ATOL & Travel Advice
Flights
In the age of the internet and access to information at the touch of a button, at Golf Escapes we find that more and more of our valued clients prefer to book their own flights directly with European low-cost carriers. Therefore, with a huge range of choice, ranging from flight times and airports all over the UK offering options to most of our destinations, our packages offered on this website do not include flights unless specifically stated.
However, quality service and convenience to our clients is key here at Golf Escapes and we can happily add flights to your package with almost all airlines at the time of booking if you want a golf holiday including flights. This is particularly popular for our long-haul packages as it takes away the hassle of coordinating all the moving parts and options.
The vital thing to note here is that all flights booked through Golf Escapes are fully ATOL bonded and protected for your peace of mind, and this is always an important consideration for family and group bookings as this protects every element of the booking when an ATOL certificate is issued. The Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (abbreviated to ATOL) has operated since 1973 and was formed by the UK Government to create a financial protection scheme that covers you when you book a holiday with a UK ATOL holder. With this cover, in the event that a company ceases trading (ie becomes insolvent, is placed into administration etc), the ATOL protects you from losing money and offers assistance whilst you’re abroad. For more information on how you’re protected, please visit our How safe is your holiday page.
Current Travel Advice
Due to the nature of travel we always advise that you seek the latest information from a credible source, this includes such, and this includes such as the validity of your passport and travel insurance, etc. Below are some links that we suggest you take note for future reference.
Passports
There is a gov.uk page where you can check passport details: https://www.passport.service.gov.uk/check-a-passport and an easy validity checker can be found at https://mybritishpassport.com/uk-passport-checker/
Driving Licences
You may or may not need an International Driving Permit, so it is always best to check requirements, whether you are taking your own car, or hiring a car overseas. Please refer to the following website for further advice: https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad.
Health and Travel Insurance
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) allows any EU citizen to access state medical care (on the same basis as a resident of that country) when they are travelling in another EU country. If you don’t have your EHIC with you or you’ve lost it, you can call the Department of Health Overseas Healthcare Team (+44 191 218 1999) to get a Provisional Replacement Certificate.
The UK GHIC has replaced the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you have an existing EHIC you can continue to use it until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a UK GHIC to replace it. You can apply for a new card up to 9 months before your current card expires.
A UK GHIC is free and lasts for up to 5 years. Apply for your new card through the NHS website only. Avoid unofficial websites – they may charge you a fee to apply. Full details can be found at the official NHS link here.
Whether you are travelling in the UK or beyond, you should still take out comprehensive travel insurance and check that it covers your current circumstances, including any medical conditions. If you have an annual policy, make sure you check the Terms and Conditions and contact your insurance provider if you’re not sure of any details.
Whenever you are travelling, you should have travel insurance that includes coverage for emergency medical treatment and associated costs. The existing EHIC arrangements are not an alternative to travel insurance, as some health-related costs including medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment, and non-urgent treatment etc, are not covered.
Data Roaming
Since the UK left the EU, the “roam like at home” regime doesn’t apply to travel to the UK. However, some operators have chosen to continue offering the benefits of “roam like at home” to UK customers.
You should always check with your operator before traveling from the UK.
Local Travel Risk and Official Advice
We will always do our best to keep you updated, but would always recommend that you refer to the relevant country on the Foreign Travel Advice page including the latest information on safety, security, entry requirements, and travel warnings for full details on visa requirements and all other aspects of travel please visit – Foreign Travel Advice.
Visa and Vaccinations – Have you checked if you need a visa or any vaccinations for the destination you are visiting? Please check on the above website.
Passenger Locator Form Requirements – Have you checked if you need to fill in a passenger locator form for the destination you are visiting? Please visit gov.uk for more information.
