Holidays

Holidays can be expensive, so it is important to think about what you want before you book. A few simple precautions will help to ensure that you are not disappointed.

Choosing and paying for your holiday.

Choose travel agents and tour operators who belong to a trade organisation that has a code of practice. Look for ABTA (association of British Travel Agents) or AITO (association of Independent Tour Operators) on brochures or invoices.

All package travel tour operators must be bonded or protect the pre-payments they hold by other specified means. This means that if the tour operator ceases trading before you travel you should get your money back. 

If you are already abroad, you should be able to carry on with your holiday and get home without extra payments, although if your tour operator is not a member of ABTA or AITO and does not hold an ATOL (see below) you may have to pay some expenses up front, and get your money back after you return. 

Package holidays which include flights must be protected by an ATOL (Air Travel Organisers Licence) granted by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) . Every ATOL holder is examined each year by the CAA to ensure it is fit to hold a license and is financially sound.  This does not mean that the company cannot fail, but it is less likely to.  You should look for the ATOL number in brochures and on invoices.