British Airways passengers ready for a crash landing?

Have you got a few Airmiles and you're not quite sure how to spend them? How about a class on how to survive a plane crash?

British Airways have announced that they are to offer 4 hour classes to teach important skills you might need to call upon in the event of a plane crash. If you're a member of the British Airways Executive Club, then you're welcome to join. It's unlikely that you will ever get to put your new found skills into practice (see our article on the safest airlines), but perhaps it will earn you a no claims bonus on your travel insurance?

Apparently, the course aims to teach people techniques that will help increase their chances of surviving an air disaster, and it covers topics such as how to release a seat belt and locating the life jacket on a plane. It's not clear if there is any guidance on what to do once you're marooned on a desert island following the air accident?

I suspect the biggest appeal to people will be the opportunity to use the escape slide, without the stress and anxiety of having to following an accident. I can't quite work out whether the course would make people more or less likely to make a holiday compensation claim, but let's be honest, unless you are really stuck for a birthday gift; is anyone going to go on the course?

For more information you can visit the website!

The Great TUI Package Price Hike

Considering a break out from the stay-cation cycle next year? You may have to think again. Whilst the average family continues to feel the pinch, the owners of Thomson and First Choice Holidays, TUI UK, have recently announced its package holiday prices would rise more than 5% in 2012 – on top of a 3% increase this year.

How much more will I have to pay?
In real terms, the inflation busting rise will add roughly £27 per person, or £110 for two adults and two children on any summer package holiday with Thomson and First Choice Holidays. Whilst the cost of living continues to rise, TUI’s profits continue to show strong growth, increasing to £470million this financial year.

These record profits come despite a slight overall reduction in the number of British Holiday Makers booking a TUI package over the summer just passed. Even with this drop, it appears the appetite of the British holiday maker for using TUI’s service is still fairly strong, with over 5 million people choosing a TUI holiday last year. That’s just under one in twelve in the entire country. So, chances are if you asked all the families down your street who they booked their last holiday through, there is a good chance the names of Thomson or First Choice will crop up.

Rising in Profits = Rise in Compensation?
With the coffers of TUI’s bosses being filled to bust, will those who have had their holiday blighted by and bring a holiday compensation claim receive more compensation? Most of us know someone who has had an accident on holiday, be it a minor graze from a slip, or something with far more serious consequences.

It may be naïve to suggest that TUI, and other similar package providers, will be quick to further open their hearts, and their wallets, at the news that profits continue to rise. However, with the sheer number of accidents abroad occurring on TUI’s watch, the package providers may be well served in boosting the compensation kitty available to its customers.

Greater compensation, and greater transparency in their awards of compensation for holiday makers, would probably benefit all parties in the long run. With improved levels of compensation, the goodwill towards the package provider would slowly filter through the public; this would inevitably drive more people to the package provider who protects its customers. This is not rocket science, nor any ground breaking business plan; just simple consumer protection which benefits everyone.
It is no secret that the past 3 years have been tough going for the British consumer; if the traders and fiscal analysts are to be believed, it seems that times are going to get worse before they get better. With prices on the rise, British holiday-maker will want, and deserve, a greater sense of security that, if the worst does happen, the package provider will dip a little deeper into their rather sizeable pockets than they do now.

For more information you can visit the website!

Cruise Blog - Cruise Liners: what are the dangers?

Unless you have been living on Mars for the past 3 weeks, you would have undoubtedly read or watched hours of news reporting on the tragedy of the Costa Concordia. We’ve certainly all seen the image – the ginormous cruise liner perched on its side on the Italian coastline. As with all forms of mass transport, the only time people ever really take notice is when an accident occurs, but what are the dangers of going on a cruise and on cruise liners? What are the real dangers of a cruise? In reality, incidents such as those seen recently are extremely rare. Often, the main reason a cruise can be ruined is an outbreak of Norovirus. The winter vomiting bug is a highly contagious, and is spread from person to person via the air. In the densely populated arena of the cruise ship, Norovirus can spread from cabin to cabin before you have time to reach for the toilet roll. Without the proper action by cabin staff, you can quickly find your holiday ruined due to the illness. Battling the bug - Norovirus on a cruise ship The winter vomiting bug is often viewed as being so common in its occurrence, that it is a simple part of life, such as catching a cold. However, the effects of Norovirus on a Cruise Ship can often be far more devastating. If the staff on board are doing their job, you will find yourself cooped up in your cabin, quarantined from others, a prisoner on your own holiday. All of a sudden, your holiday is ruined. There are an increasing number of claims arising from passengers who contracted an illness whilst abroad. Is it fair that a Cruise Liner should pay compensation to those who became ill? Is it fair that your holiday can be completely ruined through no fault of your own, and then have no recourse to make a claim? It certainly is an interesting debate. As a passenger, you can only do so much to avoid the bug. However, even if you do wash your hands and carry disinfectant around with you wherever you roam, it really is the ship’s captain and crew who are crucial. If they haven’t quarantined those infected, if they haven’t ensured hands are washed, and if they haven’t warned all passenger that Norovirus is, or has, been on board, you may find yourself wanting compensation for your holiday. For more information about Accident abroad, visit the website!

2012: The Year of the Value Holiday?

According to new research of 5,000 British adults from online price comparison site TravelSupermarket, value for money is going to be the main priority this year when choosing their holiday in 2012. According to the holiday survey 96% state that they will be taking at least one holiday in 2012, up from the 91% who got away in 2011.

Holiday Survey for 2012

The TravelSupermarket holiday survey provides some interesting statistics for how people are planning to holiday in 2012:

• 42% of those surveyed said price was the number one consideration
• 32% said weather was number one consideration
• 26% said accommodation was the main consideration
• Holidaymakers plan to go away for longer, despite tighter holiday budgets
• Average holidaymaker intends on spending £642 on main 2012 holiday
• 19% say they'll rely on a credit card to afford 2012 break
• 46% say they will use savings to take a holiday
• Only 40% said they will be able to afford a holiday on disposable income
• Average Holiday money is expected to be £450 for a week (£47 per day)

Holiday Makers Spending Less in 2012

In 2011, the average British holiday makers spent an average of £829 each on flights and accommodation. In 2012, that average budget seems to average £642. Yet 51% of British holidaymakers still aim to have a main holiday abroad lasting over a week.

The research also found an increase in those intending to take self-catering and all-inclusive breaks - at 31 per cent and 12 per cent of main holidays in 2012 respectively. Both are tried and tested methods for keeping holiday costs under control and helping budget.

As Brits, we love a good bargain. In tough economic times, we look even harder for the best deal. People especially seem to want to travel to foreign shores to escape the difficult economic environment at home, I suspect they want a bit of guaranteed sun too!

Package Holidays vs Independent Holidays

Rather than trust to package holidays through high street travel agents, in recent years there has been a trend toward online bookings and independent holidays in an attempt to make savings. Customers are arranging flights and accommodation separately and, increasingly, directly from the source, rather than through a travel agent.

What does this mean for the quality of our holiday and what risks does that represent for the holidaymaker? Well, travel agents are obviously feeling the pinch in these economic times; people are more likely to go online and in to the store in search of a bargain. Package holidays have lost popularity as holiday makers look to book their own flights and accomodation from different holiday companies to get the best value. Recently though, the feeling we get is that the trend has been tempered a bit by the collapse of some holiday companies meaning that people opt for the more financially secure traditional package holiday.

There are many different ways of buying holidays and travel arrangements today, so it’s very important that you understand whether or not the money that you’ve paid for your holiday is safe if things go wrong. There are a number of different ways that you can get this protection, but not all travel arrangements are covered so you should always check. There’s no legal requirement that flights bought direct from an airline, or accommodation-only sales, are protected. There are two statutory schemes that exist to protect your money and to ensure that you’ll be brought home if your travel company goes out of business. These schemes apply to package holidays and to some flight-only arrangements more details of them can be found on the ABTA website.

Is it Worth Getting Travel Insurance?

We would always advise getting travel insurance. Policies can be obtained quite cheaply and help remove the worry of what might happen if things go wrong. Booking via a credit card can also provide some protection from your card issuer. We would also advise trying to do as much research into the place you are staying, and the local area, as possible. Try to find recent reviews of others who have stayed there and see what they thought.

Ultimately quality and price tend to go hand in hand. As the old saying goes “You get what you pay for” and so by looking for a bargain, especially in accommodation costs, you might not be happy with what you end up with. Let’s just hope you’re reading this for interest, rather than because you need our help!


For more information you can visit the website!

Illness onboard?

On the face of it, cruise liners are the height of luxury, the high-end of the holiday market, waking up in a new and glamourous location everyday and enjoying first class service everynight - but when you scratch beneath the surface what's actually there? Since the smoking ban many a struggling pub has re-invented into itself into what many term as Gastro pub. With fancy menus describing food with such spin that would make  Alistair Campbell proud. Once you are over the distraction of the fancy new décor with flowered wallpaper you realise that whatever Gallic flavour is given to describe food such as “sausage and mash” is it still just that. Often I feel the only difference is the price tag  and leave such re-vamped places wondering if the food was actually any better than it was in the previous albeit dingier place. I know for a fact that my wallet feels lighter when leaving, coupled with the thought I had paid double for the ambience of the new looking place but doubting I got better quality food? You might be thinking - what has this got to do with travel? Well, traditionally I consider cruising as the height of luxury. I have Cruised once so far going around the Caribbean and plan to cruise again some day because I loved it. Cruises are expensive holidays, albeit there is speculation price cuts in light of the recent tragedy on the Costa Concordia are to come.  My experience albeit wonderful and positive was that it did not meet my expectation of the height of luxury. The cruise ship was indeed glitzy and the décor was magnificent and modern but on the other hand there was buffet style food available and fast food sections serving burgers and pizzas. More after a nightclub feel.  There was also a fine dining area and it was marketed that the alternatives I mentioned were for those who did not want to dress up. My colleagues and I  have represented many people that have contracted and suffered from illness on board cruise ships. We have had clients who have experienced the glamour and luxury of a cruise liner but had that enjoyment curtailed due to illness suffered whilst on board. Due to illness, which often gets labelledd as gastrooenteritis they might have spent most of their time inside their cabin room in the bathroom using up the medication they hoped they would never need. Cruise ships are large environments catering for a large number of guests and staff who all live and work on board. Virus and illness  can spread like wildfire. Cruise liner operators have an obligation to have preventive procedures in place as well plans of action when there is an outbreak. The operators don’t always get it right. When something as major as Ship sinking can occur you can easily see how the smaller things like for example food preparation and storage can be overlooked. Don't get me wrong, problems are very much the exception, but when they do occur, it's not always just one of those things. The moral of my ramblings is that paying more does not necessary you mean you get better quality of food but at least it looks nicer, well unless you are ill that is. For more information you can visit the website!

Does my bum look big in this?

Have you grown up like me hearing some parts of the media and society saying smokers and heavy drinkers  should pay more towards the NHS as they supposedly bring the system to it’s knees? The counter-argument being that the tax revenue generated from sales of tobacco and alcohol contributes well to the government purse. It looks like the airlines are putting one foot in the "fat tax" camp. We live in an age where obesity in adults as well as children is on the increase without much sign of improvement, especially as Western diets worsen in our 'fast food, do it yesterday' society. We live in a world where we need to be greener and protect our environment for the future generation.  The airlines need to show corporate and green responsibility. There is an onus on people to reduce their carbon footprint and one effort that people commonly take is to reduce their fuel consumption. This is probably the major outgoing for the airline industry. We have a social responsibility to be greener but does not extend to us being leaner? A recent comment I have read from a former Qantas group chief executive took me by some surprise.  In essence the comment was that people who weigh more should pay more to travel on aeroplanes (it sounds like something Michael O'Leary would say). Mr Webber commented “that the more a plane weighs the more fuel it must burn”.  I cannot disagree with that comment BUT should we extend this principle to society’s larger members of society and make them pay for their air ticket? If this were to occur would the smaller sections of society pay less for their ticket when they take their holiday abroad. I am parent and it annoys me that I have to pay full adult price for some forms of transport for my daughter who is under 3 and I would describe as light as a feather. My daughter is fan of the TV show Peppa Pig and I really wonder and debate if it would be fair for the Daddy pigs of this world to have to pay more for their airfare. I have spent many an hour at an airport watching people (in sheer boredom)  take their obviously overweight luggage to check in and feign surprise when the scales groan in panic and say “No”. This is then followed by the same people emptying parts of their suitcase in full public sight tipping contents into another persons’ suitcase or their hand luggage to avoid the surcharge.  Imagine a future where there are scales for people at airports. I can only imagine the industrious ways people will try to avoid the surcharge.  The check in assistant politely responds to excuses…. ” Mr Smith you claim you are 9 months pregnant? Are you sure you should be flying?" Society will have to evolve and decide if our quest to save the planet may be achieved by getting leaner or will the Airlines just get meaner and keep the extra money as profit. Travelling and going on holiday abroad  is an important part of our lives, but what is the ultimate cost and who should bear it? “” For more information you can visit the website!

 

Ryanair just won't stand for it!

I just love Ryanair. Partly because they court publicity with some of the most ridiculous ideas, but mainly because whatever people say about them, they're a very successful business. In fact, I struggle to think of another business with such a high profile that people badmouth and but continue to use.
It is being reported that the latest little gem from Ryanair is their supposed application for a standing room only section in their aircraft.

I assume that the passengers who were only allowed to stand would be stood at the back next to the "pay as you poo" toilets.
Apparently Ryainar went as far as making an application to one of the regulators for a test flight of an aircraft with a standing room section. Under the scheme, a Boeing 737-800 would be fitted out with 15 rows of seats and 10 rows of standing berths.
Michael O'Leary, the budget airline's chief executive, said: "We have asked the question could we run some trials on this and the immediate response is somewhat negative."

Taking a Stand

Reports suggest that the aircraft would be fitted with a similar layout to London underground trains where they have a ball and straps for people to hold onto.
He has even gone as far as setting out the pricing structure. The Ryanair boss said seated passengers would be charged £25 per ticket with standing customers paying between £1 and £5 for their fares on a flight that would take the average capacity of a flight from 189 passengers to 230.
Speaking at a press conference in London, O'Leary said he was undeterred by the knockback from the unnamed regulator, although he declined to comment on whether Ryanair had approached the US Federal Aviation Administration or the European Aviation Safety Agency. "I think ultimately it would happen," said O'Leary.

Upstanding Airline: an accident waiting to happen

I've got to say, that not for the first time, I disagree with O'Leary. I think the chances of this happening are slim. At the moment, the relevant law around accidents that happen in the air, or as you're embarking or disembarking is the Montreal Convention. It is quite a unique piece of legislation because it provides strict liability. That means that if an an aircraft accident happens, it's automatically the fault of the airline. There are a few exceptions to this law, but that is generally how it works.

If it did happen as O'Leary is planning, I think it would be quite good for my business because I have no doubt there would be more holiday accident claims, but not very good for the consumer who has to claim for holiday compensation rather than enjoy their holiday.
Whatever happens, O'Leary will continue to be good entertainment and I suspect people will still love to hate Ryanair, but also continue to help drive up their profits too!

For more information you can visit the website!

Thomas Cook - King of the Tour Operators?

Travel agent and tour operator Thomas Cook has recently been named a UK “Superbrand” and for the 5th year in a row beat its competitors in being recognised as the number 1 travel agent/tour operator in the UK. This of course is the opinion of the “Superbrands” commission; if you were to talk with me or some of my colleagues here at accidents-abroad.com you may just get a different opinion!

Thomas Cook UK & Ireland currently takes passengers to a variety of destinations, from far-flung countries like the Dominican Republic and the USA, to those a little closer to home, offering budget deals like Portugal package holidays and Greek getaways. It is currently the second largest leisure travel group in the UK and boasts travel brands, including Airtours, Club 18-30, Cruise Thomas Cook, Direct Holidays and Neilson.
So how did the Superbrands commission rate the tour operators? In their list of 500 Superbrands (of which Rolex was number 1) Thomas Cook was placed at 101.

UK TOUR OPERATOR SUPERBRAND RANKINGS  101 – Thomas Cook
208 – Thomson Holidays
332 – Virgin Holidays
478 – Kuoni
I did start reading about how the list was compiled, but to be honest, I got a bit bored. I couldn't stop thinking about the number of holiday compensation claims we get from unhappy Thomas Cook customers and the complaints. If the researchers had spoken with me or my colleagues, or one of the many disgruntled clients whose compensation claim we're pursuing they might not have fared so well.



The reason being that we have many cases every year against this “Superbrand” Tour operator whereby guests come back off their summer holidays complaining of food poisoning, sickness, diarrhoea and vomiting.  We constantly deal with angry consumers who come back from holiday complaining to this “Superbrand” tour operator about the holiday from hell they've been sent on and had to endure. In the interests of fairness, I should say that they're not the only travel company who feature very high up on our list "Superbrands" but for a very different reason.
I am disappointed that no travel firm made it into the top 100, but I did have to smile when I realised that Thomas Cook were ranked at 101, which is the room where I'm sure many of our clients would want to put them!

For more information or you want to know more about us, visit the website!

The New ATOL Explained: Is Flight-Plus any good ATOL?

The news of the extension of the new ATOL scheme to cover separate flights and hotel bookings, and not just package holidays, was met with a mixed response - the change was welcomed but many felt it doesn't go far enough.  But what does the new ATOL scheme cover and what doesn't it cover.
Will your holiday be protected by the new ATOL scheme?


Picture the scene, you have just had an amazing holiday full of sun, sea and sand. You've forgotten about all the worries at work awaiting you when you come back, your batteries are well and truly recharged and you arrive to the airport ready to go home.
Suddenly you are told there’s a problem with the airline and nobody knows how you will get back home or who is responsible for your safe passage home.
Now initially this may seem like paradise, getting extra time in the country that you have been gallivanting around for the past week in an effort to refresh and replenish yourself. However, the sad reality of it is, a lot of the time this means long queues, long delays, mass confusion and “sleeping rough” in the airport.
Does ATOL Flight-Plus banish this to the past? Let's see...

New ATOL Flight Plus Scheme Explained... Am I covered?

ATOL is a financial protection scheme managed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). All travel companies selling air holiday packages and flights in the UK are required by law to hold a licence called an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL), which is granted after the company, has met the CAA’s licensing requirements.
In the event of an ATOL holder’s failure, the ATOL Scheme ensures customers who have paid and contracted with the ATOL holder for an air holiday package or a flight, do not lose the money paid over and more importantly are not stranded abroad!
The new concept of the flight-plus holiday is when a holidaymaker buys a flight and accommodation and/or car hire together, either on the same day as the flight, the day before or the day after from the same travel company. This is what makes up a flight plus holiday. Whilst it looks like a 'normal' package holiday, it is NOT protected under the Package Travel Regulations. I won't go into the make up of a 'Package' here but you can read what is a package holiday here.
Under the new regulations when you buy a flight-plus holiday you will also (from October 1st 2012) be given a standard, recognised certificate so that you know whether your trip is protected or not.
Good news?
This means an estimated 6 million holidays will now be protected by the reforms in the scheme.

What's not covered by the new ATOL scheme

Even though this reform is a step in the right direction, ABTA (the Association of British Travel Agents) estimates that a whopping 44% of the market will still be unprotected. This is mainly because holiday sales by airlines are not included within the scheme. for example, if you buy your flight, hotel and hire car from an airlines website you will not be covered should the airline collapse.
My view is that even if it costs a little bit more, the extra protection you get from a holiday regulated by the Package Travel Regulations can be invaluable. Not only do you get financial protection, the travel company also needs to ensure your safety whilst you are in resort (obviously only in the parts they book for you - but still worth the peace of mind).
I suppose that whilst Flight-Plus is a poor second, it is better than having no protection at all.

For more information about Accident Abroad you can visit the website at: http://www.accidents-abroad.com/

Castaway suing cruise company for sailing by

Written by Ross Smith

Tuesday, 15 May 2012 12:59

A fisherman stranded in the pacific ocean for nearly a month is planning on suing Princess Cruises after their ship didn't stop and aid the castaway even though people on the boat may have reported his distress signal. Adrian Vasquez, who is only 18, from Panama, was stranded in The Pacific Ocean for an incredible 28 days during which two of his work colleagues died of dehydration. Media reports suggest that Mr Vasquez is suing the American cruise company Princess Cruises in the jurisdiction of Florida for not acting and assisting with his plight. Engine Failure Left Fishing Boat Stranded At that stage Mr Vasquez had been at sea 16 days with his two colleagues who later passed away. The three men were adrift due to the engine failure to their three metre long open fishing boat. They attempted to attract the attention of the passing Princess Cruise ship with the use of a red jumper, but to no avail. Mr Vasquez was able to survive as a result of collecting rainwater during a heavy downpour. It has been reported that some passengers on the cruise liner had sighted the distress signal but a communication breakdown meant the cruise ship carried on. The reasons aren't clear at present, but the Captain of the Princess Cruise ship wasn't told of the call for help. According to various International laws, and supported by the United Nations and the International Maritime Organization, once staff became aware of a distress signal they were obliged to assist . Their failure to do so could be costly now that Mr Vasquez has indicated he will be suing Princess Cruises. For more information you can contact us via our website at: www.accidents-abroad.com

Are Holidays to Geece in Jeopardy?

Monday, 21 May 2012 15:15

The economic turmoil in Europe at the moment has led to holiday companies putting in place measures of what to do should there be economic and civil upheaval in southern Europe - put simply, for many holiday makers and providers alike: Greece is the word. I was planning a last minute getaway to one of the Greek Islands next month, and I must admit to being both concerned and optimistic about my trip. Optimistic: the euro appears to be devaluing against the pound, good news for those travelling within the Eurozone. This week, the euro has reached 1.25€ to the £ and is expected to keep devaluing further in light of the Eurozone crisis. In short, more euros for your pounds = more spending money! But Concerned: what's going to happen to Greece? What if airlines stopped flying to Greece? What if the country 'closed'? Given the problems, and especially with the “Arab Spring” still not too distant in the memory, a lot of holiday makers are quite worried about whether similar scenes will occur in Greece, with people revolting against the austerity regime that was in place. Things are expected to come to a head during next month’s elections and it seems as though the holidaymakers are expecting a reduced demand for holidays in Greece. Contingency Measures TUI has revealed it has put contingency measures in place in case Greece does exit the Eurozone, which does look increasingly likely. They have hinted they could shift capacity away from the Greek Islands if the situation in the country worsens following the elections. A spokesman said “We cannot predict what is going to happen, however, the inherent flexibility in our business model gives us the ability to move capacity dependent on where our customers want to go, for example, last year, we moved capacity away from North Africa due to the Arab Spring.” There are also reports that Greeks are already pulling their euros out of the banks, with a reported €700m withdrawn on Monday alone. The Greeks have rejected a political party that had agreed to austerity measures in return for two bailouts by the IMF and a second round of elections will be held next month after days of coalition talks failed to end with a new government. The bailout funding provided by Greece’s Eurozone neighbours seems about to be cut off, which would make the nation effectively bankrupt and surely lead to its exit from the Eurozone. Some analysts are predicting chaos as the Greek currency (whatever it may be – perhaps a possible return to the drachma) would become worthless. Greece still popular for holiday makers Thomas Cook, however, has said there would be positives as well as negatives for the travel industry if Greece left the Euro. The operator refused to expand beyond saying that the country remained popular and “great value” for holidaymakers. A TUI spokesperson said “ Greece remains a popular destination for our customers and we anticipate that it will remain so. We have contingency plans in place should the country exit the Eurozone and we continue to work with our Greek suppliers and hotel partners as we keep a very close eye on the situation”. Quite reassuringly they stated “The comfort and well-being of our customers is of paramount importance to us. In the unlikely event that civil unrest does break out near our resorts. We have tried and tested procedures for ensuring that our customers are looked after.” Noel Josephides, MD of Sunvil said their sales were 12% down since the elections although the operator has cut 7% capacity, mainly in May. He also said Greece would be cheaper if they returned to the drachma. “This is a definite, as client’s spending money will go further”. Well I’m planning on going at the start of June, which is not too far away! I imagine the euro will still be in place at that stage, but hopefully it has reduced in value so that I effectively have more spending money! I think that with travelling to Greece over the next few months timing will be everything. Although holidays may become cheaper over the following months this has to be balanced against the possible civil unrest. Knowing my luck, it will probably rain the whole time I’m there in any event.  For more information you can contact us via our website at: www.accidents-abroad.com

Are Holidays to Geece in Jeopardy?

Monday, 21 May 2012 15:15
The economic turmoil in Europe at the moment has led to holiday companies putting in place measures of what to do should there be economic and civil upheaval in southern Europe - put simply, for many holiday makers and providers alike: Greece is the word.

I was planning a last minute getaway to one of the Greek Islands next month, and I must admit to being both concerned and optimistic about my trip. Optimistic: the euro appears to be devaluing against the pound, good news for those travelling within the Eurozone. This week, the euro has reached 1.25€ to the £ and is expected to keep devaluing further in light of the Eurozone crisis. In short, more euros for your pounds = more spending money! But Concerned: what's going to happen to Greece? What if airlines stopped flying to Greece? What if the country 'closed'?
Given the problems, and especially with the “Arab Spring” still not too distant in the memory, a lot of holiday makers are quite worried about whether similar scenes will occur in Greece, with people revolting against the austerity regime that was in place.
Things are expected to come to a head during next month’s elections and it seems as though the holidaymakers are expecting a reduced demand for holidays in Greece.

Contingency Measures

TUI has revealed it has put contingency measures in place in case Greece does exit the Eurozone, which does look increasingly likely. They have hinted they could shift capacity away from the Greek Islands if the situation in the country worsens following the elections.
A spokesman said “We cannot predict what is going to happen, however, the inherent flexibility in our business model gives us the ability to move capacity dependent on where our customers want to go, for example, last year, we moved capacity away from North Africa due to the Arab Spring.”
There are also reports that Greeks are already pulling their euros out of the banks, with a reported €700m withdrawn on Monday alone. The Greeks have rejected a political party that had agreed to austerity measures in return for two bailouts by the IMF and a second round of elections will be held next month after days of coalition talks failed to end with a new government.
The bailout funding provided by Greece’s Eurozone neighbours seems about to be cut off, which would make the nation effectively bankrupt and surely lead to its exit from the Eurozone. Some analysts are predicting chaos as the Greek currency (whatever it may be – perhaps a possible return to the drachma) would become worthless.

Greece still popular for holiday makers

Thomas Cook, however, has said there would be positives as well as negatives for the travel industry if Greece left the Euro. The operator refused to expand beyond saying that the country remained popular and “great value” for holidaymakers.
A TUI spokesperson said “ Greece remains a popular destination for our customers and we anticipate that it will remain so. We have contingency plans in place should the country exit the Eurozone and we continue to work with our Greek suppliers and hotel partners as we keep a very close eye on the situation”.
Quite reassuringly they stated “The comfort and well-being of our customers is of paramount importance to us. In the unlikely event that civil unrest does break out near our resorts. We have tried and tested procedures for ensuring that our customers are looked after.”
Noel Josephides, MD of Sunvil said their sales were 12% down since the elections although the operator has cut 7% capacity, mainly in May. He also said Greece would be cheaper if they returned to the drachma. “This is a definite, as client’s spending money will go further”.
Well I’m planning on going at the start of June, which is not too far away! I imagine the euro will still be in place at that stage, but hopefully it has reduced in value so that I effectively have more spending money! I think that with travelling to Greece over the next few months timing will be everything. Although holidays may become cheaper over the following months this has to be balanced against the possible civil unrest. Knowing my luck, it will probably rain the whole time I’m there in any event.

For more information you can contact us via our website at: www.accidents-abroad.com

Half Price Holiday in Greece???

Written by Nolan Mortimer
Monday, 28 May 2012 07:03
With the uncertainty surrounding Greece, the holiday industry is bracing itself for a wave of compensation claims from people whose holidays in Greece are ruined by hotels, tour companies, excursion providers and other firms looking to survive what's happening to the country by cutting corners and saving money. In this blog we imagine a worst-case-scenario for a holidaymaker in Greece; inspired by the many holiday compensation claims we have run over the years for people whose holidays have been ruined. I heard a comment on the radio last week "Holidays in Greece are getting much cheaper, grab yourself a bargain...". I have no doubt that you can get some cheap holidays, but I'm not sure what you could expect when you get there? My interpretation of the news and media coverage along with a large dose of imagination, makes me think the worst case scenario of a holiday from hell in Greece would go something like this... A quick scan of the "Holidays, Holidays, Holidays" website tells me that I can get a holiday in the 4* Super Great Hotel in Crete for just £692 per person, a saving of a whopping £352. It's all inclusive too, so I don't have to worry about having too much money with me. I'm booked and ready to go. Let's see what happens. My flight leaves on 5 June, about a week away. I think I'm in luck because there probably won't be too much happening before the Greek people return to the polls on 17 June. The euro may lose a bit of value, but I'm confident I'm going to get to my holiday destination without the world's finance crashing around me... might wait until the day before to get my holiday money though. So what happens when I arrive? Luckily, I've booked a package holiday, so I have got the protection of travelling with Holidays, Holidays, Holidays, a reputable tour operator. If things go wrong, they are responsible for helping me out. Also, I don't have to worry about the organisation, it's all taken care of. My transfer from the airport saves me trying to find a taxi. Whilst I think they've given up striking, I'm not sure whether they can afford to put fuel in their cars anyway. When I arrive, I realise that Crete has been taking a bit of a battering from the austerity measures. The mood is quite low and I can see Greeks walking around with their pockets stuffed full of euros because they're too scared to keep it in a bank. Other than that, the sun is out and I'm off to the hotel. The hotel doesn't have as many guests at the moment, but I say hello to the other resident and wish him a good day. We have a quick chat about the Greek Hokey Cokey (in, out, in, out) and I change into my shorts to go and explore. A bit disappointing really, partly because I realise I've been taken to the wrong hotel and it's only a 2* and partly because it's rubbish. It's not very clean, there are less facilities and there are no staff. Bearing in mind that 15% of Greece's GDP is from tourism, you would think they would treat their tourists well, but I suppose if they can't afford to have them in the first place, then it's a catch 22. After going into the city, I'm pleased to see there are no signs of the riots I was expecting and no signs of destruction, but now I think about it, there are no signs of anything. Greece seems to be at an impasse. I'll spend some time in my hotel. Gladly, it's all inclusive so I don't have to worry too much about going into the baron streets. Oh dear! Holiday illness alert. I've managed to contract food poisoning from the hotel food. It might have been the rehashed food, or it could have been the pink chicken. I'll worry about making a holiday compensation claim when I get home. In the meantime, the tour operator will look after me because I'm on a package holiday. A nice trip to the hospital, but unfortunately there's not much they can do for me because there is a significant shortage of drugs because of the austerity measures. I think the nurses are on strike anyway. I think I need to go home early. I join the airport queue of Greeks with their pockets stuffed full of cash and pay to get home. I did ask the tour operator, but they said they would get back to me next week, I might have shrivelled up by then. I get home and continue my recovery. It's time to start my holiday compensation claim, but it seems that the tour operator doesnt really care - they try and fob me off with a small sum that i dont think is anywhere near enough. They say they are overwhelmed with complaints from holidaymakers who they have transferred to poor holiday properties and haven't got time to dealt with my illness complaint. I'm worried there's nothing else i can do, then I contact www.accidents-abroad.com on 0800 0126 129 and speak to a specialist travel solicitor about making a holiday claim for my illness and get compensation for my ruined holiday. They listen and tell me in minutes if I have a claim. They give me some advice about what I should do and how I can try and get my money back. They take on my claim and now its a case of letting their solicitors get on with the work of running my holiday claim and winning me compensation. This is quite typical of the stories we commonly hear from people making holiday claims with us, albeit with a bit of an exaggerated Greek viewpoint. If this resembles a holiday illness experience you have had, then call today and see how we can help. For more information you can contact us via our website at: www.accidents-abroad.com

Claiming After a Friend Injures You on Holiday

Written by Ross Smith

Monday, 16 July 2012 08:45

Friendships can quickly turn sour if you are forced to make a holiday claim against one of your closest friends. At accidents abroad we've helped people in these situations and understand how difficult it can be. It seems as popular as ever for people to holiday with their friends. People’s finances are pushed in so it makes sense to share the cost. Whether a plush luxury holiday or a few too many people sleeping on someone’s hotel room floor, going on holiday with friends is obviously a great fun way of holidaying sharing differing interests to vary your holiday. However, it is not always just sun and sangria – accidents on holiday do happen and harm or injury can still be caused by a good friend. Claims after being injured by a friend on holiday The consequences for people injured on holiday by a traveling companion or friend can be monumental. Naturally, the holiday for the traveling party is often ruined from that moment forward, but more seriously someone’s livelihood and ability to pay their bills can be affected if they can’t work because of their injuries. At Accidents Abroad we represent several different clients who have unfortunately suffered at the hands of a friend. Normally there is no malice but the consequences whatever the intent can still be far reaching. Two cases spring to mind: A friend pushed our client into a swimming pool as a prank. Our client landed in the shallow end hitting the bottom of the pool with her back causing quite a significant back injury for which she made a holiday claim. A skiing accident where the friend when leaving the ski lift, skied over our client’s skis causing them to fall very awkwardly resulting in a very bad knee injury for which they had to make a claim for compensation. If your friend injures you on holiday what should you do? The best thing is to be prepared before you even set off on holiday. My first top tip is to make sure that everyone you travel with has taken out travel insurance. If they have not you may have to contemplate suing your friend personally for compensation, which will not do much for your friendship. At least if your friend has taken out travel insurance with public liability cover you will in effect be seeking compensation from their insurer. If there is no insurance cover and you need to make a holiday compensation claim after an accident, you may have to contemplate getting it through repossession property or belongings of your friend if they have assets. We suggest that you: take the name(s) and address(es) of anyone who saw the incident where possible take photographs of the accident location or ask another friend to do so. You will have to be diplomatic in acting upon these suggestions, but evidence can be key to the success of a case so don’t be shy in doing what is right for you. Accidents are naturally rare, so please do still enjoy the holidays, but if the unfortunate does occur feel a bit better for knowing you have traveled with friends sensible enough to take out insurance cover. If the worst happens, you don’t have to use the solicitors your insurance suggest – you can come to the travel experts at Accidents Abroad. We only have your best interests at heart and provide a no win no fee service. Make a holiday claim with us and not only can we help you get the compensation you deserve; we’ll make sure the holiday will be the only thing ruined and not your friendship as well.   For more information you can contact us via our website at: www.accidents-abroad.com

Which side of the road do I drive on?

Written by Nolan Mortimer

Friday, 10 August 2012 07:59

More than 1 in 10 holiday makers have driven on the wrong side of the road A recent survey by insurer Aviva has suggested that at least 16% of people have driven on the wrong side of the road whilst driving abroad. That doesn't really surprise me and I'm still astounded by the amount of people who have a car accident on holiday as a result of driving out of the car hire compound in a foreign country and simply forgetting what side of the road to drive on. What I also find surprising is that it's quite common for the person who is returning their car to be the one who causes the car accident on holiday and they then have to face the prospect of a compensation claim being made against them. Surely they would have got the hang of it by the end of their break? It makes you think what carnage have they left behind them! The Aviva survey of 1,000 people also shows that at least 5% of those driving as part of their holiday arrangements have had a car accident abroad. The cause of the accidents is unclear but a huge 28% of them admit to misreading foreign road signs when driving abroad. It's not surprising that this is considered a factor in many holiday car accidents. Car Accidents on Holiday: Don't Always Blame the Tourist! To be fair, I often find that getting used to the different driving styles in different countries can cause problems, and it's not always the holidaymaker who is in the wrong. I've seen several cases where a local driver cause a car accident with a tourist simply because they are driving how they usually do and the holidaymaker isn't used to it. The survey comments on various other risks and highlights the lack of familiarity with a route as a big concern, with 28% of people admitting that had the potential to cause a car accident on holiday. Safe Driving Abroad This is probably a good point to remind you of our recent news item about the importance of preparing for a trip abroad and so when you do decide to travel you can make sure you are as safe as can be. If the unthinkable does happen and you do get into a car accident on holiday or any other accident abroad, then we are here to help you through the painful aftermath. We give straightforward, practical advice and can help you make an accident compensation claim. Call us on the above number to speak to an expert advisor for FREE. For more information you can contact us via our website at: www.accidents-abroad.com

Watchdog: More Illness Claims at Holiday Village Sharm

Thursday, 13 September 2012 10:24

Watchdog Reports Illness at the Holiday Village, Red Sea in Sharm El Sheikh BBC Watchdog last night slammed the Holiday Village Red Sea in Sharm El Sheikh after investigating why so many holiday makers who stay at the resort have fallen ill from food poisoning and other hygiene related illnesses. Hundreds of families who stayed in the resort in Egypt have claimed compensation from tour operator First Choice after serious illness has ruined their holiday. For years the solicitors at Accidents Abroad have been helping holiday makers claim compensation after they have fallen ill while on holiday at the Holiday Village Red Sea in Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt – sometimes known as the Coral Sea Holiday Village. It seems the resort and holiday provider First Choice has been in the news again - last night the BBC’s Watchdog programme reported how guests have been falling ill at the resort for YEARS and covered a wide range of complaints that have been made against the Holiday Village and First Choice. If you have been a victim of illness at the Holiday Village in Sharm El Sheikh contact us today to get  free, no obligation, expert advice on making a no win no fee claim or visit our section on claiming for illness or food poisoning at a holiday resort to learn more. This isn’t the only Holiday Village run by First Choice that we have received complaints about. We previously blogged about the state of Holiday Village in Sarigerme; another resort Watchdog investigated after holiday makers fell ill. Complaints from the Resort The worrying thing is we hear complaints of food poisoning and guests suffering serious illness each summer from people who have stayed at the Holiday Village at Sharm El Sheikh.  As the programme highlighted, problems with the preparation, cooking and storage of food at the resort is still not to the standard to keep people safe from food poisoning and illness: food is kept warm rather than hot and chicken and other meats undercooked. The general cleanliness and hygiene issues around the resort are also cause for concern: a lack of hot water in toilet facilities and swimming pools being closed due to faecal matter found in the water not only help spread illnesses to other guests, but are often linked to holiday makers suffering food poisoning or illness. Chemicals in the Pool In one of the most memorable moments, footage showed hotel workers pouring unidentified chemicals into the swimming pool that had been closed after someone had defecated in it. Within a matter of minutes, holidaymakers were allowed back in to the pool before the water had been tested to make sure it was safe to swim in, or the chemicals had a chance to disperse in the water. This not only meant that the pool may not have been safe for guests but also left holidaymakers in danger of chemical burns from pockets of the chemical in the pool. The fact that the hotel clinic on site tries to explain it away as tourists suffering illness from the change in climate is difficult to believe when each year we hear of hundreds of people who stay at the Holiday Village come back with horror stories of how they have been seriously ill. Many have needed to be put on a drip or had to seek further medical attention because they have been so poorly and their dream holiday ruined. Compensation for Illness If you have been to the Holiday Village and suffered illness or food poisoning on holiday you should contact us immediately. You don’t have to suffer and just a refund isn’t enough – we can help you claim compensation for your ruined holiday and any out of pocket expenses.  For more information you can contact us via our website at: www.accidents-abroad.com

Will Thomas Cook & easyjet tie up be a good package?

Written by Nolan Mortimer

Thursday, 13 September 2012 09:20

Thomas Cook and easyJet Join Forces - Good News For Customers? Once you've fought your way past the hype relating to iPhone 5, you may have seen in the news in the last few days that Thomas Cook are set to enter a partnership with easyJet. The deal, which is not yet confirmed, will apparently mean that upto 80,000 Thomas Cook customers could be flying with easyJet next summer. It would be the first time that easyJet have sold seats on this scale and is a significant shift from its usual direct to consumer business model. However, it seems like it will suit both businesses quite well. Thomas Cook Have Hit Hard Times in Recent Years Thomas Cook are infamously debt ridden and the second largest tour operator in the UK is trying to reduce it's £1bn debt. They have made some progress so far by selling off some of its airline, at least 5 hotels and its Indian operation. The position at easyJet is less clear, with the long running arguments between the board and founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou overshadowing the performance of the business. But most importantly, what will it mean for the consumer? Will there be benefits, or will it just be the big businesses who benefit? The full details of any deal aren't yet clear. However, there could be benefits because easyJet offers 500+ routes. This could mean more choice and if easyJet deliver on their promise to introduce allocated seating for their flights, the experience could be less stressful too. I can see a definite advantage. But - there's always a downside. Again, I don't know the detail, but my guess is that Thomas Cook will try to sell these holidays outside of the Package Travel Regulations, which means there will be less consumer protection. Will Customers be Protected Without going into the detail, the typical package holiday has to be sold at an all-inclusive price and include accommodation and flights. It has been common in recent years for holiday companies to try and avoid being caught by these regulations by invoicing for each part separately and claiming that they are purely an agent. If they are correct, that means that the holidaymaker only has recourse to the provider of the specific service. So for example, it may mean that a holidaymaker is left having to sue a hotel in Spain rather than being able to sue Thomas Cook in the English Courts. I won't go into the practical or financial implications here, but the holidaymaker is nearly always worse off! If you've looked at other pages within this site you may have seen details of previous cases. Some of these holiday compensation claims will be brought via these regulations. Obviously, only the unlucky few have an accident abroad or illness abroad, but many people have other contractual issues and need to rely on the Package Travel Regulations. Where a holiday company has avoided them, it makes things more difficult and you have less rights. Whilst I can see that there is an advantage to the consumer because they will get more choice, until we know about the way that Thomas Cook will package the holidays, I would recommend caution. For more information you can contact us via our website at: www.accidents-abroad.com

Skiing Top Tips for staying safe

Written by Phillip Johnson

Wednesday, 02 January 2013 12:05

Winter is finally here and it’s that time of year when thousands of Brits head over to France and other parts of Europe in search of fresh snow. However, there are inevitably dangers involved with extreme sports and often holidaymakers find themselves involved in a snowboarding or skiing accident. Therefore, we have created a list of tips to help prevent you being involved in a skiing or snowboarding accident. 1. Stick to the FIS ski rules. The FIS rules are designed to improve the safety of skiers on the slope. Sticking to the FIS rules will ensure that you are as safe as you can possibly be when skiing and snowboarding. Sticking to these rules will minimise your risk of being involved in a skiing accident. See Rules of the slope for further information. 2. Don’t ski too fast. You are at the top of the piste, the adrenaline is pumping and you are tempted to ski down the slope as fast as possible. We all experience this, but it is important to remember that the majority of skiing accident injuries are as a result of excessive speeds on the slope. Remember, skiing too fast can put yourself and others in danger and increase the likelihood of a skiing accident or skiing injury. 3. Avoid alcohol. It is common sense that drinking whilst skiing will significantly increase your chance of being involved in a skiing or snowboarding accident abroad.  Altitude makes you more susceptible to the effects of alcohol and you could seriously endanger yourself and others if skiing under the influence of alcohol. 4. Know your limits. Don’t run before you can walk.  Skiing down routes which are too advanced for your ability is likely to lead to a skiing accident. As a result of this you may become liable for a skiing accident compensation claim if you are found to be at fault. Therefore, to avoid a skiing or snowboarding accident stick to what your good at and enjoy your skiing trip injury free. 5. Have respect for others. Having the whole slope to yourself would be a dream come true for all of us! Unfortunately this is not a reality and we will always find ourselves surrounded by other skiers. It can be very frustrating if another skier or snowboarder gets in your way. However, you should avoid overtaking dangerously or trying any manoeuvres that may endanger yourselves and others. If every skier respects each other on the slope then the likelihood of a skiing accident will reduce. The last thing any skier wants for Christmas are cuts, bruises and broken bones as a result of a skiing accident injury. 6. Get insured Hopefully it's not too late, but make sure you have travel insurance with generous coverage for winter sports. You never know what is going to happen. Sadly, accidents happen and you may need medical cover or possibly to be flown back home. If something does go wronmg on the slopes and you have a ski accidnet, you could also be liable to pay compensation, so liability insurance is really important. The costs can easily run into their £1,000s so insurance is a must. Following these top tips should help us all avoid skiing injuries. However, it is inevitable that not all skiers will stick to these rules and you may be unfortunate enough to be involved in a skiing accident in France or anywhere else in Europe. If you are injured in a skiing accident that was not your fault then there are a number of things you can do to improve the strength of your skiing accident compensation claim. No matter how minor your injury is please do not hesitate to contact one of our expert skiing accident compensation solicitors who can run your skiing compensation claim on a no win no fee basis. For more information you can contact us via our website at: www.accidents-abroad.com

What to do if you get ill abroad?

Things to do if Your Holiday is Ruined by Illness According to the National Office for Statistics up to 70 million Brits travel abroad each year. In a report prepared by the Health Protection Agency it is suggested that the risk of acquiring what they term as travellers' diarrhoea can be more than 60% in some parts of the world. The extent of any illnesses and their cause is difficult to determine with statistics, but what is clear is that a lot of people fall ill and it is commonly something that can be avoided. It is important that you consider both the medical and the practical perspective of any holiday illness that you suffer from. How to Get Better Getting advice at an early stage is vital to your recovery. You may not be able to visit your doctor about your illness claim, but you will hopefully be able to access the internet and get advice from many of the websites that are out there. You may want to try the NHS Choices site to see what the latest advice is in dealing with illness. What Practical Things should I do? When you have recovered sufficiently to focus on what you were ill, you may want to consider the following steps. Alternatively, you may ask a friend or family member to help, because the sooner you can get this information, the more helpful it will be. What should I do if I contract an illness abroad in a hotel? 1. Report your illness and retain a copy of the report. It is important to let your tour operator or holiday company know that you have been ill. It is often the last thing that you want to do when you are ill in bed. However, they will be able to help you get treatment if you need it, whether it is from the local hospital or doctor. Also, if you need to make a complaint or illness compensation claim at a later date then it is essential to have the report. 2. Make a note of the foods you ate and how they were cooked. Different strains of food poisoning and illness have very different symptoms and incubation periods. They are also caused by different things. Therefore, it is important to try and recount what you ate and when because it could be important in establishing what has caused your illness and may assist if you decide to make an illness compensation claim. 3. Make notes and record any information that may have caused your illness. Many people will think they know what caused their illness. For example, they may become ill shortly after eating a meal and they may suspect there was something wrong with their food, for example some undercooked chicken. If possible, get photgraphs of the food and also the cooking and serving arrangements. This information can often be helpful in painting a picture of the level of hygeine at the hotel. 4. Create a timeline of your symptoms from start to finish. The onset of symptoms will be a good indicator of what has caused them and the type and extent of symptoms can be useful in detrmining the cause of any illness. The more accurate you can be, the better chance you have of proving that it was the failure in hygeine standards that has caused your illness. 5. Speak to other guests who have also suffered illness at the hotel. It is common for there to be an outbreak of illness and if you have been affected, you may find that many others have suffered too. Often people will share their details and even reprt their difficulties on socail media sites such as facebook. The more detail you can get from others, the more helpful it is to your claim. If you can get details of other people who have suffered, the weight of numbers is very compelling and often helps to prove an illness claim. 6. Attend your doctor Even if you think you have made a full recovery, we would recommend taking a stool sample to your GP. It is not uncommon for symptoms to flare up again, or continue at a low, but irritating level for a long time. If you attend your GP they will arrange for the sample to be tested and can determine if you have a recognised illness. Even if you don't, it may be that is now out of your system, but doesn't stop you from investigating the claim. 7. Contact a competent solicitor with experience in hotel illness claims. It may sound obvious, but make sure you speak with a solicitor who has experience in dealing with claims of this type. It is a specialised area and there are only a few firms who are properly equipped to deal with the illness compensation claims quickly and effectively. Call us today because we have a significant level of experience and can offer you a no win, no fee arrangement.  For more information you can contact us via our website at: www.accidents-abroad.com