Travel Watchdog - The only Public Voice in Travel
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Action |
Target Date |
Status | Useful Links |
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1 |
Check Brochures for best deals. Try to compare like with like. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 |
Check times and origins of flights to ensure that they are reasonable. On the return date you will almost certainly have to vacate your hotel room by midday. If your flight is not until late at night, you could have a miserable wait. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 |
Make certain your passports are current at the date of the holiday. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4 |
If it is a hotel you are not familiar with, check details to make certain that it is suitable. |
has hundreds of hotel reviews |
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5 |
If the journey involves a flight of any length, check the aircraft comfort. Most charters are very cramped, with a maximum 29" seat pitch. Find out if you can book premium or extra leg room seats. |
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6 |
Decide how you are going to make your booking. If you find a good on-line deal, consider a visit to your high street travel agent to see if they will price-match. Unless you are a confident on-line booker, you are likely to fewer problems with a face to face booking. If you have ever tried to resolve problems with an on-line booking clerk in New Dehli, you will already understand this! | on-line bookings | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
7 |
Do not book in haste unless you are forced to do so. A little extra consideration can save you problems later. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
8 |
When you make your booking, make certain that the booking agent is a member of ABTA and ATOL. If possible, use a credit card: this will give you extra protection if things go wrong. Keep the details of the agent/clerk who makes the booking. If things go wrong those details may be vital. |
will enable you to check whether your agent is an abta member |
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9 |
Keep a copy of the brochure from which you booked. The description of what you are buying may be crucial in the event of problems. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
10 |
Check the visa requirements for your destination | http://www.fco.gov.uk | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
11 |
Decide on Insurance. You do not have to accept the travel agents insurance and can probably get a better deal elsewhere. Remember, credit card insurance is not the same as travel insurance! | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
12 |
When they arrive, check the itinerary and ticket details to ensure that they truly reflect what you contracted to buy. Check that the dates are correct and that the names are correct on the tickets. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
13 |
If possible, pre-book aircraft seats with the carrier | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
14 |
Make certain you have these details:
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15 |
Make sure you have the required maps/travel books. These are normally less expensive on line. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
16 |
Check health/vaccination requirements. Make an appointment with your Doctor and remember that some GPs will charge you for these services. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
17 |
Check destination security advisories | http://www.fco.gov.uk | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
18 |
Book kennels etc. for pets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
19 |
Take a copy of the brochure on your holiday. If you get problems this will help as a reference | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
20 |
Make certain that you understand the requirements if you need to use your travel insurance while you are on holiday. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
20 |
If you get problems, bring them to the attention of the tour rep/hotel as soon as possible. Make a fuss if necessary and do not accept trite excuses. Take photographs/video and make a manuscript record that you can use later | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
21 |
Make your complaint known to your travel agent as soon as possible on your return. Your contract is with them and they are responsible for sorting out any problems | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
22 |
If you cannot get satisfaction from the travel agent, pursue the tour operator and make a complaint to ABTA | If things go wrong | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
23 |
Contact us for help or advice or simply to give us information about your experience | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 24 | Finally, leave a copy of your Insurance Policy with a relative or friend. In the unlikely event of a serious accident, they may need these details if they are to be able to give you the assistance you need | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||