We introduced our current booking system in 2020 to help us manage the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, when it was often unclear whether holidays could ​take place. Taking only a small deposit, with the final balance ​only paid when the holiday began, gave us the flexibility to issue quick refunds if a trip had to be cancelled at short notice. ​It also meant we did not have to pay expensive money transfers and the associated administration related to doing this.

This process work​s very well, but it has become increasingly ​more expensive to administer and finance. To comply with UK travel regulations, we must hold separate insurance policies to cover us in the unlikely event that either we, or one of our partner hotels, should fail. The cost of these policies has now risen so significantly that continuing under the current system would mean increasing our holiday prices — something we are ​very keen to avoid.

Now that the pandemic and associated travel disruption is firmly behind us, we are reverting to our original booking process, which served us well for over 20 yea​rs. We will again be working in partnership with the Travel Trust Association (TTA). We ​have remain​ed full members of the TTA and continue to be fully protected by ATOL, so this transition will be straightforward.

​We will ​continue to request ​the same small deposit to secure your ​overseas holiday booking, which will be held in a bonded TTA trust account.

Our cancellations terms have not been changed

​The final balance payments for overseas holidays will ​now be due ​49 days before ​the holidays start date and will also be held securely in trust until your holiday is completed. This arrangement protects your money in the event of any failure by third-party hotels, transfer companies, or ourselves.

We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we make these improvements to ensure your holidays remain safe, secure, and excellent value for money.

Only affects overseas holidays that take place after August 2026