How to avoid disasters?

Sadly, things do go wrong both before and during your holiday, so here are the top tips to avoid problems. The tips below are based on REAL events that we have heard about.

Book a package and not separate flights and accommodation, where possible. There are three very good reasons for this. 1. You will be fully financially protected by ATOL which you can't be if you book your flights and accommodation separate. 2. You will have rights under the package travel regulations. You actually have very few rights if you book separate flights and accommodation. 3. In my experience, you are FAR LESS LIKELY to suffer 'over-booking' problems which sometimes you don't find out about until you arrive at your hotel. Remember, you should be given one TOTAL price for the whole package, and it should NOT be broken down into flight costs and hotel costs.

TRAVEL INSURANCE - If you (or a close relative) develops an illness after you book your holiday but you have not yet taken out travel insurance, then you will NOT be covered - it will be a pre-existing medical condition. Please take out travel insurance as soon as possible after booking.

Make sure your PASSPORTS have at least 6 months remaining from the date of return. For many countries, you will NOT be allowed to board if this is not the case.

VISAS - if in doubt, please ask. Especially for USA and Australia

Check school holiday DATES before you book - they can change year to year.

Aim to ARRIVE AT THE AIRPORT at least 3 hours before - this recently happened to me when my car broke down on the way to the airport! Thankfully I had enough time to get there. I have heard about traffic jams and last minute searches for passports causing panic!

USA - make sure you register for the visa waiver program at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ If you have a criminal conviction, please do not book any travel until you have a full visa from the embassy.

Make sure that you give us your FIRST NAME and SURNAME exactly as shown on your passport. If they don't match, you may not be allowed to board. You don't need to worry too much about titles (e.g. mrs) or middle names.