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Consumer Watchdog Gives Rights Warning

16:36 Mon 24th May 2010 |

Many of us spend all year dreaming of those two precious weeks away and most of us will have no problems apart from a few hangovers and some dodgy meals. However, there are a significant number of holiday makers who's time away does not go according to plan and we should be more clued up as to what to do when things go wrong.

Consumers are being advised to ensure that they know their rights before they jet off on holiday to help prevent any problems disrupting their break.
Almost a third of all holidays are booked within the first few months of the year, and an online consumer watchdog says that it is important that holidaymakers look ahead to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

The company’s help line received 17,000 complaints last year from disgruntled tourists who had an unpleasant experience on holiday.

"Thousands of people are calling to complain that the holiday they experienced in no way matched their expectations," said a spokesperson for the company.

"Knowing your consumer rights can help stop things going wrong in the first place and help sort things out when you do encounter problems," she added.
The spokesperson continued that before booking any holiday, look for an approved logo on company material.

It is also important nowadays to make sure you know what to do in the event that your travel agent or tour operator goes bust. This can happen before you go away or even during your trip in which case you may find you are stranded in a foreign country with no way of getting back. This can be where your travel insurance comes into its own. Make sure your policy covers this sort of disastrous event as well as the normal type of ‘lost your traveller’s cheques’ event.

Be sure to query costs and find out the true figure involved. And most importantly, always ensure that you have fully comprehensive travel insurance.

If you would like to know more about travel insurance why not ask AnswerBank Insurance.

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