Pre-shopping Holiday Information
Every time we buy a holiday, we are making a legal contract.
The law sets out a legal framework that reflects how consumers choose to book their holidays and make their travel arrangements.
A package holiday is a combination of at least two different types of travel services for the same trip or holiday if those services are combined by one business (for example a hotel with flights and trips)
A business providing packaged holidays must provide certain information before the holiday is agreed.
The information that you need is given below:
Main features of the travel services and details of the organiser.
Destination, itinerary, periods of stay with dates and if accommodation is included, the number of nights.
Transport information and schedule.
Approximate time of departure and return if exact times are not yet determined.
Location, main features and any applicable tourist category of accommodation.
Meals, visits and trips included in the holiday.
Details of any services that are provided to you as part of a group.
Language used for travel services.
Information on whether the trip or holiday is generally suitable for anyone with reduced mobility.
Total price of the holiday (including taxes and any fees) and how you pay.
Minimum number of persons required for the holiday to take place and the deadline for it not happening if the minimum number is not reached.
Passport and visa requirements.
Information that you can end the contract at any time before the start of the holiday upon payment of an ending fee.
Information on what insurance you need to have.
The agreement must have the full details of the holiday, including all required information, and be given in a clear, understandable way.
If you book online, make sure that you use a website with a secure payment facility and be aware of too good to be true offers, are they genuine, make sure the website is legitimate. Use Check a website - Get Safe Online to check any website out.
After you have booked, you must be given a copy of all the information.
Before the start of the holiday, you must be given all necessary receipts, vouchers and tickets, information on departure times and any deadlines for check-in as well as times for any stops, transport connections and arrival. It’s a good idea to check all of this carefully before you leave, so you can report anything that’s not right quickly.
Any problems you need to contact the business straight away.
Rules for life
Be polite
Be clear in what you want
Keep a record of all letters and communications
If the business disputes what you are saying, direct them to this website, business need to know their rights as well.
For further advice contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service 0808 223 1133.