LEEDS, UNITED KINGDOM — (Marketwire) — 08/16/12 — As the summer season is now in full swing, Asda Money offers British travellers a few simple ways to ensure their holiday is enjoyable and the financial cost is protected.
Take precautions
Before even booking your summer holiday it could be worth checking that your tour operator is certified with the Air Travel Organisers Licensing (ATOL). This is a financial protection scheme for holidaymakers meaning that should an ATOL tour operator fail, holidaymakers will be protected.(i)
They typically protect package holidays where one inclusive price is paid for both flights and accommodation. Some package holidays can be tailored, however; but they might still count as a package holiday.
ATOL protection means that travellers will not be left stranded abroad should the tour operator they book with go out of business. The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) is another trade association where members must protect their customer-s money.(ii)
For additional protection, it could be worth booking with a credit card. If you do book with a credit card company most should refund any losses from airlines or hotels should tour operators go bust. The downside is that in most cases a credit card booking fee will apply.
Travel insurance
This is an additional form of protection, which can be taken out independently from the holiday. Travel insurance is typically designed to cover problems such as lost luggage, missed flights due to transport issues and overseas medical bills.
Taking out comprehensive can help to provide holidaymakers with peace of mind and financial security.
On holiday
When you are abroad and enjoying your holiday it is important that you watch out for scam artists who will trick tourists out of their money with unofficial guided tours and -souvenirs.-
It could be worth doing your homework to discover the popular tourist hotspots where scam artists are mostly likely to be operating. Pickpockets tend to work in crowded places such as markets, railway stations and busy streets, so make sure you keep all of your possessions close and secure.
Notes for editors
(i) Air Travel Organisers- Licensing
(ii) Association of British Travel Agents
About Asda Travel Insurance
(i) All pricing examples based on travellers being 18-36 at the time of purchase with no medical conditions. Based on an individual Value European 2 day policy bought online. Price includes 20% online discount.
^ Terms and conditions apply. Children are covered when they travel with their parents, grandparents or legal guardians only.
Asda Money is a trading name of Asda Financial Services Limited. Asda Financial Services Ltd is an Introducer Appointed Representative of ACE European Group Ltd. This means that Asda Travel Insurance policies are sold, administered and underwritten by ACE European Group Ltd who is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA), reference number FRN 202803. Full details can be found on the FSA-s Register by visiting or by contacting the FSA on 0845 606 1234.
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