Your Accommodation

Accommodation can, at times, have a lively atmosphere, and facilities and entertainment may vary according to the mix and ages of guests in residence.

Accommodation & Room Types

When we mention room types in our brochure, in most cases you can expect to receive a room similar to that described below. Please note however that whilst room categories in different hotels may have the same or similar names, the criteria for their classification is likely to differ, as these are the names the hotels use and they do not have standard definitions. Please note that we do not always sell all room types at all hotels. The following sections provide some additional information on accommodation and room types.

Hotels and Hotel Rooms

The term ‘hotel’ is used to describe various types of accommodation and does not necessarily distinguish between local classifications such as ‘aparthotel’, ‘holiday village’, ‘holiday complex’.

Hotel/Motel chains - sometimes hotels change the name of the chain through which they are marketed (e.g. Howard Johnson). If such a change occurs at your hotel you will only be advised if we believe it involves a significant change in facilities or standards.

Room Information

• Double Rooms - a ‘Double’ is a room with a double bed. A double bed may be two single beds with double bedding.
• Twin Rooms - a ‘Twin’ is a room with two single beds.
• Single Rooms - a ‘Single’ or ‘Twin for sole use’ is a room with one or two single beds.
• Rooms sleeping up to 4 people - some hotels have rooms that sleep up to 4 people. Room layout may consist of up to 4 separate beds or a combination of double, twin, camp beds, sofa beds or rollaway beds. In some hotels 3rd and 4th beds may be only suitable for a child, but in other hotels there may be a reduction available if 4 adults share the room (see price panel for details). Rooms for up to 4 persons may not be any larger than standard twin or double rooms so space is likely to limited and the room may be cramped. Where rooms do accept extra beds, some hotels may require an additional local charge to be paid which can vary by destination, please ask for details when you book. In most cases extra beds for children are only suitable for children aged 12 and under. Though we will do our best to help, please note that we cannot guarantee the room configuration or type of beds that you will be provided with.
• Suites, Junior Suites and Villas - A Suite and Junior Suite usually contain a lounge/living area. A Suite is likely to contain a separate sleeping area whereas a Junior Suite the sleeping area may not be completely separate. Room layouts can vary by destination. Our descriptions of Suites/Junior Suites and Villas usually state the number of persons who can occupy the room type (e.g. 2-4 persons). If there are less than the maximum number of persons in your own party, the room type may contain less than the maximum number of beds. Children paying less than the full cost do not count towards occupancy of the suites/junior suites or villas.
• Studios and Apartments - It’s not unusual in some countries (particularly those in the Mediterranean) to have beds with concrete basis. Please also be aware that although initially supplied, it is usual in some Greek studios & apartments for toilet rolls not to be re-supplied.
• Studios - A ‘studio’ is one room living-come-sleeping accommodation, usually with divan/sofa beds, basic kitchen facilities (usually two cooking rings & a fridge) & a shower room.
• Apartments - An apartment is self-contained with one or more bedrooms with twin/double beds, basic kitchen facilities (usually two cooking rings and fridge) and shower room. One-bedroom apartments usually have a separate living area, though in Greece multi-bedroom apartments may not have a separate living area. Apartment descriptions indicate the number of adults who can occupy an apartment (e.g. 2-4 persons). This will not always mean that at the time of your stay the apartment will contain the maximum number of beds, if there is less than the maximum number of people in your own party. Beds in the living area may be of the folding type or sofa beds.

Views from a balcony / terrace

If you would like a specific view, please be aware that rooms described as having a pool or sea view may not have a full pool or full sea view because of plants or buildings blocking the view.

Single Supplements

If a single person occupies a double room they will usually be asked to pay extra (a single supplement). Hotels price their rooms as doubles and they do not reduce the rates if they are occupied by a single person. The costs to the hotel of providing the room – heating, lighting, cleaning etc. are the same regardless of how many people occupy that room. Hotel design may mean that single rooms are smaller and may have different facilities to standard rooms. While there is normally a supplement for these rooms the overall cost will usually be less than when a single person occupies a double room. The prices we charge reflect the costs of under occupancy of the rooms contracted to us by the hotel, we do not mark up these supplements.

Exclusively Adults Hotels

All of the hotels featured as Exclusively Adults have been carefully selected specifically with adults in mind. Most hotels therefore have a minimum age limit of 18 years, although some hotels do allow younger children (from 14yrs) to stay. Generally hotels enforce age restrictions strictly, although there may be times when younger children are accepted and may be seen in certain areas of the hotel (for example, during private functions, wedding receptions etc). Where age restrictions apply or if hotels accept children but have a designated ‘adult exclusive area’ within the hotel complex, current details known by us will be shown in the accommodation description but hotels policies are subject to change.

Adult Appeal Hotels

Although not guaranteed to be exclusive to adults, the facilities and atmosphere of these carefully selected hotels are geared very much towards adults. Whilst we cannot guarantee a ‘child-free’ environment, the hotels will have limited facilities and have been specially chosen for their popularity with adult guests. Whilst all care has been taken in the selection of these hotels using specified information and data, there may be guests of other tour operators and nationalities in these hotels and we therefore cannot guarantee that there will be no children in residence, particularly during peak season dates and school holidays.

Meal Service

See Meals and Board Basis for more information

Air Conditioning

Some properties have individual air conditioners located in either the bedroom or the living area, allowing you to adjust the atmosphere to your own liking. Unless otherwise stated air conditioning will be centrally controlled. This means it is operated at the discretion of the management, both in bedrooms and public areas. In such cases air conditioning may be restricted to particular times of the day and to the hottest months of the summer. It may be that only cool air is provided, not necessarily warm air as well. There may be a local charge for air conditioning in some rooms.

Accommodation Maintenance

Certain accommodation featured in this brochure is operational all year round. From time to time it will be necessary for certain facilities to be withdrawn for general maintenance purposes. Water and electricity suppliers may be interrupted whilst this essential maintenance is undertaken.

Cleaning

The standard and frequency of cleaning and linen change can vary from resort to resort and property to property depending on general standards in resort and the rating of your accommodation. For instance, cleaning and changing of linen in Greece and mainland Spain will be of an acceptable standard, but it may not be as often as other resorts.

Other Guests

We do not have exclusive use of all properties featured in this brochure. It is possible, therefore, that there may be guests from other countries and of mixed age groups at your accommodation. Many hotels we feature do operate corporate conference facilities and there may be occasions where business meetings are taking place during your stay.

Swimming Pools

Swimming pools at properties come in various shapes and sizes. Pools may be rectangular, free form or lagoon style and the size of the pool may not always be clearly captured by our brochure photography. Pools may be freshwater or saltwater and vary in depth. Please refer to the ‘Safety & hygiene’ section for important safety advice about swimming pools.

Pool Closures

At certain times of the year swimming pools may be closed for maintenance, bad weather or due to low temperatures. When producing this brochure, if we are informed that pools are planned to be closed for an extended period, we will include details in the accommodation description. However, please note that pool closures are likely to be more common over the winter months and pools may also be unavailable at times in November and April depending on temperatures in resort. Please see our Booking Conditions ('Changes Made By Us Before Travel') for more details on availability of advertised swimming pools.

TV Channels

As many hotels we feature have satellite TV shown in rooms, we recommend that you use the same care and supervision with children watching TV, as you would at home. We can’t guarantee the availability of English-speaking channels.

Internet Access

Access to the internet may be through terminals in the reception area, a dedicated room/internet cafe or available more widely through hotels using wireless networks. In all cases we cannot guarantee an uninterrupted service, connection may be restricted at certain times of the day and technical issues may cause temporary withdrawal of internet facilities. Access to the internet is subject to local charges.

Infants

See also ‘Carriage of Infants’ under ‘Flight Information’.

Please note - In the interest of health & safety, every infant travelling must be accompanied by an adult, ie 2 infants travelling must be acompanied by 2 adults.

In each property description we state the maximum number of occupants a room or apartment can accommodate; this number can include ONE infant unless otherwise stated. If you need to book more than one infant into a room, please contact us before booking, as enquiries will need to be made with the hotel/apartment manager. For any bookings made which exceed this stated maximum and for which we are advised cannot be accommodated, we reserve the right to pass on the cost of any additional/different rooms/apartments required to accommodate the booking.

Please let us know when you book if you need a cot. You may have to pay a charge locally for this and any other special services or facilities you require. When you arrive, you should check that the cot is satisfactory. If not, you must let your representative or hotel know immediately.

Certain hotels, resorts, tours and excursions may not be suitable for children or infants. You should read the brochure description carefully to make sure that they meet your needs. Our staff will also be able to advise you if you are still unsure.

All Inclusive, All Inclusive Plus & Full Board Plus Holidays

See Meals and Board Basis for more information

Watersports & Sporting Activities in Resorts

We refer to a number of watersports and other sporting activities within the brochure, These are neither owned or operated by us and we cannot guarantee that they are maintained or
operated with the customer's safety in mind. We would ask that you take all reasonable precautions to protect yourself and your party whilst on holiday and would recommend that you only use companies who demonstrate good safety practices. You should ensure watersports and other similar sporting activities you wish to take part in are covered by your own holiday insurance. Some activities/watersports may be considered to be hazardous pursuits by some insurance companies.

VILLA ACCOMMODATION

Location

Access to many of our villas may be along an unmade track or an unlit country lane, so we advise bringing a torch.

Mobile Telephones

Given the rural location of some of our villas and the fact that many properties do not have telephones, we also recommend taking with you a mobile telephone with appropriate overseas compatibility.

Beds

The ‘extra beds’ in some of our properties are sofa beds or folding beds.

Equipment

A reasonable supply of cooking utensils, cutlery and crockery appropriate to the maximum occupancy of the property can be expected. If this amount is insufficient, it should be reported to our resort staff. Please note that cleaning products are not usually provided.

Bed Linen & Bathroom Towels

Bed linen & bathroom towels are provided on arrival for the relevant number of occupants. An iron and ironing board are available in all our private villas and can often be requested from reception (where applicable) in villa complexes and apartments.

Where a washing machine is advertised for use by arrangement with the housekeeper, a small charge may be levied to cover washing powder and/or the housekeeper’s time. In the unusual event of a malfunction of electrical equipment requiring the services of a specialist engineer, our resort staff will endeavor to minimise any inconvenience, but it should be noted that engineers have specific call-out patterns and it may take up to seven days before repairs can be made.

Maid Service

Accommodation is fully serviced prior to your arrival. In Florida a spare set of linen is provided for your use in all other destinations a light cleaning service is provided a minimum of once a week thereafter, limited to beds being made and floors being swept. Maids are not responsible for laundry or washing up. During a one week holiday towels will be changed once. During a two week stay towels will be changed twice and bed linen will be changed once.

Housekeeping services may not be declined by guests under any circumstances and we ask that both accommodation and housekeeping personnel are treated with respect.

Maintenance & Repairs

Maintenance and routine repairs have to be carried out on occasion to maintain the standards of service you and we expect. Our resort staff also carry out regular quality control checks throughout the season and we appreciate your cooperation in this respect. It is your responsibility to report any defects, damages or breakages immediately to an appropriate person in the interests of your safety and the safety of future holidaymakers.

Safety Deposit Boxes

There’s a safety deposit box or mini-safe in each of our private villas except those in Gozo, or unless otherwise stated. In villa complexes and apartments, there’s access to a safety deposit box, usually located in guest bedrooms, through the reception or agent of the accommodation. Any charges for the use of these boxes are payable locally.

Television

Television if provided, will show local channels, some of which may or may not feature English-speaking programmes. Satellite and/or cable television, where advertised, does not include access to subscription channels such as Sky Movies or entertainment channels and Sky Sports. News channels and Eurosport are usually provided, but as satellite and cable television service providers may alter transmission and reception facilities, we do not guarantee the provision of any specific satellite channels. We can’t guarantee the availability of English-speaking channels.

Air-conditioning

Where a property is described as having air-conditioning, this usually means it will also have heating supplied from the same unit.

Villa Amenities

Each of our featured properties is equipped with a kitchen or kitchenette with a gas or electric cooker or mini-oven (unless otherwise stated), a refrigerator, often a microwave oven and all necessary cooking utensils; a safety deposit box; an iron and ironing board; shower rooms or bathrooms as described in the villa details, all with washbasin and WC (bathrooms feature a full or half sized bath, many with shower attachment or hand-held shower) and a swimming pool with dimensions as detailed, most accessed by Roman steps or ladder.
Some of our Algarve villas are fitted with a security alarm.

Swimming Pools

Swimming pools and gardens are maintained by employees or the contract staff of the accommodation management and as such require access to properties to keep pools and gardens in excellent condition. Outdoor swimming pool dimensions (at widest point) are detailed in the individual villa descriptions. If your accommodation has an infinity pool it should be noted that this style of pool may have an open drop from the pool edge so extra care should be taken, especially with children. Swimming pools at properties come in various shapes and sizes. Pools may be rectangular, free form or lagoon style and the size of the pool may not always be clearly captured by our brochure photography. Pools may be freshwater or saltwater and vary in depth. Please refer to the ‘Safety & Hygiene’ section for important safety advice about swimming pools.

Roof Terraces

Roof terraces, where advertised, should be accessed with caution and are not recommended for unsupervised children. In some cases, roof terraces may be gated as they are unsuitable for use.

Barbecues

Portable or built-in barbecues are offered at many properties and are generally detailed within the accommodation description if available. In some resort areas barbecues are not available under any circumstances due to local fire regulations.

Extra Charges

Unless otherwise stated, you should expect to pay for the use of safety deposit boxes, all sports facilities including table tennis, pool and billiard tables, minigolf, watersports, tennis, squash, use of gymnasiums, saunas, steambaths etc. and entrance to nightclubs or discos. Some properties make a charge for sunbeds, pool towels (if available) and parasols.

Florida Villas

Air-conditioning

All our featured villas are fully air-conditioned, as are all bars, restaurants, shopping malls, indoor entertainment venues and cars. Indeed, so effective is the air conditioning, that a sweater is often advisable in the evening. Remember that air-conditioning is only effective if you keep doors and windows closed. Not only will this keep you cool, but you will also save energy.

Breakage Charge

At ALL our Florida homes and villas and some apartments there is a breakage/security deposit to pay. The amount of deposit required per property is between $250–$350 in the Orlando area, depending on the quality of the home and the furnishings. The deposit will be collected by your representative at the airport or by the management company for your chosen property. This is done by presenting your credit card. For Accommodation Only bookings you will be required to provide your credit card details for the breakage/security deposit prior to your departure from the U.K. No transaction will take place on your card unless any damage is reported by the property management company or agent.

Swimming Pools

All our villas have their own swimming pools, all of which are screened to help keep the pool clean. Most villas have heatable pools, either via solar panels, sometimes with a backup facility using gas or electricity. Others only have gas or electric pool heating.

Pools can only be heated up to a maximum temperature of 85ºF and the final water temperature is determined by the atmospheric temperature. Gas pool heating is more effective than electric, but costs more ($400 plus tax per week compared with $200 plus tax per week). If pool heating is required you must advise us at the time of making your reservation and you will pay the charge locally. We are unable to guarantee a specific mode of heating.

Villas

Most of our featured villas can be found within residential communities and are individually owned and decorated to reflect their owners’ personal taste, whilst maintaining the highest standards of furnishings and fittings. The villas may be detached, single or two storey properties and most have a private driveway with an area of lawned garden around the house and sometimes small shrubs, plants or trees. All villas have a screened swimming pool with a furnished outdoor terrace. Lounge/diners are often open-plan and usually include a convertible sofa bed. Kitchen/diners are often separated from the lounge area by a breakfast bar and equipped with a 4 ring hob, an oven, a grill, a microwave, a dishwasher, a fridge/freezer, an ice maker, a coffee maker and a toaster. The washing machine, dryer, iron and ironing board are usually in a separate utility room or in the garage. Master bedrooms have a king or queen-size bed and an en suite bathroom. Other bedrooms have either twin or double beds. All villas have at least one bathroom with a bath, a shower, a WC and a washbasin. Safes and security alarm systems are not always installed. Villas are cleaned prior to your arrival only and are made up with clean linen for the number of people occupying, plus a spare set per person in the linen cupboard available for your use. Maximum occupancies stated in villa descriptions are inclusive of any infants.

Holiday Duration & Check-in Times

Unless otherwise stated, your holiday duration is for 7 or 14 nights and your accommodation is reserved for you from 3.00pm (4.00pm in Florida) on your arrival day. Should your scheduled arrival time be late at night/in the early hours of the morning, this means that your accommodation will have been reserved for you from that morning/the previous day and this constitutes the first night of your occupancy. Access to accommodation before 3.00pm is subject to the satisfactory completion of the changeover servicing of your accommodation.

Check Out Times

On your day of departure you must vacate your accommodation by 10.00 am (11.00 am in some resorts, including Florida) irrespective of your flight departure time. Changeover servicing is a lengthy and thorough process and we depend upon your co-operation in helping to maintain our expected standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Apartment complexes generally make a shared courtesy room available, subject to availability on the day. If you are vacating a villa, Style resort staff will endeavour to make luggage storage space available, again subject to local conditions on the day. No guarantees can be made in this respect.

Property Accuracy & Information

Our purchasing and resort staff thoroughly check all details so that resort and accommodation descriptions adequately and accurately represent a true picture of what you will find on arrival. However, our property and resort information comes from our brochures, as brochures are printed well in advance, some aspects may change. Similarly, some amenities or resort facilities such as entertainment, sports facilities and swimming pools may not be open during low season due to maintenance, insufficient holidaymakers, unfavourable weather or other conditions beyond our control. During National Holidays and festivals, sightseeing tours may be limited and shops, bars and restaurants closed. Such festivals may also change temporarily the tranquil atmosphere of quieter resorts. Please note that our destinations maps are not drawn to scale. When we are informed of any important or permanent changes relevant to the holiday purchased, we shall pass this on wherever possible and as soon as we are able to.

Property Photography

The photographs in this website, although taken at the property, do not show all types of rooms, apartments or villas. If we do not specifically state that all units are identical, it should not be assumed that all are the same in size, décor or furnishings as some may be under different ownership and not all are used for holiday purposes. As our photography needs to be constantly updated, a photographer may require access to your property during your stay. We appreciate your co-operation in this respect.

Building & road works

Holiday accommodation needs constant maintenance and occasional refurbishment and as the demand for new accommodation increases, extensions to existing buildings or brand new properties are constructed.

Building or road works may start early in the day and can occur throughout the season, although the majority is carried out during low season. We are in no way responsible for building or road works, nor can we control the extent or noise levels of such work.

However, we endeavour to keep track of any planned or on-going construction in our featured resorts and will, wherever possible, advise you of any such activity which might significantly affect your holiday.

Water & energy

In certain areas, particularly those of a rural and mountainous nature, electricity and water supplies may occasionally be erratic. Solar power is a common source of energy which, although providing adequate hot water in the afternoon, can result in tepid water at other times of day and when the weather is cloudy

Your Safety

Safety & Hygiene

Your health and safety is of paramount concern to us, especially if children are involved. In addition to monitoring the hygiene and safety standards in all the hotel and
apartments that we use, it is appropriate that we bring to your attention the need for you to be careful and to take necessary precautions whilst overseas and we need your help and cooperation with this. We would ask you to pay close attention to the following information, together withany other information we, our agents or suppliers, provide to you before you go, during your flight and when you arrive in your destination and at your hotel. It is most important that you familiarise yourself with this information and any other information you are given or on display, because not only do we want you to have a great holiday but we want you to have a safe holiday.

Swimming Pools and Water Features

some of our hotels and apartments welcome local people and other holidaymakers not residing at the property to use the swimming pool and facilities within the accommodation. This can lead to pool areas becoming busy at times, for example sunbathing space and available sunloungers may become limited. Please make use of the pool shower facilities before swimming - this helps to prevent any potential infections and helps to keep the pool clean. The pool at your chosen accommodation may be fresh or saltwater. Every pool is different and most hotels / apartments do not employ life guards, so you are strongly recommended to familiarise yourself with the pool layout, identifying the deep and shallow ends before using. Do not use the pool after dark or when the pool is closed, even if the pool has underwater lights. You should never swim when you have been drinking alcohol. Some of our hotels and apartments have water features, such as slides or flumes, which may appear in our photography, it is possible such features may have been replaced or removed since the photography was taken.

Many holidaymakers can enjoy slides and flumes. Therefore, we would like to bring your attention to the following important safety information; -

Hotel's policies on lifeguards and supervision of water slides may vary and qualified lifeguards may not be present at all hotels/apartments or at all times. You should familiarise yourself with the pool, layout, depth and presence of any lifeguards before you or anyone travelling with you uses the facilities. Children must always be supervised by a responsible adult. Age and height restrictions may apply. Avoid swimming into and ensure landing areas are vacated quickly. Some slides and water features will not be suitable for weak swimmers, if you are pregnant or have certain medical conditions. Please check carefully before using the facilities. All notices and pool rules for safe use of the slides and water features must be observed at all times. Opening times of slides are dependant on weather conditions and facilities may not be operational throughout the season. Never use the slides or water features when closed. Never use the slides or water features if you have been drinking alcohol.

Thomas Cook Aquamania - Hotels featured as Thomas Cook Aquamania have a great range of slides and / or water features offering aqua fun for all the family. With a
wider range of slides and water features it is vital that the safety recommendations, above, are followed carefully in these hotels.

Overseas Safety Standards

Although the accommodation featured does operate to its own country’s standards, regrettably the safety standards and regulations overseas may not be of the same level that we enjoy in the UK. For instance, the design and height of balconies may differ. The setting and enforcement of local regulations is a matter for the Authorities of the country and the foreign supplier of the services concerned. We are working with hoteliers to improve standards wherever possible. You should familiarise yourself with fire procedures, including emergency exits in your accommodation, the swimming pool(s) area and any unfamiliar cooking appliances. If in doubt, ask your representative or an appropriate member of staff.

Children

Children must be supervised by you at all times, especially near water, on balconies or in unfamiliar buildings and surroundings.

Stomach Upsets

It is still a relatively common occurrence to suffer gastric illness when travelling abroad and being exposed to a different environment. There are many ways you can reduce the possibility of being affected, such as, not eating undercooked food, avoiding ice in drinks, ensuring you drink plenty of bottled water and avoid over exposure to the sun.

Out and About

Due to rough terrain and uneven surfaces, we recommend that you are extra careful and vigilant when visiting temples and other sites of interest and when crossing roads. Crimes against people and property are a fact of life throughout the world and you have the same responsibility for your own safety as you do at home. In some places the local police may not be very cooperative or interested when you report a theft or need insurance confirmation so always take care of your property. It is recommended not to approach cats and dogs and other animals as these may carry the rabies disease which can be passed on through bites and scratches. Please exercise caution before entering the sea as the seabed is not even and changes in depth. The sea is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety.

Your resort

Our service

At Thomas Cook, we are proud that our Representatives are the best in the business. They are thoroughly trained in making sure that you have a great holiday, added to which they are local experts and their knowledge is at your disposal.

They make frequent visits to our hotels and apartments at regular times, and will be at most properties for some period every day of the week. Our staff are also trained to know when they are not wanted – so if you want to do your own thing while you’re on holiday they’ll be perfectly happy to leave you alone.

For guests travelling on Thomas Cook Local Flavours holidays - you will be met on arrival and provided with a detailed welcome pack but representatives will only visit your hotel at your request.

It is our Representatives’ all-round dedication to delivering the best holiday ever, that makes Thomas Cook one of the country’s top holiday companies.

Our Representatives are always on hand to help sort out any particular problem whilst on holiday. If you have a complaint they will need to know about it and will do their best to solve the problem on the spot and minimise any inconvenience. This will also help us to improve the holiday experience for all our customers.

There may be times when your Representative is unable to solve a particular problem immediately. While appreciating that this may be upsetting for customers, Thomas Cook does expect them to behave in a reasonable manner towards its staff. Consequently, should any customer act in a threatening or intimidatory manner towards Thomas Cook staff, we shall have no hesitation in taking appropriate legal measures.

Resorts

In low season, resorts can be quiet with some facilities in limited supply, whereas in high season the resort is sure to be full, with facilities in full swing. However, there may be occasions where hoteliers or providers of services withdraw a facility temporarily or otherwise due to lack of demand, especially at the start and end of season.

If you would like to visit particular attractions, we recommend that you check their availability in resort as they may have to close at short notice because of the weather or for routine maintenance.

Resort Development

Some of the destinations in this brochure are still being developed and even in more established resorts there is often a possibility of building work taking place. If in our opinion this is likely to affect your booked accommodation, we will tell you at the time of booking or, if you have already booked, you will be contacted before departure if there is time. Please refer to the Booking Conditions, section ‘Circumstances beyond our control’ for more information.

Local Information

Please note that areas surrounding your holiday accommodation do not form part of your package holiday and have not been inspected. These include for example the sea, beaches, roads and mountains. You are responsible for taking reasonable care for your own safety and the safety of your party.

Local events, religious festivities and public holidays are likely to influence the provision of services and facilities within the hotels and around holiday resorts at certain times.

Public holidays in Florida - These are invariably very busy, so we recommend that you book your accommodation well in advance and get to the theme parks early if your holiday coincides with 31st May (Memorial Day), 4th July (Independence Day), 6th September (Labor Day) or 13th October (Columbus Day). – Villa Specific

Alcohol

Florida’s liquor laws are strictly enforced. If you’re under 21, or even look under 21, you cannot buy alcohol. Also, it is against the law to carry alcohol in the passenger area of the car, so always put alcohol in the boot. – Villa Specific

In Muslim countries, dates of religious feasts and festivals are fixed by local sightings of the moon so we cannot work out when they will be beforehand. Ramadan, which is observed for one month each year, is a period of fasting when the pace of life is slower, public areas are busier and there are certain restrictions, such as drinking alcohol, use of restaurant facilities and consuming food in public. Ramadan is expected to run for a month from 10th August 2010. Also, the Muslim New Year is different to the Christian one and during this period many shops and restaurants may be closed. If you are concerned about the possible impact of holidays and events or would like to know more, please contact the appropriate tourist board.

Smoking

Restrictive legislation against smoking in public places is becoming increasingly common in destinations worldwide. You may find your holiday resort operates enforced smoking restrictions in areas including, but not limited to, enclosed public areas such as bars, pubs and restaurants. Fines may be imposed for breaching regulations. To find out more visit the FCO website www.fco.gov.uk

Conditions in holiday resorts

If there is a specific problem affecting your accommodation, you should report this to the accommodation staff, and if necessary to our representative, who will do their best to help sort things out. Insects – ants, mosquitoes and cockroaches for example – are common in hot countries. They are usually harmless, and they do not mean your accommodation is dirty or unhygienic, but obviously the sight of such creatures can be off-putting if you are not used to seeing them. If your hotel has an open restaurant, it may attract local birds, some of which might try to share your food though hotels do their best to discourage them. Though frustrating, this is a normal part of local life, and please don’t encourage birds by feeding them. Please also refrain from feeding any other wildlife.

Noise

Some resorts are within built-up areas or other places where noise is common. Noise may be audible from road traffic or aircraft (if you are near a flight path).
Noise is also often caused by birds and local wildlife, and by local activity such as speedboats, calls to prayer and customs (for example, festivals and religious celebrations), and is often part of the travel experience.

Driving

Laws, licensing requirements and age limits vary throughout the world. We recommend you check with your travel agent, or the relevant embassy or consulate.

Nile Cruises

Important Information - Due to the number of cruise boats on the Nile, two or more boats may be moored side by side and you may need to walk through other boats to reach the bank. Extra care should be taken when crossing gangplanks as certain areas may be uneven. Nile cruise boats are on several levels and are therefore unsuitable for anyone with walking difficulties. For sightseeing it advisable to take plenty of bottled water and sensible footwear as the ground can be uneven at many sites, a torch for darker tombs and binoculars will also be useful. At some sites there may be charge for photography or the use of a video camera while flash photography is often prohibited altogether to protect the monuments. You should also note that our Nile cruise itineraries involve long days with early starts in order to fit in all the important sights.

Occasionally there may be changes made to your itinerary and excursions depending on local conditions such as the level of the Nile or cruise boat traffic. It may sometimes be necessary to substitute your chosen cruise ship with one of a similar standard of facilities.

A tab system operates on board where all extras are billed to your cabin and settled at the end of the cruise. Payment of your bill and for any optional excursions can be made in Sterling pounds or American Dollars.

Tipping (baksheesh) is an accepted custom in Egypt and while not compulsory, you will be asked to tip for almost every service and the cost can mount up. Expect to budget approx. £20 for tipping. Tips onboard your cruise boat can be left at the end of the cruise.

Where prices are based on lower deck cabins this means the bottom deck of the boat, which is always above the water line. All decks above the bottom deck (including reception level) are classed as upper decks.

Please note that some of our Nile cruisers are shared with guests of our European sister company Thomas Cook AG and children aged 6 and under are not permitted on the Nile cruise boats featured in this brochure.