CANH have got you covered with a handy checklist to help you know your rights and stay protected against the unexpected.

1. Check your holiday entitlements at work

You’re entitled to paid holidays if you’re an employee, worker or an agency worker. Take a note of when your ‘leave year’ starts and ends, it might not be the same as the calendar year, and remember to give your employer enough notice of when you are taking your holiday. 

2. Make sure your passport is valid

Have a look at your passport to see when it’ll expire. You can check the validity of your passport for your trip on GOV.UK.

3. Find out if you’ll be charged more to use your mobile phone

Ask your mobile phone service provider about charges for using your phone abroad to avoid extra payments.

4. Make a note of steps to take if your flight is delayed or cancelled

You could face an issue with your flight at any point in your journey. Knowing your rights and what you’re entitled to can be helpful if you find yourself stranded abroad.

If your flight is delayed long enough, your airline has to give you access to food and drink, phone calls and emails, and overnight accommodation. You have a legal right to a full refund or replacement flight if your flight is cancelled.

5. Claiming compensation for delayed, lost or damaged luggage

If the airline delays, loses or damages your checked-in luggage, you have a legal right to claim compensation.

6. Know what to do in case anything goes wrong with your holiday

If anything happens during your holiday, make sure you raise it with the company you booked with or travel agent as soon as possible as you might be able to get compensation.

7. Get travel insurance for extra protection

Travel insurance can cover flight delays and lost luggage. It can also protect you against things like a holiday cancellation and medical emergencies. Before you take out a travel insurance policy make sure it covers your needs and look at different policy costs.

8. Enjoy your holiday!

We have more advice online and if something goes wrong you can speak to one of our advisers. The Citizens Advice Hertfordshire Adviceline number is 0800 144 88 48.