 Before You Travel |
Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide. You should take health advice about your specific needs as early as possible. Sources of information include your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic. Please note that you are strongly advised against scuba diving for 24 hours before travelling by air.
Travellers Health Line: We, in association with the Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) are now able to provide you with up-to-date information for your trip. Telephone 0906 82 24100 for a 'Health Brief' which will give you information about the immunisations that you may require, malaria advice, health news and Foreign Office advice. Calls are charged at 60p/min at all times, and normally last about 4 minutes. Be prepared to leave your name, address and journey details. Your Health Brief is sent by first class post.
Sun: The sun should be treated with respect - the more so the closer you get to the tropics, and especially in the winter, when your skin is completely unprepared. Make sure you take enough sun lotion with you - it can be hard to find locally - use it, and go easy on the sunbathing, particularly in the first few days. Watch out for signs of burning, heat exhaustion or sunstroke (reddening skin, dopeyness, dizziness, headaches) and make sure you drink lots of (non-alcoholic) fluids to avoid dehydration.
Mosquitoes: Can be a real nuisance, especially at night. Take repellents.
Hurricanes: Destinations featured in this on line guide may be affected by tropical storms and hurricane force winds which can significantly disrupt flight and accommodation arrangements. For example, in the Caribbean the hurricane 'season' is generally considered to be between June - Oct although storms etc may occur out of season too. It is extremely difficult to predict with accuracy the actual path, duration or effect of any hurricane and it may be that an evacuation of your resort, if possible, or a delay or cancellation of your flight to or from the resort may be necessary. If a storm is forecast to affect one of our destinations, we work with local and international authorities, our Health and Safety / resort teams to try to minimise disruption and keep you well informed. Please refer carefully to our booking conditions regarding changes, delays or cancellations to your holiday arrangements as any such changes would be beyond our control if caused by hurricanes etc. Note also that in the event of any such changes being made we are not able to offer any compensation.
The majority of overseas hotels are not equipped to cater for the needs of many
disabled holidaymakers. Furthermore the natural terrain and the layout of some resorts can sometimes make life difficult for wheelchair users.
It is therefore important, if you have any disability, that the appropriate enquiries are made about the suitability of particular accommodation and resorts, and that you are fully satisfied you have made the correct choice before you book and confirm your holiday. Please note: if special arrangements need to be made for you an extra charge may have to levied. We cannot be held responsible if you fail to tell us about special needs/requirements that will affect your holiday experience and this means we will not compensate you.
For customers who require support or advice prior to booking, please contact flexibletrips on 0870 160 9192.
Validity: A valid passport is essential when you travel abroad. Although your passport has been issued for 10 years (5 years for children) you should note that some overseas countries have an immigration requirement for a passport to remain valid for a minimum period after the date of entry to that country (typically 6 months). If your passport is in its final year of validity, you are advised to check the requirements of the destination before you make your final travel plans.
Apply early: If you need to apply for a passport or to renew an expired passport, you should do so well in advance of travel and at least four weeks before.
Names: The name on the passport must match the name on the ticket, otherwise you may not be able to travel and insurance may be invalid. If, after booking a holiday but before travelling, any member of your party changes their name, e.g. as a result of getting married, we must be notified immediately so that we can make the necessary changes to your holiday documentation.
At the time of booking please ensure you supply your Christian name and surname, as both of these must be stated on your flight ticket.
Passports for children and young people: All children who are not already included on a valid British passport will need to hold their own passport if they are to travel abroad. Children who were included on a passport issued before 5 October 1998 may continue to travel with the passport holder until:
- The child reaches the age of 16; or
- The passport on which the child is included expires; or
- The passport on which the child is included is replaced or an amendment results in the issue of a new passport.
It is the customer's responsibility to check the passport is acceptable for entry, prior to departure.
Portugal: Minors traveling without either or both parental guardians may require further documentation with permission of travel. Please contact the Portuguese Tourist Office on 0906 364 0610 for further details.
Visas: Non-British Citizen passport holders may require visas to enter countries which are signatories of the Schengen agreement and contact should be made with the appropriate consulate or embassy for clarification.
Please note: Both passport and visa regulations can change and you should therefore check with your travel agent or the relevant embassy well in advance of travel. It is your responsibility to be in possession of a valid passport and, if appropriate, a visa. It can often take some time to obtain a visa, so you are advised to apply in plenty of time. We cannot accept any responsibility for customers who do not possess the correct documents.
When traveling to Turkey, the following entry/exit requirements apply:
- £10 sterling per person for entry visa, valid for a 90 day stay or less (Scottish bank notes and Irish punts are not accepted)
- Passport must be valid for 6 months beyond period of stay
For more information contact the Turkish Tourist board/Embassy on 020 7629 7771
Please check with the airline you are traveling with regarding passport/ID requirements.
How to contact the Passport Agency: Further information from the UK Passport Agency can be obtained through the following means:
Telephone: 0870 521 0410 (Calls charged at national rate)
Website: www.ukpa.gov.uk
Faxback information line: 0901 4700 130
Application forms can be requested by phone or fax:
Telephone: 0901 4700 110 Fax: 0901 4700 120
We recommend the purchase of travellers cheques for the bulk of your holiday money, with a small amount of local currency for initial sundry items. Major credit cards are also widely accepted in all the destinations in this on line guide. In some cases local currencies may have to be purchased after arrival or there may be restrictions on the amount you are permitted to buy in advance. We suggest you contact your Travel Agent for details.
| Your Flight |
Flight supplements: Flight supplements may be applicable. You will be informed of these at the time of enquiry.
Flight timings: Customers are advised to double check their outward and return flight times with the airline direct 72 hours before each flights departure. The airlines contact numbers can be found on our website at www. flexibletrips.com. The right is reserved to substitute alternative airlines and/or aircraft at any time. All bookings are subject to the grant of licenses by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Safety: The safety and welfare of passengers is of paramount importance. While we wish to create a genuine holiday mood, we will, or our suppliers may, deny boarding or impose additional conditions of carriage on any passenger who:
- is intoxicated and or disruptive
- found to be smoking on board our aircraft
- makes an inappropriate remark. Inappropriate remarks are considered as any comment or statement made by a person, which indicates they may be carrying a bomb (or other such explosive device), a firearm or weapon regardless of that person's intent or reason for making the comment or statement
Although we want you to start and end your holiday on a high note, please make sure that you keep any drinking to a minimum before the departure of your flight. We will deny boarding to any passenger who appears to be intoxicated or whose behavior we consider to be disruptive.
We realise that some larger passengers, due to their size, often find that aircraft seat width is insufficient for their needs. For your own safety and comfort and that of other passengers, you must advise us or your travel agent at the time of booking if you know or are unsure as to whether the seat size on the aircraft will be sufficient for your needs. If you do require additional space, then subject to availability, you can purchase more than one seat located side by side or if you prefer, a wider seat in an upgraded class (where applicable).We regret however, that due to additional costs incurred by us, you will have to pay the full cost of all seats required by you, plus any upgrade supplement per seat. If you are purchasing extra seats due to your size, please contact us or your travel agent.
Security: Please keep your luggage with you at all times, never carry packages or presents for anyone else. Unattended luggage will be removed and destroyed.
Pregnancy: Regulations vary from airline to airline, but some will refuse to carry women who will be 28 weeks or more pregnant on the date of return travel. If you are in doubt, please check with the airline concerned. We recommend that you also consult your own doctor.
Fitness to fly: You may need permission to fly from your doctor if you suffer from certain medial conditions, which may mean you also require assistance from the airline. Should you have any concerns about your fitness to fly and you are flying with Thomas Cook Airlines please telephone 0870 160 9192.
At the airport: As a result of security measures at UK airports, you must check in AT LEAST 2 hours before your flight is scheduled to take off. No Frills flights normally require 1 hour for checking in. If you fail to check in on time, the airline is entitled to refuse to allow you to board the flight. We cannot accept responsibility if such a situation arises and, whilst we will endeavor to assist in making alternative travel arrangements to your resort, any cost or loss incurred as a result will be your responsibility. Remember, no calls will be made for your flight so please make sure that you are at the departure gate no later than 45 minutes before your departure time.
The following information is designed to help you complete the airport check-in process as quickly as possible.
When you arrive at the check-in desk for your flight, you will be asked for your ticket, passport and baggage. If travelling in a group, please make sure all members of your party are at the desk. Once you have checked in, you can move through to the departure lounge where you will find further information, including your departure gate number.
Hand Baggage: The check-in agent at the airport will ask you to show your hand luggage. This should not be over 5kg in weight or bigger than 43 x 28x 23cm in size. The low dose X-Ray machines used at UK airports examine hand luggage will not affect photographic film. Hold baggage is subject to a higher dose X-Ray inspection and we suggest therefore that you pack your film in your hand luggage. Items such as knives, scissors, tweezers and laser pointers may not be carried as hand luggage, these should be carried as hold baggage only. Any such items or sharp objects will be confiscated if packed in your hand luggage.
Valuables: Please remember to pack any valuables in your hand luggage and not in your suitcase.
Baggage delays: Although handling arrangements at UK departure points are excellent, there are occasions when your baggage may be delayed. However, if the recommended insurance is taken, you are covered for emergency purchases.
Hold Baggage: Your hold baggage must not exceed the stated allowance on your ticket; a charge will be made if the stated allowance is exceeded. Baggage allowances range from 15kg up to 30kg. Individual items of luggage must not exceed 30kg for lifting purposes.
Baggage allowance: Some of the airlines we use apply a charge for luggage that goes into the aircraft hold. Charges may be lower if payment is made when you make your booking, rather than when you are at the airport. If we are made aware that the airline intends to impose a charge in advance for 'hold' baggage, prices will automatically include one piece of hold baggage per passenger. The airlines standard luggage allowance will be printed on your flight tickets. Please note, that excess baggage charges will apply if you exceed the stated amount on your ticket. Where airlines introduce charges for 'hold baggage' after you have booked your ticket, if there is time and where possible, we will let you know before you travel.
Sporting Equipment: The acceptance of sports equipment is down to the individual airlines and charges will apply. These will vary depending on the airline. All such items will travel on a weight and space permitting basis only. You should also have insurance for these items.
Smoking: Please note that whatever airline you fly with, all UK charter airlines have a strict no-smoking policy throughout the aircraft.
Pre-bookable flight services: All pre-bookable flight services should be booked no later than 21 working days prior to departure.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition where blood clots develop in the deep veins of the legs. In the event that a blood clot breaks off from the DVT, it can travel to the lungs causing significant illness and, on rare occasion death. Prolonged immobility is generally thought to be the common underlying risk factor, and thus any travel involving prolonged immobility can result in deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Despite this information, it is still unclear how common travel related DVT really is, what the risk factors are and how it can be prevented. This advice therefore, seeks to identify those who may be at risk and how to reduce the potential risk.
Who is most at risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis?
The risk of DVT is greater in people:
- who have had blood clots already
- with a family history of blood clots
- suffering from or who have had treatment for cancer
- with certain blood diseases
- being treated for heart failure and re-circulation problems
- who have had recent surgery especially on the hip or knees
- who have an inherited clotting tendency
DVT is also more common in women who:
- are taking the contraceptive pill
- are on hormone replacement therapy
These groups account for 90-95% of all those who get DVT.
- consider taking medical advice if you believe you fit one or more of the above categories of greater risk/or refer to the UK Department of Health website from which this advice was taken. (http://www.doh.gov.uk/dvt)
- Periodic exercising of the feet and legs, or walking around when feasible may reduce the risk
- Elastic stockings may be helpful
- Be sensible about alcohol, which leads to dehydration and immobility
- Avoid taking sleeping pills, which may also cause immobility
The important thing to remember is that the vast majority of air passengers do not need to take any medication on long haul flights to prevent DVT. All air passengers, even those at greatest risk can reduce the chances of getting DVT by observing the advice given above.
We advise that the distance between the back support cushion of your flight seat and the back of the seat or other fixed structure in front of your seat will not be less than the minimum stated in the UK Civil Aviation Authority's Airworthiness Notice No 64, Issue 2 of the 29th October 2001 (26 inches).
No-Frills Flights: Please note No-Frills airlines are scheduled carriers.
Flight Routing: A direct flight may touch down en route for refuelling, or to pick up and/or drop off passengers. In these instances you are not normally required to disembark and the flight is still considered to be a direct flight. A non direct flight may require a change of aircraft en route while a non stop flight may take you directly from your final destination airport without stopping.
| Your Accommodation |
Accommodation can, at times, have a lively atmosphere, and facilities and entertainment may vary according to the mix and ages of guests in residence.
Ratings systems are an attempt to give a guide to the overall quality of properties. The official ratings are given by the authorities in the country, and do tend to give a fair impression of relative standards within that country. However, different countries have different standards, so don't assume that a 3-star hotel in one country is equivalent to a 3-star hotel in another. Ratings used are based on the official rating at the particular property at the time of publishing.
The term "hotel" is used to describe various types of accommodation and does not necessarily distinguish between local classifications such as "aparthotel", "holiday village", "holiday complex", "hostel", "pension", "stalgem", etc. Extra bed for child: in all cases these are only suitable for children aged 12 and under.
Facilities: All listed facilities are not necessarily included in the cost of the accommodation, some are payable locally (i.e. safe box, contents of mini-bar).
Rooms in Hotels, Pensions, etc: A "Double" bed may be 2 single beds pushed together though we will do our best to provide you with a double bed if you ask us when you book. A "Twin" is a room with two single beds. A "single" or "Twin for sole use" is a room with one or two single beds. Single rooms are often smaller, may not have a balcony and may not be of the same general standard as normal twin rooms. A 3 or 4 bedded room is usually a twin room with extra bed(s). This can make the room cramped in many cases. The extra bed(s) may be of the folding type so that they can be moved in and out of rooms easily.
Studios: A "studio" is one room living-cum-sleeping accommodation, usually with divan/sofa beds, basic kitchen facilities (usually two cooking rings and a fridge) and a shower room.
Apartments: An apartment is a self-contained flat with one or more bedrooms with twin/double beds, basic kitchen facilities (usually two cooking rings and fridge) and shower room. One bedroom apartments usually have a separate living area, though in Greece multi-bedroomed apartments may not have a separate living area. Apartment descriptions indicate the number of adults who can occupy an apartment (e.g. 2-4 persons). This will not always mean that at the time of your stay the apartment will contain the maximum number of beds, if there are less than the maximum number of persons in your own party. Beds in the living area may be of the folding type or sofa beds.
Views: If you would like a specific view, please be aware that rooms described as having a pool or sea view may not have a full pool or full sea view because of plants or buildings blocking the view.
Meal Service: Providing meals from a self-service buffet is popular in hotels. We include the most up-to-date information we have about meal service in our accommodation descriptions, but occasionally arrangements will change. Breakfast will be of the "continental" type unless stated otherwise. In certain hotels, extended or "nglish" type breakfasts are available and may be at an extra charge. Many hotels are not necessarily used to catering for special diets and therefore if you have particular or specific requirements, you may find that the choice is limited. As a matter of courtesy to fellow guests, hotels may require diners to wear long trousers whilst dining in their restaurants, if this is a concern then please telephone to check for your individual hotel details. Wherever more than one restaurant is advertised, meals for bed & breakfast and half board, will be taken at the main restaurant (usually buffet-style), unless otherwise stated. Where meals can be taken at alternative restaurants, a reservation is usually required.
Your accommodation is usually reserved for you from 1200 noon on the day of your departure from the UK, however, at some larger hotels delays may occur with check-in whilst your room is prepared for you. For night flights departing between 0001 and 0400 hours, the day of departure is deemed to be the previous day. In some cases, depending on your flight times, you may arrive in the early hours or during the course of the morning. Your accommodation should be immediately available to you, and in this case this is classed as the first night of your holiday.
Rooms are normally vacated at the internationally recognised time of 12 noon on the last day of the holiday. However, there are some areas where a 10am vacating time is operated. On occasions there may be several hours to wait before the departure of your flight home. In such cases a room may be made available for changing and storing luggage. Sometimes hotels will let you keep your room but they are entitled to make a charge. This is not normally possible with apartments. If you are on half, full or all inclusive board it is possible that you may lose a meal owing to your own particular flight times.
Some properties have individual air conditioners located in either the bedroom or living area, allowing you to adjust the atmosphere to your own liking. In some descriptions we have indicated that there is centrally controlled air conditioning. This means it is operated at the discretion of the management, both in bedrooms and public areas. In such cases air conditioning may be restricted to particular times of the day and to the hottest months of the summer. There may be a local charge for air conditioning in some rooms.
We do not have exclusive properties featured in this on line guide. It is possible, therefore, that there may be guests from other countries and of mixed age groups at your accommodation. Many hotels we feature do operate corporate conference facilities and there may be occasions where business meetings are taking place during your stay.
Certain accommodation featured in this on line guide is operational all year round. From time to time it will be necessary for certain facilities to be withdrawn for general
maintenance purposes. Water and electricity suppliers may be interrupted whilst this essential maintenance is undertaken.
As many hotels we feature have satellite TV shown in rooms, we recommend that you use the same care and supervision with children watching TV, as you would at home. Some channels may be of an adult nature. There may also be limited numbers of English-speaking channels.
Please note that in each property description we state the maximum number of occupants a room or apartment can accommodate; this number includes infants. For any bookings made which exceed this stated maximum and for which we are advised cannot be accommodated, we reserve the right to pass on the cost of any additional/different rooms/apartments required to accommodate the booking. There may be a charge locally for infants for use of services and facilities in the accommodation.
Your health and safety is of paramount concern to us, and we want to make sure you have the best holiday possible. It is appropriate, therefore, that we bring to your attention the need to be careful and to take necessary precautions whilst overseas.
We employ a full time Health and Safety Team whose single role is to actively monitor hygiene and safety standards in all our hotels and apartments. We also employ the services of totally independent British Health and Safety Inspectors who regularly visit our overseas destinations to ensure that all reasonable safety precautions are in place. But we also need your help and co-operation, and that is why we provide you with information on:
Balconies, beaches, fire, gas/electricity, lifts, personal safety, road safety, suncare, stomach upsets, swimming pools:
It is most important that on arrival you familiarise yourself with this information, because not only do we want you to have a great holiday but we want you to have a safe holiday.
Swimming pools and water features: Some of our hotels and apartments welcome local people and other holiday makers not residing at the property to use the swimming pool and facilities within the accommodation. This can lead to pool areas becoming busy at times, for example sunbathing space and available sunloungers may become limited. Please make use of the pool shower facilities before swimming – this helps to prevent any potential infections and helps to keep the pool clean.
Whilst some of our hotels and apartments have water features, such as slides or flumes, which may appear in our photography, generally we do not recommend these are used. It is possible such features may have been replaced or removed since the photography was taken.
Although the accommodation featured does operate to its own country's standards, regrettably the safety standards and regulations overseas may not be of the same level that we enjoy in the UK. For instance, the design and height of balconies may differ and swimming pools may not be provided with a dedicated lifeguard. We recommend you familiarize yourself with pool depths and the layout of the pool prior to entering it. Please exercise caution before entering the sea as the seabed is not even and changes in depth. The sea is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water or in unfamiliar buildings and surroundings. The setting and enforcement of local regulations is a matter for the authorities of the country and the foreign supplier of the services concerned. We are working with hoteliers to improve standards wherever possible. However, we would ask that you take all reasonable precautions to protect yourself and your party whilst on holiday. In particular you should familiarise yourself with fire procedures, the swimming pool(s) area and any unfamiliar cooking appliances.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Travel Advice Unit may have issued information about your holiday destination. You are advised to check this information on BBC2 (ceefax) page 470 onwards or on the Internet under the address http://www.fco.gov.uk/. Alternatively, you can contact the ABTA Information Department on 0901 201 5050 (calls charged at 50p/minute).
| Your Resort |
You will be supplied with a 24 hour emergency contact number, this number will be printed on your invoice prior to departure, please ensure you take this with you on holiday. Our trained staff are available to help sort out any particular problem whilst on holiday. If you have a complaint they will need to know about it and will do their best to solve the problem and minimise any inconvenience. This will also help us to improve the holiday experience for all our customers.
Resorts: In low season, resorts can be quiet with some facilities in limited supply, whereas in high season the resort is sure to be full, with facilities in full swing. However, there may be occasions where hoteliers or providers of services, withdraw a facility temporarily or otherwise due to lack of demand, especially at the start or end of the season.
Some of the destinations in this on line guide are still being developed and even in more established resorts there is often a possibility of building work taking place. If in our opinion this is likely to affect your booked accommodation significantly, we will tell you at the time of booking or, if you have already booked, you will be contacted before departure if there is time.
If there is a specific problem affecting your accommodation, you should report this to the accommodation staff, who will do his or her best to help sort things out. Insects, ants, mosquitoes and cockroaches for example, are common in hot countries. They are usually harmless, and they do not mean your accommodation is dirty or unhygienic, but obviously the sight of such creatures can be off-putting if you are not used to seeing them.
Please note that areas surrounding your holiday accommodation do not form part of your package holiday and have not been inspected. These include, for example, the sea, beaches, roads and mountains. You are responsible for taking reasonable care for your own safety and the safety of your party.
Local events, religious festivities and public holidays are likely to influence the provision of services and facilities within the hotels and around holiday resorts at certain times.
Laws, licensing requirements and age limits vary throughout the world. We recommend you check with your travel agent, or the relevant embassy or consulate.
We refer to a number of watersport and other sporting activities within the on line guide, none of these are neither owned nor operated by flexibletrips and we cannot guarantee that they are maintained or operated with the customer's safety in mind.
We would ask that you take all reasonable precautions to protect yourself and your party whilst on holiday and would recommend that you only use companies who demonstrate good safety practices. You should ensure watersports and other similar sporting activities you wish to take part in are covered by your own holiday insurance. Some activities/watersports may be considered to be hazardous pursuits by some insurance companies.
Opinions and recommendations expressed in this on line guide do not necessarily represent those of flexibletrips. We would ask you to remember that attractions and establishments may open, close or change owners or circumstances during the validity of this on line guide. Descriptions and recommendations given are in good faith and are based upon various authors views and experiences at the time of writing and therefore contain an element of subjective opinion.
Some places, hotels and restaurants have a non-smoking policy. This is particularly enforced in North America and Ireland. Also, most airlines now have a total non-smoking policy. Please ask for details before you make your booking.
| Your Price |
Your booking is priced by component (i.e. accommodation, flights, transfers etc) you can book as little as you want or as much as you want. Each component is added to your booking and the final holiday price is calculated from your choice. You can add components after your booking has been made.
Prices displayed throughout this on line guide for accommodation are quoted per person for the number of nights as stated. Please note while the 'From' and 'To' prices displayed are based on information provided by our suppliers and are an accurate guide at the time this on line guide is published, hotel prices may fluctuate in response to supply and demand and our suppliers reserve the right to charge higher rates at these and other certain times (e.g. festivals, events, holiday periods). The final prices will be displayed on our live reservation system and are confirmed on application. Optional supplements relating to meals, hotel room upgrades, single room occupancy and any other applicable facilities may also be available, please contact us for details and current prices. Any supplements are determined by the date the property is occupied, and not departure date (unless otherwise stated).
You will have assistance through our 24 hour emergency contact number only in relation to the components you have booked with us. We cannot assist with areas where you have not contracted with us (e.g. if you have booked your own flight we cannot assist with flight details).
The list below shows what is included in each separate component of your holiday. Depending on what you book depends what is included:
- Accommodation For hotels, the price applies to each of the two adults sharing a standard room. Minimum/maximum stay and date restrictions may apply depending on departure dates. Apartment and studio prices are based on the maximum number of adults sharing the accommodation and for fewer adults under occupancy supplements usually apply
- Meals: the board basis is shown in the accommodation description. If you book half board this usually means breakfast and dinner. If you book all inclusive this usually means breakfast lunch and dinner
- Flights: Prices and times will be advised at the time of booking and are subject to change
- Air Passenger Duty, UK airport taxes and security charges known at the time of going to press
- Free luggage allowance: passengers receive 20kg (44Ibs), unless otherwise indicated on your airline ticket
- Charges for extra security, insurance, aviation and other associated costs
- Holiday Insurance: you MUST be insured
- Flight supplements: where applicable, please also see 'Your Flight' section
- Meal supplements: where applicable
- In flight meals: the option of selecting an in flight meal at an additional charge may be available, on request, at the time of booking. No frills airlines do not provide you with an in flight meal
- Charges made by accommodation: such as a la carte dishes, sunloungers, sporting facilities, telephone calls, safes, mini-bars etc. There may be a charge locally for infants for use of services and facilities in the accommodation
- Accommodation deposits: in some cases on arrival at self catering accommodation you may be asked for a deposit. This is refundable, less the cost of any damage or loss
- Excess baggage on coaches and aircraft (such as surfboards and sailboards) on some airlines. Excess baggage charges will apply if you exceed your allowance
- A booking fee will apply for all bookings and name changes made within 14 days of departure. The minimum charge will be £15 per person
- Credit card charges: There is a 2% charge on all credit card transactions (up to a maximum of £50 per booking)
- Possible surcharges: see 'Surcharges – price increases after booking section'
- Extra Charges: please see ' Extra Charges- before booking' section
We have included in our prices an extra charge to cover aviation, fuel, insurance and other associated costs, (which have been imposed on airlines and tour operators following world events of September 2001 onwards) you should be aware that these charges and costs may change between the date of publication of this on line guide and the time of travel. Since all these costs are beyond our control and subject to further changes, we reserve the right to pass on any additional charges to you and they will be added and shown separately at the time of booking. We reserve the right to change prices, price can go up or down. Please therefore check carefully the total costing, including any additional charges, with us or your agent before you book.
The price of your travel arrangements can be varied due to changes in: transportation costs e.g. fuel, scheduled airfares and any other airline surcharges which are part of the contract between airlines (and their agents) and the tour operator/organiser, Government action such as increases in VAT or any other Government imposed increases, currency in relation to adverse exchange rate variations.
In the case of any small variation, an amount equivalent to 2% of the price of your travel arrangements, which excludes insurance premiums and any amendment charges, will be absorbed or retained. For larger variations this 2% will still be absorbed for increases but not retained from refunds. In either case there will be an administration charge of £1.00 per person together with an amount to cover agents' commission. If this means that you have to pay an increase of more than 10% of the price of your travel arrangements, you may cancel your travel arrangements and receive a full refund of all monies paid, except for any amendment charges. We will consider an appropriate refund of insurance premiums paid if you can show that are unable to transfer or reuse your policy. Should you decide to cancel for this reason, you must exercise your right to do so within 14 days from the issue date printed on your final invoice. Whether you cancel or not you will also be entitled, on the terms set out in respect of major changes, to accept an offer of alternative travel arrangements from us if we are able to do so and compensation (please see Booking Conditions). Please note that travel arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your travel due to contractual and other protection in place.
When booking your arrangements the following deposits will be required:
- Accommodation: a deposit of £25 will be required, or the full payment, whichever is less
- Charter flight: a deposit of £50 will be required, or the full payment, whichever is less
- Scheduled and no-frills flights - full payment is required at the time of booking (please also see 'cancellation by you' and 'name changes' in booking conditions)
- Packaged arrangements - for short haul holidays (classed as flights under 7 hours) a deposit of £130 is required at the time of booking. For long haul holidays (classed as flights over 7 hours) a deposit of £140 is required at the time of booking. Where a package includes a scheduled or no-frills flight, the full cost of the flight plus a deposit of £50 (for accommodation) will be required on booking
- If you book any other components and these are booked with accommodation, your deposit will be included in the accommodation deposit, however, if you book any other component without accommodation your deposit will be £25, or the full payment, whichever is less
If you book insurance with flexibletrips this premium must be paid in full at the time of booking. The deposits required are per person. Insurance premiums (if applicable) will be considered included in the deposits paid.
| General Information |
Rooms shown in the photographs are not necessarily the hotel's standard.
Some of the photography featured in this on line guide has been supplied by external photographers or tourist boards.
We will provide your personal information as well as any personal information you provide in relation to the persons whose arrangements have been requested by you, to suppliers and carriers that might be located outside the UK and/or EU, to enable the operation of the service requested by you. If you make special requests, which include, but are not limited to, special dietary, religious or disability related requirements, which constitute sensitive information, the relevant data will also be passed to the relevant suppliers and carriers to enable provision of the services to you.
Thomas Cook Retail Ltd is a member of ABTA with membership number J8601. ABTA and ABTA members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTAs Code of Conduct. For further information about ABTA, the Code of Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to you if you have a complaint, contact ABTA, 68-71 Newman Street London W1T 3AH Tel: 020 7637 2444 or look at their website: www.abta.com.
Thomas Cook Retail Ltd, trading as Flexibletrips hold an ATOL with number 0020. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking. For further information visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk. From 1st April 2008, £1 per person of the cost of air holiday packages or flights as appropriate (excluding published fare flights) is paid to the Civil Aviation Authority to provide ATOL Protection to you. This means the money you have paid for these arrangements is fully protected. Please ensure you retain a copy of your booking receipt and confirmation invoice. Please also note, the £1 charge is payable when you book your travel arrangements and is non-refundable if you cancel your booking. You can visit the CAA website and more importantly the ATOL page on the following link: www.atol.org.uk
To ensure we consistently deliver excellent customer service, telephone calls to our UK offices are recorded.
This on line guide was compiled and published in October 2004.
All rights reserved.
No part of this on line guide may be produced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without prior permission from Thomas Cook Tour Operations Limited, trading as flexibletrips.
