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Holiday accommodation articles
How Private Villa Holidays Could Provide Consumer Protection When Abroad
Package holidays have always been popular with British holidaymakers with flights, accommodation and sometimes food all included in one price. In most popular destinations such as Greece, Spain and France, the majority of holiday makers usually take advantage of cheap package deals. However, there are also a growing number of people who choose to holiday in private villas.
Although not as widely popular as package holidays, recent news stories have highlighted how private villa holidays can carry a number of advantages over package holidays that could provide financial piece of mind and save you thousands of pounds.
Protection from Companies Going Bust
In recent days and weeks (August 2010) a number of UK travel firms have succumbed to the economic climate and gone bust. Sun4u, Goldtrail and Globespan are the latest to collapse, leaving over 17,000 Brits stranded abroad and people with advanced bookings out of pocket, according to statistics reported by financial website www.thisismoney.co.uk. Those who booked through Sun4u arrived at their holiday destinations only to be asked by hotel managers for cash upfront on stays that had already been paid for. In some cases, holiday makers are being asked for over £1000 to cover accommodation costs they have already shelled out for in a package deal.
A privately booked self catering apartment covers the holidaymaker from any such event. Someone who rents out their villa is much more reliable than a large company in terms of financial security.
A Direct Line to the Boss
A common problem and complaint from holidaymakers who have been affected by the collapse of these package holiday companies is that the communication between company and holidaymaker is almost nonexistent. After all, the companies in question have ceased trading, meaning there are no staff left to take calls or give out advice.
With a private holiday villa, there is no such problem. The booking is usually made directly with the self catering accommodation owners. No long chain of staff to get through. No call centres, no being put on hold. Just a direct line to the villa owner.
More Personal Arrangements
When companies such as Goldtrail go bust, there is nobody for the holiday maker to turn to. They are more often than not left with the decision to either go home or to pay for accommodation or flights for a second time. With a private holiday home, if any problems do arise with flights or alike, more often than not it will be easier to negotiate alternative arrangements with the villas owner. After all, they would rather the villa is occupied on a different date than not at all.
Of course, package holidays are still extremely popular. However, for peace of mind and extra security, it is well worth considering the considerable benefits of a private holiday villa for your next break away.