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Holiday
Information
At Latitude, we are committed to exceptional service every step of the way. Our staff have visited all the properties we sell and our Personal Travel Advisors are there to arrange your holiday exactly how you would like it. Featuring only the best hotels worldwide, each offering a fabulous concierge service, we are confident that your every need will be taken care of.
On the following pages we include important information to help you make an informed decision about your holiday.
On this website
Hotel descriptions
The hotels on this website are widely acknowledged as the best in the world. We have taken great care to describe them accurately and include as much detail as we can. Our staff and agents regularly visit the hotels. If you should need additional or more specific information, we will be happy to provide details.
Destination maps
Destination maps are for guidance only. They are not to scale and do not show the precise location of your hotel.
Holiday prices
What the price includes
The type of holiday you select, will determine what is included in the price of your arrangements. Prices are based on either a pre-arranged holiday package, or individual components (such as accommodation only or rail journeys) - please refer to the descriptions on our website for details. Where prices are based on individual components, this allows you to tailor make the holiday to suit your needs. 'From' prices are a guide only and are subject to availability and change. The following information gives a summary of what prices include.
Package Holidays
.Accommodation - For hotels, the price applies to each of the two adults sharing a room. Supplements are determined by the date the property is occupied, and not the departure date (unless otherwise stated).
.Meals - Accommodation is based on a room only basis unless otherwise stated. If you book full board you will be provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner; half board usually means breakfast and dinner
.Return Flights - from the UK to your chosen destination. Please note that the 'from' prices we show for Scheduled flights are based upon the lowest fare available. The airlines will limit the number of seats available at these prices by flight and date of travel. If the price shown on the website is not available when you book, we will offer you the next best seat price. Supplements may apply to fly over weekends.
.Air Passenger Duty, UK Airport Taxes and security charges - Prices include current government Air Passenger Duty depending on destination/class of travel. The following duty applies (subject to change): Intra EU economy rate of £10, non-economy rate of £20. Long haul economy rate £40 and non-economy rate of £80.
.Baggage Allowance - on scheduled airlines your baggage allowance will be shown on your ticket. Baggage allowances vary according to the airline, so always check before you travel. On charter flights the allowance is a minimum of 15kgs excluding infants. Additional luggage allowance may be available at a supplement payable at the time of booking. Excess baggage charges apply if you exceed the allowance shown on your tickets.
.In flight meals - an in flight meal is included in the website price of your holiday.
.Aviation Fuel Costs - known at the time of booking (see Extra Charges - before booking).
.Charges for extra security, aircraft insurance, aviation and other associated costs.
.Transfers - return private transfers are included where stated.
Accommodation Only prices
.Accommodation - For hotels, the price applies to each of the two adults sharing a room. Supplements are determined by the date the property is occupied, and not the departure date (unless otherwise stated).
.Meals - Accommodation is based on a room only basis unless otherwise stated. If you book full board you will be provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner; half board usually means breakfast and dinner
Car Hire Component
.Unlimited mileage, local taxes and local insurance - call your Personal Travel Advisor for full details.
Rail Journeys
.Prices do not include return flights (unless stated). This allows you to combine a rail journey, with other components and flights to best suit your travel needs. For details of what is included in these arrangements, please refer to the descriptions on the website.
Assistance (included with all components)
.Services of a Latitude Representative, Local Agent or 24-hour assistance from our UK Duty Office.
What's not included in our prices
.Holiday Insurance - you MUST be insured (see Insurance section for more details).
.Regional flight supplements and cabin upgrades - where applicable
.Meal supplements - where applicable.
.Room upgrade supplements
.Optional excursions.
.Charges made by accommodation for services such as à la carte dishes, sunloungers, sporting facilities, indoor pool, telephone calls, safes, mini-bars, car parking and any other services not included in the accommodation price. There may be a charge locally for infants for use of services and facilities in the accommodation.
.Locally collected taxes.
.Accommodation Deposits - When you register, many hotels will ask you for an imprint of your credit card to cover any personal extras. If you do not have a credit card, they may ask for a large cash deposit.
.Excess baggage on coaches and aircraft - excess baggage charges will apply if you exceed your allowance and/or you take sports equipment.
.Return Transport between your destination airport and accommodation in resort is not included unless stated.
.Late booking fee - a charge will apply for all bookings made within 14 days of departure. We will make arrangements for you to collect your tickets from our airport representative on arrival, or in some cases may be able to post your documentation to you, at your request. The charge will be a minimum of £15 per booking but if special delivery is required the cost may be more.
.Credit card charges - Prices advertised in on this website apply to payment by cash or debit card. A charge will apply to payment by credit card - please ask for details
.Possible surcharges - see 'Surcharges - price increases after booking' section
Tips for families
.Airline definitions of a child in terms of age are standard: an 'infant' is under 2 and a 'child' is between 2 and 11 on the date of travel.
. A 'child' must take up a seat on an aircraft.
.An 'infant' will sit on an adult's lap for the whole of the flight and are not entitled to meals on board.
.A hotel's definition of a 'child' can and does vary; please ask your Personal Travel Advisor for details.
.If a child is sharing a room with two adults, please see the note on three people sharing in the accommodation section below.
.Certain hotels, resorts, tours and excursions may not be suitable for children or infants. You should read the website description carefully to make sure that they meet your needs. Our staff will also be able to advise you if you are still unsure.
.Any child ages you provide must be applicable to the relevant date of departure. If a child is older on the date of departure than originally specified at the time of booking, they may no longer qualify for a child price and you will have to pay the full adult fare, plus any relevant administrative fees, before the party can travel. Please check carefully with your Personal Travel Advisor before booking.
.Reduced child prices may apply for children travelling and sharing a room with two adults and flying economy class.
Adult Only Hotels
Selected hotels on this website may operate exclusively for adults - please ask for details at the time of booking. Generally hotels enforce age restrictions strictly, although there may be times when younger children are accepted and may be seen in certain areas of the hotel (for example, during private functions, wedding receptions etc). Where age restrictions apply or if hotels accept children but have a designated 'adult exclusive area' within the hotel complex, current details known by us will be advised at the time of booking. Please note, hotels reserve the right to change age limit policies.
Extra Charges - before booking
Please note carefully, as we indicate underneath the prices shown, prices include an amount to cover our current fuel charges known at the time our Latitude brochure is produced. You should be aware that these charges and costs may change between date of publication of this and the time of travel. We reserve the right to alter prices and introduce fuel supplements where changes in fuel costs occur. Furthermore, although we have included in our prices an extra charge to cover aviation, security, aircraft insurance and other associated costs, you should be aware that these charges and costs may change between the date of publication of the Latitude brochure and the time of travel. Since all these costs are beyond our control and subject to further changes, we reserve the right to pass on any additional charges to you and they will be added and shown separately at the time of booking. We reserve the right to change prices, prices can go up or down. Please therefore check carefully the total costing, including any additional charges, with your Personal Travel Advisor before you book.
Surcharges - Price Increases after booking
Changes in transportation costs, including the cost of fuel, dues, taxes or fees chargeable for services such as landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports and exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked. However there will be no change within 30 days of your departure.
We will absorb and you will not be charged for any increase equivalent to 2% of the price of your travel arrangements, which excludes insurance premiums and any amendment charges. You will be charged for the amount over and above that, plus an administration charge of £1.00 per person together with an amount to cover agents' commission. If this means that you have to pay an increase of more than 10% of the price of your travel arrangements, you will have the option of accepting a change to another holiday if we are able to offer one (if this is of equivalent or higher quality you will not have to pay more but if it is of lower quality you will be refunded the difference in price), or cancelling and receiving a full refund of all monies paid, except for any amendment charges.
We will consider an appropriate refund of insurance premiums paid if you can show that you are unable to transfer or reuse your policy. Should you decide to cancel for this reason, you must exercise your right to do so within 14 days from the issue date printed on your final invoice.
Should the price of your holiday go down due to the changes mentioned above, by more than 2% of your holiday cost, then any refund due will be paid to you. However, please note that travel arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your travel due to contractual and other protection in place.
The price of your holiday was calculated using exchange rates quoted in the "Financial Times Guide to World Currencies" on 2/3/2007 in relation to the following currencies: US Dollar 1.9443, Euro 1.4761.
Promotional Publications
On occasions, we may make special offers on holidays at properties/tours which are featured on this website. These special offers may for example be made in a series of one-off or promotional publications. The special offer packages may not be identical to the packages featured on this website. For further details please contact your Personal Travel Advisor or us and also refer to terms and conditions that are contained in all special offer literature that is produced.
Before you book
Exclusively for you
We have negotiated some excellent offers for your benefit. Certain conditions may apply to these and you will be advised when you book. Some offers must be booked when you make your reservation; others are subject to availability on arrival at your hotel but must still be requested when you book your holiday. Some offers cannot be combined. If you are at all unsure please call us for clarification.
Weddings
Please ask for full details of the necessary documents and applicable regulations when confirming your holiday.
Honeymoons, Anniversaries & Birthdays
Many hotels offer honeymooners and guests celebrating anniversaries and birthdays special treats such as fruit, wine, champagne, flowers, candle-lit dinners, or free room upgrades (see also 'room upgrades' below). Where available, please note that the hotel may ask you to produce a marriage certificate in order to benefit from the honeymoon/anniversary offers.
Room upgrades
Where applicable and unless otherwise stated, offers of room upgrades shown on the website will be determined by availability when you travel and your room will be allocated on arrival at the accommodation. If your room is upgraded, please note that this will not necessarily be to the next highest category featured in our website as we do not sell all room types at all hotels.
Tropical hazards
Sun: The sun should be treated with respect - the more so the closer you get to the tropics, and especially in the winter, when your skin's completely unprepared. Make sure you take enough sun lotion with you - it can be hard to find locally - use it, and go easy on the sunbathing, particularly in the first few days. Watch out for signs of burning, heat exhaustion or sunstroke (reddening skin, sleepy, dizziness, headaches) and make sure you drink lots of (non-alcoholic) fluids to avoid dehydration.
Weather & Natural Disasters: Destinations featured on this website may be affected by weather patterns such as tropical storms, monsoons, hurricanes, cyclones, typhoons, flooding and also seismic activity causing earthquakes and tidal waves. An example of which is the 'hurricane 'season, which affects the Atlantic, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico and is generally considered to be between June and November. This is just one example and different weather patterns occur at different times of the year, their impact on destinations can and does vary. Its not possible for us to publish detailed information on weather patterns for each destination on our website, and weather advice can frequently change, we recommend you check the latest FCO Travel Advice for your destination. Visit www.fco.gov.uk/travel for information.
When a storm or natural disaster occurs, travel and accommodation arrangements may be significantly disrupted. It is extremely difficult to predict with accuracy the actual path, duration or effect severe weather patterns and seismic activity may have and the effects of actual or threatened bad weather and natural disasters are beyond our control (please refer to our booking conditions, section "Circumstances Beyond Our Control" for details of our responsibility to you in these circumstances).
If a storm or natural disaster is forecast to affect one of our destinations, we work with local and international authorities, our Health and Safety / resort teams and local agents to try to minimise disruption and keep you well informed. It may be that an evacuation of your resort, or a delay or cancellation of your flight to or from the resort may be necessary. In the event of changes to your holiday due to actual or threatened bad weather, we are not able to offer any compensation.
Climate Information: In some of our destination information pages on our website, we include general climate information. Where this is shown this is usually based on information from the Met Office for a major city or airport in the area, but this can be some distance from specific cities and resorts we feature. The information is subject to change and you should monitor the latest local and international weather updates issued by the Met Office and available on their website: www.metoffice.gov.uk
Health precautions & Travel Advice
Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide. You should take health advice about your specific needs as early as possible. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, www.hpa.org.uk and www.nathnac.org.uk your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
Please note you are strongly advised against scuba diving for 24 hours before travelling by air.
Whilst many Western European and North American destinations currently have no compulsory inoculation requirements, advice about destinations can change. Customers travelling to worldwide destinations are recommended to seek advice from the sources mentioned above and, where recommended, obtain vaccinations or tablets for protection against, for example: Malaria, Hepatitis A, Polio, Typhoid and Dengue Fever. In some cases, treatments for Malaria should begin well in advance of travel.
Biting insects (including mosquitoes) are common in many countries, and they can spread disease. Insect repellents, especially those containing DEET, can be useful in helping to prevent bites. You can also reduce the risk of bites by wearing clothes that cover your skin, including your arms and legs, especially during the evening and at night.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Travel Advice Unit may have issued information about your holiday destination. You are advised to check this information by calling 0845 850 2829 or visit the FCO website: www.fco.gov.uk/. Alternatively, you can contact the ABTA Information Department on 0901 201 5050 (calls charged at 50p/minute).
Disabled travellers
The majority of overseas accommodation, overseas transport (including transfers) and other holiday services provided overseas are not equipped to cater for the needs of many disabled holidaymakers. Furthermore the natural terrain and the layout of some resorts can sometimes make life difficult for wheelchair users.
It is therefore important, if you have any disability, that the appropriate enquiries are made about the suitability of particular accommodation, resorts, transport and services, and that you are fully satisfied you have made the correct choice before you book and confirm your holiday. Please note: if special arrangements need to be made for you an extra charge may have to be levied, this may be the case either before you go or when you arrive in resort. We cannot be held responsible if you fail to tell us about special needs/requirements that will affect your holiday experience and this means we will not compensate you. We therefore recommend that you make us aware of your particular requirements, before a booking is made, so we can provide you with details to allow you to make a decision. Please contact your Personal Travel Advisor on 0870 443 4483 for further details.
Passports and visas
The following information applies to British Citizens holding a UK passport issued in the UK. Non-British Citizen passport holders or British Citizens holding a UK Passport issued abroad should contact the appropriate consulate or embassy for clarification.
Please note that both passport and visa regulations can change and you should therefore check with your travel agent or the relevant embassy well in advance of travel. It can often take some time to obtain a visa, so you are advised to apply in plenty of time.
Your responsibility: It is your responsibility to ensure you have a valid, acceptable passport and any required visa or any other documentation for the travel you are to undertake - you must be able to meet the entry requirements for both your final destinations and any stop-off points en-route. If you do not have the correct documentation you may be refused carriage by the airline or entry into any country. Where entry is refused, fines or other financial penalties will be imposed on or by the airline and you will be required to return to the country of departure immediately. If you travel without the required documentation you are solely responsible for, and must immediately pay, all fines, surcharges, other financial penalties, costs (including the cost of your immediate return flight) and any other sums of any description which are incurred or imposed by the airline or incurred by ourselves. This will be the case regardless of whether the lack of correct documentation is spotted at the departure airport. We can accept no liability in this situation and no compensation, expenses, refund or other sum will be paid.
Validity: A valid passport is essential when you travel abroad. Although your passport has been issued for 10 years (five years for children) you should note that some overseas countries have an immigration requirement for a passport to remain valid for a minimum period after the date of entry to that country (typically six months). If your passport is in its final year of validity, you are advised to check the requirements of the destination before you make your final travel plans.
Passports
Apply early: If you need to apply for a passport or renew an expired passport, you should do so well in advance of travel and at least four weeks before. (If you are 16 or over and have never had a passport in your own name, you should apply for one at least six weeks before your holiday. The UK passport service has to confirm your identity before issuing your first passport and will ask you to attend an interview in order to protect your identity). Visit www.ips.gov.uk
Names: At the time of booking, please ensure you supply your first name and surname as they appear on your passport, as both of these must be stated on your flight ticket. This will reduce confusion and delays at check-in, especially when travelling to the USA. It is anticipated that travellers could face more queries and delays as more countries introduce Advanced Passenger Information systems (see next column). You may not be able to travel and insurance may be invalid if the name on your passport and travel documents don't match.
If after booking a holiday but before travelling, any member of your party changes their name, e.g. as a result of getting married, we must be notified immediately so that we can make the necessary changes to your holiday documentation.
Children: All children must now hold their own passport for travel to the USA.
How to contact the Passport Agency
Further information from the UK Passport Agency can be obtained through the following means:
Telephone: 0870 521 0410(Calls charged at national rate)
Website: www.ukpa.gov.uk
Faxback information line: 0901 4700 130
Application forms can be requested by phone or fax:
Telephone: 0901 4700 110 Fax - 0901 4700 120
Country-specific passport requirements
USA entry requirements
British passport holders travelling to the USA (or via the USA) are required to have either individual machine-readable passports or biometric passports. (If you need to check your passport we recommend you contact the UK Passport Office). Families will be required to obtain individual passports for each traveller including all children. If you have a machine readable or Biometric passport you should be able to qualify for travel (of up to 90 days) without a visa, under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP). That is, provided no one in your party has ever been arrested (even if not convicted), or if suffering from a serious communicable disease (visit: www.usembassy.org.uk for details of all restrictions). For passengers with a passport issued prior to 1998, or holding a non-British Passport, or, if you are unsure whether you qualify for travel under the VWP please consult the Identity & Passport Service or US Embassy.
Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS): If you are travelling to the USA, please note that Tour Operators and Airlines are required to provide details of the full address of your destination accommodation and country of residence to the US authorities. This is in addition to the Visa Waiver form. Please contact us for further details to ensure your entry to the USA is not delayed or refused.
Your flight
Scheduled Flights
Scheduled flights are based on pre-determined schedules set by airlines and may have intermediate stops or require connecting flights, although some scheduled airlines work in partnership with other airlines to give more choice and better onward connections. Whilst the flight information provided to you is as accurate as possible at the time of booking, airlines do regularly review flight arrangements to ensure flights serve customers in the best possible way. This occasionally does cause disruption and changes to flight times - where significant, these changes will be advised to you before you travel. The right is reserved to substitute alternative airlines and/or aircraft at any time. All bookings are subject to the grant of licenses by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Long haul flights
Time differences from the UK to the Tropics mean that your flight will arrive up to 5 or 6 hours further ahead for flights to the East and up to 5 or 6 hours behind for flights to the West. Also, flights to the West often arrive back in the UK, the day after they depart. For example: a flight departing from Barbados on a Sunday afternoon, arrives in the UK on the Monday morning. Any long haul flight is a tiring experience, although there are steps you can take to make your journey more pleasant, such as drinking plenty of water and wearing comfortable clothes. For heightened in-flight comfort, you could take a cabin upgrade, which are available on certain flights, please ask your Personal Travel Advisor for full details.
Carriage of infants (0-24 months): The minimum age Airlines allow carriage of infants does vary between airlines, please ask your travel agent or contact the airline direct for information.
Carriage of unaccompanied minors (under 16 years): Please refer to the section on 'Your Holiday Booking' in our Booking Conditions for our policy on children travelling unaccompanied.
At the Airport
Check-in
The following information is designed to help you complete the airport check-in process as quickly as possible.
If you fail to check in on time, the airline is entitled to refuse to allow you to board the flight. We cannot accept responsibility if such a situation arises and, whilst we endeavour to assist in making alternative travel arrangements to your resort, any cost or loss incurred as a result will be your responsibility.
If you fail to check in at all for your flight from the UK, we retain the right to cancel any other arrangements you have booked with us and you will be unable to use your return flight to the UK. No refund can be made for any unused arrangements.
When you arrive at the check-in desk for your flight, you will be asked for your ticket, passport and baggage. If travelling in a group, please make sure all members of your party are at the desk. Once you have checked in, you can move through to the departure lounge where you will find further information, including your departure gate number.
Important Notice: You must check-in at least 1 hour prior to departure, failure to do so could result in you being denied travel. Remember no calls will be made for your flight so please make sure that you are at the departure gate no later than 45 minutes before your departure time (60 minutes for some destinations). Passengers that are refused travel will be responsible for arranging alternative transportation at their own expense.
Most airlines permit the in-flight consumption of alcohol purchased from the on-board bar service only.
Security: Please keep your luggage with you at all times. Never carry packages or presents for anyone else. Unattended luggage will be removed and destroyed.
Emergency Exit seats: Please note, for safety reasons we are unable to allocate seats on emergency exit rows, to either disabled passengers or children.
Pregnancy: Regulations vary from airline to airline, but some will refuse to carry women who will be 28 weeks or more pregnant on the date of return travel. If you are in doubt, please check with the airline concerned. We recommend that you also consult your own doctor.
Fitness to fly: You may need permission to fly from your doctor if you suffer from certain medical conditions, which may mean you also require assistance from the airline. Should you have any concerns about your fitness to fly please contact your airline.
Baggage delays: Although handling arrangements at UK departure points are excellent, there are occasions when your baggage may be delayed. However, if the recommended insurance is taken, you are covered for emergency purchases.
Sporting Equipment: Most airlines can accept most types of sports equipment - charges apply. All such items will travel on a weight and space-permitting basis only. You should also have insurance for these items.
Carriage of Golf Clubs: If you are planning to take golf clubs, please advise your Personal Travel Advisor who will contact the relevant airline at the time of booking, and provide you with details of prices. Golf clubs must be secured in their bag, and as above, carriage will be subject to availability. It is in your interest to have your golf clubs insured. We advise that all courses require official proof of handicap.
Hand Baggage: The check-in agent at the airport will ask you to show your hand baggage. Only one item of hand baggage is permitted. The low dose X-Ray machines used at UK airports to examine hand luggage will not affect photographic film. Hold baggage is subject to a higher dose X-Ray inspection and we suggest therefore that you pack your film in your hand luggage. Items such as knives, scissors, tweezers and laser pointers may not be carried as hand luggage. These should be carried as hold baggage only. Any such items or sharp objects will be confiscated if packed in your hand luggage. For full details of items permitted on board, please check with the airline you are flying with.
Hold Baggage: Your hold baggage must not exceed the stated allowance on your ticket. A charge will be made if the stated allowance is exceeded. Baggage allowances range from 15kg up to 30kg. Individual items of luggage must not exceed 30kg for lifting purposes.
Flights to/from USA - authorities in USA prohibit carriage of butane lighters on board any aircraft operating to/from the USA, in hold or hand baggage or on their person.
Medical Equipment: If you are carrying medical/mobility equipment, you must ensure that you have adequate insurance to cover the items for possible loss or damage.
Valuables: Please remember to pack any valuables including money, credit cards, jewellery, keys and camera equipment in your hand luggage and not in your suitcase.
In flight safety
Safety: the safety and welfare of passengers is of paramount importance. While airlines wish to create a genuine holiday mood, they will deny boarding or impose additional conditions of carriage on any passenger who:
.is intoxicated and or disruptive.
.found to be smoking on board the aircraft.
.makes an inappropriate remark. Inappropriate remarks are considered as any comment or statement made by a person, which indicates they may be carrying a bomb (or other such explosive device), a firearm or weapon regardless of that person's intent or reason for making the comment or statement.
Although we want you to start and end your holiday on a high note, please make sure that you keep any drinking to a minimum before the departure of your flight. Airlines will deny boarding to any passenger who appears to be intoxicated or whose behaviour we consider to be disruptive. Passengers that are refused travel will be responsible for arranging alternative transportation at their own expense.
We realise that some larger passengers, due to their size, often find that aircraft seat width is insufficient for their needs. For your own safety and comfort and that of other passengers, you must advise your Personal Travel Advisor at the time of booking if you know or are unsure as to whether the seat size on the aircraft will be sufficient for your needs. If you do require additional space, then subject to availability, you can purchase more than one seat located side by side or if you prefer, a wider seat in an upgraded class (where applicable). We regret however, that due to additional costs incurred by us, you will have to pay the full cost of all seats required by you, plus any upgrade supplement per seat. If you are purchasing extra seats due to your size, please advise us.
Smoking: please note that whatever airline you fly with, all UK airlines have a strict no-smoking policy throughout the aircraft.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition where blood clots develop in the deep veins of the legs. Prolonged immobility is generally thought to be the common underlying risk factor, and thus any travel involving prolonged immobility can result in developing a DVT. A wide range of advice is available on DVT - you are strongly recommended to obtain advice that will include information on those people most at risk of DVT and how to reduce risks when flying. Most passengers can reduce risks through keeping circulation active by practicing in-seat exercises, especially leg exercises, and walking around the aircraft whenever possible. Most airlines provide details of suitable exercises you can do and other measures you can take to reduce risks within their in-flight magazines or during in-flight videos. More comprehensive advice can be found on the UK Department of Health's website (www.dh.gov.uk) but if you believe you are at a higher risk or have any concerns about the risks or doubts about flying, you must consult your GP before you travel.
Seat Pitch: We advise that the distance between the back support cushion of your flight seat and the back of the seat or other fixed structure in front of your seat will not be less than the minimum stated in the UK Civil Aviation Authority's Airworthiness Notice No.64, issue 2 of the 29th October 2001 (26 inches).
Cabin Upgrades
We can usually offer you a choice of airlines and a choice of seat classes or upgrade options on each airline. Please ask your Personal Travel Advisors for details.
Flight Routing: a direct flight may touch down en-route for re-fuelling, or to pick up and/or drop off passengers. In these instances you are not normally required to disembark and the flight is still considered to be a direct flight. A non-direct flight may require a change of aircraft en-route while a non-stop flight will take you directly to your final destination airport without stopping.
Code sharing
Some airlines now work in partnership with one another and sell seats on each other's planes to enable more choice and better onward connections. This means that your flight may be with a different company to the one you expect.
Airline (Operating Carrier) Information
In accordance with EU Regulations we are required to advise you of the operating carrier(s) (or, if the operating carrier(s) is not known, the likely carrier(s)) that will operate your flight(s) at the time of booking. Where we are only able to inform you of the likely carrier(s) at the time of booking, we will inform you of the identity of the operating carrier(s) as soon as we become aware of this. Any change to the operating carrier(s) after your booking has been confirmed will be notified to you as soon as possible.
Any change in the identity of the airline, flight timings and/or aircraft type will not entitle you to cancel or change to other flight arrangements without paying our normal charges except where specified in our conditions.
Your Accommodation
Accommodation can, at times, have a lively atmosphere, and facilities and entertainment may vary according to the mix and ages of guests in residence.
Hotel chains: sometimes hotels change the name of the chain through which they are marketed. If such a change occurs at your hotel you will only be advised if we believe it involves a significant change in facilities or standards.
Room Types When we mention room types on our website, in most cases you can expect to receive a room similar to that described below. Please note however that whilst room categories in different hotels may have the same or similar names, the criteria for their classification is likely to differ, as these are the names the hotels use and they do not have standard definitions.
Room Configuration
Hotels etc: most American hotel rooms are equipped with two queen size double beds, have air conditioning, private en-suite bathroom with shower and bath and colour TV. These rooms can sleep up to four adults but most will allow extra rollaway beds to be put in the room, if required, for which there is a local charge of $5-$25 per night.Compulsory telephone charges may also be levied for the facility of unlimited telephone calls.
Suites/Junior Suites/Villas: A Suite and Junior Suite usually contain a lounge/living area. A Suite is likely to contain a separate sleeping area whereas a Junior Suite the sleeping area may not be completely separate. Room layouts can vary by destination. Our descriptions of Suites/Junior Suites and Villas usually state the number of persons who can occupy the room type (e.g. 2-4 persons). If there are less than the maximum number of persons in your own party, the room type may contain less than the maximum number of beds. Children paying less than the full cost do not count towards occupancy of the suites/junior suites or villas.
A 'double' is a room with a double bed. A 'Twin' is a room with two single beds. A 'single' or 'Twin for sole use' is a room with one or two single beds. A double bed may be two single beds with double bedding.
Some hotels have rooms which sleep up to 4 persons. Room layout may consist of up to 4 separate beds or a combination of double, twin, camp beds, sofa beds or rollaway beds. In some hotels 3rd and 4th beds may be only suitable for a child, but in other hotels there may be a reduction available if 4 adults share the room. Rooms for up to 4 persons may not be any larger than standard twin or double rooms so space is likely to limited and the room may be cramped.
Though we will do our best to help, please note that we cannot guarantee the room configuration or type of beds that you will be provided with.
Views: If you would like a specific view, please be aware that rooms described as having a pool or sea view may not have a full pool or full sea view because of plants or buildings blocking the view.
Single Supplements
If a single person occupies a double room they will usually be asked to pay extra (a single supplement). Hotels price their rooms as doubles and they do not reduce the rates if they are occupied by a single person. The costs to the hotel of providing the room - heating, lighting, cleaning etc. are the same regardless of how many people occupy that room.
Hotel design may mean that single rooms are smaller and may have different facilities to standard rooms. While there is normally a supplement for these rooms the overall cost will usually be less than when a single person occupies a double room.
The prices we charge reflect the costs of under occupancy of the rooms contracted to us by the hotel, we do not mark up these supplements.
Pre-paid meals
Pre-paid meal plans generally offer a good choice and many hotels have recently started to offer extra items within these menus for an extra charge (for example, lobster, prime rib, specialist local dishes and so on). Pre-paid meal plans are not available at all hotels.
. Half board generally includes American, continental or buffet breakfast and table d'hôte (a set menu with a limited number of dishes) or buffet dinner. Some hotels restrict the restaurants you are entitled to dine in when staying on a half-board basis, and the menu is often limited. The exact conditions relevant to your hotel will be detailed on your invoice.
. Full board is as half board plus a table d'hôte or buffet lunch.
. All-inclusive differs from property to property, so we define it for each relevant hotel. If breakfast is included, this will be American, continental or buffet (unless our description says otherwise). If lunch, dinner or both are included, this will generally be table d'hôte or a buffet.
How many nights are spent in your accommodation?
Your accommodation is usually reserved for you from 12.00 noon (from 4pm in some areas) on the day of your departure from the UK. However, at some larger hotels, delays may occur with check-in whilst your room is prepared for you. For night flights departing between 0001 and 0400 hours, the day of departure is deemed to be the previous day. In some cases, depending on your flight times, you may arrive in the early hours or during the course of the morning. Your accommodation should be immediately available to you, and in this case this is classed as the first night of your holiday. Rooms are normally vacated at the internationally recognised time of 12.00 noon on the last day of the holiday. However, there are some areas where a 10am vacating time is operated. On occasions there may be several hours to wait before the departure of your flight home. In such cases a room may be made available for changing and storing luggage. Sometimes hotels will let you keep your room but they are entitled to make a charge. This is not normally possible with apartments. If you are on Half Board, Full Board or All Inclusive it is possible that you may lose a meal owing to your own particular flight times.
Air conditioning
Some properties have individual air conditioners located in either the bedroom or the living area, allowing you to adjust the atmosphere to your own liking. In some descriptions we have indicated that there is centrally-controlled air conditioning. This means it is operated at the discretion of the management, both in bedrooms and public areas. In such cases air conditioning may be restricted to particular times of the day and to the hottest months of the summer. It may be that only cool air is provided, not necessarily warm air as well. There may be a local charge for air conditioning in some rooms.
Accommodation maintenance
Certain accommodation featured on this website is operational all year round. From time to time it will be necessary for certain facilities to be withdrawn for general maintenance purposes. Water and electricity supplies may be interrupted whilst this essential maintenance is undertaken.
Other guests
We do not have exclusive use of the properties featured on this website. It is possible, therefore, that there may be guests from other countries and of mixed age groups at your accommodation.
Many hotels we feature do operate corporate conference facilities and there may be occasions where business meetings are taking place during your stay.
TV Channels As many hotels we feature have satellite TV shown in rooms, we recommend that you use the same care and supervision with children watching TV, as you would at home. Some channels may be of an adult nature. There may also be limited numbers of English-speaking channels.
Infants
See also 'Carriage of infants' under 'Flights'.
Please note that in each property description we state the maximum number of occupants a room or apartment can accommodate; this number includes infants. For any bookings made which exceed this stated maximum and for which we are advised cannot be accommodated, we reserve the right to pass on the cost of any additional/different rooms/apartments required to accommodate the booking.
Please let us know when you book if you need a cot. You may have to pay a charge locally for this and any other special services or facilities you require. When you arrive, you should check that the cot is satisfactory. If not, you must let your representative or hotel know immediately.
Certain hotels, resorts, tours and excursions may not be suitable for children or infants. You should read the website description carefully to make sure that they meet your needs. Our staff will also be able to advise you if you are still unsure.
Hotel-run kids clubs
Standards and facilities at kids club's featured on this website may vary. We are unable to accept responsibility for or give any guarantee for the standard of the facilities and qualifications of personnel at hotel run kids clubs. Kid club(s) may not meet standards of similar facilities in the UK and Guests are strongly advised to remember the local standards and requirements in respect of such clubs may differ overseas and so you must ensure that you are completely satisfied with the facilities and staff providing this service before you enrol your child or children into the club and into the clubs' care.
Watersports & sporting activities
We refer to a number of watersports and other sporting activities on this website, these are neither owned or operated by Latitude and we cannot guarantee that they are maintained or operated with the customer's safety in mind. We would ask that you take all reasonable precautions to protect yourself and your party whilst on holiday and would recommend that you only use companies who demonstrate good safety practices. You should ensure watersports and other similar sporting activities you wish to take part in are covered by your own holiday insurance. Some activities/watersports may be considered to be hazardous pursuits by some insurance companies.
Safety & Hygiene
Your health and safety is of paramount concern to us, especially if children are involved. In addition to monitoring the hygiene and safety standards in al the hotel and apartments that we use, it is appropriate that we bring your attention the need for you to be careful and to take necessary precautions whilst overseas and we need your help and cooperation with this. We would ask you to pay close attention to the following information, together with any other information we, our agents or suppliers, provide to you before you go, during your flight and when you arrive in your destination and at your hotel. It is most important that you familiarise yourself with this information and any other information you are given or on display, because not only do we want you to have a great holiday but we want you to have a safe holiday.
Swimming pools and water features: some of our hotels welcome local people and other holidaymakers not residing at the property to use the swimming pool and facilities within the accommodation. This can lead to pool areas becoming busy at times, for example sunbathing space and available sunloungers may become limited. Please makes use of the pool shower facilities before swimming - this helps prevent any potential infections and helps to keep the pool clean.
Every pool is different and most hotels / apartments do not employ lifeguards, so you are strongly recommended to familiarise yourself with the pool layout, identifying the deep and shallow ends before using. Do not use the pool after dark or when the pool is closed, even if the pool has underwater lights. You should never swim when you have been drinking alcohol. Whilst some of our hotels have water features such as slides or flumes, which may appear in our photography, generally we do not recommend these are used. It is possible such features may have been replaced or removed since the photography was taken.
Overseas Safety Standards: Although the accommodation featured does operate to its own country's standards, regrettably the safety standards and regulations overseas may not be of the same level we enjoy in the UK. For instance, the design and height of balconies may differ. The setting and enforcement of local regulations is a matter for the Authorities of the country and the foreign supplier of the services concerned. We are working with hoteliers to improve standards wherever possible. You should familiarise yourself with fire procedures, including emergency exits in your accommodation, the swimming pool(s) area and any unfamiliar cooking appliances. If in doubt, ask your Latitude representative or an appropriate member of staff.
Children: Children must be supervise by you at all times, especially near water, on balconies or in unfamiliar buildings and surroundings.
Stomach Upsets: It is still a relatively common occurrence to suffer gastric illness when travelling abroad and being exposed to a different environment. There are many ways you can reduce the possibility of being affected, such as, not eating undercooked food, avoiding ice in drinks, ensuring you drink plenty of bottled water and avoid over exposure to the sun.
Out and About: Due to rough terrain and uneven surfaces, we recommend that you are extra careful and vigilant when visiting temples and other sites of interest and when crossing roads. Crimes against people and property are a fact of life throughout the world and you have the same responsibility for your own safety as you do at home. IN some places the local police may not be very cooperative or interested when you report a theft or need insurance confirmation so always take care of your property. It is recommended not to approaching cats and dogs and other animals as these may carry rabies disease which can be passed on through bites and scratches. Please exercise caution before entering the sea as the seabed is not even and changes in depth. The sea is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety.
Your resort
Assistance Abroad
Please note that we do not have Latitude representatives in all the destinations featured on this website, so you will not always be met on arrival. However, depending on the arrangements you book with us, our locally appointed agent or our suppliers (such as accommodation or transport providers) will be contactable and you will be provided appropriate contact details for them before you go. If you have a complaint we will need to know about it and our Local Agent, Supplier or UK Duty Office will do their best to solve the problem as soon as reasonably possible to minimise any inconvenience. This will also help us improve the holiday experience for all our customers.
There may be times when our Local Agent or Supplier or our Duty Office is unable to solve a particular problem immediately. While appreciating that this may be upsetting for you, we do expect you to behave in a reasonable manner towards our staff. Consequently should any customer act in a threatening or intimidatory manner towards our staff or appointed agents, we shall have no hesitation in taking appropriate legal measures.
Resorts
In low season, resorts can be quiet with some facilities in limited supply, whereas in high season the resort is sure to be full, with facilities in full swing. However, there may be occasions where hoteliers or providers of service withdraw a facility temporarily or otherwise due to lack of demand, especially at the start or end of the season.
If you would like to visit particular attractions, we recommend that you check their availability in resort as they may have to close at short notice because of the weather of for routine maintenance.
Resort development
Some of the destinations featured on this website are still being developed and even in more established resorts there is often a possibility of building work taking place. If in our opinion this is likely to affect your booked accommodation, we will tell you at the time of booking or, if you have already booked, you will be contacted before departure if there is time. Please refer to the Booking Conditions section 'Circumstances beyond our control' for more information.
Electricity Depending on your luck and location, there may be blackouts. Tolerance and patience are the recommended response.
Local Information
Please note that areas surrounding your holiday accommodation do not form part of our package holiday and have not been inspected. These include for example the sea, beaches, roads and mountains. You are responsible for taking reasonable care for your own safety and the safety of your party.
Local events, religious festivities and public holidays are likely to influence the provision of services and facilities within the hotels and around holiday resorts at certain times.
Smoking Restrictive legislation against smoking in public places is becoming increasingly common in destinations worldwide. You may find your holiday operates enforced smoking restrictions in areas including, but not limited to, enclosed public areas such as bars, pubs, restaurants and your hotel rooms. Fines may be imposed for breaching regulations. To find out more visit the FCO website www.fco.gov.uk
Conditions in holiday resorts
If there is a specific problem affecting your accommodation, you should report this to the accommodation staff, and if necessary to our appointed representative/local agent, who will do their best to help sort things out. Insects - ants, mosquitoes and cockroaches for example - are common in hot countries. They are usually harmless, and they do not mean your accommodation is dirty or unhygienic, but obviously the sight if such creatures can be off-putting if you are not used to seeing them. If your hotel has an open restaurant it may attract local birds, some of which may try to share your food though hotels do their best to discourage them. Though frustrating, this is a normal part of local life, and please don't encourage birds by feeding them. Please also refrain from feeding any other wildlife.
Noise - Some resorts are within built-up areas or other places where noise is common. Noise may be audible from road traffic or aircraft (if you are near a flight path). Noise is often caused by birds and local wildlife, and by local activity such as speedboats, calls to prayer and customs (for example, festivals and religious celebrations), and is often part of the travel experience.
Driving
Laws, licensing requirements and age limits carry throughout the world. We recommend you check with your travel agent, or the relevant embassy or consulate.
General Information
Photography
Some of the atmospheric photography shown in conjunction with particular accommodation and resorts advertised on this website was shot on location and not at the accommodation or resort concerned.
Websites
For some suppliers featured on this website, including hotels and apartments, for your information we have shown their own website address. The inclusion of such a website address does not indicate any recommendation or approval by Latitude for any service advertised on such a website. Latitude makes no guarantee or promise regarding the accuracy of any information contained on such websites or about the standard and suitability of such services. Except as provided for in our Booking Conditions in connection with services booked by you as part of the holiday package purchased in the UK, we shall not be liable for any loss or damage of whatever nature which may arise as a result of material contained in such websites.
Data Protection
We will provide your personal information as well as any personal information you provide in relation to the persons whose arrangements have been requested by you, to suppliers and carriers, that might be located outside the UK and/or EU, to enable the operation of the service requested by you. If you make special requests, which include, but are not limited to, special dietary, religious or disability related requirements, which constitute sensitive information, the relevant data will also be passed to the relevant suppliers and carriers to enable provision of the services to you.
ABTA & ATOL
Thomas Cook Signature Ltd is a member of ABTA with membership number W4498. ABTA and ABTA members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA's Code of Conduct. For further information about ABTA, the Code of Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to you if you have complaint, contact ABTA, 68-71 Newman Street, London W1T 3AH. Tel: 020 7637 2444 or look at their website : www.abta.com
We also hold an ATOL with number 5624. IN the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking. For further information visit ATOL website at: www.atol.org.uk
Telephone Calls To ensure we consistently deliver excellent customer service, telephone calls to Latitude UK offices are recorded.
Booking Conditions We, Thomas Cook Signature Limited, trading as Latitude, arrange all of the package holidays and accommodation featured on this Website. The following terms and conditions show your and our commitments as part of your booking. These terms and conditions, with all the other information on this Website, form the basis of the contract between us. Your contract will be governed by English law and any disputes will be dealt with in the courts of England and Wales. If you live in Northern Ireland or Scotland, the courts of Northern Ireland or Scotland (as appropriate), can deal with any disputes. When we talk about your Holiday, in these conditions, except where otherwise stated, we mean the accommodation, transport and other holiday services you book in the UK with us.
Please read these terms and conditions carefully, since they, along with the other information on this Website, set out the terms and conditions of the contract between you and Thomas Cook Signature Limited.
Excursions include, but are not restricted to, any sightseeing trips, gigs, events or other tours. Excursions can be booked and/or paid for in resort ("Resort Booked Excursions") or pre-booked and paid for when you book your Holiday ("Pre-booked Excursions"). We do not provide Resort Booked Excursions or Pre-booked Excursions and they are supplied by our third party suppliers, subject to the clause "Suppliers' conditions" below. We accept, subject to the clauses entitled "Suppliers' Conditions" and "Our Liability to You" in these conditions, responsibility for Pre-booked Excursions. However, Resort Booked Excursions do not form part of the Holiday and are not governed by the Package Travel, Package Holiday and Package Tours Regulations 1992.
We do not have any responsibility or liability whatsoever for anything which may go wrong on a Resort Booked Excursion. We, our servants, employees or agents are acting, depending upon the actual Resort Booked Excursion, either as agents for the relevant Resort Booked Excursion supplier or as agent for you. In any event the contract for any Resort Booked Excursion is between you and the Resort Booked Excursion provider. It is your responsibility to note carefully any conditions of contract contained in any Resort Booked Excursion, literature, ticket or receipt you are given.
Information and Prices If there are any significant information changes or we find any mistakes, we will put details on our computer reservation system so you will receive the latest information when you make your booking.
Your Holiday Booking
Before you book your Holiday please discuss your choice of resort, accommodation and flights with the travel agent, or our reservations staff, to make sure it will be suitable for you and the people you will be travelling with. The person who signs the booking form is the 'lead name'. He or she must be over 18 and is responsible for payment of the total Holiday price, including any insurance premiums, together with any amendments made to the booking and, subsequent cancellation or amendment charges that may be payable. He or she also agrees to provide accurate and full information of the remainder of the party in relation to the booking, and by signing the booking form, confirms that all the other members of the party, including any that may be added at a later date, agree to be bound by these conditions, and all other information on this Website.
When you book your Holiday you agree to pay us either
(i) A deposit of £250 per person at the time of booking plus any additional amount required by the supplier of the service for the arrangements booked. The remaining balance of the Holiday is due by the date specified on your holiday confirmation (this will usually be either 10 weeks or 8 weeks before your travel date, depending on the type of Holiday booked).
(ii) If you have booked a Late Holiday or if it is 10 weeks or less before you go, the full cost of Holiday.
If you have a special request for anything that is not automatically part of your Holiday, please check when you book your Holiday and we will pass this information on to the companies we work with. Our note of your request on your invoice confirms we have received it and does not guarantee that we, or the relevant supplier, can meet with your request. Where possible they will try to help you, but we cannot guarantee any request unless it is noted on your invoice and we also confirm the request separately in writing. We must emphasise that, verbal confirmations of special requests cannot be taken as a guarantee that they will be met e.g. special meal types on flights.
You must be 18 or over on your departure date if you want to travel without an adult accompanying you. If you are 16 or 17 when a booking is made, we will only allow you to travel without an adult if your parent or legal guardian signed the booking form in front of the travel agent when you booked the Holiday. A contract will exist between your parent or guardian and us. We may ask you to send us a photocopy of their passport showing their name and signature. We will not accept written permission from a parent or legal guardian unless we can check the signature. If you are under 16 on your departure date you must be accompanied by an adult of 18 or over.
Once you have booked we will issue a confirmation invoice setting out the Holiday details and price. A contract will exist when we issue the confirmation invoice. If you book through one of our authorised travel agents, they will hold all the money you pay for your Holiday on our behalf. Please check the details on your invoice carefully. If you have any questions, or anything does not appear to be right, you must contact your travel agent, or our Personal Travel Advisors, immediately. On the invoice, pay particular attention to the date your final payment is due as we may cancel your Holiday if you do not make your final payment on time. If we do this we will keep your deposit.
Before You Travel
You must take out Holiday insurance suitable for your needs before you travel. We cannot be responsible for any costs you incur as a result of failing to do so. For your own peace of mind the insurance should cover you if you have to cancel your arrangements, or for any emergencies that arise while you are away. We recommend the insurance we offer (see inside the back cover) as it provides cover that meets most people's needs.
Please check your policy when you receive it and take it with you on Holiday.
Please note: ensure that your holiday insurance cancellation cover is adequate. Many Latitude holidays exceed the £10,000 cover and you may not recover full costs unless your insurance cover states an amount to cover the cost of your holiday.
Suppliers' Conditions
Our third party suppliers have their own booking conditions and conditions of carriage, and you will be bound by these, so far as the relevant supplier is concerned. Our suppliers' conditions will also apply to your contract with us, and in the event of any conflict between the suppliers' conditions and our conditions, the suppliers' conditions will prevail, save to the extent that any term in the suppliers' conditions is deemed to be invalid or unenforceable, in which event our conditions will prevail. Some of our suppliers' conditions may limit or exclude liability on the part of the relevant supplier, and, by virtue of their application to your contract with us, may also limit or exclude our liability to you, and they are often subject to international conventions. Where relevant, copies of such conditions may be available for inspection at the office of the relevant supplier.
Changes You Make Before Travel (excluding name changes)
If you want to change any of your Holiday arrangements please contact your travel agent, or one of our Personal Travel Advisors, immediately and we will do all we can to help you. Our normal cancellation charges will apply if you need to make any changes to your arrangements. The minimum cancellation fee is the booking deposit paid. Please also see ''Suppliers Conditions' section above. We will charge for any additional services, facilities, or other items changed, at the price which applies on the day the change is made. In addition, we will also charge an administration fee as shown in the table. Any booking discount you may have received at the time the original booking was made, may be altered or reduced whenever changes are made. Note that any change to dates of travel and/or destination airport cannot be made less than 56 days before departure without incurring cancellation charges. Various transport companies such as Scheduled airlines and Eurostar do not always allow changes to be made to dates and/or times of travel once confirmed. Where they impose charges, which may be as high as 100%, these will be passed on. If the changed arrangements are more expensive than those originally booked, you must also pay the price difference. The costs shown are per change per person. If you cancel any 'optional extras' for which there is a charge, you will either lose any deposit you have paid for the item, or pay a fee of £25 for each 'cancelled extra'. For certain optional extras, such as car hire, you will also have to pay cancellation charges. If you cancel any Holiday insurance you booked through us your premium will not be refunded, as cover under the policy will already have been obtained.
Notice given more than 56 Days |
Price per change |
Accommodation |
£30 |
Transport e.g. Air/Sea/Rail/Road |
£30 |
Date of travel |
£30 |
Destination airport |
£30 |
Notice given 56 Days or less |
Price per change |
Accommodation |
£40 |
Transport e.g. Air/Sea/Rail/Road |
£40 |
Date of travel |
Cancellation charges |
Destination airport |
Cancellation charges |
Name Changes Before Travel
Except for Holidays including scheduled flights, if we receive notification of a change within 8 weeks of your departure the charge will be £40 per name change.
For Holidays including scheduled flights or Eurostar, please note that some carriers we use do not permit name changes for any reason. Such changes are likely to result in you being charged the full cost of the service and may be subject to space being available for a new reservation.
In addition, you will also have to pay any extra costs that the carrier passes onto us, as well as the £30 or £40 per change below:
Notice given
more than 56 days £30 a change
Notice given 56 days or less
£40 a change
Cancellation By You
In order to cover our expected losses for the transport and accommodation services we pay for in advance, there is a set scale of charges, which applies if you or anyone travelling with you cancels. You must give notice to cancel in writing and the charges shown below apply from the date we receive the notice at our offices.
Cancellation charges for scheduled flights and Eurostar:
Occasionally, we may offer holidays where the carrier requires immediate or early ticketing. In these cases amendments or cancellation of the booking may incur additional costs which may be up to 100% of transport costs. These will be advised at the time of booking.
Notice given
More than 56 days Loss of deposit
Notice given 56-29 days 50% cost of holiday
Notice given 28-22 days 70% cost of holiday
Notice given 21-8 days 90% cost of holiday
Notice given 7 days or fewer 100% cost of holiday
If any member of the booking cancels and you cannot fill that person's place, you may have to pay additional supplements for your accommodation. For example, you may have to pay single or under-occupancy supplements. If you do cancel, you must still pay any insurance premiums and amendment charges, which arose before the cancellation, and any deposits paid for any pre-booked items or services.
Changes Made By Us Before Travel
From time to time we may have to change details of the Holiday you have booked. If any change will have a significant effect on your Holiday, we will tell you, or your travel agent, about it before your Holiday, if there is time. Changes we will tell you about include:
. Change of your UK departure airport,
. Significant change of your destination,
. A change of more than 12 hours to the time you leave the UK or your Holiday destination,
. If we downgrade your accommodation by an official rating
. If the swimming pool will not be available for an extended period during your Holiday and no alternative pool is available either at the property or nearby.
If you do not want to accept a significant change, which we will tell you about before your Holiday, we will, if we are able to do so, offer you an alternative Holiday of equivalent or superior quality at no extra cost, or a less expensive Holiday, in which case we will refund the difference in price. If you do not wish to take the alternative we offer you, you can choose another Holiday from us and pay, or receive a refund of, any price difference. Or, if you prefer, you can cancel your Holiday and receive a full refund of any money you have paid to us, except for any amendment charges. We will consider an appropriate refund of insurance premiums paid if you can show that you are unable to transfer or reuse your policy. If we have to tell you about a significant change before you travel, unless the change is as a result of circumstances listed in the paragraph below headed 'Circumstances beyond our control', we will pay you compensation as shown in the table below.
Time before departure when we will tell you or your travel company about the change |
Compensation if you accept the change or book another Latitude holiday |
Compensation if you cancel your holiday and take a full refund |
More than 56 days |
Nil |
Nil |
56-29 days |
£15 |
£15 |
28-22 days |
£30 |
£15 |
21-8 days |
£45 |
£15 |
7 days or fewer |
£60 |
£30 |
Compensation payments relating to a child place for which you have paid a child price are half the amounts shown (up to half the child price paid). There are no compensation payments payable to those travelling on 'free child places'.
Minor Changes By Us Before Travel
Any change which is not deemed to be significant, as outlined in the section entitled 'Changes made by us before travel', will be classed as a minor change. We will endeavour to tell you about a minor change before you travel however, we will not pay compensation as a result of this change.
Circumstances Beyond Our Control
Except where we say differently elsewhere in these conditions, we cannot pay any compensation, reimburse expenses, or cover losses for any amount or otherwise accept responsibility if, as a result of circumstances beyond our control, we have to change your Holiday after departure, or we, or our suppliers, cannot supply your Holiday, as we, or they, had agreed, or you suffer any loss or damage of any description. When we refer to circumstances beyond our control, we mean any event that we, or the supplier in question, could not foresee or avoid, even after taking all reasonable care. Such circumstances will usually include, but are not limited to, war, terrorist activity, civil unrest, industrial dispute, bad weather (actual or threatened) and significant building work ongoing outside of your accommodation, which is not known to us in advance of your departure date, and building work from a third party (such as resort development).
Changes Made After Travel
If, after your departure, a significant part of your pre-booked Holiday arrangements cannot be provided, you will be offered a suitable alternative if possible. If it is not possible to offer you a suitable alternative or, for good reasons, you do not accept the alternative arrangements, we will return you to the place of your departure. If appropriate, we will also pay you compensation, unless your return has been due to circumstances beyond our control. The amount of compensation will be reasonable, taking account of all the circumstances.
Flight Delays
Delays sometimes occur. We work closely with the airlines and overseas offices to make sure any delay is as short as possible. When a delay occurs we will try to make sure refreshments or meals are provided when appropriate. We will not do this ourselves as such arrangements for this will normally be the responsibility of the airline. If you have taken out our recommended Holiday insurance (see the Insurance section), or a comparable policy, you should have cover against delays.
Cancellation By Us
We can cancel your Holiday and any other holiday we operate. On rare occasions, we may need to cancel your Holiday if there has been insufficient demand for your particular Holiday. If we have to cancel a Holiday for any particular reason, we will tell you as soon as reasonably possible. In these circumstances, we will, if we are able to do so, offer you an alternative Holiday of equivalent or superior quality at no extra cost, or a less expensive Holiday, in which case we will refund the difference in price. If you do not wish to take the alternative we offer you, you can choose another Holiday from us and pay, or receive a full refund of, any price difference. Or, if you prefer, you can receive a full refund of any money you have paid to us, except for any amendment charges. We will consider an appropriate refund of insurance premiums paid if you can show that you are unable to transfer or reuse you policy. However, we will not cancel your Holiday within 8 weeks of departure except if we are forced to do so because of unusual circumstances we could not have foreseen, where we could not avoid the results of those circumstances even after taking all reasonable care. (See 'Circumstances beyond our control' above). No compensation will be payable in these circumstances, whenever they happen, and we will only have to offer you the above choices. We can also cancel if you fail to make payment for your Holiday on time.
Website Accuracy
Sometimes facilities described on this website will be withdrawn for reasons such as maintenance, bad weather or lack of demand from guests. If possible, we will tell you about the withdrawal of any significant facility as soon as possible. Some activities or facilities, watersports for example, may not be available in low season. Beach activities such as waterskiing and paragliding are normally managed by independent local operators and we have no control over their availability or prices. There may be a charge for some facilities, for example, televisions, safety deposit boxes, sunloungers, parasols, tennis courts, pool tables and air-conditioning. In some places during high season (and even at other times) there is a possibility you will be disturbed by noise from less considerate groups, so please bear this in mind when choosing your resort and accommodation. The transfer times we quote for travel between airport and resort are approximate and, depending on circumstances, the journey time to your own chosen property may be longer.
Our Liability to You
(i) Our obligations, and those of our suppliers providing any service or facility involved in any of your Holiday, are to take reasonable skill and care to arrange for the provision of such services and facilities and, where we or our supplier is actually providing the service or facility, to provide them with reasonable skill and care. Compliance with any applicable regulatory requirements (such as, for example, those of the Civil Aviation Authority) will be proper performance of our, and our suppliers', obligations. You must show that reasonable skill and care has not been used if you wish to make any claim.
(ii) For claims which do not involve death or personal injury, we accept liability, subject to paragraph (i) above and (v) below, should any part of your Holiday not be as described on this Website or elsewhere by us before you leave the U.K. If we have liability, we will, subject to paragraphs (iii), (vi) and (vii) below, pay you reasonable compensation. However, the maximum we will pay you in any circumstances is twice the price of the Holiday. This maximum will only be payable when every aspect of your Holiday has gone wrong and you have not received any benefit from your Holiday. Any sums received by you from suppliers, will be deducted from any sum paid to you as compensation by us.
(iii) Where a flight ticket is downgraded or a flight cancelled, delayed, or boarding is denied by any carrier in circumstances which would entitle you to compensation under the Denied Boarding Regulations 2004, then you are obliged to claim the appropriate sums pursuant to those Regulations from the carrier. Any sums received by you in this respect constitute the full amount of your entitlement to compensation for all matters flowing from the carrier's actions and which fall within the scope of the Denied Boarding Regulations. If, for any reason, you do not claim against the carrier and make a claim for compensation from us, you must, at the time of payment of any compensation to you, make a complete assignment to us of the rights you have against the carrier in relation to the claim that gives rise to that compensation payment.
(iv) For claims which involve death or personal injury as a result of an activity forming part of your Holiday, we have liability subject to paragraphs (i) above and (v) below. If we accept liability, we will, subject to paragraphs (vi), (vii) and (viii) below, pay you reasonable compensation.
(v) We accept liability in accordance with paragraphs (i), (ii) and (iv) above and subject to paragraphs (vi), (vii) and (viii) below except where the cause of the failure in your Holiday or any death or personal injury you may suffer is not due to any fault on our part or that of our servants, agents or suppliers, and is either attributable to you, or attributable to someone unconnected with the Holiday and is unforeseeable or unavoidable, or due to unusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised, or an event which neither we, nor our servants, agents or suppliers could have foreseen or forestalled.
(vi) If any international convention applies to or governs any of the services or facilities included in your Holiday arranged or provided by us, or provided by any of our suppliers, and you make a claim against us of any nature arising out of death, injury, loss or damage suffered during or as a result of the provision of those services or facilities, our liability to pay you compensation and/or the amount (if any) of compensation payable to you by us will be limited in accordance with and/or in an identical manner to that provided for by the international convention concerned (in each case including in respect of the conditions of liability, the time for bringing any claim and the type and amount of any damages that can be awarded). International Conventions which may apply include: in respect of international air travel, the Warsaw Convention 1929 (including as amended by the Hague Protocol of 1955 and by any of the additional Montreal Protocol of 1975) or the Montreal Convention 1999; in respect of rail travel, the Berne Convention 1961; in respect of carriage by sea, the Athens Convention 1974; in respect of carriage by road, the Geneva Convention 1973; and, in respect of hotels, the Paris Convention 1962. You can get copies of the relevant conventions if you ask us. For the avoidance of doubt, this means that we are to be regarded as having all benefit of any limitations of compensation contained in any of these conventions or any other international conventions applicable to your Holiday.
(vii) You are obliged to assist us in recovering from any third party any sum which may compensate us for any sums we pay you. In particular, you are obliged to assign to us any rights that you may have against any other person whose acts or omissions have caused or contributed to our legal liability to pay you compensation. You must also provide us with all assistance we may reasonably require. Finally, you must follow the procedures for the notification of complaints set out in the clause below entitled "If you have a complaint".
(viii) Should you become ill while on Holiday, you must, in addition to reporting your illness to our representative, consult a local doctor and also consult your GP upon your return to the UK. Should you then wish to make a claim against us as a result of that illness, you must provide us with details of both the local doctor whom you saw and your GP, together with written authority for us to obtain a medical report from both those doctors.
(ix) If you or any member of your party suffers illness, injury or death, through misadventure, as a result of any activity which does not form part of your contracted Holiday arrangements, we will provide you with all reasonable assistance. This assistance may include our making a contribution towards your initial legal costs in taking action against the person(s) responsible providing you request this within 90 days of the incident in question. All assistance (financial or otherwise) is subject to our reasonable discretion and a maximum total cost to ourselves of £5,000 per booking form. If you are entitled to have any costs and expenses arising from such an incident met by or from any insurance policy or if you obtain a costs order against anyone in relation to the incident, you must repay to us the costs and expenses we spend in assisting you.
(x) Other than as set out above, and as is detailed elsewhere in these booking conditions, we shall have no legal liability whatsoever to you for any loss, damage, personal injury or death which you suffer arising directly or indirectly from any aspect of your Holiday.
Baggage The amount of compensation we will pay for any loss or damage to luggage is limited in accordance with the conventions listed in the above paragraph.
Your Responsibility
We want all our customers to have an enjoyable, carefree Holiday. But you must remember that you are responsible for your actions and the effect they may have on others. If we, or another person in authority, believe your actions could upset other customers, our suppliers or our own staff, or put them in danger, or damage property, we may end your Holiday. This could mean you are prevented from using your accommodation or using the transport, or having additional terms of carriage imposed upon you. If this happens we will not pay compensation, make any refund, or reimburse any expenses you suffer as a result.
If you have a Complaint
We aim to provide the best Holiday possible. However, if you are not satisfied with your Holiday please complain as soon as possible to the relevant person (for example, the hotel management). If they cannot help, you must tell your Latitude Representative or our Local Agent and we will do everything reasonably possible to sort the problem out. If you are still not satisfied, ask your Holiday Representative or our Local Agent for a Customer Relations Report Form. If you do not have the services of a Representative or our Local Agent, or they are not available, you must contact our UK Duty Office (on the number shown on your travel documentation) straight away. When you get back home, send a letter (and where possible, enclose your completed Customer Relations Report Form), to our offices in the UK, within 28 days of returning home. If you have special needs that prevent you from writing to us then, where possible, we will accept details of your complaint over the telephone. For complaints arising from Scheduled airlines, we will act as a liaison between you and the airline, to try to assist in resolving the problem. If we cannot help and you wish to take matters further, you must contact the airline directly.
The address to send your completed form and covering letter to is:
Customer Relations Department
Latitude
2/4
Godwin Street, Bradford, BD1 2ST
E-mail: customer.relations@thomascook.com
We would point out that failure to follow the above procedures during your Holiday, and/or failure to complain within 28 days of your return, may reduce or extinguish any rights you have to claim compensation from us, or from any relevant supplier. Any such rights will be reduced or extinguished if, had you followed the above procedures during your Holiday, you or we could have taken steps to reduce any loss or damage suffered or entirely
prevented it from being suffered.
It is difficult and sometimes impossible to properly investigate a complaint if we are not told about it reasonably quickly once the Holiday is over. Your right to claim compensation may also be reduced or extinguished, should any delay in your complaint being notified during or after your Holiday, prevent us from carrying out a proper investigation.
We aim to resolve all complaints ourselves, but if this is not possible your complaint can be considered under a scheme devised by the Association of British Travel Agents and administered by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. We will give you details of this scheme if you ask. The scheme does not apply to claims over £25,000 in total or more than £5,000 a person, or to claims mainly about illness or injury. To take advantage of the scheme you must contact the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators within 9 months of returning from your Holiday.
Thomas Cook Signature Limited. Registered in England No. 4088652
17 Coningsby Road
Peterborough,
PE3 8SB.
Insurance
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are properly insured. We have arranged special insurance policies with AXA Insurance UK plc, Registered Office, 5 Old Broad Street, London EC2N 1AD. Registered in England number 78950. AXA Insurance UK plc is a member of the General Insurance Standards Council.
Classic Travel Insurance includes a range of services and an excess waiver option. Cover provided is outlined below.
Important notice
We would draw your attention to the following important features of your policy.
· Policy document: you should read the document carefully. It gives full details of what is and is not covered, and the conditions of cover. Cover will vary from policy to policy and from insurer to insurer.
· Cooling-off period: if you have a justifiable reason for not being satisfied with the cover provided, you may return the policy within 14 days of issue for a refund of the premium, as long as you have not made a claim or travelled.
· Health: your policy contains restrictions and conditions regarding existing medical problems.
· Conditions and exclusions: these apply to individual sections of your policy, while general conditions and exclusions will apply to the whole of your policy.
· Dangerous activities: if you are planning to take part in any activities or sports, please check that your policy covers you.
· Property claims: are settled based on the value of the property at the time you lose it and not on the cost of buying new items. Your policy will set out the claims procedure.
· Limits: most sections of your policy have limits on the amount we will pay under that section. Some sections have specific inner limits (for example, valuables). Please check the outline of cover on this page and your policy to make sure the cover is suitable for your needs.
· Excess: under most sections of your policy, you will have to pay an excess unless you have paid an excess waiver. This means that you will be responsible for paying the first part of each claim.
· Reasonable care: you must take all reasonable care to protect yourself and your property as if you were not insured.
· Complaints: we are keen to treat our customers fairly and honestly.
1. If you are unhappy about the way this insurance was sold to you or not satisfied with the handling of your claim, please contact:
UK Insurance Department, PO Box 2, 17-18 Coningsby Road, Peterborough, PE3 8AB.
Phone: 01733 417 444
2. If you are not satisfied with the response, please contact Head of Customer Care who acts on behalf of the Chief Executive at:
AXA Insurance UK plc, Civic Drive, Ipswich, IP1 2AN
Phone: 01473 205926, Fax: 01473 205101
Email: customercare@axa-insurance.co.uk
3. If there is still a dispute, you have the right to contact: Financial Ombudsman Service, South Quay Plaza 2, 183 Marsh Wall, London, E14 9SR.
Phone: 0845 080 1800, Fax: 020 7964 1001
This procedure does not affect your right to take legal action.
· The law that applies to this contract: your policy is governed by English law.
· Date recognition failure: your policy contains an exclusion for some losses arising from equipment failing to correctly recognise the calendar date.
· Claims: you must make all claims as soon as reasonably possible to: AXA Claims, P.O. Box 742, Lancaster, LA1 1BT.
Phone: 0870 6050460
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Premiums
· Classic Travel insurance premiums for up to nine days::
Worldwide excluding North America & Caribbean, up to nine days £54
Worldwide including North America & Caribbean, up to nine days £57
· The excess waiver is from £10 a person.
· If you are 65 or over you will be charged an additional premium to those listed above. Please ask for more details.
· These prices and cover may change. Please ask for the current price when you book.
· North America & Caribbean - United States of America, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, The Caribbean Islands and The Bahamas.
How to arrange this insurance
If you want to take out this insurance, please let us or your travel agent know when you book. We or your travel agent will charge you for the insurance and send you details of the full terms and conditions.
If you want a copy of the policy before you buy it, please ask for a copy.
Classic Travel Insurance Policy
Cancellation Up to £10,000
Curtailment (cut short) Up to £10,000
Emergency medical and other expenses Up to £10,000,000
Funeral expenses abroad £2,500
Continuation of treatment £250
Hospital benefit £30 a day up to £600 £50 a day for families
Personal accident
Death £15,000
Permanent disability £30,000
Under 16 - death £2,000
Luggage, personal possessions and passport Up to £1,600
Valuables limit £400 in all
Single article limit £325
Delayed luggage up to £250
Passport up to £500
Personal money and documents Up to £500 Up to £300 for cash claims
Personal Liability Up to £2,000,000
Delayed departure Up to £200 / £10,000
Missed departure Up to £1,000
Mugging Benefit £100 a day up to £1,000
Hijack £100 a day up to £1,000
Failure of Carrier Up to £1,500
Loss of hotel facilities £30 a day up to £150
Assistance to or from departure point in the United Kingdom Up to £300
Home Call Service Up to £150
Extended kennel or cattery fees Up to £250
Legal Expenses Up to £50,000
Important note: the premiums, cover provided, medical emergency service and insurance company that we use may change. Please ask for the current details when you book.
This insurance provides cover for holidays costing up to £10,000 per person. If your holiday costs more than this, please call us for a quote to top up the rates listed.
Please note the cancellation cover may not cover your Latitude holiday, please advise your Personal Travel Advisor and we can recommend an alternative service.
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