Press releases
21 June 2006
Don't Get Burnt
Buy your run to the sun holiday without getting burnt!
So what kind of holiday do you like? Package deals, lone travel, short breaks, action holidays? There is a vast choice. With many of us now booking our Summer break, Consumer Direct South West is warning local people to think carefully when booking their holidays to avoid the pitfalls that leave thousands each year stranded in a holiday from hell.
Research shows more than 17,000 holiday makers had their holidays ruined last year due to flight delays, substandard accommodation and mis-described holidays either in brochures or online. Last year Consumer Direct South West received over 1,000 calls about holiday problems.
South West consumer Mrs James contacted Consumer Direct South West when she had problems with her holiday:
'I booked a cruise for our tenth anniversary through a recognised TV travel shop last year who were taken over by another well-known company. When I didn't receive a full booking confirmation in the post, I contacted the company several times. After 2 months, I still hadn't received the paperwork. I asked for flight details over the phone to arrange airport parking. I discovered the details I was given weren't complete, we didn't have the direct flights that we had expected and the cruise had no shore excursions provided in our last port, which wasn't described in the brochure.'
Mrs James continued, 'I would not have known my full consumer rights if I had not called Consumer Direct and I'm sure the information they provided, helped me to secure a full refund of our deposit and a pre-paid anniversary dinner.'
So here are some Consumer Direct tips depending on holiday you choose:
Before you book
- Look for an approved logo when choosing a travel agent so you can be confident of fair treatment if things go wrong.
- Think about paying for your holiday with a credit card, even it is the deposit. It may allow you to claim against your credit card company if something goes wrong.
Independent Travellers
- You should be aware that you do not benefit from the same protection as package holidays.
- Any problems that occur need to be sorted out direct with the supplier.
- Independent travellers need to arrange your own adequate travel insurance.
Package Holidays
- Tour operators are responsible for making sure the whole holiday is supplied as promised.
- It must include 2 of the following as a pre-arranged combination: transport, accommodation, other significant tourist services (this must be the reason you booked your holiday e.g. diving services offered on a diving holiday, walking services offered on a walking holiday)
- All tour operators must protect the prepayments they hold. If they go bust before you travel, you should get your money back. If you are already abroad, you’ll be able to complete your holiday and get home without any extra payments.
Short Breaks
- Make sure you have adequate insurance cover.
- If you book online and record all details
- Check your travel organiser can provide evidence of security for refunds in the event of bankruptcy.
Adventure holidays
- Check your insurance includes comprehensive medical/repatriation cover. It needs to cover you for your whole trip.
- Ensure it covers you for all your activities, e.g. hazardous sports.
Before you go...
- Check any changes to travel arrangements prior to departure.
- Read the terms and conditions carefully.
If things do go wrong...
- Notify the tour operator's representative at the resort straight away.
- You may have to ask for a complaint form.
- Take photos and written evidence of the problems and costs that have been incurred.
When you get home check the holiday brochure and contact your tour operator and put your complaint in writing with your evidence.
