Winter Holiday Claims
With the long cold nights closing in, many Brits are digging out glossy holiday brochures to plan a winter getaway. For many people, a winter vacation is replacing their traditional ‘summer holidays’.
Travel prices are lower and the sun comes as a welcome break from the endless British rain. Some people choose to ski or snowboard, whilst others travel to exotic beaches as their winter holiday of choice.
Jane from London is a winter holidaymaker: “We used to go away to France every summer but the weather isn’t much better over there and it’s not as cheap as it used to be. Now we stay in the UK in August, and go away somewhere hot and sunny in November. This year we flew to Barbados…to enjoy a cruise and some much needed sun worship….’
Winter Holiday Dangers
Travelling in winter can save you money, but there are dangers to travelling in the winter months. In winter, the number of holiday claims are high, despite the lower number of tourists. This suggests that personal injury is a serious risk for people travelling between November and March.
1) Accidents In Airports
In winter, you have more chance of a serious accident in the airport when leaving or returning to the country. Wet floors from the rainy weather present a tripping and slipping hazard, and many people fall in the airport and break their ankle, arm or leg.
2) Darkness
For tourists travelling to enjoy winter sports or the beauty of snow covered mountains, the long dark nights can be dangerous. Tourists using hire cars have more crashes in winter and collisions with animals and pedestrians are more common.
3) Winter Sports
Winter sports can be exciting, but they are also the cause of many winter holiday claims. Accidents on the slopes can be caused by negligent skiing and snowboarding companies who offer substandard equipment or training.
Holidaymakers should check their terms and conditions before travelling and double check that their travel company and sports instructors have been officially approved by their regulating bodies.
4) Accommodation
In winter, accommodation can have more dangers – especially in colder climates. Slippery floors, broken heating systems and snow and ice hazards can lead to holiday claims for tourists who are unused to these dangers. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious risk in winter. Tourists should ensure their heating has been recently approved to meet safety standards.
5) Food Poisoning
Many tourists suffer from food poisoning on winter holidays – especially in warmer climates. Food poisoning outbreaks are common on winter cruises, and many holiday claims are made after an outbreak of e-coli or norovirus. Avoid salads and tap water unless you are sure they are safe.
In Barbados, Jane soaked up the sun until the third day of her holiday, when a food poisoning outbreak swept through the cruise ship:
“They think the bug came from a seafood cocktail we had at a formal dinner. The next day, half of the ship was sick. The boat had to be quarantined. I didn’t get to see much of the Caribbean except a hospital ward. I was so ill, and so angry. You trust that the food they serve will be safe’
Holiday Claims
Winter breaks can be fun in the sun or a holiday nightmare. If you believe you have been injured on holiday and it wasn’t your fault, then you could claim compensation to recover the damages.
Macks Solicitors are experts in holiday claims. Our experienced legal team offers a quality, caring service to all our clients. We understand the trauma of a holiday accident and take the time to understand your individual case. Call us today to find out how much you could claim, or complete our online holiday claims form.