Booking a package holiday

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If you''ve decided to go for that package holiday follow these dos and don''ts ? they''ll show you how to make sure everything runs to plan and get the best value for money. Then you''ll be all set for a fantastic holiday:

- Do make sure the firm you book through is ATOL bonded. ATOL protection means that if something goes wrong, for example the hotel you''ve booked, or airline, goes into liquidation, you should be able to get your money back or you''ll be helped with return flights and alternative accommodation depending on whether it happens before or during your holiday.

- Do haggle! Online comparison sites are usually your first port of call in these instances and they will list flights and hotels at competitive prices (usually cheaper than if you were to go direct to the company), which you can then use to haggle with travel agents, or competitors. However, don''t overlook Teletext, where you can usually find a long list of discount travel agents, great for helping you knock down the price of that trip.

- Don''t leave it too late to book. It usually pays to be really early with your booking so that you can take advantage of the special offers that travel agents might have. Only unless you''re willing to be flexible over your vacation dates or type of accommodation, should you book late.

- Do get suitable travel insurance. This particularly important if you''re an element of the trip yourself e.g. car hire or flights and accommodation but even if you book through an ATOL bonded firm, it''s always sensible to have your own policy, and it will often cover additional expenses that aren''t ATOL protected.

- Do consider whether you want all-inclusive or half board. All inclusive holidays can sound like good value for money and generally that is the case but only if you make use of it. Will you really eat all your meals in the hotel? You might consider that experiencing the food of another culture is part of the experience of that place and you''ll miss out if you only eat in the hotel restaurant. Also, consider how much the cost of eating out will be; if you''re going somewhere where the cost of eating out is relatively inexpensive, all-inclusive may not be as good value as you think.

- Don''t wait until the last minute. For example, when booking car hire or changing your money don''t wait until you reach your destination or at the airport - things will only be more expensive and there''ll be fewer cheaper alternatives. If you change money at home you''ll usually get the best exchange rates and car hire gets cheaper the further it is booked in advance.

- Don''t use your mobile abroad. Unless you''ve got a specific tariff which will accommodate this, the phone charges for international calls and web browsing can be astronomical. Where possible buy phone cards or use internet call services.

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

Milo Sprygada is an expert travel writer who regularly books online through Thomas Cook, one of the most widely recognised and respected brand that can help you to find the perfect holidays.

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