WHAT TO DO IF YOU REALLY ARE SICK

IMMEDIATELY inform the hotel and your tour operator. Keep doctors’ notes and prescription receipts, and make a diary of symptoms and any communication with the hotel or travel firm.

Take photos of anything to support your claim, such as food left uncovered or dirty restaurants. Find out if other guests have suffered similar symptoms. Ask for their contact details.

In the UK, complain to the tour operator directly. Under UK Package Travel Regulations, they can be held responsible for service failings. If it wasn’t a package holiday, you must make a claim against the hotel direct. Detail the dates of your stay and any expenses or missed excursions. You have three years to make a claim.

Beware that if you use a claims management company, it will take a big chunk of any compensation awarded. If you aren’t satisfied with the response, call ABTA on 020 3117 0500 to ask for advice or complain at

If your tour operator is not in ABTA, you can pursue the claim in the small claims court.