With summer just around the corner, vacationers are already thinking about their summer itineraries. A recent report from consumer group Which? reveals important insights into package holiday prices, the best destinations for budget-conscious vacationers, and essential tips for ensuring a safe travel experience. By taking the time to plan ahead, vacationers can steer clear of potential travel traps and swindles while locking in the biggest savings on their hot-weather escapes.
Which? tracked more than 40,000 package holiday prices last year, uncovering trends that could help potential travelers make informed decisions. It is a matter of fact that package holiday prices tend to fall after January, according to research. This opens up an amazing door for forward-looking, smart planners! Of all the locations studied, Spain’s Costa Blanca was found to be the cheapest destination for holidays during peak summer in Europe.
Affordable Destinations in Spain
The report unveils a particularly thrilling discovery. The average price for a week in Costa Blanca in the month of August is less than £900 per person. Its modest MSRP makes it an attractive option for families and individuals on tighter budgets. Six out of the ten locations listed in Which?’s top ten best-value holiday spots are situated in Spain, underscoring the country’s appeal as a summer destination.
Two other areas of mainland Spain, Costa Brava and Costa Dorada, offer compelling fares. Feel the refresh of a holiday to Costa Brava from £1,125pp and Costa Dorada from £1,133pp. Spain remains the number one choice for travelers seeking excellent value for money without compromising on their overall experience.
“We always recommend booking a package holiday as the Atol scheme ensures you won’t be left out of pocket or, worse, stranded abroad if your holiday company were to go bust.” – Guy Hobbs, travel expert at Which?
July emerges as the most affordable month to arrange trips, including long-range favorites like France and Turkey, specialty tours, including the hot Caribbean. By buying holidays during this window, travelers can lock in low rates and set themselves up to save even more.
Essential Travel Insurance Advice
With increasing expenses and impending travel disruptions, trip insurance has never been more important. Many travel insurance policies are only valid if you take out cover soon after booking your trip. And according to Guy Hobbs, early travel planner, it’s a key phase that many travelers forget about.
“We can’t emphasise enough how important it is to buy travel insurance as soon as you book.” – Guy Hobbs
He further warns against choosing insurance sold through package holiday providers or airlines. Everyone will try to pitch their customized policy, which usually isn’t the greatest value out there.
“Many holiday companies and airlines will try to sell you their own insurance – don’t take it. It isn’t usually any cheaper, and it’s certainly not better.” – Guy Hobbs
Consumers need to be mindful when selecting travel insurance and choose coverage that will truly safeguard them from the unexpected. This proactive approach protects state and local investments and encourages the peace of mind that comes with safe and reliable travel.
Understanding Package Holiday Protections
When consumers are booking holidays, it is vital that they are aware of the protections afforded to them. Which? advises that travelers booking a combined flight and hotel package through a UK-based firm benefit from ATOL (Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing) protection. This plan prevents consumers from being left out in the cold or at a monetary loss. If the travel provider runs into any issues, assistance is at a moment’s notice.
All UK businesses selling packaged holidays that include flights must hold an ATOL. When a company does issue an ATOL certificate, then it should be required to put everything booked onto that certificate. Any products they leave out will not be covered under the scheme.
Furthermore, Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act provides extra protection for purchases between £100 and £30,000. Purchasing with a credit card provides all-important purchase protection. It makes the credit card issuer jointly liable with the merchant.
For debit card holders, the government’s chargeback scheme can provide a refund route if something goes wrong with bookings. Travelers need to know these protections so they can make sure their transaction is a safe one.
“There is nothing wrong with putting your own itinerary together, but it is good to be aware of risks.” – Guy Hobbs
Being informed about these considerations enables travelers to navigate their options more effectively while mitigating potential risks associated with holiday planning.