Vital holiday booking information
Don't get stranded....
Don't incur out of pocket expenses
In light of recent developments in the travel industry and during the credit crunch
if you or a member of your family is looking to book a summer or winter holiday
make sure you are protected from unforeseen circumstances eg holiday operators going
bust.
Vital advice to remember prior to booking your holiday
- Package holidays - eg a holiday that consists of 2 or more pre-arranged
elements (ie flight and accommodation)
-
ALWAYS
ensure that the travel operator has a bonding scheme or some other form of protection
such as those offered by ATOL, ABTA or AITO. This will give you financial protection
and make sure you get home safely if the operator or another business
involved in providing your holiday ceases trading or goes bust. Useful tip: if your
operator goes bust prior to travelling you should receive a refund
- Non-package holidays eg if you arrange your flight and accommodation
separately
- BEWARE if you book directly with an airline or hotel you may have
less protection so always check terms the conditions carefully
- DEBIT CARDS - There is little protection for non-package holidays paid
for by debit card. Much will depend on the terms and conditions of the holiday
-
Booking
holidays on the internet - Some websites allow you to select multiple
elements of your holiday and make a single payment
- BEWARE these may not be considered a 'package' holiday
and may not provide sufficient protection. Check your terms and
conditions of the holiday and look for ATOL, ABTA or AITO membership as you will
need to ensure adequate bonding or travel insurance is in place so that you are
protected
- Flight only - Holiday operators are usually required to have measures
in place which can allow you a refund of your money and bring you home
if you are abroad. This will usually be by way of the ATOL scheme or some form
of bond or travel insurance
- BEWARE his protection does not apply to flights that are bought
directly from an airline
-
Flight
prices in excess of £100 - In this case always consider paying with
a credit card as this offers you some financial protection. If the airline goes
out of business you will usually get a refund on the cost of your tickets from your
credit card provider.
- BEWARE you may have to pay for and make your own arrangements to get
home if you have already flown and you would not be covered for any extra costs
such as additional nights in hotels
- Travel Insurance - Consider buying travel insurance and always
look for a policy that covers insolvency or includes supply failure cover. There
are a few of these types of policies and they usually promise to provide an alternative
holiday or a replacement journey in the event of a travel operator going bust or
ceasing to trade.
- BEWARE you may have to book and pay for another trip and then claim
the costs back from the insurer
If you have injured whilst on holiday find out more as to whether you could be entitled
to compensation in holiday accident
claims section.
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