Vacation Planning for Summer: Avoid Last-Minute Bookings
Hurry-Up Deals lure many with savings, yet, it's not always the best deal. For those looking for a last-minute summer getaway, be mindful of more than just the apparent savings. Here's what more you should take into account:
Before diving into paying for a confirmed trip, ensure you've received the travel insurance policy. This document is usually tucked away on the back of your booking confirmation.
Recent events, like the FTI insolvency, highlight the significance of this. A travel insurance policy shields you in case the travel service provider goes bankrupt, as legal expert Tiana Schönebohm from the Lower Saxony Consumer Center explains. "Hence, it's best to only pay once you have a legitimate travel insurance policy, even if that means doing so at the airport."
Covered on the legal front?
It's crucial to remember: Unlike most online sales contracts, the right of withdrawal doesn't apply to travel bookings. As Schönebohm suggests, "Regardless of whether consumers book in person at a travel agency or online, they can't just cancel the contract under normal circumstances."
Therefore, examine the contract terms carefully. This is critical for last-minute deals as the term isn't safeguarded – pricey deals can still be marketed as purported bargains.
Additionally, if a trip gets cancelled, fees are usually applicable. These costs are often tiered – the closer the date, the steeper they tend to rise in regular circumstances.
Aware of entry criteria?
Similarly, those eager for a last-minute trip should take enough time to meticulously peruse the deals. This involves reading the entry requirements for the destination country ahead of time.
"Is a passport necessary? Is a visa required? What about vaccination and customs regulations? These are questions travelers should address as soon as they can," Schönebohm advises. Otherwise, there's a risk that precious time is wasted in securing travel documentation.
