Introduction to Holiday Problems and Letter Templates
Going on holiday should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. Common holiday problems include cancelled bookings, delayed flights, or poor service at your accommodation. When these issues arise, it’s important to know your rights and to communicate clearly with the company or provider involved.
Under UK consumer law, including the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, you are entitled to certain remedies if your holiday doesn’t meet the promised standards or if your travel plans are disrupted. Writing a clear and well-structured letter can make a real difference when seeking a refund, compensation, or other solutions.
Our letter templates are designed to help you address specific holiday issues such as cancellations, delays, or unsatisfactory service. Each template guides you through the key points to include, making it easier to assert your rights and explain what you want to achieve. By using these templates, you can improve your chances of getting a fair outcome.
If you’re dealing with other consumer problems beyond holidays, you may also find our wider range of consumer law letter templates helpful.
Common Holiday Issues and Your Rights
When you book a holiday, you expect everything to go smoothly. Unfortunately, problems can arise – such as your package being changed at the last minute, flights being cancelled or delayed, or arriving to find your hotel isn’t as described. You might also experience poor service, hidden charges, or activities that don’t match what was promised.
If you face these issues, it’s important to know your rights. Under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, if your holiday is significantly changed or cancelled by the provider, you’re usually entitled to a refund, compensation, or a suitable alternative. These rules apply to most package holidays bought in the UK. For delays, cancellations, or poor service, you may also have additional rights under consumer protection laws.
To understand more about your rights in situations like these, see our guide to travel and holiday cancellations and compensation. You can also find practical advice and template complaint letters through UK consumer rights from Citizens Advice.
If you need to make a claim, it’s a good idea to keep records of any problems – such as photos, receipts, and written details of what happened. This evidence will help support your case if you need to request a refund or compensation.
Letter Templates for Holiday Problems
Letter Templates for Holiday Problems
If you’ve experienced issues with your holiday – such as cancellations, delays, or poor service – using a clear, well-structured letter can help you resolve the problem quickly. On this page, you’ll find letter templates designed to address the most common holiday complaints faced by UK consumers.
Each template is tailored to a specific issue, whether you need to request a refund for a cancelled trip, claim compensation for a delayed flight, or complain about substandard accommodation. To choose the right template, start by identifying the main problem you faced and the outcome you’re seeking, such as a refund, compensation, or a formal apology.
When writing your letter, make sure to explain your situation clearly and include all relevant details, such as booking references, travel dates, and a description of the problem. State what you want to happen next – for example, a full refund or compensation – and refer to your rights under UK law. For example, the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 protect your right to a refund if your package holiday is cancelled, while the EU Regulation 261/2004 covers compensation for flight delays and cancellations.
By using the right template and following these tips, you can present your case confidently and increase the chances of a positive outcome.
Letter to Ask for a Refund or Alternative When a Package Holiday is Changed
If your holiday provider changes key parts of your package holiday – such as the destination, accommodation, or dates – you have the right to ask for a refund or request alternative arrangements. These rights are protected under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, which set out what providers must do if your holiday is significantly altered before departure.
To help you communicate clearly with your provider, we offer a letter to ask for a refund or alternative when a package holiday is changed. This template guides you in describing the changes to your booking, referencing your consumer rights, and making a formal request for a refund or suitable alternative. Use this letter to ensure your concerns are taken seriously and your rights are respected.
Letter to Complain About a Holiday
If you’ve experienced problems with your holiday – such as poor service, issues with your accommodation, or other disappointments – you have the right to make a formal complaint. Under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, UK consumers can request compensation or other remedies when a holiday does not meet the promised standards. To strengthen your case, it’s important to provide clear details of what went wrong and include any supporting evidence, such as photos or receipts.
For step-by-step guidance, including a ready-to-use template, see our letter to complain about a holiday. This resource will help you set out your complaint clearly and request a suitable resolution from your holiday provider.
Additional Letter Templates Related to Holiday Issues
When facing holiday problems, you might find other letter templates helpful, especially if your issue involves cancelling bookings, disputing credit card payments, or seeking compensation for related services. For example, if you need to cancel a hotel or travel booking, our letter templates for cancelling goods or services can help you clearly state your request and refer to your rights under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013.
If your holiday problem involves services that were not provided as promised, such as excursions or airport transfers, you may benefit from using letter templates for problems with services or letter templates for problems with goods or services. These templates can help you make a formal complaint and request a remedy under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
For issues related to payments or credit cards – such as disputing a charge for a cancelled trip – our letter templates for credit issues offer guidance on raising Section 75 claims or chargebacks with your card provider.
Finally, if you need to contact companies or authorities and aren’t sure who to address, our To Whom It May Concern letter templates can help you communicate your concerns professionally.
Using these additional templates can make your case clearer and improve your chances of a quick, fair resolution. If your situation involves more than one type of problem, you may wish to use several templates together to cover all aspects of your dispute.
Additional Resources and Guidance for Holiday Disputes
If you’re facing difficulties getting a refund or resolving payment issues after a holiday problem, it’s important to know your rights. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you’re generally entitled to a refund or compensation if your holiday was not as described, was cancelled, or suffered significant disruption. If you paid by credit card and the cost was over £100, Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 may allow you to claim a refund directly from your card provider. Similarly, if you paid by debit card or PayPal, you might benefit from their own dispute and chargeback schemes – find out more in our guide on getting your money back if you paid by card or PayPal.
If your holiday problem relates to an insured event, such as medical emergencies, cancellations, or lost luggage, you should contact your travel insurance provider as soon as possible. If your insurer rejects your claim or offers less compensation than expected, see our dedicated advice on resolving problems with your travel insurance claim.
Should your letter not resolve the issue, you may wish to escalate your complaint. This could involve contacting an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service, the relevant ombudsman, or considering legal action. For more support, you can also browse our full range of consumer law letter templates to help address a variety of consumer disputes.
