Essential Travel Information
The following ‘Essential Travel Information’ together with our booking terms and conditions, privacy policy and, where your holiday is booked via our website, our website terms and conditions of use, alongside any other written information we brought to your attention before we confirmed your booking govern your booking with Global Travel Finders (“we” “us” and “our”).
Please read them carefully as they set out our respective rights and obligations. References to “you” and “your” in this information means all persons named on the booking (including anyone who is added or substituted at a later date) or any of them.
References to “Travel Arrangement(s)” are to the accommodation, flights, transport, and other services. References to “Supplier/Principal” means the third-party supplier of the Travel Arrangements including but not limited to accommodation providers, transfer providers, car hire companies, and airlines.
By making a booking, the first named person on the booking agrees on behalf of all persons detailed on the booking that he/she:
- has read this information and has the authority to and does agree to be bound by them.
- consents to our use of personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy and is authorised on behalf of all persons named on the booking to disclose their personal details to us, including where applicable, special categories of data (such as information on health conditions or disabilities and dietary requirements);
- is over 18 years of age and resident in the United Kingdom and where placing an order for services with age restrictions declares that he/she and all members of the party are of the appropriate age to purchase those services;
- accepts financial responsibility for payment of the booking on behalf of all persons detailed on the booking.
Please Note: We act only as an agent in respect of all bookings we take and/or make on your behalf.
Your booking is accepted by us when you receive your booking confirmation but may still be subject to confirmation from suppliers. Your booking will be confirmed when we issue you with a booking confirmation with all the individual component parts of the itinerary showing the status confirmed.
Please check your quote, booking confirmation and/or itinerary carefully and notify us or your travel agent immediately if you think any of the details are inaccurate. The names on your itinerary must match those on your passports otherwise you will be unable to travel and will incur amendment or cancellation charges.
It is essential that you check your documentation and ensure that your first names and surnames are spelt exactly as they appear in your passports. We are not liable to you for any problems or complaints you may have because of holiday details having been noted incorrectly if you do not advise us of these prior to travel.
SECTION 1 – HOLIDAY PRICES
Travel & Stay Options & Prices:
Holiday prices are influenced by a variety of factors particularly depending on the type of travel option you book. It is not possible to show the supplements and fares for all the different travel arrangements due to the range of options available, and therefore the prices displayed online are for guidance only.
We can usually offer you a choice of travel options and dates/times of travel. You will also find transport providers may offer a choice of seat classes or upgrade options – your travel concierge will be able to confirm the current prices.
Please note that prices are based on bookings made by UK residents only. If you are not a UK Resident, you may be liable upon check-in/check-out for additional charges. We will not be liable for such additional charges.
Scheduled Flights:
The prices shown for scheduled flights are based upon the lowest fare available. Airlines limit the number of seats available at these prices by flight and date of travel. If the price shown online is not available when you book, we will offer you the next best seat price. The price includes current taxes (such as air passenger duty), aircraft insurance, security, fuel and other associated costs known at the time of booking. Our prices are affected by changes in these costs (For further information please refer to the section ‘Extra Charges – before booking’).
Airline Services:
Several airlines no longer include seat choice, meals or luggage allowance within the basic price offered. Please ask your Travel Concierge for specific details at the time of booking.
Airline Failure Protection:
This is a charge made on all holidays that include a flight so that in the event the Airline on which you are due to travel ceases to trade, the supplier is able to arrange alternative flights (if available) or issue you with a refund, as appropriate.
Extra Charges – Before Booking:
The prices shown are based on current airfares including fuel surcharges. Airlines reserve the right to change prices prior to ticketing and we must reserve the right to increase prices due to changes in fuel costs or taxes. We will advise you of the current price at the time of booking and we will absorb any increase of less than 2% of your holiday price. If costs rise of more than 8% you may choose to cancel and receive a full refund. (For further information please refer to the booking conditions)
Departure Airport Taxes:
Where applicable, all UK and overseas taxes have been included in your holiday price. The only overseas taxes we have not included are those that must be paid in the respective countries and cannot be collected prior to your UK departure. This will include tourism enhancement fees or some passenger service taxes.
Accommodation Supplements & Restrictions:
Hotel prices are generally shown per person (based on two people sharing) in a standard twin or double room for the number of nights as stated in the accommodation description. The lowest available rates are displayed but please allow for supplements depending on the dates you stay. Prices will vary depending on, for example, peak periods, weekend/ midweek stays, local holidays, special events and the room type you select. Hoteliers may also require a minimum length of stay at certain times of the year.
Please ask your travel concierge for prices and any minimum stay restrictions applying on the day you book. We reserve the right to change prices. Prices can go up or down.
Local Charges:
At some accommodation certain amenities may carry a local charge. Unless we have stated that a service or facility is ‘free’ in our accommodation descriptions, you may be asked to pay a charge.
Here are a few examples of what you might expect to pay for locally, but always check first as there may be others. The examples include but are not limited to the types of local charges that may be payable:
- A daily resort fee or an additional charge for sun loungers maybe applicable.
- Daily car parking charge at some hotels/apartments.
- Local taxes payable on checkout.
- Entertainment and activities away from your accommodation.
- Highchairs, cots, hotel run children’s clubs and meals for infants.
- Meals and beverages from restaurants and bars at your accommodation.
- Safety deposit facilities, room service, mini bar, TV/satellite TV, telephone calls, air conditioning and sea views.
- Facilities and equipment such as pool towels, spas, whirlpools, indoor pools, sauna, table tennis, billiards and darts and other sporting equipment.
Frequent Flyer Schemes:
Not all airline tickets sold are eligible for mileage/points accrual. We strongly advise that you check with the airline(s) concerned regarding the use of frequent flyer membership(s) with your booking.
Child Ages:
For most flights and package holidays children must be under the age of 12 on the last day of their itinerary. This means that they must be 11 years or under on the day they arrive at the final destination as presented in our travel itinerary. In most cases, the final destination will be the return back to the UK. For hotels, the child must be 11 years or under on the date of check out from the hotel to qualify as a child. Some hotels and airlines may offer child discounts for passengers up to the age of 17. If such a discount is offered, the passenger must be under the specified age limit on the day they arrive at their final destination as presented in our travel itinerary.
SECTION 2 – BEFORE YOU TRAVEL
Scheduled Flights:
Flights may be booked in conjunction with hotel and ground arrangements and flight times at the time of booking will be provisional. Final times will be advised with your travel documents shortly before the departure date.
Special Offers:
Unless otherwise stated, special offers will only apply for certain periods of stay and at certain hotels. Conditions may apply to these offers and you will be advised at the time of booking. All offers are subject to availability and can be withdrawn at any time without notice. The offer validity period generally applies to completed stays within the date banding, but this may vary according to the individual hotel.
Honeymoons & Other Special Events:
Where you advise and pay for a specifically advertised honeymoon offer as noted on your invoice this should be guaranteed by the hotel. You must have proof of your recent marriage upon check in and may be required to pay additional costs if you fail to produce in. For other special offers such as anniversaries and birthdays we will pass this information on to the relevant hotel, however no guarantees can be given.
Complimentary Room Upgrades:
Where applicable and unless otherwise stated, offers of room upgrades shown online will be determined by availability when you travel, and your room will be allocated on arrival at the accommodation. If your room is upgraded, please note that this will not necessarily be to the next highest category, as we do not offer all room types at all hotels. Room upgrades are subject to availability on arrival.
Advanced Passenger Information:
Airlines are required to collect biographical information contained in the section of your passport that can be read by machine (such as name, passport number). We refer to this as your advance passenger information, which Airlines will pass onto the e-Borders programme both prior to your departure from a UK Airport to an overseas destinations, and on any journey to the UK.
Airlines are legally required to collect your advance passenger information for further information please see the UK Border Agency website following the link https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/send-advance-passenger-information or alternatively visit the airlines website.
For some destinations this will be obtained at the airport but for others we will ask you to provide the information to us or your airline at time of booking or at least 72 hours before you travel. Please also carefully note any instructions about Advanced Passenger Information on your confirmation invoice or tickets.
Travel Requirements:
It is important you regularly check The Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for the destination/s you are visiting and the destinations entry requirements and travel advice. You can search for a particular country or territory on the website and it highlights what the current advice is there. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Travel Insurance:
We strongly advise that you take out a policy of adequate travel insurance upon booking your trip, to cover you and your party against the cost of cancellation by you; the cost of assistance (including repatriation) in the event of accident or illness; loss of baggage and money; and other expenses, as well as ensuring you have cover for any activities you have booked, including additional cover for skiing/extreme sports/adventure travel and all other activities you have booked.
If you choose to travel without adequate insurance cover, you could be liable for emergency costs including medical treatment. Neither the Supplier/Principal nor Global Travel Finders will be liable to you for any losses howsoever arising, in respect of which insurance cover would otherwise have been available.
If you already have a travel insurance policy, you should check what cover it provides for coronavirus – related events, including medical cover and travel disruption. If you are choosing a new policy, make sure it covers these issues.
For further information regarding travel insurance please follow the link.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign-travel-insurance
Global Health Insurance Card or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC):
If you are travelling to the EU, you can apply for a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you already have an EHIC it will still be valid as long as it remains in date. A GHIC or EHIC gives you the right to access emergency state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in those countries.
Remember that a GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. It will not cover any private medical healthcare or costs, such as mountain rescue in ski resorts, being flown back to the UK, or lost or stolen property. EHIC is not valid on cruises.
Check for the latest information on GHIC or EHIC online using the following link https://www.gov.uk/global-health-insurance-card or by phone on 0300 330 1350.
Check Your Passport Is Valid For Travel:
Please check your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip and renew your passport if you do not have enough time left on it.
It is your responsibility to check and fulfil the passport, visa, health and immigration requirements applicable to your itinerary. We can only provide general information about this.
British Citizens holding a 10-year UK passport (5 years for children), issued in the UK should note that some overseas countries have an immigration requirement for a passport to remain valid for a minimum period after the date of entry to that country (typically 6 months).
Your passport may also need a minimum number of blank pages.
You must check the guidance online for each destination you are travelling to using the following link. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Special conditions apply for travel to the USA, and all passengers must have individual machine readable passports. Please check https://uk.usembassy.gov.
Non-British Citizen passport holders or British Citizens holding a UK Passport issued abroad or holders of British Subject Passports should contact the appropriate consulate or embassy for advice.
Please Note: If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the minimum 3 months needed.
If you need to apply for a passport or renew an expired passport, you should do so well in advance of travel. If you are 16 or over and have never had a passport in your own name, you should apply for one in good time before booking your holiday. The UK passport service must confirm your identity before issuing your first passport and will ask you to attend an interview in order to protect your identity.
Passport regulations can change – you must continue to check the guidance online for each destination that you are travelling to. For further information see https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
You may not be able to travel, and insurance may be invalid if the names on your passport and travel documents do not match. If any member of your party changes their name, we must be notified immediately so that we can change booking documentation.
All passengers must ensure they have valid, acceptable passports, any required visa, any other documentation for both the destination and any stop-off points en-route.
All passengers must ensure that the ‘Advanced Passenger Information’ is submitted in advance of travel for all destinations. (Please refer to section Advanced Passenger Information section)
Failure to hold correct documentation or submitting incorrect details with advanced passenger information or visa applications may result in refusal of carriage or entry to a country. If you do not have the correct documentation, you may be refused travel by the airline.
If you fail to comply with the passport, visa, travel and health requirements of the country you are travelling to, you may be liable to pay fines, surcharges, other financial penalty, costs (including the cost of an immediate return flight) and any other sums of any description, which are incurred or imposed by the airline or supplier or incurred by us.
General passport enquiries can be found online by following the link https://www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports
Should you need to contact the Passport Office please telephone: 0300 222 0000.
Check The Visa Requirements For The Destination/s You Are Travelling To:
It is very important that you have checked any specific visa and entry requirements for your chosen destination including any transit points on your journey and ensure that you hold the correct documentation.
If a visa is required, allow plenty of time to apply.
Further details on travel requirements can be found by clicking on the following link and selecting the destination/s that you are travelling to.
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
The Foreign and Commonwealth Travel Advice Unit provides information about visa requirements and provides contact details for the relevant Embassies. Further information can be found following the link https://www.informationnow.org.uk/organisation/foreign-and-commonwealth-offices-travel-advice-unit/
Alternatively e-mail Foreign Office Travel Advice Unit on fcocorrespondence@fco.gov.uk or telephone the 020 7008 1500.
Visa regulations can change – please continue to check the guidance online for each destination that you are travelling to using the following link https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Failure to hold correct documentation or submitting incorrect details with visa applications may result in refusal of carriage or entry to a country. If you do not have the correct documentation, you may be refused travel by the airline.
If you fail to comply with the passport, visa, travel, and health requirements of the country you are travelling to, you may be liable to pay fines, surcharges, other financial penalty, costs (including the cost of an immediate return flight) and any other sums of any description, which are incurred or imposed by the airline or supplier or incurred by us.
SECTION 3 – GROUND ARRANGEMENTS
Accommodation:
Every effort has been made to describe each hotel and standard room accommodation we feature as fairly and accurately as possible. We expect hoteliers to inform us of any major changes without delay and, where possible, we will inform you prior to departure.
Meals as specified are included only where stated; all other arrangements are on a room only basis. Accommodation is generally priced per person based on twin share occupancy unless otherwise stated. Please ask our reservations staff at the time of booking for exact details.
When we mention room types, in most cases you can expect to receive a room similar to the room type described. Please note however that whilst room categories in different hotels may have the same or similar names, the criteria for their classification is likely to differ, as these are the names the hotels use and they do not have standard definitions. Every effort has been made to ensure that the hotels and other accommodation featured online are correctly represented and will fulfil your expectations for quality and service. It is important to note that, where used; the star classification system does not conform to any internationally recognised system. The rating is opinion, reflects a true representation of the merits of each property. Inevitably, standards will differ slightly between the many destinations featured.
Shared Accommodation:
On most escorted and independent tours featured, a single room costs more.
Single Supplements:
If a single person occupies a double room they will usually be asked to pay extra (a single supplement). Hotels price their rooms as doubles and they do not reduce the rates if they are occupied by a single person. The costs to the hotel of providing the room – heating, lighting, cleaning etc. are the same regardless of how many people occupy that room. The prices we charge reflect the costs of under occupancy of the rooms contracted to us by the hotel, we do not mark up these supplements.
Room Types Information:
In all types of accommodation described below, if there are less than the maximum number of persons in your own party, the room type may contain less than the maximum number of beds indicated.
Hotel Rooms:
A ‘double’ is a room with a double bed. A ‘twin’ is a room with two single beds. A ‘single’ or ‘twin for sole use’ is a room with one or two single beds. A double bed may be two single beds with double bedding.
Single rooms are often smaller, may not have a balcony and may not be of the same general standard as normal twin rooms.
Some hotels have rooms, which sleep up to 4 persons. Room layout may consist of up to 4 separate beds or a combination of double, twin, camp beds, sofa beds or rollaway beds. In some hotels 3rd and 4th beds may be only suitable for a child, but in other hotels there may be a reduction available if 4 adults share the room. Rooms for up to 4 persons may not be any larger than standard twin or double rooms so space is likely to limited and the room may be cramped.
Where rooms do accept extra beds, some hotels may require an additional local charge to be paid which can vary by destination, e.g. rollaway bed in USA – please ask for details when you book. Though we will do our best to help, please note that we cannot guarantee the room configuration or type of beds that you will be provided with. Please note, for accommodation in some parts of the USA, especially Las Vegas, there must be at least one person aged 21 years old or above travelling on the booking and present when checking in. Please check requirements before booking.
Suites/Junior Suites/Villas:
A Suite and Junior Suite usually but not always contain a lounge/living area. A Suite is likely to contain a separate sleeping area whereas a Junior Suite the sleeping area may not be completely separate. Room layouts can vary by destination. Our descriptions of Suites/Junior Suites and Villas usually state the number of persons who can occupy the room type (e.g. 2-4 persons) but please reconfirm this at the time of booking.
Tour Itinerary:
All our tours are, by their very nature, complex and include services from many different airlines, hotels and ground transportation companies. Due to the demand for these services, it is not always possible to guarantee particular airlines, flights, aircraft, ferries, trains and/or the hotels featured on a particular itinerary or departure date. It is with this in mind that we reserve the right to change any of the listed services and, if necessary, even modify the itinerary itself without prior notice.
Where any alteration significantly changes your tour itinerary or tour dates, we will always make every effort to give as much advance notification as possible. Changes to tours may also be necessary once the tour has commenced, changes may include the sequence of visits being altered according to local conditions.
Meal Service:
Meals as specified are included only where stated; all other arrangements are on a room only basis. Many properties are not necessarily used to catering for special diets and therefore if you have particular or specific requirements, you may find that the choice is limited. As a matter of courtesy to fellow guests, property owners may require diners adhere to a dress code whilst dining in their restaurants.
Hotel Check-In:
Your room will normally be available for check-in from 3pm onwards, although sometimes check in times may be earlier or later than this. If you intend to arrive late due to a pre-arranged flight schedule or transfers, your hotel will need to be advised of your late check-in.
On the day of departure you will be asked to check out before 12 noon and sometimes as early as 10am. Should you wish to request a late check out as you have a late afternoon or evening departure, the hotel may decide to apply additional charges.
If you wish to pre-book and guarantee an additional half-day’s occupancy, please ask our reservations staff for details and prices. Customers may be required to leave a credit card deposit at hotel check in. If a credit card is not available, then sometimes a cash deposit may be needed instead.
Air Conditioning:
Some properties have individual air-conditioners located in either the bedroom or the living area, allowing you to adjust the atmosphere to your own liking and some do not offer air conditioning at all. Some may operate centrally controlled air conditioning. This means it is operated at the discretion of the management, both in bedrooms and public areas. In such cases air conditioning may be restricted to set times of the day and to the hottest months of the summer. It may be that only cool air is provided, not necessarily warm air as well. There may be a local charge for air conditioning in some rooms. If you require a room with air conditioning, please ensure that you inform your Travel Concierge prior to confirming your booking. These requests cannot be guaranteed.
Accommodation Maintenance:
Certain accommodation we offer is operational all year round. From time to time it will be necessary for certain facilities to be withdrawn for general maintenance purposes. Water and electricity supplies may be interrupted whilst this essential maintenance is undertaken.
Other Guests:
We do not have exclusive use of the properties we offer. It is possible therefore, that there may be guests from other countries and of mixed age groups at your accommodation. Many hotels we feature do operate corporate conference facilities and there may be occasions where business meetings are taking place during your stay.
Hotel-Run Children’s Clubs:
Standards and facilities at kids’ clubs we offer may vary. We are unable to accept responsibility for or give any guarantee for the standard of the facilities and qualifications of personnel at hotel run clubs. Kids’ club(s) may not meet standards of similar facilities in the UK and guests are strongly advised to remember that local standards and requirements in respect of such clubs may differ overseas and so you must ensure that you are completely satisfied with the facilities and staff providing this service before you enrol your child or children into the club and into the clubs’ care.
Gala Dinners:
Many hotels require the compulsory purchase of gala dinners over the Christmas and New Year period as well as during other major local holidays. Please enquire when booking as to whether this requirement is applicable to your hotel.
Building Works:
Building works and noise are sometimes unavoidable in certain developing areas, resorts, and cities. Unfortunately, such development is not directly under our control, nor do we necessarily receive advance notice of when they begin. Should we be aware of any building works that may be considered to be a seriously detriment to your enjoyment, we will notify you as soon as possible. If possible, we will offer you the opportunity to transfer to an alternative hotel. Some public facilities at hotels, such as restaurants, bars, and swimming pools, may only be available during mid-week or high season. We will, wherever possible, inform you if this is the case at the time of booking. In some destinations work is carried out by local/national authorities of which we have no control and cannot be held responsible.
All Inclusive:
To help you choose your all inclusive holiday what activities and facilities are included with each accommodation will be highlighted. This is based on information received from the hotel management, often dictated by the properties previous seasons all inclusive package. However please note some facilities or activities may be altered or substituted when you travel, as hotels do regularly review and update what they offer as all inclusive.
Identification
When you arrive at your hotel you are likely to be provided with some form of identification (a card, necklace, bracelet etc), which will have to be shown when ordering drinks, meals and other included facilities. Ensure you take care of this as a penalty charge is likely to be imposed if lost.
Behaviour
Both we and each of the all inclusive hotels reserve the right to withdraw the identification facility of any guest(s) whose behaviour, or whose child/children’s behaviour is such that it is, in the opinion of the management, detrimental to the enjoyment of the other guests.
Alcohol
Having drinks freely available throughout the day can be a temptation to over-indulge. Please therefore consider your fellow guests (and your own health) while bearing in mind that hotel management have every right to refuse service to guests they believe to be intoxicated or under age in accordance with local law.
Bottled Mineral Water
In some all inclusive hotels bottled mineral water does not form part of the ‘unlimited soft drinks service’.
Locally Sourced Drinks/Snacks
Drinks included are generally only locally produced brands; cocktails, international and premium brands and fruit juices are not available unless stated. The type and variety of snacks served (between mealtimes) will vary between hotels and resorts and may be of a more traditional / local variety. Any additional facilities or services available may incur a charge. Consequently, not all bars/restaurants are available free of charge.
Returning Home
Most hotels remove access to all inclusive facilities, including food and drink at the time of checkout, which is generally 12 noon on the day of departure.
Safety & Hygiene:
Your health and safety are of paramount concern to us, especially when children are involved. In addition to monitoring the hygiene and safety standards in all the hotel and apartments, it is appropriate that we bring to your attention the need for you to be careful and to take necessary precautions whilst overseas and we need your help and cooperation with this. We would ask you to pay close attention to the following information, together with any other information we, our Travel Concierge’s or suppliers, provide to you before you go, during your flight and when you arrive in your destination and at your hotel.
It is most important that you familiarise yourself with this information and any other information you are given or on display.
Swimming Pools & Water Features:
Please make use of the pool shower facilities before swimming – this helps to prevent any potential infections and helps to keep the pool clean.
Every pool is different, and most hotels / apartments do not employ lifeguards, so you are strongly recommended to familiarise yourself with the pool layout, identifying the deep and shallow ends before using.
Do not use the pool after dark or when the pool is closed, even if the pool has underwater lights.
You should never swim when you have been drinking alcohol.
Whilst some of our hotels and apartments have water features, such as slides or flumes, which may appear in our photography, generally we do not recommend these are used. It is possible such features may have been replaced or removed since the photography was taken.
Overseas Safety Standards:
Regrettably the safety standards and regulations overseas may not be of the same level that we enjoy in the UK. For instance, the design and height of balconies may differ. The setting and enforcement of local regulations is a matter for the Authorities of the country and the foreign supplier of the services concerned. You should familiarise yourself with fire procedures, including emergency exits in your accommodation, the swimming pool(s) area and any unfamiliar cooking appliances. If in doubt, ask your representative or an appropriate member of staff.
Children:
Children must be supervised by you at all times, especially near water, on balconies or in unfamiliar buildings and surroundings.
Stomach Upsets:
It is still a relatively common occurrence to suffer gastric illness when travelling abroad and being exposed to a different environment. There are many ways you can reduce the possibility of being affected, such as, not eating undercooked food, avoiding ice in drinks, ensuring you drink plenty of bottled water and avoid over exposure to the sun.
Out & About:
Due to rough terrain and uneven surfaces, we recommend that you are extra careful and vigilant when visiting temples and other sites of interest and when crossing roads.
Crimes against people and property are a fact of life throughout the world and you have the same responsibility for your own safety as you do at home. In some places the local Police may not be very cooperative or interested when you report a theft or need insurance confirmation so always take care of your property.
It is recommended not to approach cats and dogs and other animals as these may carry the rabies disease which can be passed on through bites and scratches.
Please exercise caution before entering the sea, as the seabed is not even and may change in depth. The sea is capable of springing surprises, and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety.
SECTION 4 – YOUR JOURNEY
Luggage Allowance:
Please ensure that luggage taken with you is in good condition. We will advise you of the luggage allowance applicable to your flight at the time of booking, this will be confirmed on your e-ticket. Many airlines charge extra for baggage. Hand Luggage can normally be carried, however please check with your carrier prior to travel.
For further information regarding your allowances, you can contact the airline with which you are travelling.
Airport Security:
Due to increase security at airports please ensure you are familiar with what is allowed in your luggage please follow the airlines guidance.
Further information can be found using the following link: https://www.caa.co.uk/passengers/before-you-fly/baggage/
Lost, Delayed Or Damaged Luggage:
When hold luggage is lost, delayed, or damaged we are not responsible for your losses, the airline/s are liable for your losses.
You must report that your luggage has been lost, delayed, or damaged at the airport and keep a copy of the Property Irregularity Report (PIR Form) which staff of the airline will complete.
On the PIR Form there will be a file reference number that you will need to track delayed or lost luggage. You can track delayed or lost baggage on the World Tracer Website using the following link.
For further information regarding lost, delayed or damaged luggage please see the following link: https://www.caa.co.uk/passengers/before-you-fly/baggage/lost-delayed-or-damaged-baggage/
Seating Reservations:
Seat availability and pricing is at the operator’s discretion and is subject to availability.
When booking tickets many airlines charge extra to choose a specific seat, meaning that people must pay more to guarantee sitting with their companion or group. If passengers choose not to buy specific seats, they may still be able to sit together but it is not guaranteed.
If the airline offers the opportunity to choose seats your Travel Concierge will ask you if you would like to do so at the time of booking.
The price that airlines charge for seats varies depending on factors such as extra leg room, location, and route.
Airlines will endeavour to seat children & infants under the age of 12 and passengers with disabilities next to their accompanying adults. If this is not possible for any reason, they will ensure children are seated as close as possible, and no more than one row away. Please note that seats across the aisle or in the row behind or in front are classed as ‘together’.
For further information on airline seating allocations please see the following link:
https://www.caa.co.uk/passengers/before-you-fly/making-a-booking/airline-seating-allocations/
If you want to change your seat once you have booked and paid, you will need to pay the relevant seat charges. (Please see Booking Terms & Conditions and Service Fees Section for more information)
Please note where seats are added at or after the time of booking, they cannot be removed, cancelled, or refunded.
We will purchase the flight seats on your behalf directly from the airline. In the case of some airlines, we will use the payment details you provide to purchase the flight seats on your behalf if you agree that we can use the payment details you provide to do so. Where this is the case, you will see two separate transactions on your card statement; one will be for the cost of your flights with the airline and the remainder will be your payment to us including our service fees.
Flight Routing:
A direct flight may touch down en-route for re-fuelling, or to pick up and/ or drop off passengers. In these instances, you are not normally required to disembark, and the flight is still considered to be a direct flight – with the exception of the USA where you will disembark and clear customs at your first point of entry.
A non-direct flight may require a change of aircraft en-route while a non-stop flight will take you directly to your destination airport without stopping.
Non-Smoking Policies:
Airlines: All the airlines featured do not permit smoking on their aircraft.
Airports: Most airports also have non-smoking policies; however, some do provide designated smoking areas.
Hotels: Many of the hotels featured have non-smoking rooms. If you require a non-smoking room, please make your request at the time of booking. These requests cannot be guaranteed.
SECTION 5 – DRIVING
Car Hire Info:
Driving standards in some countries may not be as high as you experience in the UK and rental policies can differ. If you do hire a car during your holiday, we recommend that you select reputable companies, preferably those who provide assistance cover in case of breakdown or emergency. Your Travel Concierge can source reputable car hire services in many countries, please ask for information.
Unused Services:
We do not provide refunds for any unused pre-booked services. Any changes you may need to make to your arrangements during your holiday may incur additional charges. If car hire is booked subsequently to booking your package holiday this will not form part of your package and therefore will not be covered under the package rules and regulations.
SECTION 6 – MEDICAL AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Health Precautions:
Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide. You should take health advice about your specific needs as early as possible and speak with your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
Sources of information include the following websites:
- www.fco.gov.uk (Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office)
- www.hpa.org.uk (UK Health Security Agency & Office For Health Improvement & Disparities)
- www.nathnac.org (National Travel Health Network & Centre)
If you are visiting a European Union (EU) country, you should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and take it with you when you travel. Please note, the EHIC is in addition to Travel Insurance, not instead of it.
The EHIC can be obtained free of charge by completing an application form available online. (Please see section Global Health Insurance Card Or European Health Insurance Card)
Travellers With Reduced Mobility – Overseas Accommodation and Overseas Transport Arrangements:
Some overseas accommodation, overseas transport (including transfers) and other holiday services provided overseas are not equipped to cater for the needs of persons with reduced mobility. Furthermore, the natural terrain and the layout of some resorts can sometimes make life difficult for wheelchair users.
It is therefore important, if you have any disability, that the appropriate enquiries are made about the suitability of accommodation, resorts, transport, and services, and that you are fully satisfied you have made the correct choice before you book and confirm your holiday.
We cannot be held responsible if you fail to tell us about special needs/requirements that will affect your holiday experience.
Travellers With Reduced Mobility- At the Airport & Onboard Your Flight:
If you have a disability, reduced mobility, or special need that you require assistance with, either at the airport or onboard the aircraft please let us know as soon as possible. We would like to know if you have a pre-existing medical condition or recent injury, so that we can answer any questions and ensure there are no concerns about your fitness to fly.
Travelling When Pregnant:
Most airlines enforce strict regulations for expectant mothers. Airlines generally allow expectant mothers to travel anytime up to 24 to 36 weeks into their pregnancy with a covering note from their General Practitioner.
We strongly advise you to consult your local General Practitioner and airline concerned if you plan to travel whilst pregnant.
SECTION 7 – TRAVEL TIPS
Maps/Climate Charts:
Maps are to be used as a guide only and are not to scale. Climate information is based on averages.
Money:
We recommend the purchase of a Cash Passport for the bulk of your holiday money, with a small amount of local currency for initial sundry items. Major credit cards are also widely accepted in all destinations. In some cases local currencies may have to be purchased after arrival or there may be restrictions on the amount you are permitted to buy in advance. We suggest you contact your Travel Concierge for details.
Power & Water Supplies:
In most destinations you will find the supplies of water and power to be extremely reliable; however, in some countries this is not the case, and these places may frequently suffer from power cuts and restrictions on the water used.
Public Holidays:
In Muslim countries, dates of religious festivals are fixed by local sightings of the moon. Ramadan, is a period of fasting and there may be restrictions on drinking alcohol, eating in public and some shops and restaurants may close. Chinese New Year is a major celebration throughout Asia so flights and hotels may be extremely busy during this time. Most ethnic Chinese businesses, including shops and restaurants (but not hotels), may be closed. If you would like to know more about international public holidays and impact of events, please contact the appropriate tourist board or speak to your Travel Concierge.
FCO Advice:
Foreign & Commonwealth Office produces up-to-date travel information to help British travellers make informed decisions about travelling abroad. For further information please visit https://travelaware.campaign.gov.uk
SECTION 8 – COMPLAINTS & EMERGENCY SUPPORT
If you have a complaint about any of the services included in your holiday your Travel Concierge will endeavour to put things right without undue delay.
As the contract for your travel arrangements is between you and the Supplier/Principal, (e.g. your transport/accommodation provider) any queries, concerns and complaints about your travel arrangements MUST be addressed to them in the first instance so that somebody can assist you.
Please follow the relevant Supplier/Principals complaints procedure and email your complaint to the supplier/principal whilst in resort.
In addition to this please email your complaint to your Travel Concierge immediately or head office at info@globaltravelfinders.co.uk whilst in resort or alternatively you can telephone your personal Travel Concierge directly on (+44) 01924 893123 during office opening hours. Office opening hours are Mon – Friday 10:00 -16:00 Saturday 10:00 -14:00 Sunday Closed.
If you need to make a complaint and require emergency support or assistance during out of office opening hours, then please contact the 24/7 Customer Emergency Only Helpline on (+44) 07423144947. You will also be provided with the contact details of the travel suppliers contact details, who may be better placed to assist you. (Please Note – We will charge a reasonable fee for requesting emergency support or assistance during out of office opening hours if the emergency support or assistance requested is caused by you intentionally, or because of your act or omission. We will also charge a fee for requesting emergency support if the request is not an emergency and is instead something that could have been resolved during normal office opening hours)
If your complaint remains unresolved and you wish to complain further, please send formal written notice of your complaint to info@globaltravelfinders.co.uk within 28 days of the end of your travel arrangements and include your booking reference and all other relevant information.
Failure to follow the procedure set out in this clause may affect ours and the applicable supplier’s ability to investigate your complaint and could affect your rights under our agreement.