sign up for the latest FCDO advice for your destination as if your destination becomes unsafe to travel to then they will let you know via an alert.
Headlines are designed to report exceptional events, not every day travel experiences.
Unless official travel advice changes or your travel provider contacts you directly, most holidays continue exactly as planned.
If you're unsure, speak to your airline, tour operator or travel agent before making any decisions.
Where can you find great-value holidays in Europe this summer? ¶
If you're looking for a summer getaway, there are still plenty of destinations offering a great balance of value, weather and experiences.
Some destinations worth considering include:
- Greece - A firm favourite for beach holidays, island hopping and family resorts, with plenty of choice from budget apartments to luxury hotels. Greece has suspended EES for 90 days and this covers the summer period.
- Cyprus - Excellent beaches and family-friendly resorts. As Cyprus isn't part of the Schengen Area, UK travellers aren't subject to the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) border checks when travelling there.
- Portugal's Algarve - Consistently popular thanks to its beaches, golf courses and wide range of accommodation to suit different budgets.
- Costa Blanca, Spain - Offers a mix of lively resorts, quieter coastal towns and family-friendly beaches.
- Malta - Ideal for combining beach time with history and culture, with regular flights from the UK.
Where can I find last-minute holiday deals? ¶
If you're hoping to save money, it's worth comparing several sources before booking.
Look at:
- Package holiday providers
- Travel agents
- Holiday comparison websites
- Airline holiday packages
- Tour operators dedicated late-deal pages
- Free child places
Remember that package holidays can sometimes work out cheaper than booking flights and accommodation separately, particularly when departure dates are close.
What's the best way to travel with confidence this summer? ¶
A little preparation goes a long way.
Before you travel:
- Check your passport is valid.
- Read the latest official travel advice.
- Book with trusted travel providers.
- Consider a package holiday for additional protection.
- Buy travel insurance as soon as you book.
- Keep digital and paper copies of your travel documents.
- Allow extra time when travelling through busy airports.
Will the new EU entry/exit system (EES) affect my trip?
You can read about EES and our travel experts first-hand experience of using EES here. EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES)
It's completely understandable to have questions before booking a holiday this summer. Recent headlines have highlighted everything from airport disruption to fuel concerns, but they don't reflect the experience of most travellers.
Whether you're heading to the Mediterranean, exploring a European city, or enjoying a staycation here in the UK, good preparation can make all the difference.
Choosing a reputable travel provider, understanding the benefits of package holidays, and arranging travel insurance as soon as you book can help protect your plans if the unexpected happens. And don't overlook UK trips - travel insurance isn't just for holidays abroad. Cancellation cover, baggage protection and personal liability insurance can all prove valuable, whether you're relaxing in Cornwall, hiking in the Lake District or staying in an Airbnb for the weekend.
