Holiday Ruined? You May Be Entitled to Compensation
When you book a holiday, you expect relaxation, comfort, and good service, not cancellations, food poisoning, or a hotel nothing like the brochure. But if things go wrong, you may be able to make a holiday compensation claim.
Here’s what you need to know.
- What Is a Holiday Compensation Claim?
A holiday compensation claim is a request for financial compensation when your package holiday or travel experience falls below acceptable standards due to negligence, misrepresentation, or breach of contract.
- Common Reasons for Claims
-Illness or injury due to poor hygiene or unsafe facilities (e.g. food poisoning at a resort)
-Cancellations or major delays without proper notice or compensation
-Hotel not as described, e.g. building works, no pool, or unsafe conditions
-Missed excursions or poor-quality experiences included in the package
-Lost luggage or flight disruptions caused by airline fault
- Your Rights Under UK Law
If you booked a package holiday (flight + accommodation sold together) through a UK travel provider, you’re protected under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. These give you the right to:
-Receive what was promised in the brochure or booking
-Be offered suitable alternatives or a refund if things go wrong
-Claim compensation for inconvenience, distress, or financial loss
You may also be protected by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act if you paid over £100 by credit card.
- How to Make a Claim
-Collect evidence – photos, receipts, booking documents, medical reports, etc.
-Complain to the tour operator or travel agent in writing.
If your case remains unresolved, you can escalate to an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) body or seek help from a travel law solicitor. Remember however, time limits do apply – typically within 3 years of your return for personal injury, or 6 years for breach of contract (England & Wales).
You don’t have to suffer in silence if your holiday was ruined. Know your rights, document what happened, and seek expert advice. A well-supported claim could lead to compensation for your troubles, and a reminder to travel providers to do better.
