Simon Calder's Holiday Helpdesk: Is this package holiday site too good to be true?
Every day our travel guru answers your travel questions
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Q Could you confirm if the website Lollipop.co.uk is a reputable site to use for cheap holiday packages? It appears too good to be true. For example, we have been quoted £189 for a flight and apartment in the Canaries in January.
Pete and Sue Smith, Hull
A Lollipop.co.uk is reputable: it is part of Hays Travel Ltd, and as such has rock-solid backing. Furthermore, unlike some online travel agents, it does not add hidden fees such as percentage charges for using a debit card.
However - and this is crucial in terms of your consumer rights - Lollipop.co.uk, and its associated website, Sunshine.co.uk, do not offer package holidays. If they did, they would be liable for every element of your holiday. But instead they say, for example: “We accept no responsibility for the provision of the accommodation by the Principal”. The “Principal” is the firm, usually an unrelated “bed bank”, through whom the room is booked. “Our responsibilities are limited to making the booking in line with your instructions,” says Lollipop.co.uk.
This “hands-off” approach enables companies such as Lollipop.co.uk to offer very attractive prices - such as £189 per person for a week in the Canaries. But don't overlook traditional tour operators from your search; right now, Thomas Cook is offering self-catering deals to the Canaries for as little as £149 for a week.
Click HERE to email Simon.
You can also tweet him your questions @SimonCalder
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments