“We’re planning a summer getaway to Greece, and I’m worried we’ll forget something important that could ruin the holiday. What steps can we take to make sure we’re fully protected and prepared if anything goes wrong?”
Booking a holiday can be overwhelming, especially if it’s been a while since you last went away. While it’s unlikely anything will go wrong, we’ve prepared a simple checklist to ensure you can relax during your holiday, knowing you’re protected from the unexpected.
1. Check your passport is in date - especially for EU travel. Renewing your passport can take several weeks and isn’t something to leave until the last minute. Check the validity of your passport for your trip on GOV.UK by finding out the entry requirements of the country you’re travelling to.
If you’re heading to Europe, consider that EU countries don’t accept passports over 10 years old. This includes passports issued pre-Brexit, which may have longer expiry dates. Remember, the golden rule for EU travel is: if your passport was issued more than 10 years ago, you’ll need to renew it.
2. Know your rights if something goes wrong. If your flight's delayed long enough - usually two to four hours, depending on the journey - your airline must provide access to food and drink vouchers, phone calls and emails, and accommodation if you’re delayed overnight.
If it’s cancelled, you’re legally entitled to a full refund or replacement flight to help you get to your destination. You’re also entitled to compensation if your airline delays, loses or damages your checked-in luggage.
3. Get travel insurance - Although it’s an extra expense, travel insurance can cover many of the things already mentioned, like flight delays and lost luggage, but also things like a holiday cancellation and medical emergencies.
Citizens Advice recommends getting insurance as soon as you book a holiday to make sure you're covered right away - but always check first to see if an existing insurance policy, or your bank account, covers what you need for your holiday. There’s no need to double up if you’re already covered!
The chances are your holiday will be problem-free, but early planning and preparation can make all the difference. If you need advice on a consumer problem, head to the Citizens Advice website.
Can you help?
Would you like to become a volunteer adviser with us to make a positive difference to people’s lives in our community?
We are looking to recruit a Lead Advice Service Manager based in our Romsey office.
We are looking for a confident, friendly, organised person to undertake the role of ASM (Advice Service Manager) working with a team of volunteers who are delivering our service to clients via a number of channels. You would be the responsible person supporting and supervising volunteers as well as being part of the management team of the organisation.
This role supports the team across the whole of Test Valley (Romsey & Andover offices and home working). Whilst we place a high priority on maintaining a ‘one organisation’ approach, this role has a base in the Romsey office, with some travel between offices being essential.
For this reason, we are looking for a forward-thinking team player with a ‘can do’ attitude and the creativity needed to ensure our volunteers continue to receive high-quality support, wherever they are based.
We are seeking someone with excellent communication and organisation skills, a competent I.T. user, a flexible, positive, team-focussed approach and management experience or an involvement in a public-facing/advice sector.
The role is 33 hours per week and the closing date is February 21, with interviews on March 5. To apply, please email Ange Moon CO@testvalleycab.org.uk
For more go to testvalleycab.org.uk/news/volunteer
Citizens Advice Test Valley - if you have an issue, we can help you to find a way forward.
We offer free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to residents of Test Valley, relating to benefits, work, debt and money, consumer (including energy), relationships, housing, law and rights, discrimination, tax, healthcare, education, and more.
You can check for advice online at citizensadvice.org.uk
You can email us via our website testvalleycab.org.uk/email-advice-form
You can call us for free, 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday on 0808 812 6681
You can visit us:
9.30am until midday, Monday-Thursday, 1st Floor, Chantry House, Chantry Way, Andover, SP10 1LZ
9.30am until midday, Monday-Friday, Former Magistrates Court, Church Street, Romsey, SO51 8AQ
We also have advisers at Andover and Romsey foodbanks during their opening times, and an adviser at Whitchurch Town Hall on Tuesdays between 9.30am and 1pm.
This article was written by Ange Moon from Citizens Advice Test Valley.
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