| There are many reasons why any holiday you | | | | There is no reason why you should risk that on a |
| book should be protected by ABTA (The | | | | whim. |
| Association of British Travel Agents) but what it | | | | More and more - and with good reason - people |
| all really boils down to is peace of mind - yours. | | | | are booking their holidays online. But be careful |
| When we leave home we all want to have | | | | when booking holidays on the internet as it can be |
| confidence that we have made the right decision. | | | | hard to see the credentials of a particular |
| Any member of the Association of British Travel | | | | company, and even where in the world they |
| Agents has to be approved by the organization | | | | come from. We all know that internet fraud is |
| and abide by ABTA's strict code of conduct. | | | | increasing worldwide, so it can make sense to |
| ABTA's rules are set up to protect you: the | | | | book from a registered British holiday company. |
| consumer. | | | | While the convenience of being able to book all |
| So, if, for example, your travel provider goes | | | | elements of your holiday online may seem like a |
| bankrupt (an increasingly common scenario in | | | | dream, your holiday plans may become a |
| these unsure financial times), you as the | | | | nightmare. Purchasing flights and accommodation |
| customer can relax knowing that you will get any | | | | separately may save you a few quid, but if your |
| compensation due to you, including perhaps a | | | | provider goes bust and is not ABTA bonded, you |
| refund or alternative return travel. That said, | | | | may wish you made different arrangements. |
| always check the full details of an agents | | | | The Association of British Travel Agents can |
| membership and what it may mean to you | | | | cover both travel agents and travel operators. |
| before purchasing your holiday to be sure you | | | | Currently representing more than 5,000 agencies |
| won't be left high and dry. The criteria and their | | | | and over 900 operators. Found throughout the |
| outcomes can be complicated. | | | | British Isles, members range from family run |
| In the thrill of the moment when booking an | | | | specialist companies through to the biggest high |
| exciting holiday, the last thing likely to be on your | | | | street names. Members have the right to display |
| mind is a dull, dry insurance policy. But forewarned | | | | the distinctive ABTA logo. ABTA annually deals |
| is forearmed: you know it makes sense. A holiday | | | | with plenty of agencies going bust, regularly |
| - of whatever kind - is a large investment and | | | | forking out millions to stranded and disgruntled |
| one that you often have to pay for upfront. | | | | passengers. |