Press releases
21 November 2006
Get Advice Before You Get Away This Winter
Every year many holiday makers find their dream winter holiday becomes a nightmare.
As the cold weather approaches many of us think about a break in the sun, but before you book that winter escape, Consumer Direct East Midlands is advising people to think carefully. A little preparation can help ensure you get a better deal and avoid the pitfalls that leave thousands each year stranded in a holiday from hell…
Flight delays, substandard accommodation and holidays not matching the brochure or online description can all cause problems, but being aware of your rights can help to take away some of the stress when things do not go as planned. At this time last year (between October and March) Consumer Direct East Midlands received over 600 calls about holiday problems.
“Many people calling Consumer Direct complain that the holiday they experienced in no way matched their expectations,” says Sara Barry, Consumer Direct East Midlands Manager.
“Typical complaints range from poor accommodation and flight delays to incorrect bookings,” she added.
“Knowing your consumer rights can help stop things going wrong in the first place and help sort things out if you do encounter problems.”
Consumer Direct East Midlands has this advice to help consumers get the best out of their winter break and avoid being left out in the cold:
Consumer Direct’s Top Tips for Booking a Holiday
- Look for an approved code logo when you are choosing a travel agent so that you can be confident of fair treatment if something goes wrong.
- If you are considering booking a holiday with a company you haven’t heard of before, do some online research with holiday review websites first.
- Look out for hidden costs. There may be extra charges in the form of airport taxes and supplements to pay.
- Think about paying for your holiday with a credit card, even if its just the deposit. This may allow you to claim against your credit card company if something goes wrong.
- Read any terms and conditions carefully.
- Always read the small print of your contract before signing on the dotted line. Cancelling your holiday may not be as easy as you think. Tour operators’ policies vary and you may not be able to get your money back.
- If you book your holiday online, keep a record of all details, transactions and confirmations that you receive.
Consumer Direct’s Top Tips if Things Go Wrong on Holiday
- If you have a problem whilst on a package holiday, bring it to the attention of the tour operator's resort rep immediately. If necessary, collect evidence such as photographs and statements from other holidaymakers.
- Contact the tour operator and send them copies of your evidence (but always keep the originals). Explain what went wrong and tell them what you want them to do and be persistent if you are not happy with the response.
- If you have arranged your holiday independently, you do not benefit from the same protection as if you booked as a package holiday. Any problems with part of the holiday need to be sorted out directly with the supplier of the service.
- Make sure you take out appropriate insurance and that it covers you if the airline or hotel goes out of business.
- Check whether tour operators selling package holidays are ABTA bonded. This means that if something goes wrong or the company goes bust, you should at least get your transport home.
For more clear, practical consumer advice, call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.
