Eu Border Checks Cause Long Delays For European Holiday Travellers

Hey there, travel bug! Grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and let's chat about the elephant in the room - or rather, the snail at the border. You know what I'm talking about, right? Those pesky little border checks that turn your European holiday into a real-life game of 'Wait and See'.

So, what's the deal with these border checks?

Well, my friend, it's all about security. After the Schengen Agreement, borders between most European countries became as open as a well-loved book. But with great freedom comes great responsibility, and those checks are our security forces' way of keeping an eye on who's coming and going.

But here's the thing - with more people traveling than ever, those checks can turn into a bit of a traffic jam. And by 'a bit', I mean 'a lot'. We're talking lines that stretch longer than your friend's list on Facebook, and delays that make you wish you'd packed a hammock and a good book.

Why the sudden surge in delays?

You might be wondering, 'What's changed, all of a sudden?' Well, a few things. For starters, more people are traveling than ever before. According to the EU, around 1.3 billion border crossings were recorded in 2019 alone. That's a whole lotta people, and a whole lotta checks!

Then there's the tech. While we've got these fancy schmancy smartphones that can do everything from ordering pizza to hailing a cab, border checks are still mostly done the old-fashioned way - with a stamp and a smile. Or, you know, a stamp and a 'Next, please'.

And let's not forget the big 'C' - COVID. With all the extra checks and paperwork, it's no surprise that borders are feeling the pinch. But don't worry, we're not here to dwell on the negatives. Let's talk solutions!

So, what can we do about it?

First things first - be prepared. Make sure you've got all your documents in order, and you know exactly what you're bringing in and out of the country. And while you're at it, why not download that EU's 'Re-open EU' app? It's got all the latest info on travel restrictions and whatnot.

France suspends extra EU border checks at Dover after hours-long queues

Now, I know what you're thinking - 'But I don't want to spend my holiday standing in line!' Fair enough. That's where the 'I'm Feeling Lucky' approach comes in. Try crossing at off-peak times, or using lesser-known border crossings. You might just find yourself breezing through with a wave and a smile.

And if all else fails, remember - patience is a virtue. Use the time to catch up on your podcasts, or strike up a conversation with the person next to you. You never know, you might make a new friend!

But what about the future?

Good question! The EU's got its eyes on the prize - a fully digital border management system that'll make those checks a breeze. Think facial recognition, automated checks, and maybe even a robot or two. Sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, right?

But until then, we're stuck with the good old-fashioned stamp. So, my fellow traveler, grab your passport, put on your patience pants, and let's make the most of those long border waits. After all, every delay is just a chance to make a new memory - even if it's not the one you were expecting.

Happy travels, my friend! And remember - the journey is half the fun. Even when it's not.