Due to the impact of Coronavirus on school trips we have compiled a guide to ensuring your money is safe for future bookings.
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ATOL:
It is a requirement to offer ATOL protection for any UK company who sells packages including flights and another element, such as accommodation. Booking with an ATOL protected package will ensure your money is protected. If anything happens to the operator or agent you make the reservation with you are covered. You can be sure that any monies paid are safe and you will recieve either a refund or have the package fulfilled. Operated by the Civil Aviation Authority, ATOL holders have their operations inspected each year and a fee from your booking goes into a fund to ensure you can return safely in the event of an airline failure or similar. If you book individual elements directly or from an agent outside the UK you will not have this coverage.
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ABTA:
ABTA is the UK’s leading Travel Trade and consumer travel protection group. All ABTA operators have strict codes of conduct to stand by including fair terms and conditions and standards of operation.It is not a requirement to be a member of ABTA to sell holidays in the UK but it adds an additional layer of protection. Booking with an ABTA member ensures they will act fairly and ABTA also help customers with any issues should it be required.
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Protected Trust Account:
Here at Arctic Education we have also adopted a Trust account for your funds. This means they are held in a separate account until all suppliers are paid or until you have travelled. Therefore should anything happen to us as a company you will know your money is held safely.
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Credit Cards:
In addition, we advise paying by credit card as you will receive extra protection from your card provider. We take all major credit cards including American Express and at no additional charge.
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Time of travel
- At the moment with Coronavirus there are numerous restrictions to travelling but we are monitoring this and have an expected timescale for when resorts will be ready to welcome guests again as well as any measure necessary to keep everyone safe.
- However, if there are still restrictions in resort or the FCO advise against travel, then you can rest assured knowing your money is safe. If there are any restrictions to your trip we can either arrange a postponement/refund or provide a refund credit note for you to book another trip with us at a later date.
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Safety of destination
- The resorts we offer have all had a very low infection rate. They are countries with low population densities. This way social distancing is both easy or even the norm as you travel to unspoiled locations free from crowds.
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Peace of mind
- Remember that when booking a package rather than from different suppliers everything can be dealt with in one place. We have heard horror stories about people who have had their flights cancelled but resorts are still open. This can mean you may have a holiday to go on but can’t get there. With a School trip booked with one supplier the supplier will sort the issue for you.
- In times of uncertainty when booking a package with an ATOL and ABTA holder you will know that if one element is not possible then your entire trip is protected.
- For School trips after Coronavirus it is a good idea to ensure as many protections as possible. This includes Expedition Providers Association accreditation. The Learning Outside the Classroom certification works like the School Travel Forum but with extra checks to allow for more adventurous school trips.
We hope you found our guide to booking School trips after Coronavirus helpful, and travel safely!