I'm about to book a holiday
What do I need to know?
Essential and vital information:
 Only book your holiday through an ABTA bonded travel agent. Why? Because if your holiday company goes bust you will be able to get your money back or have your holiday' transferred to another operator.
Do not book off the television or out of a newspaper or from a website. Why? Because you don't know what you are booking, you can't see the contract, you can't sign the contract and you know nothing about the terms and conditions of the contract which are legally binding.
Choose several brochures and find a holiday that suits your needs. Do not for example book a holiday in a hotel, which is situated on the top of a hill if you have difficulty in walking. If in doubt, ask your travel agent to check with the tour operator whether the hotel or accommodation suits your needs and get their answers in writing, do not rely on verbal assurances that a hotel is suitable for your needs.
Always ask to see the "Gazetteer" which gives a more honest opinion than relying on a glossy brochure.
Read the booking conditions in the brochure before you purchase the holiday. Why is that necessary? Because you are entering into a legally binding contract, which is binding upon both parties.
Learn to understand brochure jargon. This is vitally important and could save you grief and upset, see below.
- "Convenient for the airport"- hotel is probably located at the bottom of the runway - beware of constant low flying and very noisy aircraft.
- "Convenient for shops and restaurants" - hotel is probably located on a busy main road, possibly in a town centre - Constant noise from traffic day and night.
- "Hotel occupies the most prominent position with magnificent views of the surrounding countryside/sea"- hotel is probably located on a hill/cliff overlooking the resort or bay.
- "Tranquil and peaceful location" - hotel is probably isolated well away from town centre - a car essential.
- "Close to lively nightlife" - do not expect any sleep before 5 or 6 o'clock in the morning.
- "Free child places" - all cramped up in one small room.
- " Single room supplements" - hotels overcharging single travellers - usually poor accommodation.
Make sure you have adequate insurance and see the policy before you book the holiday.
Make sure that the insurance company knows of any pre-existing illnesses or conditions or any circumstance which may prevent you from travelling and obtain the insurance company's authority in writing before you book the holiday otherwise you may find that your medical condition may prevent you from making a claim in the event of illness.
If you are travelling to a European Union country, remember your E 111, available from your post office, which must be authorised and stamped. This will give you either free medical treatment within the E.U. or you will be able to claim the money back when you get home.
Most insurance policies exclude dangerous sports and activities. Check before you take out the policy exactly what it covers. Some policies even consider hiring a bicycle a dangerous activity.
Passports and Visas - it is your responsibility to ensure that you have a valid passport and remember there are different types of British passports and if you have anything other than a British Citizens passport you may require a Visa for a country that a British citizen would not normally need one for. There is a big difference between a British Subjects passport and a British Citizens passport. If you are a holder of a British Subjects passport or any other British passport other than a British Citizens passport, check with passport office and check with the embassy you are planning to visit to ensure you have the correct Visa or authority to travel. Remember children need their own passport now.
Inoculations - remember if you are travelling outside of the European Union contact your doctor who will advise you what inoculations you will require and make sure that you have those inoculations in good time before your holiday commences.
Take a good first aid kit with you, this should include medicines for diarrhoea and travel sickness, antiseptic cream, plasters, indigestion tablets and obviously if you are on medication a good supply of the medication prescribed by your doctor. Remember the sun is very strong and you should take with you a high factor protection sunscreen. Never Let children play in the sun without protection.
Adverse weather conditions - when you book a holiday always check to find out what the weather will be like for the time of year that you are going on holiday. For example between August and November there is a strong risk of hurricanes in the Caribbean and countries such as Spain, Balearic Islands can be very cold and wet in the winter months. So check with the travel agent or tour operator and ask questions about rainy seasons, hurricane seasons average temperatures and pack suitable clothing for the temperatures.
When preparing your luggage, make sure that inside your suitcase you have your name and address just in case your luggage gets lost. Many bags cannot be repatriated with their owners because there is nothing inside the suitcase, which identifies the owner. Remember however, not to put details on the outside of your suitcase of your home address as potential burglars may see this information and use it to their advantage whilst you are on holiday.
Always leave your address and a contact telephone number with a relative at home in case of emergencies.
Always take your confirmation invoice with you on holiday. This clearly shows what you have booked and paid for and it is your contract. It is a legally binding document.
Remember to cancel the newspaper and milk deliveries, you don't want to advertise that your home is empty.
|
