The best thing to do is get in touch with us when you get back. It is important that the solicitor you instruct knows this area of law because it is quite specialised. We will advise you whether you have a claim in this country or whether you need to pursue a claim abroad. If you do need to pursue a claim abroad then we will arrange for lawyers in that country to act on your behalf, but we will still maintain control of the matter. This way you get our expertise and also local expertise. Over the years we have developed close working relationships with law firms all over the world who understand the need for them to provide us with an excellent quality of service so that we in turn can provide you with an excellent service.

However, you should not delay in contacting us as some countries have rules where you have to notify the other side of your claim within a matter of months.

Not necessarily. The vast majority of people take out travel insurance. Under that insurance there is normally a legal expenses policy. This means that any legal expenses should be paid for by your travel insurers. In the majority of foreign countries it’s not possible to recover your legal fees from the other side, so it can be expensive. However, we can look at a contingency fee arrangement with you, where a percentage of any damages may be deducted as costs if you win and you pay nothing if you don’t.

They are in fact called The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours regulations 1992 (SI1992/3288). They offer protection to consumers who have pre- booked a package holiday. A package includes at least two of the following:

A) Transport.

B) Accommodation.

c) Other tourist services, which would include car hire etc.

Many holiday companies are trying to avoid these regulations by selling different components of a holiday separately. If they are successful, you won’t have as much protection if they go out of business or you have an accident.