FAQs
Frequently Asked Question Categories:
General
Health & Insurance
Visa & Passport Requirements
General
Q: What are your booking conditions?
A: They aren't much fun to read but you must read them before agreeing to make a payment booking conditions
Q: Do you have FAQ pages for your skiing, flights & city breaks websites?
A: Yes, we have separate FAQ's for each of our websites. To read these please click on the site you require: skiing, flights & city breaks.
Q: How can I find out if it is safe to travel to a particular country?
A: Check the FCO Travel Advice regularly. It is updated continually. The best way to access it is via the FCO website.
Q: Do you sell beach holidays?
A: Yes, visit directline holidays for a package holiday.
Q: Do you sell city breaks?
A: Yes, visit directline citybreaks to find out more.
Q: Do you sell skiing holidays?
A: Yes, visit directline skiing to find out more.
Q: Do you sell flights?
A: Yes, visit directline flights to find out more.
Q: Do you sell holiday insurance?
A: We can provide a low-cost travel insurance policy. For details of the cover, click here.
Q: Do you provide holiday car hire?
A: Yes, to find out more about car hire click here.
Q: Are you connected with directline insurance?
A: No. Please note that we are not connected in any way with Directline Insurance plc.
Q: How do I submit a cruise review?
A: Choose your destination and click on ‘Add your review' to the right of the page. Alternatively, view other customer reviews and add your own through the 'reviews' tab on destination pages.
Q: How do I find out more information on the resort I am going to?
A: To find a guide to the destination available, find it from the Cruise destinations pages.
Q: Do I need to tip on holiday?
A: People providing a service on holiday often expect a tip as in many cases they can form up to 80 per cent of their wage. These include bar and restaurant waiters, taxi drivers and other services onboard. The amount to give varies but generally, anything from 5 - 15% is acceptable.
Q: Will I get a cheap cruise holidays if I book late?
A: It all depends on demand. New ships and very popular cruises will sell-out almost instantly and you'll find that cheap cruise deals are impossible to find. Booking online can normally save you money and if you keep an eye on prices and keep your destination and travelling dates flexible, you might make some substantial savings.
Q: What are ABTA / ATOL?
A: ABTA, The Association of British Travel Agents, is the organisation which represents UK travel agents and tour operators responsible for the sale of around 90% of all package holidays and approximately 45% of independent travel arrangements. directline cruises is a fully bonded member of ABTA so your money is protected. View more ABTA information.
ATOL is a protection scheme for flights and air holidays, managed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Q: Should I take out insurance before travelling?
A: Yes! It is extremely important that you take out adequate insurance even for short trips or visits to Europe. The travel insurance policy we provide is an excellent low-cost scheme which comes with a price guarantee. It is important to take this out at the time of booking so that you are adequately covered in the event of cancellation (subject to reason). Most companies make it a condition of booking that you have adequate cover. NB, Travel Insurance may only be booked in conjunction with travel arrangements made through us. Please note that we are not connected in any way with Directline Insurance plc.
Q: What are the E111 & EHIC forms?
A: The E111 form is no longer valid. You will now need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to receive free or reduced cost of healthcare when visiting certain European countries. We strongly advise you to obtain an EHIC application from the Post Office before travelling.
Q: Do I have to have medical insurance if I am travelling to the EU?
A: We do advise travellers to take out insurance even if they are travelling to the EU. Although emergency treatment for EU citizens is available in all EU countries, it is not always completely free.
Q: Who pays if I need to be hospitalised overseas or flown back to the UK?
A: If you have proper insurance, the insurance company should pay such fees. If not, the cost will fall to you or your relatives etc.
Q: What should I do to stay healthy overseas?
A: Check what vaccinations you need with your GP at least six weeks before you travel. Make sure that any medication you need to take is legal in the country you are travelling to and take the prescription with you.
Q: Is it safe to drink tap water on holiday?
A: Most package holiday resorts (especially in Europe) have a very high level of water quality. But if you're not sure, It is recommended that you do not use tap water for drinking, cleaning your teeth, making ice, adding to drinks or washing food that will not be cooked. Bottled water is readily available in most resorts but ensure it has been purchased from a reputable source and the seal on the bottle is intact.
Q: Is it safe to eat foreign food?
A: It is advised to introduce yourself gradually to any exotic food. It is always wise to take a number of food safety precautions:
- Ensure that hot meat products are thoroughly cooked and piping hot before eating
- Wash and rinse raw food preparation and storage utensils in hot water before using them for cooked foods preparation.
- Ensure all foods are protected from birds, flies and other insects.
Q: What should be in my first aid kit?
A: Try to include a few essential items in your luggage. Even the most basic first aid kit should include insect repellent, plasters, antiseptic cream, prescribed medication, cotton wool, and after-sun.
Q: Is there a risk of rabies abroad?
A: Strict quarantine laws exist with regard to the import and export of animals. Rabies is a serious hazard and can be contracted from all sorts of animals both wild and domestic. If you think there is any possibility that you have been infected consult a doctor immediately.
Q: What immunisations do I need?
A: Many countries have widely different immunisation entry requirements - it is best to consult your travel agent or GP well before departure to ensure that you fulfil these.
Q: Is it safe to sunbathe?
A: Take care. Even when it's cloudy you can burn. Babies and children are particularly susceptible to sunburn and high factor sun protection is essential. The same is true of adults, particularly those with fair skin. The best advice is to keep out of the sun when it is at its most intense. The sun is at its strongest in the middle of the day, between 11am and 3pm. During this time stay in the shade when you can, or if there is no shade it is advised to protect your skin with clothing.
Q: What factor sunscreen do I need?
A: It is advised to choose one that says it protects against both UVA and UVB radiation from the sun. This may be labelled ‘broad spectrum'. The SPF (sun protection factor) tells you the amount of protection the sun cream gives against UVB radiation. It is recommended to buy at least factor 15 as it gives the best balance between protection and cost. Generally cheaper sun blocks are just as effective as expensive one as they are all tested in the same way. Although it is important to check the ‘use by' date, most creams last around 2-3 years.
Sun block guide:
Factor 15 - only 7% of the harmful UVB rays will get through
Factor 30 - only 4% of the harmful UVB rays will get through
Factor 60 - only 2% of the harmful UVB rays will get through
Q: How do I know if I need a visa?
A: Visas are required by British citizens for a number of our destinations. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documentation. Visas may be required for entry into non-EU countries. Information about visa requirements may be found by accessing individual country pages on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website.
Q: What do I need to check on my passport?
A: It is important that the name(s) and initials on your tickets exactly match those on the passports of everyone in your party. Make sure you have a full passport which is valid until through the duration of your holiday. Many countries insist you have 6 months remaining after your return date. If you have any doubts about the validity or condition of your passport please contact the Passport Office on 0870 5210410 (calls charged at national rate).
Q: How do I apply for a passport?
A: If you need to obtain a new passport you should do so in good time. It normally takes about 4 weeks to obtain a passport by post, but this time may vary depending upon which passport office you apply to and the time of year. The Passport Office gives further information on a recorded message on 0870 5210410 (check your operator charges). Alternatively, check out the Passport Office website where you can apply for a passport online.
Q: Do my children need passports?
A: Since 5 October 1998 children under 16 have been required to hold their own passport. Children already included on a parent's passport are not affected by this change and can continue to travel on these passports until they reach the age of sixteen or when the passport expires.
Q: I am not a British citizen, do I need a visa?
A: If you are not a British citizen you should consult the Embassy of the country of destination, and the Home Office Immigration Department to check whether you require any special documentation for the countries you are visiting or for return.
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