Flight-Only Fare Conditions

• Ticket(s) is non-transferable.
• Fare is non-changeable and non-refundable.
• Immediate full payment required.
• Please note that this trip is priced using a fare which is limited in availability. This fare is not guaranteed until purchase.
• Carriers reserve the right to change the flight schedule at any time prior to departure. We will advise you of any changes as they come through from the airline.

Please note if you are travelling on a scheduled airline: We will return unused tickets to the issuing airline for a tax refund. Upon receipt of the tax refund authorisation we will forward a cheque less any cancellation or administration charges, to you. Refunds usually take 6-8 weeks but can take longer.

Booking Conditions

Austravel is a trading name of TUI UK Limited, Company Number 02830117, Registered Office Wigmore House, Wigmore Place, Wigmore Lane, Luton LU2

9TN. The air holidays and flights in this brochure are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 2524. Bonded with major banks to protect customer holiday payment and repatriation. Members of the Association of British Travel Agents, ABTA No. V6538

Our Agreement with You

We are a trading division of TUI UK Limited and Our Agreement with you sets out what you are legally entitled to expect from us when you buy our travel services. Those travel services are as advertised by us but may also have restrictions set out in All You Need to Know which should also be read carefully. Because we sell a wide variety of travel products, you should read All You Need to Know and these terms and conditions carefully, before you book, to see how they affect your specific travel arrangements made by us.

1. Your Travel Booking

Whether you book alone or as a group, we will only deal with the lead booking name in all subsequent correspondence, including changes, amendments and cancellations. You must be 18 years old to book as the lead name and travel on holidays with us and take up the offers advertised by us if they are still available. If you are under 18 years old an adult must accompany you on your journey. There may be other restrictions on some offers, but these are explained in the details of those offers.

When you or (if you are booking through a travel agent) your travel agent ask for your booking to be confirmed, we will confirm the booking there and then, and set aside your chosen accommodation, holiday or transport for you. Next, we will send you or your travel agent a Confirmation Invoice within 14 days. We may not be able to confirm some of our ground arrangements straight away (e.g. bespoke accommodation, tours etc). In these instances we may issue a Confirmation Invoice. However, a contract for arrangements that have not been confirmed on that invoice will only be made when we have sent you written confirmation that those additional arrangements have been completed. If there is any change to any of the details discussed at time of booking, before the Confirmation Invoice is issued, we will notify you promptly of any new or changed details, including a change to the total price (if any). If any detail on the Confirmation Invoice is not correct tell us or your travel agent immediately. If there is an obvious error on the Confirmation Invoice we reserve the right to correct it as soon as we become aware of it, but we will do this within 7 days of issuing the Confirmation Invoice or, if your departure is within 7 days, no later than 24 hours before you go. If any of these changes are not acceptable then you will be entitled to a full refund.

Your contract will either be with us or with another supplier of travel services and this will depend on the type of arrangements you book: Your contract will be with us if we arrange at least two or more of the following services when the services are taken together and also either cover a period of more than 24 hours or include overnight accommodation:- (a) transport; (b) accommodation; and (c) other tourist services not ancillary to transport or accommodation which account for a significant part of the arrangements. But we will need to be aware that you have made more than one arrangement with us and the arrangements must have been charged for by us at an inclusive price. For all other arrangements, we are the Booking Agent for a number of suppliers. Your contract will be with the supplier and we accept no responsibility for their actions or omissions. Copies of the conditions of your contract with your supplier are available on request from us and we recommend that you ask for them and read them before you book so that you are aware of how they may affect your booking. Thomsonfly's terms and conditions are available at www.thomsonfly.com. If you are only buying a Thomsonfly flight from us or we are the supplier's Booking Agent, the clauses set out below that refer to your booking as a "holiday" will not apply to you.

2. The Price You Pay

All prices we advertise are accurate at the date published, but we reserve the right to change any of those prices from time to time. Prices can go up or down. We will be able to tell you or your travel agent the up-to-date price of your chosen travel arrangements and of any other services advertised by us before confirming your booking. We reserve the right to increase the price of your holiday after you have booked but no later than 30 days before the departure date stipulated and will forward an Amendment Invoice reflecting any changes made. If we are your Booking Agent (see section 1 above), then we, acting on behalf of your supplier, will pass on any price increase in accordance with the conditions of the contract with your supplier. For all other arrangements, after a Confirmation Invoice has been sent to you, any increase to your holiday price will be as the result of changes in our costs of supplying your holiday resulting from transportation charges, (fuel, airport charges, scheduled air fares and other transport charges which form part of our contract with the transport provider), currency fluctuations and government action. An administration charge and any relevant travel agent's commission is included within these amounts. If the increase would be 2% or less of the holiday price shown on your Confirmation Invoice (excluding insurance premiums and any amendment charges), we will absorb the changes in our costs described above and will only pass on any increase above that level. If any change in our costs would cause a reduction in your holiday price, we will not make refunds of amounts less than 2% of your holiday price (calculated as above), but we will refund in full amounts exceeding such 2%, after deducting an administration charge of £1.

If the increase is more than 10% of the holiday price (calculated as above), then : -

1. You may cancel your holiday booking within 14 days of the Amendment Invoice date and receive a refund of all monies paid to us except any amendment charges; we will only consider an appropriate refund of insurance premium paid if you can show us that you are unable to transfer or re-use your policy; and
2. The increase will be considered a Major Change as described in section 4 below and, unless you choose to cancel under paragraph 1 above, you will be entitled to the alternatives set out in section 4 for those circumstances, but in either case you will receive compensation in accordance with section 4. The price quoted on the last Amendment Invoice issued is guaranteed, unless you change your holiday booking. Any increases in our costs which occur after the last Amendment Invoice has been sent will be borne by us.

3. If we cancel your booking

If we are your Booking Agent, your contract with your suppliers may allow them to cancel bookings. Where this occurs, we will ensure that you are promptly notified of any significant changes e.g. to airline flight times and routes, but accept no liability for the changes or costs incurred which may result. For all other arrangements we aim to provide your holiday as booked. But if, for example, there are not enough people booked on your holiday or you do not pay the balance of the holiday price on time, we may cancel it. We reserve the right to cancel your holiday in any circumstances but if we cancel your holiday you can either have a refund or accept a replacement holiday from us of equivalent or closely similar standard and price (if one is available). In either case, we will pay you compensation, using the scale shown (unless we cancel your holiday because you do not pay us the balance of the holiday price or because of one of the events listed in the 'Important note - events beyond our control') and we will always refund the difference in price if the replacement holiday is of a lower standard and price. We will not cancel your holiday less than eight weeks before you go, unless this is the result of one of the events in the 'Important note - events beyond our control'.

4. If we change your booking details

If we are your Booking Agent, your contract with your suppliers may allow them to change your booking details. Where this occurs, we will ensure that you are promptly notified of any significant changes e.g. to airline flight times and routes, but accept no liability for the changes or costs incurred which may result. For all other arrangements, we hope that we will not have to make any change to your holiday but, because our holidays are planned many months in advance, we sometimes do need to make changes. We reserve the right to do this at any time. We will let you or your travel agent know about any important changes when you book. If you have already booked, we will let you know as soon as we can, if there is time before your departure. Flight timings shown by us are for guidance only and may change. Your Confirmation Invoice will show the latest planned timings. Your actual flight timings will be shown on your ticket (including any e ticket itinerary), which you should check carefully as soon as you receive it.

Major changes to your holiday

Occasionally, we have to make major changes to the flight or accommodation making up your holiday with us. If we tell you about any of these changes after we have confirmed your holiday booking, you may either:

• accept the new arrangements offered by us; or
• accept a replacement holiday from us of equivalent or closely similar standard and price, if one is available; or
• cancel your holiday with us and receive a full refund of all monies paid.

Either way, we will pay you compensation, using the Compensation table shown, unless the change is for reasons beyond our control (see the 'Important Note - events beyond our control') and we will always refund the difference in price if the replacement holiday is of a lower standard and price. Major changes for which we will always pay compensation, using the scale shown, may include the following changes: a significant change of destination; a change in accommodation to that of a lower category, a change in the time of your departure or return flight by more than 12 hours, a change of UK departure airport (excluding changes between London airports, London and Ashford stations and between Dover/Folkestone ports) but see also 'Important note - events beyond our control'. These changes are only examples and there may be other significant changes which constitute major changes. This standard payment will not affect your statutory or other legal rights. We will only make one payment for each full-fare-paying adult in the holiday booking. Any children not paying the full adult fare will receive 50% of these amounts. Children using a free child place will not receive any standard payment.

Compensation

These scales are based on how many days before your booked holiday departure we tell you of a major change. See also the 'Important note - events beyond our control'.

Important note - events beyond our control

Events beyond our control include: war, threat of war, riots, civil disturbances, terrorist activity, industrial disputes, natural and nuclear disasters, fire, epidemics, health risks, technical problems with transport including changes due to rescheduling or cancellation of flights by an airline or alteration of the airline or aircraft type for reasons beyond our control or that of our suppliers; closed or congested airports or ports, hurricanes and other actual or potential severe weather conditions, and any other similar events. In February 2005 a new Europe-wide law relating to denied boarding, delays and cancellation of flights came into force. This law granted rights to passengers including in certain circumstances the right to cancel their flight and receive reimbursement of the cost of the flight from their airline. Full details of these rights is publicised at EU airports and is also available from affected airlines (including Thomsonfly). However, you should note that reimbursement of the cost of a flight that forms part of your holiday is the responsibility of your holiday airline and will not automatically entitle you to reimbursement of the cost of your holiday from us or your supplier if we are their Booking Agent.

5. What happens to holiday complaints

We can usually sort out any complaints you may have. But if we cannot agree, you can take the matter to an arbitrator appointed by The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Details and application forms are available from ABTA, 68-71 Newman Street, London W1P 4AH. The arbitrator will only deal with your complaint if it relates to a holiday and:

• you are claiming up to £5,000 for each person or £25,000 for each booking;
• you contact them within 9 months of the end of your holiday; and
• your complaint does not involve major physical injury or illness.

This is a cheap and simple way of sorting out complaints and there are limits on the costs you might have to pay. You do not have to appear in person, but can send documents to explain your complaint. If you would like more details, please ask our Customer Service Department. If you prefer, you can take your complaint to the County Court or another suitable court.

6. Our responsibility for your holiday

We will arrange for you to receive the services that make up the holiday that you choose and that we confirm. These services will be provided either directly by us or through independent suppliers contracted by us. Except where we are a Booking Agent we are responsible for making sure that each part of the holiday you book with us is provided to a reasonable standard and as was advertised by us (or as changed and accepted by you). If any part of your holiday is not provided as described and this spoils your holiday, we will pay you appropriate compensation (see the 'Important note - events beyond our control'). Also, if you buy a local excursion or tour through one of our official representatives, we will pay you reasonable compensation if it is not as advertised in our literature. We have taken all reasonable care to make sure that all the services which make up the holidays advertised by us are provided by efficient and reputable businesses. These businesses should follow the local and national laws and regulations of the country where they are provided.

However, overseas safety standards are generally lower than in the UK, for example few hotels yet meet EC fire safety recommendations even in Europe.

7. Personal Injury 1

Except where we are your Booking Agent, this section covers injury, illness or death while you are using the holiday services that we have arranged for you. We have no direct control over the way our suppliers provide their services but everyone employed or contracted by us or by our suppliers is expected to carry out their duties properly. If they do not carry out their duties properly (or at all) and that fault results in your injury, illness or death, we may make a payment to you. We will not make any payment if your injury, illness or death was caused by an event or circumstances which the person who caused it could not have predicted or avoided even if they had taken all necessary and due care. We will not make any payment if your illness, injury or death was your own fault. If we do make a payment, it will be similar to one you would receive under English law in an English court. Note: We will make such payments for injury, illness or death on the basis that you are expected to accept that:

1. You must tell us and the supplier involved about your injury or illness while you are in the resort (see section 13). You should also write to our Customer Services at the address given in All You Need to Know about your claim within three months of coming home from your holiday to allow us to investigate it properly. Please include a letter about your injury or illness from your doctor if you can.
2. You should transfer to us any rights you have against the supplier or any other person.
3. You should co-operate fully with us if we or our insurers want to enforce those rights.
4. Any payments we make may be limited in accordance with international conventions.

We ask you to transfer your rights to us so that we can claim back from suppliers any payments we make to you, plus any legal or other costs. We will not make a profit from this. If we get back from the supplier more than we have paid you plus these costs, we will give the extra money to you.

8. Personal Injury 2

Except where we are your Booking Agent, this section covers damages, injury, illness or death which is not connected with the arrangements made by us. If you or someone on your holiday booking is injured, falls ill or dies while taking part in an activity which is not part of the holiday, or you need to incur unpredictable extra expenses for which we are not liable (see 'Important note - events beyond our control') we will try to help if we can. For example, we can help by:

• providing translation services
• communicating with authorities and others in foreign resorts
• recommending foreign lawyers (if necessary)
• explaining the procedures you should follow
• telling you of any time limits

We will help everyone on your holiday booking up to a total cost to us of £5,000 as long as the following conditions are met:

1. You must ask us for help within three months of coming back from holiday.
2. You must make a claim under your insurance policy's legal expenses or other appropriate section. You must show us proof that your insurance company has received your claim and, if you get back the cost of legal or other expenses, you must repay us any money we have spent in helping you.

Your Agreement with Us

9. Your contract

By asking us or your travel agent to confirm your booking, you are accepting that the terms of this Agreement (and the conditions of any contract made with your suppliers) applies to your booking and your travel arrangements. You also consent to our processing personal information about you and other members of your party (see Data Protection in All You Need to Know). Your contract with us is subject to the laws and jurisdiction of England and Wales. You may however choose the law and jurisdiction of Scotland or Northern Ireland if you wish to do so.

10. Paying for your travel arrangements

You will be required to pay a deposit to us for each person when you book unless this is within eight weeks of departure when the full amount for the booking is payable.

The deposit amount will be specified by us or your travel agent when your booking is made. If you pay less than the deposit under a low deposit booking scheme, this is only part of the deposit referred to in this paragraph. Please note your booking deposit may be increased or there may be a charge payable for some accommodation, holidays or flight bookings where it is necessary to secure specific facilities with full payment at the time of booking e.g. weddings, coach touring and specific types of airline tickets. Once confirmed, the booking deposit, additional charges paid and insurance premiums will not be refunded in the event of cancellation except in the circumstances specified in Sections 2, 3 or 4 or as otherwise required by law.

For a holiday, this is your only commitment until eight weeks before you go. Within two weeks of booking, we will send you a Confirmation Invoice showing how much you owe us. You must pay the amount on the last Invoice issued by us, at least eight weeks before you go on holiday. If you don't, we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled and to charge you a cancellation charge up to 100% of the total on that last Invoice, in accordance with the scale in section 12. If you pay money for your booking to a travel agent appointed by us, they will hold that money as our agent from the time they receive it until they pay the money to us. If payment for your booking is made by credit card a handling fee of 2.0% per transaction is made. No charge is made for payments made by Debit Card.

11. If you change your booking

1. If you want to change any details of your booking (such as changing to a different hotel or changing your point or date of departure) or to cancel an optional extra you have booked, we will do our best to help but please note that we usually treat amendments that would lower the basic price of your holiday as a different holiday (see 11.4 below). We charge an 'Amendment Fee' for each detail of the booking which you change. If you make the change more than 56 days before departure, the fee will be £35 per change per person. If you make the change within 56 days of departure, the amendment fee will be £50 per change per person.
2. The price of your new travel arrangements will be based on the prices that apply on the day you ask for the change. These prices may not be the same as when you first booked your travel arrangements.
3. Name change, and or departure details such as date and time changes are not always allowed by airlines and other transport providers whenever they are made. Whilst we will do our best to change the details of the booking, please bear in mind that most airlines and other transport providers treat name and departure detail changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly. These charges will be passed on to you. Once tickets have been issued, and sometimes even before they have been issued, any changes made to the ticket, including names or initials, will result in you having to pay for the cancelled ticket and buy a new ticket at full cost.
4. If, within 56 days of departure, you want either to change to a different holiday or you wish to change your departure date to a later date, you will have to pay cancellation charges (see section 12). If the change means we must send you new tickets, we cannot give you any refund until we have received all your old travel documents, including tickets.
5. Some types of accommodation (such as apartments, or hotel rooms with reductions for three adults) are priced according to the number of people staying there. If your booking changes because someone in your party cancels, we will recalculate your booking cost based on the new number of people going. If fewer people share the accommodation, then the cost for them may go up. This extra cost is not a cancellation charge, and it is not covered by our recommended Insurance.
6. Except where we are your Booking Agent and subject to clause 11.3 above, if you are prevented from taking the holiday you have booked, you may transfer your booking to another person, provided you meet the following conditions:
   • You must sign an amendment/cancellation form authorising us to make the transfer;
   • The person to whom you transfer your holiday booking must comply with all the terms of the existing booking;
   • That person must sign a holiday booking form accepting the transfer and the terms of Our Agreement;
   • That person must show us new evidence of their holiday insurance, as your policy cannot be transferred to another person (and the premium cannot be refunded);
   • We will also charge amendment fees in accordance with section 11.1 above. This will be added to the new Invoice issued to that person;
   • You cannot transfer a holiday booking within 14 days of departure; and
   • You will remain responsible for the payment of any balance on that new Invoice should that person fail to pay it.

12. If you cancel your booking

If you want to cancel your booking or part of it, you or your travel agent must advise us in writing at the address given in All You Need to Know. The letter must be signed by the lead name on the booking and once we receive it you should expect to receive a Cancellation Invoice within 14 days. If you do not then please contact us to ensure your letter has been received. To cover the cost of processing your cancellation and to compensate us for the risk that we may not be able to resell your travel arrangements, we make a cancellation charge on the scale shown below. The person who made the booking is responsible for paying this charge. The size of the charge depends on when we receive your form or letter - the more notice you give, the less we will charge. If you are travelling on a scheduled flight, we cannot give you any refund until we have received your old travel documents, including tickets. Please return them to us or your travel agent immediately. Please note that for certain travel arrangements e.g. coach tours and many scheduled transport providers the cancellation charge may be higher than those shown. In certain cases a 100% cancellation fee applies as soon as the booking is made and the ticket is issued. Please ask for full details of cancellation charges at time of booking. If you have taken out our recommended Insurance policy, you may be able to claim for the cancellation charge. You will find details on the Insurance page. If you have taken out other holiday insurance, please check your policy.

Cancellation charges

These charges are based on how many days before your booked departure we receive your cancellation notice. These charges are a percentage of the total cost of your booking, not including your insurance premium.

13. If you have a complaint

If we are the Booking Agent, your contract with your supplier may have a complaints procedure to follow (see Section 1). If your contract is with us and you have a complaint about your arrangements whilst away, you must immediately notify the supplier of the service in question locally. If they are unable to resolve the problem immediately, and a member of our staff is not available, you should contact us straight away by telephone/fax/email and we will endeavour to assist. If you are still not satisfied on your return home, you must write to our Customer Services at the address given in All You Need to Know, within 28 days of returning from your holiday. Please write your holiday reference number on your letter, and include your daytime and evening telephone numbers. If you do not give us the opportunity to resolve any problem locally by reporting it to the supplier, then we may not be able to deal positively with any complaint on your return. Please submit any complaint within 28 days to allow it to be investigated properly.

14. Conduct while travelling

We reserve the right to refuse to accept you as a customer or continue dealing with you if your behaviour is disruptive or affects other travellers or is threatening or abusive towards our staff or agents in the UK or resort, on the telephone, in writing or in person. If the Captain of your flight or cruise ship or our resort staff believes that you could be disruptive, they can also refuse to let you proceed with your travel arrangements. If this means you are not allowed to board the flight outbound from the UK, we will treat your booking as cancelled by you from that moment, and you will have to pay full cancellation charges (see section 12). If this occurs overseas then you will become responsible for your own return home and any other members of your group who cannot or will not travel without you. In any of these circumstances no refunds or compensation will be paid to you and we may make a claim against you for any costs and expenses incurred as a result of your behaviour e.g. the cost of diverting an aircraft or ship to remove you. Criminal proceedings may also be instigated.

15. Your accommodation

The accommodation we arrange for you must only be used by those people named on your Confirmation Invoice (or on any Amendment Invoice issued). You are not allowed to share the accommodation or let anyone else stay there. You are responsible for the cost of any damage caused to your accommodation or its contents during your stay, except damage caused by persons not known to you. These charges must be met by you and may have to be paid locally.

16. The conditions of your ticket

When you travel by air or by sea, your journey may be subject to certain international conventions such as the Warsaw Convention, Montreal Convention or Athens Convention. You agree that the transport company's own 'Conditions of Carriage' will apply to you on that journey. When arranging this transportation for you, we rely on the terms and conditions contained within these international conventions and those 'Conditions of Carriage'. You acknowledge that all of these terms and conditions form part of your contract with us as well as with the transport company. You can ask us or the travel agent booking your holiday to provide you with a copy of any of the conditions applicable to your journey. We will tell you the identity of your air carrier when you book with us and if it is not known at that time or subsequently changes we will inform you as soon as possible and no later than at check-in for your flight (or boarding if it is a connecting flight without check-in).

Essential Travel Information

ACCURACY

All facts in this brochure are checked by Austravel in consultation with overseas staff and hoteliers. Changes can occur, however, after the brochure is printed, which are beyond our control. If you've not yet booked your holiday, ask your travel agent for updates. If you have already booked, we'll do our best to tell you about changes, if there is time, before departure. The most frequent changes include:

• Tours, safaris and cruises: Local conditions may demand a change to the amount of time spent in a town or resort, or even eliminate a stop altogether. Weather conditions, safety factors and other circumstances beyond our control may mean we must change the cruise itineraries during the cruise or at very short notice before departure.
• Flight timings: These may change with very little notice.
• Meal Service: Hoteliers may decide to change from buffet service to waiter service - or vice versa.
• Sea views: May become partly blocked by trees from both public areas and guest rooms.

ADVANCE REGISTRATION 2009

The holidays advertised in this brochure depart on or before 31 March 2009. You may already be planning a holiday later in 2009 especially if it is for a happy event such as a wedding, honeymoon or special occasion such as an anniversary. We would be happy to discuss your requirements and offer you a provisional costing and, should you wish to proceed, ask you to complete an Advance Registration Form and request payment of a deposit. This is your only commitment until we publish prices for the period covering your chosen holiday dates. At that point, we will contact you and ask if you wish to confirm the booking. If the price we confirm to you is more than 10% higher than the provisional costing, you will have the right to cancel and receive a full refund. If the price increased by 10% or less and you do not wish to proceed with the confirmation, you will lose your holding deposit. If you do wish to confirm the booking, we will ask you to complete a Booking Form, request payment of appropriate insurance premium (unless you have your own comparable cover) and issue a Confirmation Invoice. Unless you inform us of any discrepancy within 7 days, your booking will then be confirmed.

AIR CARRIER LIABILITY

This information notice summarises the liability rules applied by Community air carriers as required by Community legislation and the Montreal Convention.

Compensation in the case of death or injury:

There are no financial limits to the liability for passenger injury or death. For damages up to 100000 SDRs* (approximately £80,000) the air carrier cannot contest claims for compensation. Above that amount, the air carrier can defend itself against a claim by proving that it was not negligent or otherwise at fault.

Advance payments: If a passenger is killed or injured, the air carrier must make an advance payment, to cover immediate economic needs, within 15 days from the identification of the person entitled to compensation. In the event of death, this advance payment shall not be less than 16000 SDRs (approximately £13,000).

Passenger delays: In case of passenger delay, the air carrier is liable for damage unless it took all reasonable measures to avoid the damage or it was impossible to take such measures. The liability for passenger delay is limited to 4150 SDRs (approximately £3,300).

Baggage delays: In case of baggage delay, the air carrier is liable for damage unless it took all reasonable measures to avoid the damage or it was impossible to take such measures. The liability for baggage delay is limited to 1000 SDRs (approximately £800).

Destruction, loss or damage to baggage: The air carrier is liable for destruction, loss or damage to baggage up to 1000 SDRs (approximately £800) In the case of checked baggage, it is liable even if not at fault, unless the baggage was defective. In the case of unchecked baggage, the carrier is liable only if at fault. Higher limits for baggage: A passenger can benefit from a higher liability limit by making a special declaration at the latest at check-in and by paying a supplementary fee.

Complaints on baggage: If the baggage is damaged, delayed, lost or destroyed, the passenger must write and complain to the air carrier as soon as possible. In the case of damage to checked baggage, the passenger must write and complain within seven days, and in the case of delay within 21 days, in both cases from the date on which the baggage was placed at the passenger's disposal. Liability of contracting and actual carriers: If the air carrier actually performing the flight is not the same as the contracting air carrier, the passenger has the right to address a complaint or to make a claim for damages against either. If the name or code of an air carrier is indicated on the ticket, that air carrier is the contracting air carrier.

Time limit for action: Any action in court to claim damages must be brought within two years from the date of arrival of the aircraft, or from the date on which the aircraft ought to have arrived.

Basis for the information: The basis for the rules described above is the Montreal Convention of 28 May 1999, which is implemented in the Community by Regulation (EC) No 2027/97 (as amended by Regulation (EC) No 889/2002) and national legislation of the Member States. *SDR (Special Drawing Rights) is a unit of account created by the International Monetary Fund in 1969, based on a basket of the world's leading currencies, principally US Dollars, Euros, Japanese Yen and Sterling.

ARRIVING/DEPARTING YOUR ACCOMMODATION

Several of our flights are overnight, landing in the resort early in the morning. As 12pm to 2pm is the accepted time for check-in at most hotels in Australia & New Zealand, there may be occasions when rooms are not ready for immediate occupation. Occasionally this check–in time may be later at peak times. If you are arriving early and require your room to be available for immediate occupation then we recommend prebooking the room from the night prior to arrival. On the day of departure, you will usually be requested to vacate your room by 10.00am and most hotels will look after your luggage and provide a day room if your flight is not until the evening. You may have to pay a supplement if you wish to retain your room until the evening. All Inclusive facilities are not normally available after check-out. Your Confirmation Invoice will confirm the number of nights reserved for you.

BUILDING WORK

Many overseas resorts are still developing and there may occasionally be building work taking place in the vicinity of the hotel. If possible, we will always try to notify you of such work prior to departure. In less well developed countries, there may be occasional interruption to public utility supplies such as power and water.

CHILD OFFERS AND PRICES

Flights: Children under 12 years of age will normally qualify for a discount on most scheduled airlines. Children normally pay 67% of the adult fare but may vary where special conditions apply. We will advise at the time of booking.

Accommodation: In many hotels, up to 2 children may not incur a cost if sharing a room with two adults. In these cases, they may have to share the adult beds or 'rollaway' beds are provided which are usually single bed size but can be smaller. If a child is sharing with a single adult then they must pay the full twin person price. In many apartment style hotels, the price of a room or apartment is for the apartment and not per person and so child discounts do not apply.

Insurance: All children and infants must be adequately covered.

CURRENCY REGULATIONS

Although there are no longer currency restrictions for British holidaymakers, some countries limit the amount of local currency you can bring in or take out. Please ask your bank for the latest advice.

• It's safer to carry most of your holiday money in travellers' cheques. They can be replaced quickly and easily as long as you have a record of the cheque numbers.
• A small amount of foreign money can be very useful when you arrive abroad, as is some sterling when you return to the UK. Scottish bank notes can cause confusion and it is probably best to take English notes. Make sure to set aside sufficient currency in order to pay the relevant Departure Tax for all those in your party.
• Mastercard, Visa and other major credit cards are widely accepted abroad in larger hotels and resorts and can often be used in automated cash dispensers with your usual PIN number. Note that these may be available in major cities but are unlikely to be available in out-of-the-way locations and you should carry sufficient local currency and travellers' cheques for these parts of your holiday.

CUSTOMER SERVICES

To contact our Customer Services Department, please write to Austravel, King's Place, 12-42 Wood Street, Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, KT1 1JY.

CUSTOMS

Please be aware of the allowances and guide levels of bringing items bought on holiday into the country. A customs guide for travellers entering the UK can be obtained from the Customs and Excise National Advice Service on 0845 010 9000. Details are also available on the Customs and Excise website: www.hmce.gov.uk

DATA PROTECTION

TUI Travel PLC is committed to protecting your privacy and this Privacy Policy sets out what information we collect, how we collect it, and what we do with it.

PRIVACY POLICY

Information about you (your information)

This refers to information such as your name, contact details, travel preferences and special needs/ disabilities/dietary requirements that you supply us or is supplied to us, including any information about other persons on your booking relating to the same ("your information"). Your information is collected when you request information from us, contact us (and vice versa) or make a booking with us. You are responsible for ensuring that other members of your party are aware of the content of our Privacy Policy and consent to your acting on their behalf in all your dealings with us. We will update your information whenever we get the opportunity to keep it current, accurate and complete.

Our use of your information

1. We may disclose your information to our service providers (who could be located outside the UK/EEA) for the purpose of providing you with our services, including your flight, holiday or insurance, etc. Only information necessary for this purpose will be disclosed to them. For air travel, it may be a mandatory requirement (imposed on airlines by governments at the point(s) of departure and/or destination) to disclose your information for security and anti-terrorism purposes, or any other purposes which they determine appropriate.

2. We may use your information for the purposes set out in our data protection registration with the Office of the Information Commissioner, and disclose the same to our "group companies" (i.e. our holding companies and all group companies of our holding companies, some of which are outside the UK/EEA) for business purposes.

   We may also disclose your information to companies who act as "data processors" on our behalf. These purposes include administration, providing services (and contacting you where necessary), customer care, improving our service, business management and operation, re-organisation/structuring of our business (or our group companies), risk assessment, security and crime prevention/detection, research and analysis, marketing, monitoring, assessing customer purchasing preferences, dispute resolution, credit checking and debt collection. If we search against the files of credit reference agencies, they will record the search and hence the way in which you conduct your account with us may be shared with other lenders and credit agencies.

3. Some of your information may be considered "sensitive personal data" under the Data Protection Act 1998. (For example, information relating to health or religion.) We collect it to cater to your needs or act in your interest, but we do so on the condition that we have your positive consent – we will do all that is reasonably practicable to draw this to your attention when you first supply us with your information, or at the next available opportunity. By booking your holiday with us you also agree for your insurers, their agents and medical staff to disclose relevant information (which may contain sensitive personal data) to us in circumstances where we need to act in the interest of everyone in the group you are travelling with. For example, if your illness at resort is infectious we may need to make special arrangements for you and also ensure that you do not return with the group immediately.

If you do not agree to our use of your information, we cannot do business with you or accept your booking.

Direct Marketing Material

1. We may from time to time contact you by post with information on offers of goods and services, brochures, new products, forthcoming events or competitions from our holiday divisions and our holiday group companies.
2. You may indicate your preference to also receive our direct marketing material for the above purposes by telephone or e-communications (e-mail, SMS or e-brochure) on our website(s) or forms, or to our staff at the time you first supplied us your information.
3. You may, in addition, indicate your preference regarding receiving third party direct marketing material by post.
4. If do not wish to receive such information or would like to change your preference, please refer to point (2) of 'Your Rights' below.

Your Rights

1. You have the right to ask in writing by completing our Data Subject Access Request form for a copy of the information we hold about you (for which we may charge a fee) and to correct any inaccuracies in your information.
2. You have the right to ask in writing not to receive direct marketing material about our products and services. If the following facilities are available, you can amend your previous preference on our website(s), using our 'unsubscribe e-mail' or in literature which you subsequently return to us. Once properly notified by you, we will take steps to stop using your information in this way.
3. If you would like a list of our group companies or brands, please send us your request. Our registered address is at TUI Travel PLC, First Choice House, London Road, Crawley, RH10 9GX. Please address your correspondence to the Group Company Secretary.

Foreign Controls

Outside the European Economic Area (EEA), note that controls on data protection in such countries may not be as strong as the legal requirements in this country.

Use of tools/'cookies' and links to other websites

If our contact and dealing with you is via our website(s), we may use 'cookies'. A cookie is a small piece of data sent from our web server to your computer and stored in a text file on your hard drive. Cookies allow us to identify your computer but not you personally. You can set your web browser to refuse cookies. We use cookies to measure site usage and related information. If you are making a purchase, we may also use cookies to keep track of the transaction from one web page to another.

Our website(s) may contain links to other sites not controlled by us. (1) These sites may send you cookies and collect data and personal information. We are not responsible for the actions, content or the privacy policies of those websites to which our website(s) may link. (2) These sites may not be members of ABTA and, if not, ABTA protection will not be available. It is your responsibility to check the status of these sites.

Aggregated Customer Information

We collect information relating to customer trends and patterns. This information is often used in its aggregate form. We, including our group companies, may disclose aggregate statistics about enquiries made, visitors, customers and sales in order to describe our services to prospective partners, purchasers, advertisers and other reputable third parties and for other lawful purposes. No personally identifying information is disclosed.

Monitoring

To ensure that we carry out your instructions accurately, to help improve our service and in the interest of security, we may monitor and/or record: (1) your telephone calls; (2) customer activities using CCTV recording equipment in and around our premises; and (3) customer transactions and activities on our website. All recordings are and shall remain our sole property.

Security Statement

We have taken all reasonable steps to have in place appropriate security measures to protect your information.

Changes to this Policy

Any changes to this Policy will be either posted on our website, brochure and/or made available on request. We will strive to ensure our practices comply with the most current available version of this Policy. This Privacy Policy was last updated September 2007.

EVENTS BEYOND OUR CONTROL

We at Austravel take great care to try to ensure that you have a safe, happy and healthy holiday. But sometimes events happen beyond our control and we may decide that it is in your best interests to cancel or change your holiday arrangements, either before departure or while you are away. These events are set out in the 'Important note' in the Compensation box shown in section 4 of 'Our Agreement'. We reserve the right to do this under the terms of Section 3 of 'Our Agreement'. We base our decisions on the best advice available to us and regret any disappointment or inconvenience these changes may cause. If we cancel your holiday before departure we will normally refund any money which you have paid provided that we receive this from our suppliers, but if we cancel, change or curtail it after departure, no refund will be made. In either case, we will not be liable to pay compensation. In the unlikely event it becomes necessary, we will do our best to repatriate you or to make suitable alternative arrangements for your welfare. Remember that by booking your holiday with us, you agree that you will co-operate with us.

EXTRA LOCAL CHARGES

Some facilities, unless otherwise stated as included, may have extra local charges. These might include water sports (such as sunfish & dinghy sailing, kayaks and windsurfing), scuba-diving, games and sports (including table tennis) and sport equipment, pool tables, minigolf, golf, tennis, squash, gym equipment, saunas and steam baths, beauty treatments, massage, safety deposit boxes, minibars, bottled water, satellite and pay TV, entry to discos and nightclubs, porterage, charges for infants' cots and food, laundry, hotel minibuses and extra rollaway beds if not charged in advance. Most hotels will require an imprint of a credit card on arrival to cover incidentals.

Local Taxes: Some countries/islands make a charge on every visiting tourist. This charge has to be paid by each person, sometimes to the hotelier, sometimes at the local airport on arrival or departure. Because such charges are continually being introduced and the amount varies by destination, it is not possible to list here how much you should expect to pay.

FACTS ABOUT YOUR FLIGHT

Your flight details will be shown on your Confirmation Invoice, as indicated by the airlines at the time of your booking and final details will be shown on your tickets.

Some flights may involve refuelling stops en route, and airlines reserve the right to occasionally re-schedule timings, routing or aircraft types. In the event of a technical flight delay, you may be offered tea/coffee, a meal or overnight accommodation as appropriate.

Non Smoking flights: Most scheduled airlines are entirely non-smoking.

Safe and sound in the air: The Captain of an aircraft has complete control of the safety of the passengers on board. If he/she believes that you could be disruptive, he/she can refuse to let you on the flight. If you appear to be drunk, taking drugs, disturbing other passengers, or wearing clothing with offensive decorations, he/she can refuse to let you board; once in flight he/she can land at the nearest airport and insist you leave the aircraft.

Sports: It is dangerous to fly less than 48 hours before or after scuba diving, due to the drastic changes in pressure which may result in the 'bends' or even, in severe cases, paralysis.

Community List: In accordance with EU regulation 2111/2005 please note that there is a 'community list' which contains details of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban within the EU community. This list can be seen at www.dft.gov.uk

Baggage allowance

Checked baggage allowance: You may check one or two pieces of luggage into the aircraft's baggage hold, as long as the total weight of your bags is 20kg (44lb) or less. Note that the allowance may be less on internal or connecting flights in UK or abroad. We will advise you of this at the time of booking. If you exceed the baggage allowances, there may not be room on the aircraft and, even if it fits, you will to have to pay an extra charge to the airline. Please inform us at the time of booking if you wish to take a folding pushchair, a cot, a wheelchair or other additional item so that we can liaise with the airline. With the exception of wheelchairs, carriage of such items does not count as part of your baggage allowance and a charge will be levied by the airline. The weight allowed for flights will be shown on your flight tickets.

Hand luggage: Only one small piece of hand luggage is permitted. This varies by airline but, as a guide, you will generally be allowed one item measuring 56cm x 45cm x 25cm and with a maximum weight of 5kgs. Please ensure you carry any valuables in your hand luggage. Luggage allowances are subject to change at short notice. Please check with the airline concerned or visit the Department for Transport website at www.dft.gov.uk for the latest information.

Infants' baggage allowance: If your child is under the age of two years and will be travelling on your lap, he or she does not have a separate baggage allowance.

FLYING RESTRICTIONS AND NOTES

Flying during pregnancy: Different airlines apply different rules to women who wish to fly during pregnancy and may require a medical certificate. Some airlines allow travel only up to the 28th week (on date of return flight). To be sure you can travel on your chosen flight, call the airline direct for information; it is also wise to talk with your doctor. Ensure you have insurance cover for the entire trip as many policies cover only up to the 28th week.

Children: We do not accept bookings for children travelling alone who are under 18 years of age on the date of outward travel. On scheduled flights, an infant (a child who is under two years on date of RETURN flight) fare is charged at £75. Infants are not given seats, but on scheduled flights there are a limited number of sky cots available and we recommend requesting these at the time of booking so that we may notify the airline in advance. If your child celebrates his or her second birthday during the holiday, you must book and pay for the appropriate child fare; all children aged two and above must have their own seats on the aircraft.

Ready for take-off: Do make sure that you check the flight timings printed on your tickets, noting that all times are based on the 24hr clock system. Check-in will be at least three hours before take off for most flights so do please allow plenty of time for travelling to the airport.

Departure and other taxes: Australian Departure Tax is charged by us and included in your holiday price. Many other countries featured in this brochure including New Zealand and many stopover destinations charge a Departure Tax which is payable in cash locally at your departure airport. It is your responsibility to ensure that you keep sufficient currency to pay these taxes – note that they are per person and children often pay a reduced fee or are exempt.

Fares: These are constantly changing and we recommend you call us for the latest prices. Special offers are often available and represent great value for money but may be limited by availability, have significant restrictions in flexibility or have different payment terms and conditions.

Stopovers: This term is used to refer to a break in the flight journey of one night or more. Stopovers are recommended to break the journey up into manageable segments and to experience some different cultures at little additional cost.

Codeshare: For commercial reasons, two airlines will sometimes share a route. A flight may have one airline's flight number but another airline's aircraft.

Check-In: 2 hours prior to departure.

FITNESS TO FLY

Conditions such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) may be associated with any form of long distance travel whether by air, car, coach or train. In particular long-haul air travel (flights lasting longer than five hours) where passengers remain immobile in the seated position for long periods of time, may be associated with an increased risk. Some people are deemed to be at higher risk and these categories are listed in the latest government advice and they are advised to seek medical advice from their GP before travelling. For further information on DVT and the latest government advice, ask your travel designer or consult the Department of Health website: www.doh.gov.uk. People with other conditions may need special assistance from the airline. If you have any concerns about fitness, contact your doctor for advice.

GROUPS

Whether you are planning to get together with a group of friends or your extended family, you could be entitled to a generous group discount. Our Group Sales staff will be happy to assist you, whether you decide to take a holiday featured in the brochure or tailored to your group's own particular requirements. The specific group reductions available are dependent on the size of your group, chosen airline and hotel and travel dates. Please call Austravel for a quote.

HOLIDAY REPRESENTATION

Austravel holidays are designed with the independent traveller in mind. We do not provide resort or city representatives and there is no meet and greet service for flights. We do, however, have third party representatives in all of our destinations that can help should you need assistance and details of these representatives will be included in the travel pack with your tickets.

HOTEL GRADING

Austravel have provided their own classification of the properties featured to avoid the complications of trying to compare properties against drastically different local ratings Austravel base their classifications on their frequent appraisals of a hotel's level of accommodation and service. The full scale ranges from 3* for no-frills accommodation, to 5* Select for those offering more comfort and a wider range of facilities.

HOW TO BOOK

Thinking ahead

Before you make contact with us we suggest that you consider the following information:

• number of passengers
• first choice of outward and return dates as well as alternatives if possible
• preferred airline/s and class
• first choice accommodation, meal arrangements and room types as well as alternatives
• any special requests: dietary requirements; seating requests; carriage of cots, wheelchairs or golf clubs; room requests
• a broad overall budget for your holiday

Making a Booking

Once you have made your holiday choice, we will ask you to pay the appropriate deposit. We will then send you a Confirmation Invoice which verifies all the details of the holiday you requested, the total cost of your holiday and the outstanding balance. Please check all the details on the Confirmation Invoice carefully and notify us immediately if there are any discrepancies. For accommodation only bookings a handling fee will be charged. The amount will be advised when you book. Please note that airlines may impose their own payment conditions and ask for payment in full at time of booking - especially on special offers. In these instances, we will ask for the full cost from you in order to follow the airline restrictions.

Payment

Payment of the balance shown on your Confirmation Invoice is due no later than 8 weeks before departure. In the unlikely event that we need to pass on costs as explained in Our Agreement, we will send you an Amendment Invoice about 10 weeks before your departure date showing the total amount you must pay us. For all late bookings, made within 8 weeks of departure you will be required to pay the full cost of the holiday when you book. Note that we charge a fee of 2.5% on credit card bookings.

Questions and Communication

Please call our specialist teams on the appropriate number if you have any predeparture queries. Please quote your reference number and departure date in any communication.

INOCULATIONS

At the time of printing, it is not a requirement for UK residents to possess a valid certificate of vaccination for travel to Australia or New Zealand. However, vaccinations are recommended for many of the stopovers available en route to Australia or New Zealand. We, therefore, recommend that you check the latest information from your GP or health centre, if you have chosen to break your journey. Remember, some vaccinations require a course of injections so leave enough time to complete the course.

INSURANCE

Because we believe it's so important that you're adequately insured on holiday, we've made it a condition of booking our holidays. You may either accept the policy we've arranged, in which case the premium will be added to your Confirmation Invoice; or choose a policy at least as good with another insurance company. If you choose a different company, you must tell us so that the insurance company details and policy number can be entered on your booking. We must have this information before we can confirm your booking. If you are planning to take part in any potentially hazardous activity such as scuba diving, you must make sure that your insurance policy covers you for this activity.

MEAL ARRANGEMENTS

Full board means breakfast, lunch and dinner. Half board means breakfast and dinner (or lunch, if you wish, at some hotels). Bed and breakfast means breakfast only. Room only means no meals are included. All Inclusive means all meals and locally produced drinks are included (except after midnight when a cash bar system may operate - see individual hotel descriptions for full details). If the hotel has more than one restaurant, you can often eat in the other restaurants with a discount or allowance against your normal meal. Full board arrangements also include lunch and this can vary from table d'hote to a poolside snack. Please be aware that although you may be booked on a certain Board Basis, this does not necessarily entitle you to dine in all the restaurants of the hotel at no additional charge. At New Year, many hotels offer Gala Dinners and the supplement for these is shown on each price panel. These supplements may be compulsory at some hotels. Some public rooms may be closed to guests during gala celebrations.

Dress code: Please note that most hotels operate a dress code for dinner and in certain bars/lounges. We recommend that men take long trousers and collared shirts for dinner. You may wish to check with your travel agent and pack appropriate clothing.

PASSPORTS & VISAS

For full details of any travel restrictions, entry and stay requirements, visa and travel advice to your particular destination, visit the foreign office website at www.fco.gov.uk/travel and the passport office website at www.passport.gov.uk for passport information.

Validity: If you're a British citizen, you need a full, 10-year British passport for all holidays featured. Ordinarily holiday companies and the UK Passport Office suggest that passports should be valid for at least 6 months after you return. Each country, however, sets its own rules covering this and more information can be obtained from the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit. The UK Passport Office now offers a facility which enables applicants with unexpired validity in their old passports to receive a credit of up to 9 months in their new passport.

New passports: Be sure to leave enough time for new applications as there can be delays at peak periods. You can find out current processing times by phoning the UK Passport Office recorded message on 0870 521 0410. If you hold a Commonwealth or other passport, you should phone the consulate of the country you plan to visit.

Names and name changes: The name on the passport must match the name on the ticket, otherwise you may not be able to travel and insurances may be invalid. If someone in your party changes name after the booking is made, you must tell us immediately so we can issue the ticket in the new name. If you've already received the ticket, simply return it and we'll re-issue one in the correct name. (An amendment fee may be applicable; please check with your Travel Designer.)

Although we will make every effort to re-issue your tickets, airline restrictions may prevent us from doing so. We will double check the details we hold on booking in order to avoid this situation but you must let us know of any differences immediately.

Families: As of 5 October 1998 under 16 year olds are required to have their own passport. Children already included in parents' passports are not affected by the change and can continue to travel on these documents until they reach the age of 16 or the parent's passport expires or is amended. Although family passports are still valid, a spouse travelling alone must have his/her own passport.

Minors: There may be specific entry requirements applicable to minors (children under 18) relevant to the country you are visiting. In certain circumstances this may incur additional expenses and require separate/additional legal documentation such as an affidavit, executed by a notary public, where for example the minor is not accompanied by both parents. As these entry requirements vary for different countries you should always check with the relevant Consulate/Embassy of the country you are intending to travel to prior to booking in order to ensure that you have the most up to date information and are able to comply in time with the relevant documents required. Failure to do so may result in you being refused entry/carriage.

Passport security: Customers are encouraged to keep a note of their passport numbers separately from their passport. This will enable the British Consulate to issue a temporary passport more quickly in the unlikely event your passport is lost or stolen.

Visas: Each country has different rules about entry requirements and visas depending on the type of passport you are travelling on. You should check with your Travel Designer who will advise you of the requirements for your particular itinerary.

Australia - Visa required by British passport holders (See below).

Electronic Travel Authority for Australia (ETA)

This is an electronically stored authority for travel to Australia for short-term tourist or business entry. It replaces the visa label in your passport allowing a stay of up to three months on each visit over a twelve-month period. Austravel will require your passport details in order to process these for a small fee of £20 per person.

If you already have a valid visa in your passport, you do not need to obtain an ETA. New Zealand - No visa required by British passport holders.

SAFETY FIRST - YOUR HEALTH AND SAFETY

Safety Standards

We have taken all reasonable care to make sure that the services which make up the holidays advertised are provided by efficient and reputable businesses. These businesses should follow the local and national laws and regulations of the country where they are provided. However, overseas safety standards are generally lower than in the UK. For example, few hotels yet meet EC fire safety recommendations even in Europe. We nevertheless seek to raise standards in all of our destinations.

You will receive a Safety First leaflet with your ticket wallet. Please take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the information that it contains.

Health and Hygiene

We promote good hygiene practices within hotels, but the hygiene standards in some foreign countries, particularly developing destinations, are generally much lower than in the UK. Care should be taken to minimise the risk of holiday sickness, especially among pregnant women, infants and the elderly. Your GP can provide you with up-to-date health advice and we recommend that you consult your doctor well in advance before travelling.

Swimming Pool and Beach Safety

It is extremely unlikely that the pool in your holiday accommodation will have a lifeguard. It is therefore important to remember, especially when travelling with children, to take a few minutes to familiarise yourself and your party with the pool area on arrival. Children must always be accompanied by an adult in the pool, including children's pools and surrounding areas, and at all other times. Inflatables are not permitted in all pools. If they are permitted in the pool at your accommodation, please ensure that they are removed from the pool when they are not being used. Familiarise yourself with any flag warning systems that may be in operation on local beaches, and take into account local conditions.

Road Safety

A high proportion of the accidents that are reported to us are road accidents. In many countries the rules of the road are different from the UK and we ask you to take extra care.

Children's Safety

Naturally the safety of our younger holidaymakers is also of paramount importance. We take advice from leading UK child safety organisations and accident prevention agencies, to ensure that standards are as high as possible. Parents should check that they are happy with hotel operated clubs and children's facilities, including playgrounds.

Excursion Safety

We work with excursion suppliers to ensure that they operate to appropriate safety standards. Whilst every care is taken with those activities that we recommend, should you independently choose to use an alternative supplier, we advise that you should satisfy yourself that your insurance and the insurance, legal cover and safety standards of the company you are choosing to use is adequate.

Personal Safety

Watch handbags and cameras when you are out and about in resort. Only take with you the cash that you will need for that day, and leave valuables in a safety deposit box.

Scuba Diving

Austravel appreciates the growing enthusiasm for this exciting sport, and at many of our hotels we offer complimentary trial dives. Look out for specific scubadiving references alongside hotel descriptions and you too could be exploring the world's coral reefs. Generally, only divers in possession of an internationally recognised diving certificate (and log book if possible) will be allowed to dive (except beginners). Diving associations recognise each other's certificates. In many resorts, divers will be requested to take an orientation dive to learn about local conditions. We strongly advise those planning on taking scuba training to have a full medical examination in the UK. If the resort operator is unsure of your fitness to dive, you will be required to have a medical examination in resort (which may be at an extra cost). If you suffer from breathing problems, you are strongly advised to consult your GP before going scuba diving. It is dangerous to fly less than 48 hours before or after scuba diving due to changes in pressure which may result in 'the bends' or even, in severe cases, paralysis. Austravel recommended insurance will cover you for dives up to a maximum of 30 metres. If you do not take out Austravel recommended insurance, then you must ensure you have adequate cover through your own insurer.

Customer Information

For health advice and information on sun protection, do read Health Advice for Travellers (T6) available from yourholiday advisor/travel agent, local Department of Health office or the Health Literature Line on 0800 555 777, or visit the Department of Health website on www.doh.gov.uk/traveladvice. The latest Foreign Office Advice notifications are available on CEEFAX - BBC2 or on the Internet under the address www.fco.gov.uk. You can contact the ABTA Information Department on 0901 201 5050 (calls charged at 50p/minute). Please also look out for additional Safety information provided either in-flight, or at your resort.

Seasonal differences

During local or national holidays abroad, some facilities like museums, sightseeing tours and shops may be closed or have limited opening hours. The following tips can help you choose the best time for your holiday:

• If visiting a specific place is important to you, please call your destination's local tourist office beforehand.
• Seasonal differences may affect facilities in your accommodation, as well as in the resort. Hoteliers may take the opportunity during quieter periods to close facilities for refurbishment or redecoration; some resort restaurants may close if business is slow. We are unable to state how the hotel or resort will be affected, as this varies yearly from resort to resort, determined by hotel/resort occupancy levels - and the weather! If there is a significant reduction in facilities, time permitting, we will try to advise customers before they travel; however this situation can be unpredictable.

Remember that owners and managers can make changes at any time during the year.

SPECIAL NEEDS

Some of our customers have special needs. If this means you, please let us know in advance about your disability and our helpful reservations team will be happy to advise about special arrangements. Given sufficient notice, we will be happy to arrange carriage of collapsible wheelchairs on flights and endeavour to give you the best possible service to ensure a happy, trouble-free holiday. If the extent of your disability is such that you cannot use the normal transfer between your resort airport and accommodation, then taxi transfers can be arranged at a cost; we will be happy to quote prices on request. Facilities for customers with special needs will vary from hotel to hotel. For information about the facilities available at each hotel or apartment, such as wheelchair access, ask your Austravel Travel Designer for information.

SPECIAL REQUESTS

For any special requests (such as 'low floor' etc), consult your travel agent when you confirm your holiday booking. We shall always do our best to meet your requirements, BUT NO GUARANTEE IS GIVEN as this does not form part of your holiday contract.

SUPPLEMENTS AND REDUCTIONS

• Supplements resulting from Currently Unknown Travel Taxes and Costs

  Despite our expertise in travel, it is impossible for us to predict what new taxes governments may impose or cost increases may arise due to world events.

  Consequently it not possible for us to include them in the price of your holiday at this time. If these charges are introduced after publication of this brochure we will have to include themas a supplement to our brochure prices. If you have already booked by the time they are introduced and these charges create an overall increase in costs then it may result in an increase in the price of your holiday by way of a surcharge (see section 2 of Our Agreement - The Price You Pay).

• Room supplements

  Supplements may be applicable for single rooms, double beds, extra beds and room upgrades. Please see the relevant brochure price panel and check with your Travel Designer when you book. On safari or tours single rooms can be requested but not guaranteed. Rooms occupied by more than two people will in some cases have a fold-away bed for the third person and space maybe somewhat cramped.

• Accommodation on tours, safaris and cruises

  Short notice changes of itinerary, hotel or ship may mean some facilities are not exactly as described in the brochure. Compensation is not necessarily given for these changes.

TAILORMADE

Australia and New Zealand are ideal destinations for tailor-made holidays. This brochure is designed to allow you to mix and match any of the products and services contained in it to create your very own holiday. However, if the holiday you want is not featured in this brochure, please contact your Austravel Travel Designer who will be happy to prepare an individual itinerary for you.

TOURS

Some of our Tours are dependent on minimum numbers. In case of insufficient demand for a particular tour we reserve the right to consolidate or cancel the tour and will endeavour to offer the same tour on a different date, or an alternative holiday of similar standard, or a refund of all monies paid. However, we will not make any such changes within 8 weeks of departure. This is subject to information shown in section 4 of Our Agreement. Major Changes to Your Holiday, Important Notes - Events beyond our control. The minimum number of people required to operate the tour will be shown in the individual tour description.

If you are booking a tour only and making your own flight or other travel arrangements you must be aware that the tour may be cancelled or the dates changed at any time up to 8 weeks prior to departure. If this occurs we will not be liable to refund any costs which you have incurred in booking your flights or making other arrangements more than 8 weeks prior to departure. We reserve the right to vary tour itineraries and programmes and if such changes constitute a major change will pay compensation as shown in the Major changes to your holiday table on Our Agreement and, wherever possible, advise you of such changes beforehand. However, if alternative hotels of the same standard are used to those shown on the tour itinerary this will not be considered a major change and compensation will not be payable.

WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS

Weddings

We can normally arrange your wedding on any day (except Saturday, Sunday and public holidays in some resorts) subject to the agreement of the hotel, and the availability of the Registrar. Please don't forget that couples must be resident in the country for a minimum of one to five working days (depending on the destination) before any application for the licence can be made. Also, bear in mind that a little time will be necessary to finalise arrangements. So we usually recommend that you take a holiday of at least 14 nights' duration. For full details of the residency requirements, please ask our Wedding Specialists.

Minimum Required Documentation:

• Passports
• Birth Certificates
• Original decree absolute if either party is divorced
• Original of death and marriage certificate in the case of a widow or widower
• Original proof of deed poll in case of a name change
• If under the age of 18, evidence of consent of both parents is required in the form of an original affidavit by a notary public. (N.B. The above information is a guide. Please ask when booking whether there are any additional requirements for your chosen destination)

Further information

To avoid disappointment, you should book your wedding arrangements with us when you are confirming your holiday, please ask for one of our Wedding Specialists who will be delighted to assist with your arrangements. They can give details of residency requirements, arrange any extras you may require and book the wedding.

Your wedding will be a civil ceremony similar to one in a registry office and is completely legal under British Law. The General Registrar Office in London has advised us that you do not need to register your overseas marriage again in this country. If you are not of British nationality, please check with the relevant consulate or embassy before confirming your wedding.

Honeymoons

Many of our hotels make special offers to guests enjoying their honeymoon. These vary by hotel but often include a room upgrade and/or wine and flowers in your room. Please ask us or your travel agent to suggest the most appropriate offer and to check availability. Clients should travel with a copy of their marriage certificate which may be required by the airline/hotel to receive any relevant special offer. Travel should also take place within six months of the wedding (or date of anniversary) to be considered a honeymoon.

WEATHER

It is a fact that weather across the globe is becoming increasingly unpredictable. However, in tropical areas extremes of weather are more dramatic anyway than we are used to in temperate UK. You should note that temperature, and especially rainfall, can differ greatly between coastal and mountainous regions within the same country. Contact our specialist team if you would like more specific information and we will do our best to help. Seasonal variations can be marked.

Tropical storms/hurricanes can blow up quickly and it is impossible to predict their path or duration more than three or four days in advance, often less. If a storm is forecast for one of our holiday destinations, we take advice from local and international experts, including our own resort staff. Depending upon their recommendations, we may decide to change or cancel all or part of your holiday or cruise (including flights), if your safety and comfort will be better cared for by the change or cancellation. This may include a holiday starting after the storm has passed your destination, because your accommodation, the resort airport, or the port has been damaged by the storm. You should be aware that Our Agreement allows us to do this without obliging us to pay you compensation.

Please see the 'Important note' that applies to both paragraphs 3 and 4 - 'If we cancel your holiday' and 'If we change your holiday'. See also: 'Events beyond our control'. Even when the rain is dramatic, temperatures are still high. High humidity generally is a factor of life in the tropics that many holidaymakers are unused to and some may find unpleasant at times. Of course, the weather is quite outside our control but is an integral part of what makes the tropics so beautiful, lush and rich in plant and bird life. All information above is for general guidance only.