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Important message for anyone with a package holiday booked

Travel expert Simon Calder has shared important advice for anyone with a package holiday booked, as people are being urged to act ‘as soon as possible’. His message comes ahead of the peak travel season, and as new research by Citizens Advice has revealed that four million people have faced issues with their package holiday over the last year.

On today’s (June 8) episode of ITV’s Good Morning Britain, TV host Kate Garraway spoke to correspondent Nick Dixon about the findings. He said: “The complaints that we’ve been hearing about were involving all-inclusive holidays, with many saying they just didn’t ultimately match up to the glossy brochures we see online, or indeed at the travel agents.

“Citizens Advice say that they found 33% of holiday-related complaints ultimately were about things like poor quality hotels, bad food, facilities being unavailable as well – 19% down to customer service.” He added: “Things like long waits on the phone, complaints ignored and administration errors, and 25% of complaints ultimately led to stress, anxiety or upset.

“And if your dream holiday does turn into a wee bit of a nightmare, there are steps you can take… Many of us with these kinds of complaints about our holidays end up trying to fight for compensation, which is why it is so important to keep a record of everything just in case to have any chance of getting money back.”

British travel journalist and broadcaster Simon Calder then spoke to viewers, sharing a crucial message for those with a package holiday, especially if they encounter problems during their trip. He urged holidaymakers to act ‘immediately’.

He said: “If you get to your destination and things aren’t right, maybe there’s a problem with your room, maybe the facilities are simply not as described, then you have to give the travel company immediate notice and allow them the opportunity to sort things out.”

How can I claim compensation for a holiday?

Reporting a problem right away is a legal concept called “mitigating your losses”. If you don’t allow the travel provider to address the room or facilities issue while you’re there, you could really hurt your chances of receiving a full refund or compensation.

Citizens Advice says: “If you’re still on holiday, tell the company or travel agent about the problem as soon as possible. You might be able to get it sorted quicker – like if there’s a problem with the room. If you don’t say anything until you get home, you might get less compensation or none at all.”

The person you need to contact depends on how you arranged your holiday. If you went for a package holiday, reach out to the customer service team of the tour operator you chose.

However, if you organised it yourself or set up a linked travel arrangement, you should contact the accommodation or service provider directly, such as the hotel or the company offering excursions. Make sure you include:

• your booking reference
• clear details of what went wrong
• copies any evidence you have – like photos
• copies of receipts
• how much compensation you want

Citizens Advice adds: “It’s a good idea to send the letter by registered post and keep a copy, so you have proof that the holiday company received it. You can also email them – some of them have online forms. Keep a copy of what you send. If the company makes you an offer that you think is too low, you can ask for more. They might come back to you with a higher offer.”

There was chaos in The Neighbourhood as one family didn’t hold back on how they felt.

Tensions were at an all-time high on Keep Your Enemies Close.

On Friday night (May 1), ITV viewers tuned in to watch more drama unfold in The Neighbourhood as clear alliances were formed.

During the reality competition so far, Jordan from the Lozman-Sturrocks family has been ruffling feathers with the other houses with how he wants to play the game.

However, it resulted in the other houses in the competition not wanting to interact with them as much. While everyone was at a BBQ, Jordan decided to say something as he noticed his family were sitting by themselves while everyone else was having a good time.

Calling attention to everyone, he said: “What’s happened so far in this neighbourhood, I think we can all agree we’ve had a pretty good experience. But, equally, I think there’s been a lot of nasty things happening from other people.

“Mainly you guys (The Bradons), icing them out, not even bothering to speak to them-“

However, Alicia was quick to dismiss his accusation that her family hadn’t been welcoming as she shared they didn’t agree with his behaviour and tactics in the game.

Jordan reiterated: “I’d rather protect my family than get in bed with a bunch of snakes,” which didn’t go down well with the group.

His speech comes after he had made Wendy from The Pescuds cry earlier on in the show when she greeted everyone in the square.

Jordan had ignored her, which didn’t go unnoticed as she remarked: “Are you really not going to talk to me? We’re not at school, Jordan, come on, mate, grow up.” He hit back: “No, we’re so maybe you want to stop trying to be a teacher!”

As she entered another house, Wendy was overcome with emotion at the interaction as she started to cry as she confessed she didn’t want to get upset over it.

However, when he was later told that she had cried over what happened, he did apologise to Wendy for his behaviour.

Sadly, Jordan’s antics on the programme resulted in his family being sent home in the next episode on ITVX, which will be shown on ITV on May 7 at 9pm.

When it was time to vote out which family would be leaving, the Lozman-Sturrocks met the end of their time on the programme, having received the majority of votes.

Giving his parting words, Jordan said: “It’s been a pleasure with everyone. You all deserve to win the money for your own individual reasons, and we wish you all the best of luck, and may the best family win.”

The Neighbourhood is available to watch on ITVX.