The Isle of Wight is a truly beautiful place to call home. While we are fiercely proud of our picturesque island, from sandy Shanklin Beach to stunning Compton Bay, we still like to get away from time to time. If you’re lucky enough to be jetting off this summer, however, there are a few important things to look into before you fly. Here are three key areas to brush up on according to our know-it-all travel experts.
Your flight delay rights
If there’s one thing that can put a dampener on the start of your holiday, it’s finding your plane is running late. With no other option, would-be vacationers are often forced to set up camp in the airport, pushing back their getaway and derailing their day one plan. But did you know that you could be entitled to compensation if you’re one of those who are affected? Yes, you heard us right! If you’re a victim of airline tardiness, Flightright explains that you might be eligible for flight delay compensation, and they are experts in this area as they have been enforcing passengers’ rights for over 10 years. Provided you reach your final destination three or more hours later than scheduled, this could equate to a pay-out of between 250 and 600 euros, so be sure to brush up on your rights before you go.
Your insurance options
While delayed flights can put an unpleasant spin at the beginning of your holiday, there are lots of other unforeseen events that can get in the way of you enjoying yourself. From losing your luggage to injuring yourself or falling ill, you never know quite what’s around the corner, which is why holiday insurance is a must-have. With lots of different options out there, our experts recommend checking out a comparison site like Money Supermarket, to help you find competitive prices and comprehensive cover. Just remember to read the small print before you pay up!
Your passport
Most holiday-goers have the nous to check their passports before they fly, but did you know that it’s no longer enough to have an active (as opposed to expired) passport? According to the experts, your passport should have at least six months remaining on it, and if it doesn’t, you’ll need to check the specific rules relating to where you’ll be travelling to.
While most countries in the European Union, as well as Australia, Canada, and the USA, only require your passport to remain valid for the duration of your stay, China, Egypt, Thailand, and Turkey, for example, are a lot stricter, and require you to have half a year or more remaining. If this is not the case, they’re entitled to refuse you entry, meaning you’ll lose your money and your holiday will be ruined.
When it comes to your summer getaway, it’s always worth covering these three important bases. Yes, it may seem like a bit of a faff, but it will undoubtedly pay-off in the long run, allowing you to enjoy a happy and stress-free holiday from start to finish.
Tell us, where will you be jetting off to this August?
