DIY holidaymakers urged to check small print

Those travelling on so-called "DIY holidays" should ensure they have full insurance coverage, the Trading Standards Agen

Travel Insurance News - 22/06/2005

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Those travelling on so-called "DIY holidays" should ensure they have full insurance coverage, the Trading Standards Agency has warned.

The popularity of holidays in which accommodation and travel are booked separately has soared in recent years, with online sales helping to drive up the tailored holiday.

Instead of the traditional package deals used in the past, holidaymakers have found savings can be made by snapping up low-cost flights and then booking hotels or other lodgings elsewhere.

However, while those following the old pattern of holidays can rely on full refunds, those using DIY holidays risk losing their money, or even being left stranded overseas.

Bruce Treloar, who authored the report, told the Telegraph that it was important that consumers check the small print of their holiday tickets and also their insurance cover.

"Many people assume they will be covered in the event of insolvency, either by the holiday provider, airline, their credit company or through their travel insurance. Often, however, this is just not the case," he explained.

As many as 23 million Britons leaving the country each year on holiday use DIY holidays &#150; outstripping the package alternative.

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