Travel Tips

Whether it was severe snowfall or volcanic ash, 2010 was the year that travel hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons, with hundreds of thousands of Irish travellers left stranded and out of pocket.

A new study from lastminute.com has found that last year’s travel turmoil left travellers out of pocket by an average €181.

However, experts at the travel and leisure website reckon some of this financial loss could have been avoided with better preparation.

Carey Withey, spokesperson for lastminute.com said: “While there is no way to guard against ‘acts of God’ and inclement weather, we advise holidaymakers to do their ‘holiday homework’ this year.”

She continued, “There are some straightforward but crucial measures that people should take to avoid disappointment and ensure they aren’t left out in the cold if things go wrong.”

So, here are three quick tips that could mean you avoid some of the drama:

1. Leave a paper trail: The report revealed that a third of people (33 per cent) do not print off their travel confirmation, which could be important to back up any claims should they arise.

2. Terms and conditions apply: Nearly three quarters of holidaymakers (72 per cent) admit to skipping through their holiday terms and conditions. Check that the supplier you’re booking with is registered with the Commission for Aviation Regulation, the national enforcement body in Ireland that processes complaints, which arise from flights going out of Ireland.

3. Ensure you’re insured: Almost a third of travelers (29 per cent) claim travel insurance will be more critical than ever in 2011. Take great care to read the small print and really get to grips the scope of the cover.