When you are going on holiday abroad holiday insurance is a must and most people are use to factoring this cost into their trip, however there are still people who simply look for the cheapest cover possible, and the issue with this is that should you need to make a claim you can be stung by extra costs or insurance companies refusing to pay out in certain circumstances state on their terms and conditions.

Here’s what to look out for when getting your travel insurance:-

ALWAYS read the full terms and conditions of any policy, it may seem like boring legal jargon but it’s important before you sign that you have read and understood exactly what you are covered for.

Ensure that you are covered from the start of your journey right up to when you return home, most claims are made in the actually travel part of the journey rather than the main body of the holiday.

Ensure that your insurance covers a suitable amount for lost luggage or damage to your property during transport.

Check the excess that you would need to pay out on a claim is not too high, high excess will bring down the initial cost of the insurance but is not worth it if it’s too high to bother making a claim on.

There’s nothing more frustrating than checking into a hotel for the start of a great holiday to find that the room that you have been allocated is not up to scratch.

Some people to avoid confrontation will simple put up with this and just make a note not to stay in the hotel again but I really feel that if you are paying for a product and a certain level of services that is what you are entitled to and you should raise any issues you have to avoid ruining your holiday.

The first thing to do if there is a few minor issues, such as cleanliness issues or not enough of something in the room, is to go to reception and tell them which room you’re are in and what is needed. Be honest with them, if you are not happy in the room that you are in ask to switch rooms and state what you require in the room (as per what you paid for on booking).

If the hotel is not being particularly helpful then ask to speak to a manager and tell them, calmly but firmly that if the issues cannot be resolved and the room that you have been given is either not fit for purpose or not as it was advertised then you will be going elsewhere and not paying for the room. If the hotel tries to levy any charges on you for doing this simply explain that you would be happy to go to trading standards with your complaints or publicise on social media/trip advisor if they would rather.

Even the most difficult hotel staff won’t want the bad publicity so sometimes this can just get you the resolution you were after.

If you have children (especially younger children) you will always have to consider the location and accommodation that you are choosing to stay in when going away a little more than perhaps you would if you were going with friends or as a couple. There are many family friendly holiday destinations all over the world, some are designed with children very much in the forefront such as Butlins and some that just offer a little more in the way of convenience or family entertainment.

One of my main pieces of advice when booking a family holiday is to go off recommendations or reviews. A place can appear very suitable on the surface, but often the experience can be a little different. If you ave any doubts always talk to the accommodation providers first and explain your situation, ask them what they have in terms of facilities and entertainment and if there are any restrictions concerning children (such as not being allowed in the bar or restaurant after a certain time).