The historic decision of the United Kingdom to leave the European Union, commonly known as Brexit, has brought about significant changes to various aspects of life, including travel. Here we will address a little bit about how Brexit has impacted both business and personal travel in Europe and, specifically, we will focus on the restrictions on transporting food from the UK to mainland Europe and the subsequent impact on kosher travelers. Despite these challenges, the availability of kosher options in Europe has grown, enhancing the overall travel experience for those adhering to kosher dietary laws.

Impact of Brexit on Business and Personal Travel

Brexit has brought about several changes that have affected both business and personal travel in Europe, especially for those from the UK. One of the notable areas of impact is the movement of goods, particularly food, between the UK and mainland Europe. Since Brexit, transporting food from the UK to Europe has become more restricted due to new customs and regulatory requirements. These changes have disrupted supply chains and caused delays at borders, leading to challenges for businesses reliant on the timely delivery of goods.

The Impact on Kosher Travelers

Among those affected by the restrictions on transporting food are kosher travelers, who traditionally carried their own food when visiting Europe from the UK. With the restrictions and uncertainties surrounding food transport post-Brexit, some kosher travelers have found it increasingly difficult to bring their own food and maintain their dietary preferences during their travels. However, for the most part, most have been able to carry on as normal and for those coming from America, there has been little change.

The response to these changes has been remarkable. The number of visitors to Europe is increasing as are the number of kosher options in Europe. The number of kosher restaurants, hotels and local Chabad houses have grown in many European cities, catering to the needs of kosher travelers, meaning travel to Europe is becoming easier and easier.

There are still many amazing places across Europe which sadly are not within reach of kosher travelers. However, working closely with EU-based suppliers and couriers, we are proud to be supplying kosher meal options to clients across all of Europe and are rapidly responding to the requests to get kosher food far and wide, wherever it is requested and needed.

The Opening of a Kosher Café in Dublin

An example of the growing availability of kosher options is the recent opening of a kosher café in Dublin, the capital city of Ireland. Ireland has seen an increase in the number of kosher tourists recently and they have responded to this with this great initiative. Travelers now have the opportunity to enjoy kosher meals, snacks and beverages in a welcoming environment. The opening of this café has not only enriched the travel experience for kosher tourists visiting Dublin, but will certainly attract more Jewish travelers to Ireland, contributing to the local tourism industry. We are grateful to Chabad of Dublin for making this possible.

Layover Visits and the Jewish Market

Another trend that has emerged in recent years is the increasing popularity of layover visits in Europe, particularly for the Jewish market. Europe is strategically located on the route to Israel, making it a convenient stopover for travelers en route to the Holy Land. Previously, travelers often bypassed Europe entirely, opting for direct flights. However, with the changes brought about by Brexit, many travelers have chosen to embrace the opportunity to explore European cities during their layovers.

This trend has not only positively impacted the European travel industry, but has also created economic opportunities for local businesses. Hotels, restaurants and tour operators have adapted to the needs of layover visitors, offering tailored services and experiences. This growing segment of the Jewish market has fueled the development of specialized layover packages, allowing travelers to maximize their time in Europe by exploring cultural, historical and culinary highlights. We are working on many of these “short hop” experiences as they add so much value to a holiday.

Brexit’s Impact: Conclusion

Brexit has undoubtedly brought about significant changes to travel in Europe, affecting both business and personal travel. The restrictions on transporting food from the UK to mainland Europe have had a notable impact. However, the travel industry has responded by expanding the availability of kosher options in Europe and generally we are seeing a much larger trend of those wanting to visit Europe for short stops, but also extended holidays. With the evolution of kosher travel options and the growing popularity of layover visits, Europe remains an attractive choice for travelers, offering rich cultural experiences, historical sites, and now an even wider variety of kosher culinary delights.

Our array of enticing destinations extends across Europe, so whatever the occasion, be in touch and we can discuss your next European adventure. From shopping in Paris, the wonders of Barcelona, ancient Rome or the beaches of Greece, reach out to us today, and let's start planning your next vacation.

Don't miss out on creating memories that will last a lifetime. Book now and let the adventure begin!

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