Europe Minister Peter Hain urges U.K. vacationers to "know their rights" when jetting-off to Europe this summer.

Said Hane, "Millions of Britains will be returning to their favourite European holiday destinations soon and many of them don't know the rights and benefits they are entitled to. They need to be prepared so that they don't miss out. Whether you choose to spend your summer holiday in Malaga, Mikanos or Monaco our membership of the European Union gives us special privileges. For example, free emergency health care anywhere in the EU, compensation if flights are over-booked, faster processing through customs and the right to travel freely without a visa in the EU. And if you choose not to return home at the end of August, you have the right to work, live and retire without a visa anywhere in the EU!"

Another big difference holiday-makers will face this summer is that the pesetas and drachmas they used last year will be useless. "I would urge people traveling this summer to get hold of a copy of our new leaflet about using the Euro. It lists the destinations that now take the Euro, describes the denominations of notes and coins and lists their special security features."