Accommodation only with a non-atol travel agent

becominganobsessivesaver

I'm currently planning a trip and want to book the accomodation through an agent as they are offering better prices than with the hotel directly. (will be booking flights seperately).

The best price so far is with an agent without ATOL registration, I know i won't get any protection but is this a big risk to take. Are these agents going to be the first ones to suffer in the current climate. I will pay by credit card - so should i take the risk or not (we are looking at a couple of thousand pounds!)

Thank you

dzug1

If you are paying by credit card you will get your money back if things go per shaped. Your main worry is about convenience and maybe delay in that event.

Diamond_Olly

ATOL only covers a package which includes air transport and at least one other element - usually accommodation but can be car hire. So if you're booking accommodation only, you won't be covered by ATOL.

treatgood

The best way i think to buy or to pay for anything online or over the phone, especially travel related purchase, is to pay with Credit Card, not with Debit Card, because some people get mixed up, a Credit Card gives you added protection, but a debit card comes straight out of your bank account. Whether you are booking accommodation or buying an Air line ticket, even from an ATOL bonded agent, the first rule is pay with Credit Card.
I'm afraid a lot of people are not doing this because, most of these travel companies charges people additional percentage or fee to use credit card. This is what is puts a lot of people off, so they end up paying cash or using their debit card that has no charge.
So my advise is look for companies that don't charge you fee to use your Credit Card, and always make an online purchase with a Credit Card. Unless is you don't have one.