James Walker: Is that winter getaway really such a bargain?
This time of year is one of the busiest for travel and holiday bookings. There are a few bargains to be had, especially if you decide to get away during the quiet period in January. If you’re planning a spontaneous winter getaway, or you’ve already booked and you’re getting ready to travel, here are some tips.
If you love a bargain then you might have been tempted by an email from an airline or an advert for a travel comparison site, telling you that the January holiday sales are on. There are lots of bargains to be had – but it pays to be realistic. A flight or hotel is only worth what you’re willing to pay for it. So 30 per cent off a £300 a night boutique hotel isn’t a great deal if you wouldn’t have looked twice if it cost £200 normally. Factor in spending money and the exchange rate and have a think about cancellation options – just in case a better deal comes along closer to the time.
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Hide AdIf you’re doing anything even slightly adventurous while on holiday, don’t forget to take out the winter sports cover. This might seem obvious if you’re planning on skiing off-piste but you’ll need it even on the nursery slopes. The same goes for what might seem like relatively tame things, like going for a sedate ramble on a nature walk. It’s not hard to get in to difficulty in winter weather abroad and I’ve had to help sort out numerous insurance claims involving helicopter call-out costs, repatriation and extended hospital stays.
Despite Brexit uncertainty, you can still use your European Health Insurance Card when going on holiday – for now. But it doesn’t cover everything – and if you get ill or injured, it could be very expensive. Different countries have different rules about what the card will cover so don’t assume it’ll be cost-free if you need to pop to a clinic or hospital. Take out travel insurance before you travel – and make sure the cover starts from today. That way if you slip and fall on a typically glacial December morning, you’ll be covered if you have to cancel. There are lots of different types of travel insurance but the basic rules of shopping apply here too: buy cheap, get cheap. Don’t save £5 on cover that could have given you much more protection when away. And don’t buy at the airport unless it’s an emergency – the cover is generally much poorer.
Travelling over winter comes with its own risks. Much as it’s good to escape the UK, there’s a higher chance of a flight cancellation or delay. If you’re travelling with your family, make sure you have back-up batteries for phones and tablets and things to keep the children occupied. Have a credit card handy with lots of credit on it just in case you have to make alternative arrangements or rebook a flight if there’s a problem. Don’t forget to check with your hotel or tour operator what your rights are if you are delayed or need to rebook.
And know your rights – Resolver has a full guide to your rights if your plane is cancelled or delayed. It’s a cold comfort, but you might get some cash back if something goes wrong. We’re working with the airlines to make the process of making a claim stress free – but if you aren’t getting anywhere, we can help you get your complaint sorted.