Protection for DIY holidays

A recent report by the European Commission into DIY holidays where the customer books flights, accommodation and insurance themselves all separately, has said that they should receive the same protection from unforeseen circumstances as if they had booked through a travel agent. Currently if you book a package holiday with a travel agent you are protected against firms going bust or holidays being cancelled. The customer is also protected against false advertising of a product. Many of us do not realise that this is not covered if we choose to do it ourselves.

The report from Brussels is asking for the 20-year-old rules to be adapted to include DIY trips that many of now choose. If implemented it could lead to a shake up of the travel industry where products will be more regulated when booking yourself. The new rule would pave the way for travellers to lay a claim for sub-standard accommodation or services that were as described. Many travellers currently can not do much if the hotel they booked themselves does not come up to standard.

The current recession has led to many travel related firms going bust especially a few airlines that have left holidaymakers stranded abroad or not even going on their flight. The internet has indeed helped many to travel abroad over the past decade booking their own rental cars, flights and other services because they could shop around for a better deal. More of us are choosing this option for travel and it should be protected just the same as other travel arrangements.