News

It was announced on Friday 16 July 2010 that Goldtrail Travel Limited has ceased trading, sparking fears for many holidaymakers about the security of their holiday arrangements.

Katy Levy , an Associate in Steeles Law’s Dispute Resolution Team gives her Top Ten Tips to avoid disappointment when booking a holiday.

1. Before booking, check travel review websites. If the general feedback is critical, this should raise alarm bells. If you have concerns at this stage, contact your travel agent.
2. Check whether the tour operator has an ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licence) and is an ABTA member.
3. Beware that some bookings may not be covered by ATOL or other similar schemes. This may be most likely to happen in situations where you are booking different parts of your holiday separately, for example if you book your flights direct with the airline.
4. Consider paying with your credit card, as this may give you some financial protection if the tour operator goes out of business.
5. Check the terms and conditions of your holiday booking carefully.
6. Make sure you buy travel insurance and check that this covers insolvency. Always take a copy of your insurance policy and emergency contact telephone numbers with you on holiday.
7. If there is a problem after you have booked, take this up with your travel agent in the first instance.
8. If your holiday was booked through an ATOL licence-holder which collapses prior to you travelling, you should be able to claim a refund of the cost of your holiday from the Civil Aviation Authority.
9. If your holiday was booked through an ATOL licence-holder which collapses while you are abroad, the Civil Aviation Authority will make arrangements for you to complete your holiday and then fly home.
10. If in doubt, contact Katy Levy on 01603 598000 or klevy@steeleslaw.co.uk.