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Original poster

I've messed up BIG time regarding our holiday....

177 replies

GhostPrincess · 27/07/2025 20:32

Family are going away on a UK break. Our caravan on a park. (Vardent leisure...never used them before)

I've majorly fucked up. I was sure we had booked to go on Monday (tomorrow!!!) DH asked me to check what time we can arrive on site and I've noticed we were meant to arrive today!!

I have tried calling... reception closed at 5pm.
I've emailed and said we would be arriving tomorrow and asked them to call me.
I plan on calling them when phone lines open at 8:30am.

The terms and conditions state: that if they don't hear from you then any accommodation or pitches not claimed by 8am the day after holiday was due to start will be given away.

I am hoping that the email will count as me claiming the pitch and informing them.
The only other thing we can do is try get there for 8am...but that would mean leaving at 3am!!!

I can't call them before 8am as the phone lines don't open until 8:30.

I am ready to cry that I've ruined everyone's holiday.

OP posts:
Ellmau · 28/07/2025 07:28

Best of luck today!

TokyoSushi · 28/07/2025 07:34

I think it’ll be fine. It’s highly unlikely that the pitch ‘auto cancels’ at 8am, it’s probably somebody’s job when they arrive to look at the no shows and cancel them then. If it doesn’t open until 8:30, you’ve already sent them and email and phone them the minute it opens you should be ok!

Good luck!

VeryStressedMum · 28/07/2025 07:38

Thejackrussellsrule · 27/07/2025 21:14

To make you feel better, I once forgot the kids passports and didn't realise until check in, we were 3.5 hours from home and we were going on a cruise, so getting there the following day was no good. We did manage to pull it out of the bag and get there, but it's become one of those family tales. This is what yours will be, honestly, you'll laugh one day!

@Thejackrussellsrule how did you sort it in the end?

metellaestinatrio · 28/07/2025 07:38

Justletmemoveon · 27/07/2025 21:51

Op if it makes you feel any better we’ve got a road trip in the US coming up mid-August and I realised 3 weeks ago that my driving licence expired months ago, and I realised 1 week ago that I need a credit card for the car hire (haven’t had one for 20 years). Just didn’t read the small print properly. Have obvs applied for both now, but it’s cutting it fine… my kids’ first long haul holiday and my first big trip post-divorce, and I’ve mucked up 😩. So I feel your pain and hopefully all fine for you (and me) 🙏

I did the same with the driving licence last year - realised my photo card had expired months before when booking holiday hire car! I renewed it online and it came through really quickly - hope yours does too.

PinkyFlamingo · 28/07/2025 07:52

These things happen. Hope it all works out

RocketLollyPolly · 28/07/2025 07:53

I’m so surprised at the number of people suggesting you drive through the night.

You’ve emailed them, left a message and will call as soon as they open. I would have made up a story about an unavoidable delay in setting off. But admitting your mistake and apologising is a good call too.

Sites will make some of their money from pitch fees and some from the money spent on site. So an empty pitch, even if it’s paid for, will be losing them money. Which is why the want the option to resell it on if people book and don’t turn up. But you are turning up.

I full expect you’ll speak to them when they open and they tell you not to worry. Safe travels and happy holidays.

spoonbillstretford · 28/07/2025 07:58

I think you will be fine, they will probably be wondering where you are when they check but not thinking immediately that they'll give the pitch away. It's just in the ts and cs that they can relet it if they want to. Give them a call at 8.30 while you are on your way.

Smugzebra · 28/07/2025 07:59

Hope it works out ok.
Not sure why there are so many suggestions to drive through the night?!! Why??
The chances of them giving away the pitch are miniscule. There would have to be someone who, yesterday evening, was calling to beg for a pitch at the very last second... Can't imagine that anyone would do that. Does anyone leave their holiday booking until the very same day and try their luck incase someone randomly hasn't showed up? I doubt it. Plus if they were closed for the day anyway....

Just give em a call this morning to double check (they'll likely confirm all is well) and go at whatever time you were planning on going....

PS... This is totally something I would do and it has made me go and double check the dates for our holiday 😉

user1476613140 · 28/07/2025 08:13

Totally invested in this...how did you get on?

snowmichael · 28/07/2025 08:22

GhostPrincess · 27/07/2025 20:33

The exact wording in t&c is:

Check-in times are subject to change. We ask that you vacate your Accommodation or Glamping Pod by 10.00am or Touring Pitch, Camping Pod by 12noon on your day of departure. You are welcome to arrive before your allocated check-in time and enjoy the park facilities until your accommodation or pitch is ready. If you expect to arrive after 6.00pm, please contact us to arrange key collection. For non-arrivals, unless the Holidays Team is previously notified, when the accommodation or a pitch is unclaimed by 8.00am on the day following your holiday start date, this will be treated as a cancelled booking and the accommodation or pitch may be re-let.

> For non-arrivals, unless the Holidays Team is previously notified

You've notified them, and as it's email, you have proof of that
Ring them before 8 and leave a message as well telling them your anticipated arrival time
You haven't messed up the holiday, all you've done is pay for one extra night that you didn't use

Original poster
GhostPrincess · 28/07/2025 08:30

user1476613140 · 28/07/2025 08:13

Totally invested in this...how did you get on?

Currently trying to get through to them... Phone lines open at 8:30. We are en route.

You cannot book online at such short notice which is reassuring.

OP posts:
Clearinguptheclutter · 28/07/2025 08:36

I honestly think it will be fine. You did inform them yesterday. If any doubt claim a family emergency or something. Keep up posted.

Original poster
GhostPrincess · 28/07/2025 08:39

Ok update.... Got through to the head booking office. Turns out the park phone lines don't open until 9:00am.

She was lovely, she's put a note on the booking and is going to call the park when they open to inform them.

Currently breathing a slight sigh of relief.... But will relax fully when we're on the pitch.

Thank you everyone for trying to keep me sane....lol

OP posts:
Dangermoo · 28/07/2025 08:52

user1476613140 · 28/07/2025 08:13

Totally invested in this...how did you get on?

Yes, I'd like to know as well, when you're settled

sorry, just saw update @GhostPrincess

Dangermoo · 28/07/2025 08:53

GhostPrincess · 28/07/2025 08:39

Ok update.... Got through to the head booking office. Turns out the park phone lines don't open until 9:00am.

She was lovely, she's put a note on the booking and is going to call the park when they open to inform them.

Currently breathing a slight sigh of relief.... But will relax fully when we're on the pitch.

Thank you everyone for trying to keep me sane....lol

Yes! Brilliant x

elliesmummy19 · 28/07/2025 08:58

I’ve been so invested too. That’s a good update, OP! Good luck! I’m sure everything will be fine. Enjoy your holiday!

ConnieHeart · 28/07/2025 09:01

At least it wasn't the other way round...arriving on Sunday to find you'd booked for Monday!

Have a great time 😊

Original poster
GhostPrincess · 28/07/2025 09:11

Got through to the actual holiday park....they are now aware and no problems. Said they will see us when we get there.

Feeling a lot better now.

OP posts:
Gcsunnyside23 · 28/07/2025 09:14

Ah that's brilliant, have a great holiday

Saltandpeppersquid · 28/07/2025 09:14

I’m genuinely relieved for you OP, I was feeling stressed on your behalf! It’s exactly the sort of mistake I would have made. Have a lovely holiday!

Brody77 · 28/07/2025 09:14

Well done! Enjoy the holiday Brew

TesChique · 28/07/2025 09:23

GhostPrincess · 28/07/2025 09:11

Got through to the actual holiday park....they are now aware and no problems. Said they will see us when we get there.

Feeling a lot better now.

aaaaaand breathe :)

Have a lovely holiday!

ChompandaGrazia · 28/07/2025 09:25

Yay. It’s easy sitting at home to say there is no reason to panic but so many of us have had those moments when you realise something like this and your blood drains to your boots. I completely understand your panic.

DaxieTaxi · 28/07/2025 09:28

I came back to this thread to find out if all was well. Delighted you're ok and your holiday will be saved. Have a wonderful time!

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 28/07/2025 09:32

Great news - well done Op!

Could happen to anyone.

Hope you didn’t have too much of an anxious night.