Protect yourself

“Beware of booking with any company unwilling to take payment by credit or debit cards, says Daniel Landon, director of protected travel services (www.protectedtravelservices. com). “all reputable companies should be able to handle these transactions and paying by credit card also means you’re covered if you don’t receive the holiday you expect.” Book your insurance as soon as you book your holiday, so that you’re immediately covered for cancellations. “Not many people know that annual travel insurance also covers nights and weekends away in the uk, as long as you’re staying at least 25 miles away from home,” says glyn clouting, product development manager at insureandgo (www.insureandgo.com). “this could come in handy if you take mini-breaks.” (accommodation needs to be pre-arranged and for at least two nights to count).