A package holiday is, by definition, a pre-arranged holiday comprising of at least two components booked together, such as the flight to the destination and the accommodation itself. While package holidays can sometimes be more expensive than booking each part individually yourself, there are more safeguards in place should anything go wrong.
The law states that a package holiday which is offered by a tour operator must be of a reasonable standard, and match the description given in the brochure.
For example; if the brochure states that the hotel has a sea-view from each room, then this must be so. If the hotel is classified as a luxury hotel, then it must not be of a basic budget standard. If the hotel is a budget hotel, common standards of hygiene must still apply - sharing a suite with half the local insect population and 3 varieties of fungi are not classed as common standards of hygiene.
Once you have booked your holiday with the tour operator, you have entered into a legally binding contract and both parties must adhere to certain terms and conditions. The travel agent must make you fully aware of the booking conditions, usually printed in the brochure, and provide you with any information you may require which relates to your holiday.
This includes notifying you if there are any dissimilarities between the brochure description and the current state of the resort i.e. if the hotel is having building work done or the swimming pool is closed for some reason. If this is the case, you are entitled to an alternative holiday of comparative value, or a refund.
There is often confusion about the price of a package holiday; the price advertised doesn't always include all the non-essential yet rather important extras such as airport transfers, in-flight meals, and even the privilege of being able to sit with your family on the plane.
The 'from' price is more often than not the price for the absolute basic flight and bed package - made glaringly obvious to lure the unsuspecting tourist into a holiday which, in reality, could work out much more expensive.
Fortunately, once you've sorted out exactly what you're paying for and have handed over the money, you should be protected if the price was to rise significantly. This means that if you book your holiday a while in advance, and the price rises in the meantime, your travel agent cannot charge you extra to cover this, unless it specifically says this is allowed in the booking conditions.
Even then, if the increase is due to anything other than rising fuel costs, landing fees or the exchange rate, you cannot be charged. The first 2% must also be absorbed by the agent and anything over 10% increase will automatically entitle you to a refund without a cancellation penalty, or a replacement holiday at the original price.
Be aware that some tour operators try to push travel insurance on you at the time of booking, and may make you think this is compulsory. It isn't. While travel insurance is always highly recommended, you can usually get a better deal looking for it yourself, as agents tend to charge a fee on top of the premiums, meaning you could be paying much more than necessary.
Although you may be tempted to avoid package holidays altogether and book everything yourself, should something go wrong with your holiday you have more of a financial safety net if you book a full package. Finding cheap holidays with an ABTA registered travel company is easy if you browse online.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jay_Tillotson
The law states that a package holiday which is offered by a tour operator must be of a reasonable standard, and match the description given in the brochure.
For example; if the brochure states that the hotel has a sea-view from each room, then this must be so. If the hotel is classified as a luxury hotel, then it must not be of a basic budget standard. If the hotel is a budget hotel, common standards of hygiene must still apply - sharing a suite with half the local insect population and 3 varieties of fungi are not classed as common standards of hygiene.
Once you have booked your holiday with the tour operator, you have entered into a legally binding contract and both parties must adhere to certain terms and conditions. The travel agent must make you fully aware of the booking conditions, usually printed in the brochure, and provide you with any information you may require which relates to your holiday.
This includes notifying you if there are any dissimilarities between the brochure description and the current state of the resort i.e. if the hotel is having building work done or the swimming pool is closed for some reason. If this is the case, you are entitled to an alternative holiday of comparative value, or a refund.
There is often confusion about the price of a package holiday; the price advertised doesn't always include all the non-essential yet rather important extras such as airport transfers, in-flight meals, and even the privilege of being able to sit with your family on the plane.
The 'from' price is more often than not the price for the absolute basic flight and bed package - made glaringly obvious to lure the unsuspecting tourist into a holiday which, in reality, could work out much more expensive.
Fortunately, once you've sorted out exactly what you're paying for and have handed over the money, you should be protected if the price was to rise significantly. This means that if you book your holiday a while in advance, and the price rises in the meantime, your travel agent cannot charge you extra to cover this, unless it specifically says this is allowed in the booking conditions.
Even then, if the increase is due to anything other than rising fuel costs, landing fees or the exchange rate, you cannot be charged. The first 2% must also be absorbed by the agent and anything over 10% increase will automatically entitle you to a refund without a cancellation penalty, or a replacement holiday at the original price.
Be aware that some tour operators try to push travel insurance on you at the time of booking, and may make you think this is compulsory. It isn't. While travel insurance is always highly recommended, you can usually get a better deal looking for it yourself, as agents tend to charge a fee on top of the premiums, meaning you could be paying much more than necessary.
Although you may be tempted to avoid package holidays altogether and book everything yourself, should something go wrong with your holiday you have more of a financial safety net if you book a full package. Finding cheap holidays with an ABTA registered travel company is easy if you browse online.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jay_Tillotson
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