Here's a breakdown of how your holiday is protected, and what happens if things go wrong:

Package Holidays: ATOL and ABTA Protection

When you book a package holiday, you benefit from two key types of protection:

 

ATOL (Air Travel Organiser's Licence): This protects you if your trip includes a flight. If the travel company collapses, ATOL ensures you're not stranded abroad.

If you haven't yet travelled, you'll get a refund. If you're already on your trip, you'll be brought home.

 

ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents): This protects you if your package holiday doesn't include a flight, such as a cruise or a rail journey. ABTA also ensures that you receive the holiday you've paid for.

 

What is a Package Holiday?

It's crucial to understand what constitutes a "package holiday." Generally, it means you've booked at least two travel components (like flights, accommodation, or car hire) through a single company.

 

Examples of Package Holidays:

Flight + Hotel

Cruise + Hotel

Train Journey + Hotel

 

What about other travel arrangements?

If you book your travel elements separately (e.g., booking your flight directly with the airline and your hotel independently), you won't have the same level of protection as a package holiday. Here's a breakdown:

 

Flights booked directly with the airline: These are not ATOL protected. If the airline goes bust, it is the airline's responsibility.

Accommodation booked directly: This is not ATOL or ABTA protected. Your money is with the accommodation provider.

Other components: Car hire or excursions booked independently are also not ATOL or ABTA protected.

 

The Importance of Travel Insurance

Regardless of whether your trip is a package holiday or if you've booked everything separately, travel insurance is essential. It can cover a range of unforeseen circumstances, including:

 

• Medical expenses
• Lost or stolen baggage
• Trip cancellation (for reasons covered by your policy)
• Personal liability

 

Summary

Package holidays offer the strongest financial protection through ATOL and ABTA. If you're booking travel components separately, you'll have less protection, and travel insurance becomes even more vital. I hope this helps clarify how your holiday is protected. Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any more questions.