EU plans to give DIY travellers better protection

Paul Green, Head of Communications at Saga, comments on this week's announcement that the European Commission plans to extend the protection that consumers get covering DIY trips abroad, and announces that Saga travel insurance customers will be covered for independently organised journeys from 1st December 2009.

"Whilst this move will be welcomed by consumers all over the UK, it's been a long time coming.  With the review starting in the second half of 2010, any new directive is unlikely to come into force for another few years.  Saga, however, will make sure that its independent travelling customers get comparable protection to those that book a full package holiday immediately, and we are including extra financial cover, as standard at no extra cost, on all Saga Single Trip Travel Insurance policies.

Independent travelling is becoming more and more popular, especially amongst the over 50s, but the current Package Travel Directive is incredibly outdated.  Many people have been left out of pocket after creating their own package with multiple bookings and subsequently finding that one or more of the component parts - travel, accommodation or services such as car hire or excursions- have been cancelled for unforeseen reasons.  We believe that all travellers deserve peace of mind when they organise excursions abroad and Saga will now pay up to £5,000 for any irrecoverable unused pre-paid travel services not booked through a bonded tour operator or travel agent.