ABTA’s Top Tips for Booking Your Future Holiday with Confidence

As so many of us have been unable to go away in the last 12 months, we know there is huge pent-up demand for holidays, with many eager to book a well-deserved break.

If you’re dreaming of your next chance to get away but are unsure what the current uncertainty around travel means for your plans, the following advice takes you through everything you need to know to book with confidence this year.

1. Use the Expertise of An ABTA Member to Help You Plan Your Trip

ABTA Members are experts at finding the best holiday to suit their customers’ preferences, and at a competitive price. They’ll look after you every step of the way, including doing all the research, giving you the latest advice for your destination and keeping you up-to-date on any restrictions or measures that you need to be aware of. 

At Debbie’s Villas we are members of both ABTA and ATOL. Booking an Orlando package holiday with us means your holiday is not only protected but you’re also booking with the experts; we have first-hand knowledge of everything travel, villa and Orlando related!

As travel professionals we are here to help you find the best holiday. We can send you options to help with your search, making the process as hassle-free as possible. Our team are available via phone or email seven days a week for any enquiries you might have.

2. Book a Package Holiday

Booking a package holiday provides the best form of protection for your travel plans, as your holiday will be protected under the Package Travel Regulations. This means you have a right to a replacement holiday or a full refund if your holiday is significantly altered by a change in the situation at your destination.

Package holidays to Orlando with flights are available to book with us at Debbie's Villas.

3. Check the Foreign Office Advice for Your Destination and Sign Up to The Alerts

You can keep up to date with Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice for the country you’re visiting at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, which includes local rules relating to coronavirus. We recommend signing up to receive country specific email alerts so that any important updates go straight into your inbox.

4. Book Early for the Most Choice and Best Prices

There is massive pent-up demand for holidays, so by booking ahead of others you’ll be able to take advantage of the best deals and secure the accommodation and resort of your choice.  

5. Note that Flexible Booking Policies are Available

On top of the existing protections that come with booking a package holiday, many ABTA Members are also offering additional benefits or flexible cancellation and rebooking policies, such as allowing you to change your arrangements free of charge at a later date if needed.

At Debbie’s Villa we are currently providing a Covid Guarantee, whereby all new bookings placed in 2021 are protected, so if your flight is cancelled due to the Covid-19 Pandemic and FCDO advice is not to fly, we can change your dates free of charge or refund the cost of your holiday with us.

6. Take out Travel Insurance

Make sure you take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover your specific needs as soon as you book your trip. Many insurance policies now include different types of cover for coronavirus, so read the policy details carefully to ensure it has the level of cover you want.

Please do contact us via phone or email if you have any queries about travel insurance.

7. Make sure You Have the Documents You Need

Many destinations, including those in the EU, require you to have at least six months left on your passport, so check it will be valid for your travel dates and allow plenty of time to renew it if necessary. You should also apply for any visas you need in plenty of time and visit TravelHealthPro to find the latest travel health advice for your destination.

Our customers travelling to the USA must apply for an ESTA prior to travel, which will last for two years from the date of application. There is a small administrative fee to be paid for each ESTA (currently $14) and they can be applied for online in a few minutes. The official website for an ESTA direct from the US government is: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/.

8. If You’re Travelling to Europe, Check to See If There Are Any Additional Steps You May Need to Take

Now that the UK has left the EU, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the extra steps you may need to take to get ready for your trip. This includes checking you have a valid passport and the right documents for driving or taking your pet abroad. Visit www.abta.com/brexit for more information.

9. Plan and Pack For A Safe Journey

As your departure date nears, make sure you’re up to date on the latest measures and documentation required for travel, both for your journey and once you arrive in destination. Revisit the FCDO travel advice pages for the country you are visiting and if you have any questions about your holiday, our team at Debbie's Villas will be able to offer you further support and guidance.

10. Look Forward to Your Holiday

Having more time to enjoy the excitement of heading off on holiday is one of the most common reasons why people book in advance, so once your trip is booked, you can sit back and look forward to heading off on your much-deserved break.

If you're wanting to learn more tips for your villa holiday to Orlando, make sure to take a look at the rest of our blogs to help you plan the perfect trip away.