Before Covid-19 hit, January was the month with the largest number of holiday bookings. To ensure the travel industry gets back on it’s feet, travel insurance providers must reassure customers that they aren’t going to lose out financially if they have a holiday booked this year.
Ten essential tips:
Check which countries are allowing tourists from the UK
Visit a country’s government website for details on restrictions, test requirements and accepted vaccinations. Some countries have different rules if you’re unvaccinated.
Check the T&C’s of your accommodation, flights or packaged holiday company get it in writing exactly what you’re covered for if something goes wrong
- If they have to cancel, you should get your money back.
- If you decide to change your mind, you’re unlikely to get a refund, but it’s worth asking if they’d be willing to move the date.
- Most hotels now offer free cancellation up to 48 hours before check-in.
- if you don’t understand the T & C’s, get it in writing exactly what you’re covered for if something goes wrong.
Get travel insurance
- If you test positive and need to cancel, most travel insurers will cover you.
- If you test positive while overseas, most insurers will cover you for medical help.
- If you’ve been asked to isolate by the NHS, only some insurers will cover you.
- If you’re overseas and have to quarantine, most insurers will not cover you.
- If you simply don’t feel safe travelling and change your mind, you won’t be covered.
Pay with a credit card for extra protection
If your trip gets cancelled or the company goes bust, and you have difficulty getting your money back, you may be able to claim on your credit card company under Section 75.
Don’t wait too long to book
You could wind up paying almost double if you wait too long. There has been a massive surge in bookings the past couple of weeks, which means travel companies won’t be as desperate to fill seats and rooms as they were this time last year.
Shop around for covid tests
If you discover you need to book a test, make sure you research the cheapest because they aren’t all the same price.
Don’t buy your foreign currency at the airport
You’ll always be able to beat the rate by forward planning.
Compare travel money companies online
Don’t forget to factor in delivery costs and choose the option that gives you the most cash to spend on your holiday. If you’ve left it too late for it to be delivered, order online and pick it up at the airport.
Don’t pay for your travel money with a credit card
Because you may be charged a cash withdrawal fee
When you’re paying for items abroad on a card, always choose to pay in the local currency
This means you’ll avoid sneaky exchange fees.
