I normally book our summer holiday in January, but feel a bit worried about it this year, would it be best to book with an actual travel agent rather than do it all myself, for added protection?

[Aimsmum]

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paying by credit card means they will refund your money if the worst happens (although I would double check with your credit card first)

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agree pay by credit card or if using net for it some companies are atol/abta bonded which again gives some protection

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If you book yourself rather than with a travel agent , even if you use a credit card you are only protected for the part of you holiday that has gone bust. So if you booked an Easy jet flight to spain and then a hotel with Expedia , and Easy jet went bust you would still be responsible for the cost of your hotel even if you could no longer get there.If you book a full package with a travel agent you are protected for all of it. I know how you feel , we usually make independent arrangements ourselves and I think I might go for a travel agent instead this year.

atol would only cover the flight part of a non package holiday, not other consequential losses such as accommodation , car hire etc. Whether booked by yourself or an agent as separate elements

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You could also look into travel insurance - I think some of them cover you for the hotel etc if your airline goes bust

but even with a travel agent unless it is a package holiday you won't have the full cover.

Travel agents have really raised their game now too, obviously they have to in the face of diy internet holidays.

Unless you are fussy I'd wait until very last minute.