All inclusive trips are an incredibly convenient way to travel for those who want to enjoy the sun and swim and want to leave the managing of the trip to someone else. That’s why the trips are also very popular. But there are a couple of things that are good to know when you book an all inclusive trip.
1. You may be entitled to get the trip cheaper
Did you know that you can get the trip cheaper if changes in taxes, fees, exchange rates or fuel costs are reduced after your purchase? In the conditions of many travel companies, it’s stated that changes in the price can take place up to 20 days before departure. This way, the travel companies are able to cover any increased costs. But if the costs are lowered, you’re also entitled to a deduction of the cost. This only applies to changes due to taxes, fees, exchange rates and fuel costs.
This doesn’t apply if the travel company doesn’t state in the conditions that minor changes in the price can take place. And if the travel company increases the price by more than eight percent of the total price for the trip, you have the right to cancel the trip altogether and get a full refund.
2. If what you pay for isn’t what you get
Many trips with all inclusive include excursions, events and the like. It’s not uncommon for there to be changes in the content of the trip after you’ve paid for it. Regardless of whether there are changes on site or if the changes are on the travel route itself, you’re entitled to a price deduction if the trip ends up in a worse standard because of the changes. How much you can deduct depends on the changes. You simply receive a deduction that’s equal to the cost of the changes.
If there are changes made that leaves you with extra costs, you may be able to claim damages from the travel company. And if the changes are so great that the contents of the trip doesn’t match what you’ve paid for at all, you have the right to cancel the trip and get your money back. In such cases, there’s no standard practice to say if you’ll get your claim for cancelling approved. It’s rather assessed on a case-by-case basis. Regardless, make sure to save all your receipts.
3. Should the flight in your all inclusive trip be cancelled
Sometimes it happens that the flight in your all inclusive trip is cancelled. If this happens, you should contact the travel company and not the airline in question. The travel company is obliged to rebook you on another flight. If that doesn’t work, you have the right to cancel the trip and get a full refund.
If your flight is cancelled, you might also be entitled to compensation for the time you have lost. The EU has special rules that apply to canceled flights. If you request compensation for your canceled flight, contact the airline and not the travel company.
4. If the travel company changes the date of your all inclusive trip
If the travel company changes the dates of your trip so that the trip is shorter, you’re entitled to a deduction for the days you miss. But they can also change the dates of the trip without you being entitled to compensation. This applies if it’s stated in the travel company’s terms and conditions that minor changes in dates can take place.
If the change of travel date is of great importance to you, you might have the right to cancel the trip and get a refund. This is also assessed on a case-by-case basis and you must be able to prove that the change affects you negatively in some way. You can do this by making sure to send in receipts or other documents to prove your case.