Travel abroad

Holidays and breaks

The Internet is a great place to book and research holidays, whether you're looking for inspiration or know exactly where you want to go.

No need to go to your local travel agents when you can do it all from the comfort of your home, over the Internet you can:

• book flights, cruises, package holidays
• arrange travel insurance
• hire cars
• order currency
• research your destination, weather, local attractions
• check out reviews of your destination and accommodation.

When booking a flight or holiday on line you need to make sure you a booking through a reputable company. There are a couple of websites that can help you search for companies that are ABTA and ATOL registered.

• ATOL - Civil Aviation Authority*
• ABTA - ABTA travel Association*

* Hampshire County Council is not responsible for the content of external websites.

Flights

There are many websites where you can research and book flights. Most sites will ask you where you want to fly to and from and will then search hundreds of airlines to find you suitable flights.

Some useful websites include:

• CheapFlights.com*
• Teletext*
• Travel Supermarket*
• Skyscanner*

* Hampshire County Council is not responsible for the content of external websites.

Accommodation

There are many websites to help you choose your accommodation, whether you looking for something in the UK or abroad.

• Holiday Lettings*
• Hotels*
• Villa Renters*
• Booking*

* Hampshire County Council is not responsible for the content of external websites.

Cruises

Going on a cruise is a great way to spend your holiday and see places all over the world. Cruising is also a great way to go away with out having to fly.

There are many cruise companies around, and the Internet is a great way to research and book your cruise.

If you want to go on a cruise which doesn't include a flight then have a look at Cruise Southampton*. This website tells you what cruise ships sail from Southampton. Other great websites to help you research and choose a cruise include:

• Carnival cruises *

• Virgin cruises *
• planetcruise *
• P&O Cruises*
• Iglu Cruises*
• Royal Caribbean UK*

* Hampshire County Council is not responsible for the content of external websites.

Packages

There are many websites that can help you book a package holiday with some companies that specialise in specific package holidays like solo travel.

Some useful websites include:

• Travel Supermarket*
• Lastminute.com*
• Teletext*
• Holiday Hypermarket*

* Hampshire County Council is not responsible for the content of external websites.

Reviews

On the Internet you can review and check out your holiday destination and hotel.

The reviews are written by people who have stayed at the hotel or visited the country. You could even write a review yourself about a place you have stayed.

Some useful review websites include:

• Trip Advisor*
• Lonely Planet*
• Holiday Truth*
• Travel Blog*

You have to remember that these ore other peoples opinions and the reviews are what they experienced. You will generally find mixed opinions for just about everything.

You can also get travel advice and information on visas and vaccinations from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office* website.

* Hampshire County Council is not responsible for the content of external websites.

What else you can do

Not only can you research, book and review your holiday on the Internet but you can also:

• check out the weather
• order your travel insurance
• order currency
• hire a car
• check flight times and arrivals
• book car parking and transfers.

Useful websites

* Hampshire County Council is not responsible for the content of external websites.

Tips and advice

• Do some online research with holiday review websites first to see who is the best provider.
• Use your credit card to book - this may allow you to claim against your credit card company if something goes wrong.
• Read the terms and conditions carefully.
• Make sure you have travel insurance - you need to buy this at the same time you book your holiday.
• If you're travelling in Europe, make sure you have your European Health Insurance Card* (you will still need to buy insurance cover).
• Check on any vaccinations that could be needed to enter the country you are visiting.
• Check if any visas are required to enter the country you are visiting.
• Keep any corresponding e-mails regarding any bookings you have made.

* Hampshire County Council is not responsible for the content of external websites.