What leaving the EU would mean for holidaymakers

As the EU Referendum approaches, Sarah Marshall looks at what Brexit would mean for holidaymakers:
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"Should I stay or should I go?" sang Joe Strummer from The Clash, and that Eighties lyric will no doubt be rattling around brains as the June 23 EU Referendum approaches.

The debate has reached such a level of frenzy that a chain of London hot dog restaurants has even launched a dish in its honour. Advertised as being "half the size for double the price", Herman Ze German's 'Ze Big Brexit Dog' begs the question: What's wurst, in or out?

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According to a survey conducted by travel insurance company Holidaysafe.co.uk, 44% of travellers fear travel will become more difficult if the UK leaves the EU. The survey of more than 3,000 UK residents, also found that 33% of UK travellers say that ease of travel in the EU has a bearing on how they will vote in the EU Referendum.

It's true, Brexit could impact on the cost of holidays overseas.

According to the Treasury's research, a Brexit vote could cause the pound to fall by 12%, increasing the cost of accommodation, food and drinks for those travelling overseas.

Travel money provider FairFX says this could see the daily spend of a European break rising to nearly £100 a day at the most expensive destinations. They say, post-Brexit, a European holiday could cost nearly £10 a day more - totalling £70 per person for a week's break or £280 for a family of four.

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Another issue concerning holidaymakers is a potential hike in flight prices.

Andrew Shelton, MD of the global flight search and travel deals platform Cheapflights.co.uk, comments: "We saw an increase in searches for flights to European destinations of over 40% when the Referendum was announced in February as Brits looked to book flights before a potential price hike in the event of a Brexit.

"Since then, demand has steadied to a 20-22% increase year on year. That suggests Brits are concerned by the potential for an increase in flight prices - but there is a lot of uncertainty."

Research commissioned by travel deal website Travelzoo, in conjunction with Bournemouth University, goes one step further to suggest leaving the EU could cost as much as £4.1 billion a year in international tourist spending. The research, conducted in the UK, France, German, Spain and Italy, found that a third of Italian, Spanish and German travellers - and a quarter of French - say they will be less inclined to travel to the UK if Britain votes to leave Europe.

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In addition to the loss of income, there's also the potential loss of benefits which EU membership has afforded over the years - including the EHIC card for health cover, improvements to ATOL package protection and delay and cancellation compensation.

It's certainly a lot to consider before casting your vote at the polling station, and proof that the future of travel is playing a significant role in shaping public opinion.

IN BRIEF

:: Wake up in one of the world's most iconic locations by staying at a pop-up apartment in the Eiffel Tower. Opening on June 10, the first day of the UEFA EURO 2016 games in France, the temporary property is being let by HomeAway, official fan accommodation providers of the tournament. For a chance to kip in the tower, travellers should apply at homeaway.com/Eiffel-tower, telling organisers how they'd spend a night in the space. Four winners, each bringing five guests, will have the chance to stay on dates in June and July.

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:: Sick of battling with crowds wielding selfie sticks? Avis has come up with a novel way to escape hordes of tourists by recommending a list of the top "untrending" destinations. The Avis Untrending tool recommends less familiar locations with fewer hashtags on social media, which are still close to favourite holiday spots. Swap popular Palma for Alcudia Old Town in Majorca, or postcard hilltop village San Gimignano for Val D'Elsa in Tuscany. Find more suggestions at untrending.avis.co.uk

TRIED & TESTED

CityBrix bag, £99, www.kitbrix.co.uk

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Featuring 'work' and 'play' sections, this urban backpack has been designed to carry laptops and gadgets along with gym kits and water bottles. Robust, water-resistant compartments are useful for sports gear, while the bag itself is smart enough for the office or as a daypack on short city breaks.

WEEKEND GETAWAY: HOTEL REVIEW

The promise of a room with a sea view lures Laura Dennison to the newly renovated five-star D-Resort Grand Azur in Marmaris, Turkey.

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STYLE AND SUBSTANCE

Situated between two mountain ranges on the Marmaris coastline, Grand Azur enjoys the privilege of having its main attractions, a beach, two pools and spa, all within walking distance of one another.

The building itself is modern with curved architectural lines providing a calming atmosphere. The relaxed feel of the place makes it perfect for couples and quiet family holidays.

SLEEPING MATTERS

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A recent refurbishment has given the hotel's 324 bedrooms a contemporary overhaul. The luxurious, sea-facing King and Grand Suites are perfect for honeymooners, with features including a spacious bedroom, private balcony, Jacuzzi bath and shower to rival a waterfall.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The rooftop smart dining Steak and Bar restaurant offers panoramic views of the coastline and is the ideal spot to watch a golden sunset as a pianist plays classical music. Try the filet mignon with a glass of silky red Kav wine, made with local grapes.

The buffet restaurant on the ground floor provides a more relaxed option throughout the day, with fresh honeycomb dribbling liquid gold at breakfast, through to kebab meat browning on a rotisserie at dinner.

SPA NOTES

The Azur Spa is the largest in Marmaris, with a semi-Olympic indoor pool, steam room, sauna, hammam and ice room. A lengthy list of treatments includes the Hammam Massage, which involves a relaxing body scrub and foam massage.

NICE TOUCH

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The hotel's beach has been awarded a prestigious Blue Flag rating, meaning it meets with high environmental standards.

ABOUT THE AREA

The hotel's best selling point is its location, just a 10-minute walk from the town centre and cafe/bar-lined marina. If you want to explore a little further, the neighbouring town of Icmeler rivals the beauty of Marmaris and has several good walking trails.

:: Doubles with a sea-view start from £135. Visit www.dresortgrandazur.com.tr/reservation

:: Monarch flies to Dalaman from Birmingham, Gatwick, Leeds Bradford, Manchester and Luton from £99 one way. Visit www.monarch.co.uk

TRAVEL LATE DEALS

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PARIS: Hotels Combined (www.hotelscombined.co.uk) offer three nights at the four-star Pullman Paris Montparnasse (room only) from £533.50pp (two sharing). Includes flights from Gatwick via Cheapflights.co.uk on June 17.

GREECE: Simpson Travel (www.simpsontravel.com; 0208 003 6557) offers seven nights at two-bedroom Villa Ino, Ithaca (self-catering) from £675pp (four sharing) - saving £119pp. Includes transfers, car hire and flights from Gatwick on June 25.

PORTUGAL: Titan (www.titantravel.co.uk; 0800 988 5873) offers a 10-day cruise and tour of Lisbon and The Douro on board the Royal Barge, The Spirit of Chartwell from Porto to the Spanish border from £2,449pp (two sharing) - saving £200pp. Includes flights, 2-nights in Lisbon, 7-night cruise, most meals, 7 excursions. Departing July 1 and August 12.

VENICE: Blue Sea Holidays (www.blueseaholidays.co.uk; 020 3474 0453) offers two nights at the four-star Delfino Hotel (B&B) from £99pp (two sharing) - saving up to £100pp (50%). Includes flights from a wide choice of London and regional airports. Travel on various November an December dates.

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ALASKA CRUISE: Planet Cruise (www.planetcruise.co.uk; 0239 327 7931) offers the 11-night Alaska Hubbard Glacier Voyage on Celebrity Infinity (full board) and three-night Vancouver stay from £1899pp (two sharing). Includes flights from London on June 30. Regional departures available at a supplement.

ITALY: Inghams (www.inghams.co.uk; 01483 791 116) offers seven nights at the three-star Salgart Hotel (half board) in Merano from £419pp (two sharing) - saving £349pp. Includes transfers and flights to Verona from Gatwick on June 11.

ORLANDO: Virgin Holidays (www.virginholidays.co.uk; 0344 557 3870) offers seven nights at the 3V Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista (room only) from £869pp (two sharing). Includes flights from Glasgow on June 10.

BRITISH ISLAND CRUISE: Iglu Cruise (www.iglucruise.com; 0203 696 9451) offers a 10-night cruise onboard Fred. Olsen Balmoral (full board) from £579pp. Departs Newcastleon June 18. Includes stop offs in Dover, Guernsey, Falmouth, Dublin, Anglesey, Invergordon and Rosyth. Upgrade to all-inclusive from only £10 per person per night.

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IBIZA: On The Beach (www.onthebeach.co.uk; 0871 474 3000) offers seven nights at the three-star Azuline Hotel (B&B) from £220pp. Includes flights from Manchester on June 10.

MARRAKECH: ITC Luxury Travel (www.itcluxurytravel.co.uk; 01244 355527) offer five nights at the Royal Palm Marrakech (B&B) from £675pp (two sharing) - saving 50%. Includes transfers and flights from London. Valid for stays until September 30.