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The ultimate summer holiday travel advice guide
Our bumper guide of expert advice will ensure you have a hassle-free holiday this summer
The holidays are in full swing. And most of us can’t wait for our summer break. But how do you make sure it all goes as smoothly as possible? That you have all the practicalities covered?
There are so many things to consider. Insurance, money and car hire. Have you had a chance to check your mobile roaming charges? Think about how much foreign currency you might need? What about your rights if your flight gets delayed or if there is a problem with your villa when you arrive?
And this summer, there are other stressors to contend with. We seem to have got trapped in a vicious circle of strikes, delays and cancellations caused by a perfect storm of issues around airport capacity, rising demand for travel, the soaring cost of living, the war in Ukraine. And on top of all that, the intense heat waves which fried the Mediterranean coasts and much of France last year, have returned with a vengeance – not only in their intensity, but in their sheer, unforgiving length.
But don’t worry. Telegraph Travel has all the answers. Ready for the start of the peak holiday season, we have curated a whole series of articles designed to answer all your practical questions, troubleshoot when things go wrong and, most importantly of all in these straitened times, make sure you avoid the rip-offs and get the best possible value for money while you are away.
In short, it is our one-stop shop for holiday know-how this summer – below you’ll find all your questions answered.
Flight cancellations and strike chaos
Last summer was a nightmare of delays and disruption as airports found themselves understaffed and airlines were forced to cancel thousands of flights. This year has also already seen a succession of setbacks and meltdowns – from air traffic control, security and passport control strikes, to tech failures at British Airways and on airport e-gates. Few would bet on everything going entirely smoothly over the busiest time of year, the summer.
Still, there has been some positive news in recently. The ground handlers strike at Gatwick, threatened for late July, were called off. But otherwise the picture is not looking great. Perhaps the biggest threat is the potential for strikes by air traffic control workers at Eurocontrol – which could cause disruption across the continent this summer. Dates have yet to be announced but reports have suggested up to 12,500 flights could be cancelled on each strike day. There is not much you can do now except keep abreast of the news and, if your plans may be affected by planned transport strikes in this country, make sure you have alternative plans in place to get to the airport – coaches and taxis will get heavily booked on strike days.
Luckily, we tell you what to do if your flight is delayed or cancelled and how to get compensation in our dedicated guides. We also share the latest strike updates and what to do if they disrupt your holiday plans or if you get caught in queues at the border.
Ports and ferries
If there is a major problem, it will surely be in Dover. The latest comments from the port’s chief executive concede that passengers should expect delays of up to two and a half hours at peak times this summer. The worst pinch points are likely to be between about 6am and 1pm on peak weekends. The recommendation is to arrive about three hours before the expected sailing time. Oh, and bring in-car games, podcasts and refreshments and a patient demeanour with you.
Our guide explains how to drive to Europe without chaos or delays.
Extreme heat
This, of course, is largely unpredictable. Furthermore, there is little you can do – tour operators are extremely unlikely to offer a refund should you not wish to travel simply because it’s uncomfortably hot. But things may not be quite as bad as you fear in the key holiday destinations. Temperatures can vary significantly from the coast to inland areas. So, to get an accurate picture of what you are facing, make sure you are checking the weather in your actual destination, not the absolute peaks in the region or the country concerned.
Our guide explains your rights if your holiday is affected by heatwaves in Europe.
Car hire
Picking up a car should be a straightforward transaction, yet it has become one of the most stressful parts of a holiday. First, there are the risks around insurance – how do you make sure you are properly covered without it costing the earth? Then there are high-pressure selling techniques when you pick up your vehicle, and endless charges for extras – from child seats to re-fuelling costs.
Our guides tell you how to de-stress the whole experience and avoid rip-offs.
Money
There are so many ways that you can pay too much for your holiday money. You might take the wrong credit or debit card with you. Or invest in a currency card which levies all sorts of additional charges. You might buy your foreign currency in the wrong way or from the wrong bureau de change. Get it right, however, and you not only save money every time you pay for something, but you added protections too.
Our guides explain how to be money savvy when you travel, local tipping etiquette and how to find the best credit or debit cards to use abroad.
Insurance
How much insurance cover do you actually need? Do you really need to read through all the small print? Should you worry about exclusions? What if you have a health condition, or you are over 65, and you are struggling to find an affordable policy? Is it worth buying annual cover? It’s probably the most boring holiday purchase you make each year, but it could prove the most vital.
Our guides show how to get it right and avoid the most common mistakes and where to find the best policies for over-60s.
Passports, packing, mobile data and saving money
When it comes to the finer details of your holiday, Telegraph readers can rest assured with our ultimate travel checklists and insider know-how. From our packing and luggage to some brilliant tips for saving money, coping with airports and the rising cost of parking, airline luggage restrictions and – perhaps most importantly of all – how to avoid getting caught out by the delays and backlogs at the Passport Office if you need to renew yours before you travel.
Confused about data roaming and extra charges for using your phone abroad? We also look at the latest charging policies so you – and your children – don’t get caught out.
Brexit and Covid
There are still lots of issues connected with Brexit and going on holiday, not least whether your passport is still valid. We guide you through the red tape and explain the pitfalls. Read our guide to how Brexit has changed the way we travel here – and get up to speed with future changes here. If you’re planning to travel with your dog, you’ll need to read our guide to the new rules.
Hopefully, covid is no longer an issue for most people when they travel. But a few rules still linger in certain parts of the world. Read our guide to the last remaining covid travel restrictions and what to do if you test positive before travelling here.