Maidenhead & Windsor

Be prepared and plan ahead to make sure you get the best deal from your two weeks in the sun.

That's the seasonal advice from Maidenhead Royal Borough trading standards officers as families across the borough get ready to jet off abroad for their annual summer holiday.

Steve Johnson, Maidenhead trading standards manager, said: "Everyone looks forward to their two weeks annual break – and we all hope that everything will go smoothly. But it's important not to take any chances – and a bit of forward planning and preparation goes a long way to ensuring that those two precious weeks really are the holiday you've dreamt about.

"If you do have a problem, however – for example with false claims in brochures or websites for non-existent services or mis-descriptions of facilities – then do not hesitate to contact trading standards who can investigate on your behalf. Some of these mis-descriptions may well constitute criminal offences for which the company can be prosecuted."

Maidenhead Trading Standards travel tips include:
· choose travel agents and tour operators who belong to a trade association that has a code of practice. Look for membership of ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) or AITO (Association of Independent Tour Operators) on brochures, paperwork and invoices. Your money is better protected and you have better recourse when things go wrong.
· package holidays afford more protection than if you are travelling independently because they allow you to claim against the travel agent/tour operator. (To be classed as a package holiday you must have purchased at least two of the following – transport, accommodation or other significant tourist service (e.g. entrance to a sporting event) - at an inclusive price
· When paying for your holiday, if the price to pay is greater than £100 it is generally better to use a credit card as you may be able to make a claim against the
credit card company as well as the tour operator if things go wrong.

Even if the tour operator goes bust you may still be able to claim against the credit card company.
· Don't forget to pack your paperwork when you go. Brochures, invoices etc. will contain valuable information like terms and conditions and contract details that you may need if something goes wrong.

For holidaymakers who experience problems while on a package holiday, trading standards have the following advice:
· bring it immediately to the attention of the representative at the resort
· put the complaint in writing either on a complaint form or in a letter
· collect evidence about the problem such as photographs and statements from other holiday makers
· once you get home contact the tour operator and send copies of your evidence (always keep hold of your originals). Put forward an amount of compensation that you feel is fair and reasonable.

If the complaint is not resolved contact ABTA or AITO if the tour operator is a member as they provide an independent arbitration service, or trading standards for advice on how to proceed with your complaint.

And for dealing timeshares and holiday clubs the message is simple - Be careful! Steve Johnson explained: "Some companies use dubious tactics to sell these and you may be offered a prize or a gift to persuade you to attend a presentation where you will be put under a lot of pressure to sign up on the spot. Unless you are seriously considering signing up to one do not even go.

"If you do sign a contract in the UK you have a cooling-off period of 14 days in which you can cancel the contract and any related credit agreement."

For further information and advice contact Maidenhead trading standards on 01628 683802

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead