Ali's blog posts

Amy joined Activities Abroad during the placement year of her degree in Travel and Tourism Management and the rest is history! She has now worked her way to Managing Director via the role of Product and Operations Manager, whilst spending time working in almost every other department on the way!

Whilst her childhood family holidays pretty much consisted of a few weeks sitting on the beach and eating ice cream on the Isle of Wight, Dawn has managed to pick up a few new experiences on family activity holidays since joining Activities Abroad in 2012. Having worked as a vital member of our sales and customer services team, Dawn is now our Office Manager. 

Passports and visas

British Passport holders can find full details regarding passport validity and visa requirements for UK citizens on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website where they offer full Travel Advice by Country. The Entry Requirements section covers all you need to know about the country (countries) you are visiting.

If you or any member of your party is a not a British passport holder then you or they must check the requirements with the embassy or consulate of the relevant country or countries which you are intending to travel to or with your own foreign office.

Most governments will issue their own travel advice for a region and, if you are resident outside of the UK, then you can find some helpful links below:

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/

Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau http://voyage.gc.ca/

The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html

It is your own responsibility to ensure that you have all visas, paperwork and travel documents in place prior to travel. You must also ensure that this covers any countries in which you may be transiting. Please ensure you keep checking this information for updates.

All costs incurred in obtaining this documentation must be paid by you. We sadly cannot accept any responsibility if you are refused entry into any country or onto any transportation due to your failure to carry the correct documentation. We will not be responsible for providing a refund of any costs or arrangements which are missed in this situation.

If failure to have any necessary travel or other documents results in fines, surcharges or other financial penalty being imposed on us, you will be responsible for reimbursing us accordingly.

Passport validity – Information for British Citizens

It is your responsibility to ensure that your passport validity meets the entry requirements for the EU destination you are travelling to. See here for the links for passport checker and for information on travel to the EU. Please also check with your mobile provider for data roaming charges and see here for details on the GHIC card. There have been some changes since Brexit and passport validity is now determined by the issue date rather than the printed expiry date. You can find more information on the web links provided.  

If you are travelling from outside the EU and have any questions at all then our This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. team will be happy to assist.

If you have any questions, please contact us. 

Medical History and Advice

We always strive to make our family holidays as accessible as they can be. We will do all we can to accommodate any family’s special requests or requirements to the best of our ability. Working with our partners, we will use their knowledge and our own first-hand experience to create the best possible holiday for you and make recommendations as to how this can be achieved.

In order to give us the best possible chance to do this, we ask that if you or any member of your party is pregnant or has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if you become pregnant or any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.

We know the destinations and the experiences we offer and, in many cases, we have taken our own families on them. We will always offer the best possible advice so please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or would like to clarify any information; it’s what we are here for!

Travel Health and Immunisations

Country specific information is published by the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC), and useful information about healthcare abroad, including a country-by-country guide which can be found on their Travel Health Pro website by clicking here. This is relevant to British Passport Holders.

You should contact your GP at least 8 weeks prior to departure to confirm whether you need any preventative measures or vaccinations. A medical professional is the only person who can provide you with the most up to date advice.

Please ensure that you always carry your certificate of vaccination with you when you travel so that you have proof that you have received the necessary vaccinations.

EHIC and GHIC cards

If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires or when it is about to, you will need to apply for a GHIC to replace it.

The EHIC entitles you to state-provided medical treatment if you fall ill or have an accident in any EU country. The same applies to EU citizens who are in the UK.

The cards cover pre-existing medical conditions and routine maternity care, as well as emergency care. Individuals with chronic illnesses, for example, those who require dialysis, can travel knowing they will receive treatment on the same terms as the citizens of the country they are visiting. The cards are valid until they expire.

If you don’t have your EHIC with you or you’ve lost it, you can call the Department of Health Overseas Healthcare Team (+44 191 218 1999) to get a Provisional Replacement Certificate.

The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. The GHIC will cover chronic or existing illnesses and routine maternity care as well as emergencies, but treatments such as dialysis or chemotherapy will have to be pre-arranged to ensure they are available at your destination. For further information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/global-health-insurance-card.

The GHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. Travel insurance is a pre-requisite to travelling with us and you can see details of our preferred provider (which covers European residents only) by clicking here.

You cannot use an existing EHIC or the new GHIC in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland. You will require travel insurance with healthcare cover. You may not have access to free emergency medical treatment and could be charged for your healthcare if you do not get health cover with your travel insurance.

You can use a UK passport to get medically necessary healthcare in Norway.

First aid kits and medication

You should always ensure that you carry a basic first-aid kit when you travel.

It is also important that if you have any medication you require that it is carried in your hand luggage in case of any hold luggage delays. 

You will, however, need to make sure that you have all of the relevant documents which accompany the medication and that its transportation complies with all of the rules and regulations regarding the items that you are allowed to carry on board an aircraft. These may vary depending on the airline in question.

Travel Policy and Coronavirus

For our most up to date travel policy please click here .

Travel Safety

Our clients’ safety is at the centre of everything we do here at Activities Abroad and our operations team continually assesses and monitors the destinations we feature. We carry out thorough risk assessments and work closely with all of our suppliers to continually follow best practice. For up to date travel advice the UK government offers its Travel Aware website as well as the advice detailed below. 

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice

We receive all updates from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) with regards to travel advice and we always ensure that we follow this advice in our operations. The FCO issues travel advisories for countries based on a very wide range of factors. They may provide notification about things as simple as a football match and crowds, or they may go so far as to advise against all travel to a region.

We ask all our clients to refer to the relevant Travel Advice by Country for the destinations they are visiting in order to make an informed decision on the safety of the destination based on the details provided. It also provides vital information regarding entry requirements, embassy information, local laws and customs as well as specific safety and health advice.

If the FCO deems that there is an unacceptable level of risk for UK citizens then, together with the government, they may issue an advisory against all travel to a region or country. If such an advisory is published, then we will act accordingly, and this may require the cancellation, curtailment or amendment of a holiday itinerary. These decisions are made on the basis of ensuring our clients’ safety.

If one of our local experts suggests an amendment due to a situation which develops locally then we may also take the decision to amend an itinerary appropriately.

If we have to cancel your holiday prior to departure you will be offered the option of an alternative trip (where any price difference will either be refunded to or covered by you) or a full refund of the monies paid.

If we have to curtail a holiday, then you will be refunded for any costs for the elements we have been unable to deliver, where we have been able to secure a refund from our suppliers. If we must reroute a holiday, then any basis for refund is determined on a case by case basis and dependent on whether the central holiday experience was provided or not.

Most governments will issue their own travel advice for a region and, if you are resident outside of the UK, then you can find some helpful links below:

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/

Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau http://voyage.gc.ca/

The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html

Booking activities locally

Additional activities can be booked locally in almost all our destinations. However, as per our booking conditions, we cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss incurred through participation in activities which are booked at your destination outside of our holiday itinerary (see our ‘Booking Conditions’ for further details).

When arranging any such activity please always ensure that safety is your primary concern.

In some of our destinations, you can borrow or hire equipment for use in your free time. You do so entirely at your own risk. You must ensure that you are properly prepared, have the necessary equipment and knowledge (maps, etc) and ensure that where applicable, you follow marked routes. We recommend discussing your plans with the local teams who will be able to advise on the most suitable options for you. 

Always let the reception/guide know where you are planning to go and take a torch and mobile phone (with the hotel/guide’s phone number stored). It is also a good idea to leave your contact number and the time you expect to return to the hotel should the hotel need to contact you.

Activities and Guides

When partaking in any activity, it is imperative that everyone in your group listens very closely to the instructions provided by the guide and that they are abided by at all times. Our guides are experts in their field and no one knows the environment better than these highly knowledgeable and experienced providers. 

Prior to starting any activity, please make it clear to your guide if there is any element of the safety briefing you are unsure of or would like to clarify before you set off. 

Our guides will always take local conditions into account when considering whether an activity can go ahead. This is, in part, why your itinerary is subject to change at short notice. This rarely happens, however, if it does, we will always endeavour to reschedule the activity for later in your holiday. If this is not possible then the cost of the activity will be refunded to you when you return home.

Our guides' word on activities is always final and your safety is their principal concern at all times; please respect their decisions. By following their instructions, your safety and enjoyment during each activity will be greatly enhanced. 

What do I need to take with me?

For all of our holidays, we provide guests with a list of items that you need to take with you when you travel on holiday, which are specific to the itinerary you will be enjoying. All of this information can be found in the trip dossiers, which are available on every holiday page and will be uploaded to your personal account at the time of booking with us.

During the winter months, we will also provide you with some seriously cosy clothing for the activities to keep you all toasty warm in our colder climates. Basically, there is no need for you to spend hundreds of pounds on specialist, expensive gear for your ever-growing children as we’ll provide the outer layers and snow boots for you. Follow the link here to read our full winter clothing packing guide. 

In the summer, items such as sun cream and hats become exceptionally important and, again, these will be detailed in the individual trip dossiers.

All necessary safety equipment will be provided for all of your activities in all destinations and it is maintained by expert staff.

There are some items that, irrelevant of your holiday, your family will need to make sure that they pack.

Passport and visas – please see our passport and visa section for more information. It is your responsibility to ensure that everyone has the correct validity and documentation required for your holiday. Details can be found in our trip dossiers.

Final travel letter – this will be uploaded into your online account around two weeks before travel and contains vital information about joining your holiday and emergency contact numbers.

Airline tickets – these will be uploaded into your online account for you to download and print if we are arranging your air travel

Trip dossier – this contains vital information about your holiday and is well worth carrying with you. You should read this BEFORE you travel. Please note that the order of activities is subject to change and you will be provided with your final itinerary upon arrival.

Travel insurance – this is a prerequisite to travelling with us. Please see our section on Travel Insurance for further details.

EHIC cards – this is applicable if you are a British passport holder and travelling within the EU. It entitles you to the same level of medical care that a national of the country you are visiting will receive without charge. Please check the expiry date on existing cards.

Full driving license – if you are hiring a car or would like to drive a snowmobile then please ensure that you take your license with you. You either need to take your old paper licence or the photocard part of the new licence. (see trip dossiers for further details).

Cash and credit card – Most major credit cards are accepted in our destinations. However, we would recommend you avoid depending on American Express or Diner’s Club as these are less widely accepted. Cash points are not always available in our destinations. It is generally worth advising your bank that you are travelling overseas to ensure that you do not have any issues using your card abroad. If you travel with cash, please ensure you keep it safe and secure. Also, check the limitations of your travel insurance.

Glasses/contact lenses (if required) – you are going to see some spectacular places and it would be a shame to miss any of it! Pop them in your hand luggage if you are flying in case of delays to your luggage.

First aid kit and medication - You should always carry a first aid kit with you when you travel and ensure that any essential medication you require is carried in your hand luggage (in case of any luggage delays). You will need to ensure that you have the relevant accompanying documentation for any medication and that it complies with all of the rules and regulations regarding items you are allowed to carry on board an aircraft.

Toiletries – although some accommodation may provide the basics this is not the norm and so you should take all that you need with you.

Chargers for cameras, phones, tablets etc. - whilst we recommend switching off on holiday, please remember the chargers for any electronic equipment you want to use whilst away.

Plug adaptors – the adaptor required in your destination will be detailed in your trip dossier.

Snacks and toys for the journey – we know that each family will have their own travel favourites so we recommend making sure that you take them with you as you may not be able to get them in your destination.

Reusable water bottle – this item is ideal for any activity holiday as in both the heat and the cold you will need to remain hydrated. It is also much better for the environment if you take a refillable bottle with you. 

How fit do we need to be?

Do not worry, you do not need to launch a training regime in order to enjoy our holidays. All of our family holidays have been designed with beginners in mind and all activities are to be enjoyed rather than endured. You do not need anything more than an average level of fitness to take part (although invariably you may find some activities easier if you are a little fitter) but a sense of adventure and a positive attitude are very important. 

Throughout the website, we have tried to give guests a wealth of information about the activities we feature, both in the individual holiday pages and in the dedicated activity pages. If you have any specific questions and you would like to find out further details, then please contact one of our Travel Experts. They can give you all first-hand advice on activities and destinations as they are lucky enough to get to visit them and enjoy the activities.

One thing to bear in mind is your family’s fitness in relation to the climate you will be visiting as Arctic, Mediterranean and tropical climates can affect people in different ways in terms of fatigue. As ever our experts will be on hand to help you with any questions.

Insurance

Travel insurance is a pre-requisite to any booking with us and a vital part of any holiday. Travel insurance is not provided as part of any of our holidays and so you will need to ensure that you have cover for all of the activities that you will be participating in during your holiday and that all members of your family are covered.

You must ensure that any insurance provides adequate medical and cancellation cover. Please bear in mind that not all insurance policies may offer cover for the sort of activities you may be taking part in during your holiday. We recommend you run through every activity you will be taking part in with the company in detail to ensure you are fully covered.

Please read your policy details carefully and take them with you on holiday. It is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance cover you purchase is adequate for your particular needs. We do not check alternative insurance policies.

Please see our booking conditions for further information. 

Airport Hotels

We know that travelling with children is not always the simplest task and some of our families like to start their holidays nice and relaxed and, if they have a morning flight, in many cases this means that the best thing to do is to spend the night before their flight at the airport. Knowing that you are within easy reach of the airport, free from the stress of transport delays and traffic jams can really make a big difference to how you begin your holiday and can make things much more enjoyable for adults and children alike.

The majority of airports offer both onsite hotels (some even within terminal buildings) and off site hotels nearby with shuttles that operate very regularly. Please see the individual listings for details of the services that each hotel provides and the hours that the shuttles operate. There are also many which can combine hotel and parking.

We have two partners that provide our guests with easy booking facilities and great prices for very convenient airport hotels. You can save up to 25% with our negotiated discounts.  To visit APH's website click on the link below or call them on 0844 871 7521 and quote 'ACAB' to the operator to ensure your discount.

APH

Click below to visit Holiday Extra's website or call them on 08000838746 and quote WV204 to ensure that your discount is applied.

Holiday extras

Airport Parking

Parking at the airport can be much more cost effective than getting taxis if you live any real distance from the airport. The joy of being able to bypass the taxi queue and head straight to your own car is always a lovely feeling, especially with the children in tow.

There is wide variety of airport parking both on site at the airports and offsite, utilising a shuttle. Please make sure that you read the individual listings to ensure that the parking shuttle meets your needs and to make sure you leave yourself enough time to get to the airport for check in.

We have two partners who we work with to provide our guests with easy booking facilities and great prices.  You can save up to 25% with our negotiated discounts. To visit APH's website click on the link below or call them on 0844 871 7521 and quote 'ACAB' to the operator to ensure your discount.

APH

Click below to visit Holiday Extra's website or call them on 08000838746 and quote WV204 to ensure that your discount is applied.

Holiday extras

Airport Lounges

Whilst on the whole airports are improving their facilities the hustle and bustle of the terminals can sometimes be the last thing that you want at either end of your holiday and there can often be a lack of things to entertain the children.

We are pleased to be able to offer our families the opportunity to purchase access to a range of airport lounge facilities, which really enable you start your holiday relaxed and in style.

We are able to arrange access to the No 1 Lounge facilities at both the North and South terminals at Gatwick and Terminal 3 at London Heathrow. Here families get access to the relaxed surroundings of the lounge for two hours, which is perfect following check in.

Heathrow Terminal 3

This flagship lounge provides guests with the chance to tuck into a bistro meal, watch the runway with a glass of wine in hand, enjoy a relaxing massage (additional charges may apply) or play a game of pool in the games room.

There are sumptuous seating areas, panoramic runway views, fully tended bar and freshly prepared food. There are snugs to unwind in and even a cinema for those classic movies.  

Complimentary Wi-Fi, newspapers and magazines are provided for you to enjoy.

Champagne packages can also be arranged in advance for a discounted rate.

If you have a long connection or are perhaps just very early for your flight then the private en suite bedrooms are a wonderful place to escape to for some peace and quiet.

For those who really want to pamper themselves from the outset, then the travel spa also provides a range of treatments including massages, facials and manicures for an additional cost.

Gatwick North Terminal

Here you will find numerous designer lounge areas, a games room, a cinema, an independent travel spa (additional fees may apply) and business centre.

A rarity in airports, you can also access the garden area here and enjoy some fresh air before your flight.

You can enjoy a relaxing massage or a refreshing shower with beauty treatments also available to book (additional charges apply).

Wi-Fi is provided free of charge and there is also a currency exchange desk.

This is all on top of the seasonal menu of hot and cold light dishes which are prepared to order.

Gatwick South Terminal

At the South terminal you can enjoy the crafted bar area, bistro space and numerous comfortable seating areas. There’s even a 16 foot living garden wall which brings the outdoors in.

You can exchange your currency with some of the best airport rates, play table football, read a variety of papers and magazines and, of course, use the free unlimited Wi-Fi.

At the South Terminal lounge you will also be able to enjoy a selection of hot and cold light meals which are made to order as well as a fully tended bar. 

How to book

If you would like us to arrange an airport lounge for you then please just let our travel experts know at the time of booking and they will be able to provide you with a quotation.

As well as those listed above we are also able to offer partner lounges at Manchester, Edinburgh and Birmingham airports and will be more than happy to arrange this for you.

It really is a wonderful way to begin any holiday.

Chauffeur services and VIP departure services

We will be more than happy to arrange a chauffeur-driven airport transfer to get your family to and from selected airports in comfort and at ease. Please contact us for a quotation.

We can also arrange for a completely stress free airport experience for you and your family with our VIP service, which provides you with luggage assistance from prearranged porters, meet and greet at the airport terminal, fast track for check-in, bag drop and security and an escort to and from you lounge to the gate. This is often popular with those travelling alone with their children.

We are also able to arrange for you to be greeted at the gate on your return, be escorted through immigration and customs and helped with your luggage. You will then be accompanied from to the terminal exit or to your prearranged chauffeur.

This is the most hassle free way to travel, leaving you to think only about your holiday.

Please contact us for a quotation. 

Financial Protection

We know that for families, a holiday will be one of the most important investments you make in a year. We also understand just how important it is that you know that you are all financially protected and that your money is completely secure. You can rest assured that we will provide you with all of the above and more.

We understand just how important it is that you know that you are all financially protected and that your money is completely secure

The British Travel Industry is strictly governed and so there are many factors in place to ensure that your holiday experience and your finances are protected.

Many of our holidays include flights and these always depart from the UK. If your holiday is flight inclusive, then it is protected under our ATOL license (License number 6865).

If you are a fulltime UK resident and you book a ‘land only’ (i.e. a non-flight inclusive package where you arrange your own flights) then your money is protected through our ABTA bonding (ABTA number Y6261).

We are very happy to arrange holidays for people located anywhere in the world. The vast majority of non-UK residents arrange their own travel to the UK and make a booking with for a flight inclusive package departing from the UK for convenience but also to benefit from our financial protection. If you would like to arrange your own flights directly to your chosen holiday destination then this would not be covered by our ATOL financial protection and you would need to ensure your travel insurance provides sufficient cover for your needs. This does not affect our booking terms and conditions.

We are also members of AITO (Association of Independent Tour Operators) and abide by their terms of membership.

Additional information from the CAA relating to our ATOL license:

We hold an Air Travel Organiser's License issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number 6865). When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday* from us, you will receive an ATOL Certificate.

This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information from and who to contact if things go wrong. We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL Certificate, will provide you with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative).

In some cases, where neither we nor the supplier are able to do so for reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may provide you with services you have bought or a suitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under the ATOL scheme (or your credit card issuer where applicable). If we, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL certificate, are unable to provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons of insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL scheme. You agree that in return for such a payment or benefit, you assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the non-provision of the services, including any claim against us, the travel agent or your credit card issuer where applicable. You also agree that any such claims may be re-assigned to another body, if that other body has paid sums you have claimed under the ATOL scheme.

*Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/atolcertificate.

If you have any questions relating to financial protection, please do not hesitate to contact us as this is an area we have extensive knowledge and expertise. We will be more than happy to discuss and take you through any concerns that you may have.