Booking a holiday is no longer straightforward as it once was.
The coronavirus pandemic has thrown trips out the window or added an extra cost as covid testing for many became mandatory.
Over the last two years, travel rules around the UK and in popular holiday destinations have quickly changed overnight, leaving hundreds stranded.
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Experts have shared their advice to ensure that no matter what happens, you can be prepared, and hopefully not lose out on too much money.
Of course each holiday provider has different policies, but customers are strongly encouraged to read the fine print so they don't get caught out.
Checking what insurance policies over is incredibly important as there are now more reasons why someone might not be able to go on holiday.
Regular travel insurance might not cover Covid reasons, but airline are now offering an extra insurance that will cover you if you can't travel due to Covid.
Majority of airlines will also offer you a voucher, refund or reschedule your flights if the flights are cancelled due to Covid related reasons.
You can read how to get a refund from Ryanair here.
Check cancellation policies
As the Guardian reports, Qin Xie from Hey Money Talk warns jet setters to read the fine print for cancellation policies, as well as flexible bookings.
She adds that flexible booking should mean not paying an admin fee or losing your deposit if plans change.
Qin said: “What’s included in flexible booking obviously depends on who you book with but amends are usually for travel dates and/or destinations.”
When booking with a third party company, cancellations can differ depending on the company. For example, if you book with AirBnB, then you need to cancel with them, rather than the property owner.
Protect your payment
Paying by credit card can give your more protection for your payments under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
Travellers are also encouraged to pay directly to the travel company with their credit card, rather than through third party company like PayPal.
The Consumer Credit Act offers protection on purchases over £100 and will even cover the costs if the holiday company you paid with folds.
Also keep an eye out for Atol (Air Travel Organisers’ Licence) protected holidays.
Take package holidays
While it can be cheaper to buy flights and accommodation separately, experts caution that customers will have more protection if they take a package holiday instead, due to the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018.
Linda Reynolds of Personal Travel Agent told the Guardian: “DIY holidays can be problematic at this time. I’ve heard of people turning up at hotels in Canada and the hotel was shut and locally there were no alternatives in their price range. Check your hotel is open. A quick look on their website or email to confirm your arrival should help.”
Check latest travel news
Each country is responsible for their own Covid rules and regulations. So make sure you keep up to date with the entry requirements and rules for the your destination.
While the UK is not requiring pre-departure tests, many countries are asking for them from visitors from Britain.
Emma Savage from Travel Counsellors stresses the importance of being aware of the different rules.
She said: "They all vary, so make sure you/your agent is fully briefed on what you need to do.”
