Package holidays are not everyone's idea of the perfect getaway, but for those of you who would prefer a DIY holiday there are a few important things to consider before booking.
Firstly, remember that paying for your DIY holiday by cash, cheque or debit card can be risky as there is always the chance that the airline company or hotel you have chosen could cease operating without any warning. And that means goodbye holiday.
But package holidays face no such risk as they are protected by ATOL (Air Travel Organisers' Licensing), a protection scheme specifically devised to reimburse holiday-makers in the event of such a disaster.
Sadly, though, DIY holidaymakers are unfortunately not protected under the ATOL scheme.
So how then do you avoid the dreaded package-type holiday this year and safely go about organising your fun-in-the-sun independently?
There is one fail-safe form of insurance against travel disasters for those who prefer DIY holidays, and that is the trusty old credit card.
The advantages of a credit card payment for DIY holidays
Your credit card offers you complete protection when paying for your hotel booking and purchasing your airline tickets and is an invaluable safety measure for any independent holidaymaker wanting to make more than one purchase to complete their holiday plans.
Any credit card transaction of not less than £100 or more than £30,000 is protected.
Paying by credit card also covers you for any incorrect information or breach of contract by a travel company.
Don't forget that there are numerous low cost credit cards to be had, allowing you the freedom to spend a lot more money for those little holiday luxuries together with the confidence that you are fully covered against unforeseen disasters.
Are there any disadvantages?
Credit card transaction fees could be a possible aggravation, but the advantages of a credit card payment far outweigh the disadvantages of paying for your holiday by cash, cheque or debit card.
Worse still, you could possibly lose out on your holiday altogether, not to mention all those precious Pounds that might be lost as well.
Many travellers believe that travel insurance will cover any travel disasters which might occur.
This may be so in some instances, but travel insurance offers no protection to you at all if an airline company goes out of business overnight, with the exception of EasyJet.
So relax, let that handy little travel credit card work for you and enjoy your holiday with complete peace of mind.
That’s far better than risking what could become a very costly and disastrous DIY holiday nightmare.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Credit Articles
Fraud Alerts and Identity Theft: is This Enough?
By: Bernard Pragides | 06/09/2008
Fraud alerts are one weapon in your arsenal that can be a part of your overall effort at responding to and preventing identity theft.
Business Credit Cards – the Perks and Bonuses of a Business Credit Card Holder
By: Klye Anderson | 06/09/2008
Running a business or a company is challenging as it is. Imagine now how relieved business owners and entrepreneurs are that business credit cards are around to assist them in tight cash flow situations.
Bad Credit Warning
By: S. Lieberman | 05/09/2008
If your credit is damaged, don't fall victim to a company that promises to be able to repair your credit for you. Everyday, companies nationwide appeal to consumers with poor credit histories. They promise, for a fee, to clean up your credit report so you can get a car loan, a home mortgage, insurance, or even a job. The truth is, they can't deliver. After you pay them hundreds or thousands of dollars in up-front fees, these companies do nothing to improve your credit report; many simply vanish with your money.
Information About SimplyCash By American Express And Other American Express Cards
By: Kristi Ambrose | 05/09/2008
SimplyCash is also a part of another network called Open Network which allows you to get additional savings from specific companies such as Hertz car rental, Jet Blue Airlines, Fed Ex deliveries, Delta Airlines and Gateway electronic products. This seems like it would be a really good card for a business or a person that travels a lot.
Ways to Repair Bad Credit
By: lily005 | 05/09/2008
Your credit rating determines whether or not you will be able to get a loan in the future. A bad credit report might mean that you will not be able to get a car loan, mortgage, or debt consolidation loan. You should take measures to repair the bad credit.
Help You Repair Credit
By: lily005 | 05/09/2008
There are some steps you can take to help repair your credit and gain a better chance at receiving these rates. Here are tips on how to do this.
Get Home Loan With Bad Credit
By: lily005 | 05/09/2008
Home mortgage loan refers to the loan lent to someone who buys a house from a developer, makes the initial payment and lets the bank to pay the rest in installments. He will use the house as collateral and pay the principle and interest on time. With flexible payments and terms, today,mortgage lenders offer a wide variety of loan products.
Ways to Fix Credit
By: Elisa002 | 05/09/2008
Many people are wondering how to repair their bad credit. It's not easy for them to handle that problem. Your first instinct might be to file for bankruptcy when you're in over your head. It's not always the best solution. Really, it's the solution of last resort. Here are some tips for credit repairing, when you're done and the last derogatory marks have been amended or removed, the feeling of relief is one of the best feelings in the world. You should try it on your own. The feeling of having
More from Shirley Stevens
3 Reasons the Iphone 3G Bags You a Brilliant Broadband Deal
By: Shirley Stevens | 29/08/2008 | Communication
Recently the O2 mobile network announced their newest and most exciting mobile to date, the iPhone 3G. But getting an iPhone could be the best broadband decision you ever make.
Beginner's Guide to Mobile Broadband
By: Shirley Stevens | 29/08/2008 | Communication
Mobile broadband is considered by some as the beginning of the end for wired broadband, as it has the distinct advantage of enabling you to receive broadband over your mobile phone network rather than through the traditional copper phone lines.
The Impatient Downloader's Guide to Fast Broadband
By: Shirley Stevens | 20/08/2008 | Communication
If the slow download rate of your broadband connection is driving you up the wall, now is the time to think seriously of changing to a faster option and saying good bye to all that frustration. We give you the latest news on the many exciting choices available.
The Travel Credit Card More Valuable Than Imodium
By: Shirley Stevens | 20/08/2008 | Credit
With the peak summer holiday season in the UK and abroad just about to take off, you will find that there may still be time to apply for a credit card that is most economical to use abroad - saving you a small fortune as well as avoiding that post holiday headache when the credit card bill arrives!
Is Technical Support Eating Into Your Broadband Budget?
By: Shirley Stevens | 13/08/2008 | Communication
Budget broadband providers have for some time now been making a quick buck because their customers need to use their expensive technical support numbers. But BT looks set to change all this with their recently introduced free technical support system.
Utilise Your Facebook Friends List to Bag Free DVD Rentals for Life
By: Shirley Stevens | 08/08/2008 | Movies
Cinema Paradiso, a leading DVD rental service, has recently introduced Friends for Films, an innovative loyalty plan which could guarantee you free DVD rentals for life - provided you have the friends to make it work. We give you the inside story.
Use Sunscreen, But Go Easy on the Insurance Cover
By: Shirley Stevens | 08/08/2008 | Insurance
Trying to work out what kind of travel insurance you might need for your holiday and how much it will cost can prove to be quite a headache. Don't over-insure as too much cover is a waste of your precious Pounds which could more profitably be spent on an extra bottle or two of good wine - or a good SPF sunscreen! We provide some soothing tips to ensure a premium holiday experience.
Broadband's Next Big Thing: Online Gaming
By: Shirley Stevens | 08/08/2008 | Computer Games
With connection speeds will become sufficiently fast and broadband access more widespread, the popularity of online gaming is soaring in the UK, and could well be the next big thing.
Finance 
