Why America's trade war could mean cheaper holidays for Brits

Global trade wars are never good news. They drive up prices, damage economies, and make the world a nastier, more divided place. The peace and prosperity we've enjoyed for most of the last century? Built on free trade, open borders and the ability to travel and do business across the world. Undermining that is pretty foolish to say the least.

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So what does this mean for your summer holiday? In short – there's trouble ahead, but also potential bargains.

America's latest wave of tariffs is an act of economic self-sabotage, and while it's US consumers who'll feel the pinch first, the shockwaves will be felt across global tourism. The good news for Brits? Some holiday destinations, especially those that rely heavily on American visitors, are likely to start cutting prices.

Take Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula – Cancún, Tulum, Playa del Carmen. These sun-soaked resorts are used to welcoming millions of Americans each year. But as US wallets tighten, they'll be looking elsewhere to fill rooms, and that means deals for British travellers. Expect lower prices this season, and probably even lower ones next, as a combination of reduced demand and frostier welcomes for American tourists keeps them away.

Cancun, Mexico

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It's not just Mexico. The Caribbean is bracing too. Hotspots like Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Barbados could all see a drop in bookings from the States, and that opens the door for UK holidaymakers to swoop in on some serious savings.

Even some of Europe's top city breaks (Paris, Rome, Milan, Barcelona) might see a softening of demand from American tourists, meaning more choice and better prices for everyone else.

Dominican Republic

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Meanwhile, a handful of other countries have been slapped with sky-high US tariffs in this latest move. Places like Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Laos and Madagascar. These are emerging destinations with solid tourist infrastructure and amazing travel experiences to offer, but they're about to feel the squeeze.

And when economies suffer, they turn to tourism. That means more marketing, better deals, and more welcoming arms for visitors from countries like the UK.

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Our top picks for a holiday bargain

• Mexico. The biggest overseas destination for US tourists, and even having been spared for now from the allegedly-reciprocal tariff war, the beaches around Cancun will be looking to replace lost visitors as US travellers tighten their belts
• Sri Lanka. Hit with an enormous 44% export tariff, the jewel of the Indian Ocean will certainly welcome more visitors looking to splash out on a holiday
• Milan. Lots of European city breaks will lose out on US visitors, but many American favourites like Paris and Barcelona are already suffering overtourism. Milan is actively looking to attract more holidaymakers, so you can visit without making the overcrowding worse

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But there's a bigger picture too. Free trade and open borders have underpinned global peace and prosperity for nearly a century. When those ties fray, everyone loses. So while holidays may get cheaper in the short term, the long-term cost of rising nationalism and economic isolationism is one we all share.

So yes, take the trip. Book the break. Go somewhere new. Booking a trip abroad right now, especially to somewhere suffering under the new tariff regime, might not just be a welcome break – it could be a quiet act of solidarity with a more connected, cooperative world.