In the worst year for British holidaymakers ever should you be worried? We answer your questions
The low pound, terror attacks, rising costs and terrorist attacks all make fun in the sun sound less appear appealing
THIS is the worst year ever for British holidaymakers. Terror attacks, wars, the low pound, rising costs and bankrupt travel agents are combining to make fun in the sun less appealing.
The attempted military coup in Turkey and the terror attacks in France have raised concerns.
But the latest threats are just the tip of the iceberg and huge numbers of resorts are now operating under a cloud of one sort or another.
Deputy Travel Editor Pete Bell answers your concerns about the holiday season.
Money Worries
THE Pound is still struggling against the euro and the dollar following the Brexit vote so holidays to the US and Europe are much more expensive than last year.
Last night our currency was trading at €1.20 and US$1.32 to every Pound.
But good deals can still be found at all-inclusive resorts as they do their deals with suppliers at the start of the season, so their rates are similar to last year.
Meanwhile, exotic locations like Thailand and Vietnam offer good value as the Pound has suffered less against their currencies.
Terror Fears
THE Foreign and Commonwealth Office is currently advising against travel to all or parts of an incredible 57 countries.
Large swathes of Africa and the Middle East, once big draws for UK holidaymakers, remain off-limits. Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt are places to be avoided.
With the terrorist threat still high, even countries like Spain, Germany, Belgium and Greece cannot be considered entirely safe.
The few places not to have any major incidents involving tourists recently include Ireland, Denmark, Portugal, Croatia and Switzerland so are “safe” for now.
Broke Agencies
AS Brits are bombarded by terrifying images from overseas, more and more are opting to stay home rather than head abroad.
This is good news for our domestic tourist industry but it is terrible for the holiday companies who rely on us catching a flight or booking into that all-inclusive resort.
Lowcostholidays is the latest to go bust, leaving the 110,000 that have booked trips with them facing an uncertain summer.
If your holiday firm goes belly up your flights and hotel reservation should still be valid.
However, if that’s not the case, you can try to get a refund through your holiday insurance or through the credit card on which you booked.