Insurance

Pay using your credit card rather than a debit card or bank transfer, as this gives protection under the Consumer Credit Act should your travel company go bust.

Finally, buy a decent travel insurance policy the moment you book, to benefit from cancellation cover. Don’t just buy the cheapest, but check what protection it offers against Covid-related risks, before and after your departure.

If you do all this you can still enjoy the excitement of planning a summer on the beach, without losing your shirt if the gamble doesn’t pay off.