Our top picks for a Brexit-proof holiday in 2019

With the EU already promising to keep the skies open for twelve months after Brexit even in the event of no deal, there should be nothing stopping us going on holiday next year as usual. Our own research, carried out over the last six months, shows that 90% of holidaymakers remain undaunted by Brexit and are planning to go away as usual. But if you want the most Brexit-proof holiday destinations for 2019, here’s our top twelve picks.

1. Portugal

Our new and updated top pick for a Brexit-proof holiday is Portugal.

Portugal was the very first of the EU countries to break ranks, and in January declared that even in the event of a "no-deal" Brexit the country would want to offer Brits visa-free travel as quickly and smoothly as possible. Is that what prompted the EU to collectively declare the same soon afterwards? Perhaps. Either way, Portugal stood up as a supporter of hassle-free British holidays post-Brexit so more than any other European destination deserves our support and our tourism.

There's loads to love in Portugal - the beaches of the Algarve have always been a favourite with Holiday Extras sun-seekers, but Lisbon is an increasingly popular pick for its superb weather, laid-back culture, beautiful architecture and food. Take a look below at our guides to Holiday Extras' number one post-Brexit holiday pick.

2. Turkey

Turkey was the fastest-growing destination for Holiday Extras customers in 2018, with both Antalya and Dalaman in our top ten for the year. Despite a rocky recent history, Turkey has long been a favourite for Brits abroad with a rich culture, guaranteed good weather and exquisite cuisine. If you want a short-haul beach holiday that won’t be affected by Brexit, Turkey should be at the top of your list.

3. New York

This concrete jungle is the perfect all-round destination in 2019. As our second fastest-growing destination, it’s easy to see the appeal of this immense city. Dazzling sights and heights await; from iconic monuments of modernity to buzzing street life, it’s a cultural feast for all. Whatever season you visit, travel to the USA is likely to remain unaffected by the Brexit outcome, so is a great hassle-free option in 2019.

4. Sri Lanka

Lonely Planet have recently named Sri Lanka as the top destination to visit in 2019 and we can’t help but agree. Described as hiding in plain sight, this gem has long remained undiscovered by tourists heading to Asia. With palm fringed shores, friendly locals and magnificent elephants, it was only a matter of time before Sri Lanka’s glory was uncovered. Plus, as a non-EU country, travelling here will remain the same. Check out our Sri Lanka guide here.

5. Dublin

A small city with a big heart, Dublin is as welcoming and full of Irish charm as it is steeped in history. As our third fastest-growing destination in 2018, it’s clear that more and more people are drawn to the Irish capital. Plus, as it stands, the Common Travel Arrangement between Ireland and the UK (which predates the EU) will allow for people to travel freely between the two regardless of the Brexit outcome in March.

6. Scotland

Sometimes you don’t have to travel far to find stunning natural beauty. The Scottish landscape is unpredictable and rugged but some of the best the British Isles has to offer, remaining wholly unaffected by Brexit. From the dramatic landscape of Glencoe to the untouched white sand and turquoise water on the Isle of Eigg, Scotland should definitely be on your list in 2019. You may not always be guaranteed the good weather but you’ll certainly be guaranteed some peace, quiet and a seriously good view.

7. Iceland

Iceland was one of the fastest-growing destinations for HX customers throughout 2016 and 2017. Growth has slowed down in 2018, but more than 16,000 of our customers still flew out to Reykjavik to enjoy the surreal, almost alien beauty. Iceland is not an EU member, so the free movement rights of British holidaymakers come from our mutual membership of the EEA, which Britain also proposes to leave in March 2019. However, Icelandic officials have expressed hopes that deals could be struck between Britain and Iceland quickly after Brexit, so it should still be hassle-free to visit in 2019.

8. Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde (previously known as Cape Verde), off the African coast, has the benefit of no major time-difference so no jet-lag; year-round sunshine; and only recently developed a significant tourism industry, so remains largely unspoiled. If you want a Brexit-proof destination for summer 2019, this African island paradise is another top pick for a beach holiday that shouldn’t be affected at all whatever the Brexit outcome.

9. Mexico

No deal? No problem. At least there’s still tequila. Where better to enjoy this famous tipple than its country of origin? Sit back, listen to the turquoise water lap against the shore on a white sandy beach with a cocktail in hand. With most UK airports now running flights to Cancun, this holiday paradise isn’t far from reach and will remain well within reach whatever the Brexit outcome.

10. Rhodes

The last few years have proved difficult for Greece. With austerity forced upon it by the EU, and as its islands are heavily dependent on tourism, it’s likely that Greece will be one of the voices most in support of a swift deal that lets Brits continue to go on holiday. The island of Rhodes in particular has so much to offer - full of antiquities, guaranteed sunshine and crystal-clear waters.

11. Egypt

Despite having seen a decline in tourism over the last couple of years, Egypt is still a strong contender for British holidaymakers with over 300,000 British nationals visiting in 2017 alone. It’s a great (non-EU), budget-friendly summer holiday destination with plenty of magnificent monuments, sunshine and coral reefs to go around.

12. Gibraltar

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory which means that when Britain leaves the EU, Gibraltar will too so travelling here may be less hassle than mainland Spain come summer 2019. As a home away from home, once described as a ‘piece of Portsmouth towed 500 miles south’, get ready for red pillar boxes and good old fashioned pub grub, all whilst basking in the glorious Costa del Sol sunshine.

13. Tenerife

Tenerife remains our single most popular destination in 2018, with more than 100,000 HX customers going there on holiday. While Brexit may certainly complicate travel plans to an island that is part of Spain and therefore the EU, Tenerife is so geographically distant from mainland Europe and so heavily dependent on tourism that we expect it to be another voice calling for a simple solution to getting British holidaymakers flying into Tenerife-Sur.