Booking a holiday, what you need to know
*PLEASE BE AWARE THIS IS AN OLDER POST AND THERE MAY BE A MORE UP TO DATE POST, OR UPDATED INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ *
Travelling abroad is becoming a possibility again, and many people may be thinking about booking a summer getaway. Before you decide or put down any money, it’s worth being aware of what to do if something goes wrong.
While it may be the last thing you want to think about when planning your holiday, knowing what to do in advance can help avoid stress if things don’t go to plan. Read on for our tips on what you should know when booking a holiday.
Check entry restrictions
If you’re planning to travel abroad, it’s important to check the destination country’s entry requirements for travellers from the UK. You can also contact the UK-based embassy for the country you’re planning to visit. You may need to provide proof of your vaccination status or take a coronavirus test before you fly.
While you’re abroad, you’ll need to be aware of local restrictions and requirements, for example testing, quarantine, and local lockdowns.
Familiarise yourself with UK re-entry requirements
The government has introduced a traffic light system for travel into the UK from other countries. What you’ll need to do when you return depends on which country you’ll be travelling from. For example, you may need to take a coronavirus test before you can re-enter the UK. You may also need to quarantine in a managed hotel after arriving back into the UK, which can come with additional costs.
Know what type of holiday you’re booking
Your consumer rights may depend on how you booked the holiday. There are different types of holiday, including:
A package holiday: usually classed as booking 2 or more services at the same time from the same travel company.
Linked travel arrangements: usually classed as booking 2 or more services for the same trip, but from different travel companies.
Independent travel: usually classed as booking different services from different companies, not necessarily at the same time
It’s a good idea to find out how different types of holiday arrangements impact your consumer rights.
Check your cancellation rights
If you are no longer able to travel because of coronavirus, you may be able to get a refund or rebook your trip for a later date. If you book either a UK/EU flight or a package holiday, you’ll be automatically entitled to a refund or replacement. It’s a good idea to check the terms and conditions before booking any travel services, to find out whether you’ll be entitled to a refund if you can’t travel because of coronavirus.
If you decide to cancel your booking, you may be entitled to a refund or a voucher. Again, it’s important to check the terms and conditions carefully in case you decide not to travel. Also be aware that not all holiday insurance companies will provide cover for coronavirus. You should check any terms and conditions carefully before you book a holiday or travel.
You can also check whether the travel operator is a member of ABTA, which offers consumers extra protection in case something goes wrong with a holiday.
