HOLIDAYMAKERS will be less likely to travel to European destinations once Britain leaves the European Union, a survey has revealed.

According to the survey, conducted by Southend Airport, four out of five people expect the price of their summer holidays to increase due to Brexit.

The anticipated effect of Brexit on UK travel plans this summer was most acute amongst younger people – with those aged between 18 and 35 feeling particularly pessimistic about travelling within the Euro currency zone.

Chris Fynes, 29, from Victoria Road, in Southend, said: “I don’t really think we can worry too much about what will happen until it does, but people have said that it will be more expensive.

“If prices increase a lot to visit Europe, it will be a shame because there are so many great places and people will just start travelling to different countries instead. It might mean fewer small breaks and instead one, better, more expensive holiday every year.”

The results of the survey also show that the majority of UK adults - 62 per cent - would call on the Government to lower taxes as costs increase now that the Brexit process is underway.

Glyn Jones, chief executive of Stobart Aviation, which owns Southend Airport, said: “There are two ways of looking at this. One is that we can all expect to pay significantly more for our typical family holidays within the Euro currency zone this summer.

“Or, more positively, it could simply be a case of Goodbye Zante, Hello Zadar as UK travellers opt for destinations outside of the currency zone, and explore new places.

“What I am certainly calling for is that the Government should, without delay, reduce the controversial Airport Passenger Duty.”

When asked ‘How much more expensive?’ the average cost increase for a family holiday among the survey respondents was £363.

Again, those in the 18 to 35 age group were even more pessimistic, expecting the cost impact to be more than £500.

The survey polled more than 1,000 holidaymakers.