It's the holiday season and while Spanish hotels and resorts are bursting at the seams this month there are some great deals further afield as airlines sell off overcapacity to some long haul destinations.
A fall in the cost of holidays now means that a family break to Orlando, Thailand or Bali could be much cheaper than a trip to Menorca or Ibiza, according to comparison website Travel Supermarket. A family of four saves £1,240 choosing Florida over Ibiza and £800 for Phuket over Mahon.
We are offering big discounts on car hire and flight packages throughout the USA and Canada on a first come, first served basis until the end of August.
Book through a reputable travel company to avoid the rise of online travel scams
We've warned about online holiday scams for years and they are back with a vengeance this month. Suggest your friends book through a reputable travel company such as ourselves or recommend they read our previous articles.
May 17: Danger of booking online as web fraud grows
Jun 16: How to find the best flight deals
RyanAir random seating policy does not add up
Ryanair has been accused of operating a money grabbing policy of deliberately splitting up passengers to force them to pay extra fees to sit together.
The airline's supposedly random seating algorithm has been challenged by Oxford University mathematicians as part of a BBC Watchdog investigation. Groups of four people, who declined to pay a fee to book a specific seat were sent to different Ryanair destinations. In every case each person was allocated a middle seat.
The scientists calculated the chances of this actually being random were 1 in 540 million and you'd actually have 10 times more chance of winning the lottery!
They also found that individuals would on average be seated 10 rows away from their group and often as much as 26 rows away from the person they were meant to be flying with.
The Independent newspaper reported that a group of 20 golfers flying to Spain found that all but three of them had been allocated middle seats and scattered in rows all along the plane. The trio who were not affected had paid in advance to book extra legroom seats.
Last year Ryanair reduced the check-in window for passengers who do not pay to book seats from a week to four days. This month it extended the check-in window for passengers who do pay for specific seats from one month to two.
NB. Ryanair is an airline that we only book at a customer's request.
False holiday sickness claims have rocketed 1400% in the past 2 years
A couple who made a fake sickness claim while on holiday in the Canary Islands were yesterday ordered to pay thousands of pounds to Thomas Cook in compensation.
The ruling by the judge at Liverpool County Court serves as a warning to other holidaymakers who are thinking of making bogus claims on all-inclusive holidays.
The judge dismissed the case after concluding they were not sick and the pair were ordered to pay Thomas Cook £3,744 compensation within 28 days.
Detectives at the City of London Police insurance fraud department are currently assessing material regarding tourists falsely accusing their tour operator or hotel of giving them food poisoning and attempting to extract damages.
Picture the scenario. You're sitting by the pool at a smart all-inclusive hotel and a young man approaches and says he can get you £3,000 compensation, and all you need to do is supply a smartphone picture of an anti-diarrhoea medication. The payout, the tout tells you, would more than cover your holiday costs and you simply have too pretend that you ate something dodgy at the lunch buffet.
Would you be tempted?
Plenty are, and their false claims could lead to some hotels barring UK travellers, according to industry figures. Nick Longman, managing director of Thomson and First Choice, has said that claims for food poisoning at its hotels had risen by a staggering 1,400 per cent in the past two years and a spokesman for the Spanish hotel association CEHAT reported that false claims cost the industry £52 million last year in Spain alone.
In an undercover video seen by the Sunday Times newspaper, a tout - clad in shorts and a vest - briefs a family on exactly how to make a credible claim. "You don't say you fell ill on your first day," he says. "You wait until day three, then go to the pharmacy and buy some Imodium and take a photo of it. That's it, you don't even have to see a solicitor."
The touts earn £100 for each referral sent to claims management companies, which have shifted their operations abroad after the UK Government capped their take on domestic cases to £300. By handling overseas claims on a no-win no-fee basis, they can take success payments of at least 25 per cent.
Mark Tanzer, chief executive of the travel association ABTA, said: "The industry and our customers are under unprecedented assault from unscrupulous claims companies. Having seen the lucrative 'whiplash' market closed off, and with PPI claims coming to an end, they have switched their attention to holiday sickness.
He said that many hotels were now considering scrapping all-inclusive deals or banning British travellers as a result. Last month the Foreign Office warned holidaymakers in Portugal they face legal action if they submit false sickness claims and ABTA itself has warned that such behaviour could result in a fine and a criminal record.
Tour operators and hotels are now defending claims using private detectives to obtain evidence and one Greek hotel is pursuing a counter-claim for £170,000 against a British couple where they have evidence that they submitted a false claim.
Jo was spotted in a Wimbledon supermarket buying ingredients to cook waffles for her fellow players
How often do you travel?
During the tennis season I am travelling every week to two weeks and if I can get a few days between tournaments I like to head home to London to catch up with my life. I like to have a proper holiday at the end of November.
Favourite city to train and play in?
I love training in London, as that is home, so obviously I love Wimbledon. But I also love New York and playing there in the US Open.
Earliest memory of travelling abroad?
When I was about seven I remember going to Hungary to visit relatives on my own and being chaperoned around the airports because I was an unaccompanied minor. My family are scattered all over that country. Budapest is an absolutely beautiful city and Lake Balaton is another stunning place. I love Hungarian food because of the wonderful dishes my grandparents served.
Do you prefer active or beach holidays?
A combination of the two. It depends on what time of the season it is too. Sometimes it is nice to just rest, but I do enjoy adventuring and climbing.
What do you need for a perfect holiday?
Food is a passion of mine, so as long as the food is good I would be happy anywhere. It doesn't have to be fancy, just fresh good quality produce. Plus some chill-out time on a sunny beach.
Best holiday ever?
Rome. I have been a few times now. For my first visit, with my parents, we did quite a bit of sightseeing and visited the Vatican and Colosseum and found some great restaurants and gelaterias. I have a bit of a thing about ice cream.
Favourite hotel and favourite restaurant?
The Marriott in New York, which has great views across Central Park. My favourite restaurant is Hunky Dory in Melbourne which does an Aussie version of fish and chips, but it is so much more than that.
Favourite airline?
I love flying with British Airways, Qantas and Emirates.
Best piece of travel advice?
Dress comfortably. I have some great Asics gear that I wear and I can't fly without my flight socks. Also stay hydrated at all times, I drink lots of water at regular intervals so I'm always the one searching for a loo.
A selection of customer comments from Trustpilot
Easier, less frustrating and more cost effective than the internet
Friends recommended Eric at DialAFlight. Needing last minute help, he provided us with good US round trip flight options at very good prices. We were able to get a 2 week car hire included for what we usually pay for just flights. All arrangements and documents arrived quickly with a note to contact him if we needed any assistance during our trip. We will definitely book with DialAFlight next time. It's easier, less frustrating and time consuming and more cost effective resulting in a better more relaxing trip.
Linda Sennitt gave DialAFlight 5 stars on Trust Pilot.
Sparkling footnote: Linda Sennitt's name was pulled out of the hat in our monthly Trust Pilot draw and a case of Prosecco is on its way.
Mission impossible without the help of DialAFlight
We have recently returned from 2 trips to the USA & Canada, one lasting 6 weeks and the other 3 weeks. This included 4 transatlantic flights and at least 15 internal USA flights. Without the help of Jerry Bushnell and everyone at DialAFlight it wouldn't have been possible. A lot of these flights were arranged at very short notice and it gave us great peace of mind knowing DialAflight were only a call away, day or night. I will recommend Jerry and DialAFlight to all my friends.
Graham Berry gave DialAFlight 5 stars on Trust Pilot
A recommendation from friends. Now we'll do the recommending
DialAFflight was recommended to us by friends who had used them previously. Nothing was too much trouble for Michelle and the team who put together a fantastic itinerary and travel plan for our first trip to Canada. I cannot recommend Dialaflight highly enough as they took the stress out of organising our holiday. All the hotels were an excellent standard and the trip went well. Thank you Michelle and the team at DialAFlight. Your hard work meant that we didn't have to do anything and will definitely recommend and use the company again.
Helen Bateman gave DialAFlight 5 stars on Trust Pilot
How I saved a 'bundle of money' after wasting time with Thomas Cook
I have already recommended DialAFlight to several friends and family. After trawling through no end of websites and visiting a Thomas Cook shop, I came across the site of DialAFlight only to realise that I could have saved myself so much time and effort. Clark was efficient, friendly, understood my requirements and furthermore, saved me a bundle of money! Will definitely use them again.
Juliana Jackson gave DialAFlight 5 stars on Trust Pilot
Perfect for finding extra discounts and upgrades
Great service from Wayne Bailey and his colleagues. Always lightning fast response to queries either by phone or email with excellent follow up. Prices are very competitive and they often find those extra discounts or upgrades that a private individual will miss. I was recommended to use DialAFlight by close friends and now that I have used them will I am more than happy to pass on the recommendation to others.
Paul Standen gave DialAFlight 5 stars on Trust Pilot
Alohilani Resort
After a spectacular $115 million development, the Pacific Beach Hotel is ready to re-emerge as a tranquil oasis in the heart of Waikiki. With a new name meaning "The Heavenly Brightness" (which has been the inspiration behind the revamp) the resort has a modern take on traditional Hawaiian culture. The Alohilani Resort will also boast a spectacular Oceanarium in its lobby, which will filter in water from the ocean and be home to hundreds of protected marine creatures.
Park Hyatt
Nestled on a secluded, nearly-untouched Caribbean island, the new Park Hyatt St. Kitts brings golden beaches and turquoise waters to your doorstep to set the tone for your privileged stay. Featuring 78 spacious rooms and 48 stylish suites (including some with their own rooftop pool), the resort combines contemporary architecture with a timeless, colonial feel which brings guests to the historic roots of St. Kitts. With a superb range of facilities and activities, you'll get the true Caribbean experience here. Due to open this November.
Blue Lagoon Hotel
Discover what all of the buzz around Iceland is about with a truly unforgettable stay at the brand new Moss Hotel, an exemplary example of sleek design in the most captivating of surroundings. Mere moments away from the Blue Lagoon and based in the heart of an unforgettable lava landscape, the Moss brings harmony to a new level, with 62 spacious rooms providing unparalleled access to the attraction's reviving facilities plus the promising spa known as Lava Cove.
Our top 6 money savers you can't afford to miss
Ayada Maldives is an awe-inspiring 112-villa resort located on the 150,000 sq m paradise island of Maguhdhuvaa in the stunning Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. Immerse yourself in luxury, impeccable service and superb amenities, including seven indulgent restaurants, bars and cafes, an extensive 3,500 sq m spa and health club by ESPA. Our offer includes free half board and a free room upgrade to a Beach Villa, saving you over £2000 per couple. 7 nights from £2689pp when you travel 13 Aug - 7 Dec.
Escape to one of the Caribbean's most luxurious hotels and indulge yourself with the Sandy Lane 'Ideal Retreat' package which includes $700 of complimentary dining credit per room for fine dining in the hotel's sensational bars and restaurants. Also included in your stay is a full fitness assessment per person, a personal training session per person, one Pilates session as well as a Sandy Lane 60 minute full body massage for each adult. You'll also enjoy a Sandy Lane gift per person and lunch for two in The Spa Cafe. Stay 7 nights with our offer which includes luxury car transfers and direct flights with Virgin Atlantic all from £3359pp. Valid 21 Aug - 11 Oct.
Enjoy supreme luxury on the sparkling shores of Mexico's Riviera Maya with a 5* stay at Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa. Set among verdant jungle before a white, sandy beach, you'll find pure escapism here, be it with soothing spa sessions, idling beside pure shores or exploring Mexico's heritage sites. Save 25% with our offer which also includes private transfers and flights with Virgin Atlantic. Why not make your holiday even more special with a room or flight upgrade? 7 nights from £2499. Valid 15 Sep - 23 Oct
Take in more of South America for less using the airpass from LATAM Airlines. This 15 day highlights of South America tour makes full use of the airpass taking you to see some of South America's greatest treasures. Starting in Peru, you'll take in Lima and Machu Picchu before heading to Argentina to see the sights and take in the culture of Buenos Aires and Iguassu Falls. Your trip concludes in vibrant Rio de Janeiro where you'll see all the iconic sights. Save £150pp with our offer which includes 14 nights accommodation, transfers and LATAM flights from £3325pp.
There are few places on earth as beautiful as New England in 'The Fall'. Take in all its scenic glory and witness a kaleidoscope of coloured foliage from deep purple to red and gold on an 8 night self-drive tour. Starting in Boston, you'll take in the city's famous sites and history before moving on to Rockport, Holderness, the beautiful White Mountains, Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and the towns of Newport and Falmouth. We include a 10% saving, car hire and flights with Virgin Atlantic from £1139pp. Valid 1 Sep - 28 Oct.
Enjoy a premium all inclusive week under the Sicilian sunshine at Club Med Kamarina. This friendly family resort sits prettily in the shadow of Etna amid lush vegetation and offers a huge choice of inclusive activities from tennis to trapeze. You can also visit the impressive Greek and Roman vestiges, scale legendary volcanoes, and indulge in the most delicious Sicilian cuisine. Save £60pp on a 7 night stay with our offer which includes flights from Gatwick from £825pp. Valid October.
Rip off airports are hitting families with inflated car park fees during the school holidays says the Daily Mail. Heathrow charges up to £4 more a day from July 21 to August 28 and over Easter and Christmas. Stansted's fees are £2 higher from May to September and a ten-minute stop at Leeds Bradford Airport's 'Premium' short-stay car park would cost £39, a fixed daily rate. Source: Daily Mail
A tourist from China has been fined US $300 for hiding a crab in his room safe at a resort in the Maldives. The tourist admitted catching the crab at the beach and was planning to cook it in a rice cooker he brought with him. He had first tried to store the crab in the bathtub but later moved it to the safe after it made repeated attempts to escape, he said.
Travellers have been advised to check the small print of their contract
Mobile phone users have been warned that they could still face hefty bills for using their device abroad, despite a ban on roaming charges within the European Union that came into effect last month. Making calls or using data may continue to cost over the odds in non-EU countries such as Turkey where Vodaphone is the only provider to extend the benefit. Travellers have also been advised to check the small print of their contract for any caps that may be in place on the amount of data that they can use for free in the EU, and also on the many clauses regarding length of time users must spend in the UK to qualify for free roaming.
The luxury and sophistication of the Venice Simplon-Orient Express has been raised to a new level with the introduction of long-awaited en-suite facilities. Belmond, the company that operates the train, has just announced the addition from next March of three spacious Grand Suites, which will include private bathrooms with showers, as well as double beds and a sizeable living area. The new suites will be in keeping with the original Art Deco motif of the original Orient Express and will include flourishes like embroidered pillows, Venetian-style glass lamps and chic Parisian-style furnishings. But all this added luxury comes at a price - £5,500 per person for one night instead of £2,129.
Unsung heroes on the front line of conservation in Africa have been hailed in a shortlist for the prestigious Tusk awards. Three finalists, Brighton Kumchedwa from Malawi, Nachamada Geoffrey from Nigeria and Serah Munguti from Kenya, have been selected in the main category of the awards. The Duke of Cambridge, the charity's royal patron, who has spent time in Africa working with the recipients of past commendations, said it was "vital" that their work was recognised.
The hugely popular Inca citadel of Machu Picchu has moved closer to being more sustainable with the announcement that access to the site is being restricted via a new timed ticketing system. From the first of this month, anybody journeying to Peru's best known attraction will need a ticket for either the morning (6 to noon) or the afternoon (midday to 5.30). The ticket price is still £36 although anyone wanting to linger for longer than their allotted session will need to buy a ticket for both time segments. Splitting the day into two halves is an attempt to control the bunching of tourist groups and excessive crowding. All of our tours to Machu Picchu include entrance tickets, so you won't need to navigate through the complicated ticketing website.
Argentina - new fares from £299
Buenos Aires is the latest destination to join the list of long-haul cities available to British budget travellers. Low-cost airline Norwegian will offer 13-hour flights from London Gatwick to the Argentina capital from February next year, with prices starting at £299 for a one way ticket. The no-frills airline is now flying to lots of cities worldwide.
Boarding passes could be phased out as airlines use facial recognition and fingerprints to identify passengers at the gate. The "One-Identity" project is being run by the Air Transport Association, the trade body that represents 275 airlines, and trailed by Delta in the US. Ultimately, the industry hopes that biometric information will be used throughout a passenger's journey through the airprt, from check in to boarding, reducing queues and hassle.
The Ukrainian Government has opened a hostel in the uninhabitable Chernobyl exclusion zone. The new accommodation is set in a former Soviet dormitory and about nine miles from the site of the nuclear disaster that destroyed the area in 1986. Visitors are allowed into the exclusion zone that covers 1,000 sq miles in the north of the country, but only if they have been granted permission and only for short periods. The area, within which is the abandoned city of Pripyat, is still deemed highly contaminated with radioactive material, but has become increasingly popular with tourists who take tours from Kiev. Experts say the area will not be fully habitable for 20,000 years.
Mount Everest is in danger of becoming dangerously overcrowded, experts have warned, with the world's tallest mountain facing the prospect of "traffic jams" this summer. Concerns are growing over the record number of climbing permits issued with the total number of people ascending the Himalayan peak likely to reach 800. Three years of turmoil on the mountain, including an avalanche in 2014 that killed 16 and the earthquake in 2015 that claimed 19 lives, meant that this year was always likely to be busy, but sherpas and local experts fear that it might be too much for Everest to cope with.
