Please note that the following form part of our booking conditions so please read them carefully
At the Airport
To increase security measures at UK airports, it has become necessary to extend pre-flight check-in times. You must check in AT LEAST 2-3 hours before your flight is scheduled to take off. If you fail to check in on time, the airline is entitled to refuse to allow you to board the flight. We cannot accept responsibility if such situations arise, and while we will endeavour to assist in making alternative travel arrangements to get you to your destination, any costs or loss incurred as a result will be your responsibility.
Airport Checkin Desks
| Airport |
Desk |
| Belfast |
Ace Handling Representative at the flight Check in desk |
| Birmingham |
Ace Handling Representative at the Ace Handling desk |
| Bournemouth |
Ace Handling Representative at the flight Check in desk |
| Bristol |
Ace Handling Representative at the Ticket desk |
| Cardiff |
Ace Handling Representative at the flight Check in desk |
| East Midlands |
Ace Handling Representative at the flight Check in desk |
| Exeter |
Ace Handling Representative at the Ace Handling desk |
| Glasgow |
Ace Handling Representative at the Ace Handling desk |
| Humberside |
Ace Handling Representative at the Ace Handling desk |
| Gatwick - South Terminal |
Ace Handling Representative at the Ace Handling desk located in zone L |
| Gatwick - North Terminal |
Ace Handling Representative at the flight Check in desk |
| Leeds Bradford |
Ace Handling Representative at the flight Check in desk |
| Luton |
Ace Handling Representative at the flight Check in desk |
| Manchester - Terminal 1 |
Ace Handling Representative at the Ace Handling desk located opposite check in desk 20 |
| Manchester - Terminal 2 |
Ace Handling Representative at the Ace Handling desk located opposite check in desk's 61 & 62 |
| Teeside |
Ace Handling Representative at the Ace Handling desk |
| Newcastle |
Ace Handling Representative at the Ace Handling desk |
| Norwich |
Ace Handling Representative at the flight Check in desk |
| Stansted |
Ace Handling Representative at the flight Check in desk |
Arrival
After passing through customs at the airport you will be met by one of our representatives and they will show you to the transport (usually coach, very rarely taxis) taking you to your chosen accommodation. In Egypt our representatives will assist you with obtaining your visa (if you have not already obtained one in advance) prior to directing you to your transport.
Transfers
Transfer timings for each resort are shown on the introduction page of each resort in this brochure. The times quoted are direct travelling times and do not take into account stops on route to allow travellers to disembark. You will be transferred from the airport to your accommodation on arrival and from your accommodation back to the airport on your departure. Wherever possible one of our representatives will accompany you. Please note that due to the nature of the roads in holiday resorts, it is not always possible for our coaches to drive all the way to the entrance of all our properties. For those properties which are set back from the main road, the coaches will drop passengers off at the nearest point on the main road and passengers will disembark and walk the remainder of the way to the entrance of the accommodation. Please note: Transfers will not be included in your holiday price if you make a Late Booking (as per Section 2 of the Booking Conditions) within 56 days of departure. An optional charge will be levied for transfers in relation to Late Bookings which will be advised at the time of booking.
Departure
Our representatives will advise you of your precise departure arrangements. Normally you will be expected to vacate your room by noon on departure day (with the exception of Nile Cruises where you may be expected to check out by 8am). In the case of a night flight, the vacating day is noon prior to the departure time. We will endeavour to provide facilities for washing and changing etc. up to the time of transfer but this may not always be possible and a charge may be levied in some cases.
Luggage on Departure Days
If you are vacating your accommodation at midday and have to wait some considerable time for your departure from resort, your luggage remains your responsibility during this time. Whilst your representatives may be able to suggest places where luggage can be stored, you leave your luggage there at your own risk. Libra Holidays will not accept responsibility for any luggage that is left unattended. It is advisable that you keep your luggage with you at all times.
Our Representatives
Our representatives are carefully selected and fully trained, they will be on duty at specified times of the day/week to ensure smooth running of the holiday and to offer you advice, useful tips and the benefit of their local knowledge. Please note: Certain resorts do not have resident resort representatives. Therefore there will not be any visits. You will be given a contact telephone number for our representatives or local agents.
Domestic Flights
Travel on domestic flights can be unreliable and take place at unsociable hours. Flight timings and booking arrangements may be changed by the local airline without prior notice. Unfortunately Libra Holidays have no control over these situations but will provide assistance where possible in making alternative arrangements.
Night Flights
The number of nights shown on the price panel in the brochure indicates the number of nights that the accommodation has been booked for you. By international convention accommodation is reserved from midday to midday (in Egypt 1500 hrs). If you are travelling on a night flight your accommodation will have been reserved from midday prior to your arrival so that it is available for you upon arrival in resort. It is therefore considered to be the first night of your holiday.
EU Directive No.2111/2005
In accordance with EU Directive – (EC) No.2111/2005, Article 9, we are required to bring to your attention the existence of a ‘Community List’ which contains details of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban within the EU Community. The Community list is available for inspection at www.dft.gov.uk
Accommodation
All our accommodation is selected with care and consideration for cleanliness, comfort and convenience. You will find the accommodation is simply furnished and equipped for normal holiday purposes. Price is only a general indication - for example two identically priced properties may offer different facilities and be of differing styles. Storage space is limited and where extra beds are needed, no extra storage space is provided. Hand towels are provided so please bring bath and beach towels. Items such as tea towels, washing up liquid, soap and lavatory paper are not generally provided in self-catering accommodation. All kitchenettes have a fridge and two or three cooking rings, rarely full ovens. Sufficient crockery and utensils for preparing snacks and breakfast are provided but remember that eating out is cheap and convenient. Kettles and teapots are not often supplied, however you will always find a saucepan for boiling water if they are not. Our prices are based on full occupancy of hotel rooms and apartments and in some cases an extra bed or folding divan/ camp bed type is placed in the living area. Prices include gas, electricity and water. Certain amenities and services may incur a discretionary charge locally such as car parking, safety deposit boxes, tv, fridge/mini bar, gymnasium, health club facilities, jacuzzi, sauna, massage, sunbed hire, children’s clubs, cots, air-conditioning, heating, fan hire and watersports. Please check your chosen accommodation on arrival which amenities/services incur a charge.
Bungalows
Some hotels offer accommodation in ‘bungalows’. The term ‘bungalow’ is interpreted differently in our featured destinations and is used to denote a low-rise building usuall separate to the main building. These are rarely single units and may be more than just one storey high.
Single Supplements
Why may single travellers be asked to pay more for their room? If a single person occupies a double room they will usually be asked to pay extra (a single supplement). This is because hotels tend to price all their rooms as doubles or family rooms and they do not reduce the rates if it is 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. Single rooms are limited in availability and may be smaller than double or family rooms, but are normally priced on the same basis, irrespective of design or size. This also applies to self-catering units where, for example, three people may choose to occupy accommodation priced for four. The prices we charge reflect the costs of occupancy of the rooms contracted to us by the hotel.
Availability of Resort & Accommodation Facilities
In some resorts, hotels and apartments it is possible that certain advertised facilities may not be available or fully operational in the early and late part of the season, due to the number of participating holidaymakers and weather conditions. Also air-conditioning and heating, where mentioned may be available only at certain times of the day or year at the hoteliers discretion and at an additional cost. Such situations are regrettably beyond our control. TV In most countries especially Egypt, tv’s are tuned in to the local network. Therefore please be aware that where satellite tv is listed, they are not necessarily the tv channels available in the UK.
Nile Cruises
Itineraries and excursions may alter beyond our control. Delays can be experienced, particularly at locks and this may lead to the last minute cancellation of excursions or overnight cruising. Due to the number of boats on the Nile several may dock together (side by side) which may obscure the view from your cabin. Getting on and off boats may mean walking through/across boats docked adjacent to your own (levels may vary). Care should be taken on gangplanks and any uneven surfaces. For this reason we do not recommend Nile Cruises for the disabled or those with impaired mobility. As 3 meals a day are included in the price of your cruise it can be easy to overeat. If you are not used to eating 3 full meals a day it can lead to sickness (remember you are travelling on water and may experience some motion).
Breakages & Deposits
You will be expected to pay for any damage or breakages caused to your accommodation or hotel room. This must be paid before you leave the resort. Property management reserve the right to evict you from the accommodation where deliberate damage/breakage has been caused. Libra Holidays will not accept any responsibility for your action in such cases. Some properties charge a deposit on arrival and this is refundable at the end of your holiday if your accommodation is left in the condition which you found it.
Swimming Pools
Most hotels and apartments do not employ a lifeguard. Please ensure that children and non-swimmers are supervised at all times and observe the pool rules at your
accommodation. We do not recommend any diving, however if you wish to dive please check that the water is deep enough and that the property allows diving. You should also exercise caution around the pool areas since pool surrounds are often slippery when wet and you should not enter the pool after drinking alcohol. Please note that swimming pools may be temporarily withdrawn for maintenance purposes. Hoteliers and apartment owners may make a discretionary charge for facilities at their accommodation, e.g. pool and sun loungers.
Maid Service
Overall the standard of cleaning in holiday accommodation is good and frequent. The frequency of the service may vary between different properties of differing classifications. Towels and bed linen will be changed once a week. This means that you will have clean linen on arrival and this will be changed a week later. Remember that locals get up early and the maids cannot rearrange their schedule, so be prepared if you turn the maid away your room will not be cleaned that day. Please also note that maids are not obliged to “wash up”.
Extra Beds
When extra beds are necessary, they will either be camp bed style or sofa beds, they will very rarely be full size beds. When booking a three or four-bedded room or studio, you are invariably booking a room/studio with one or two extra beds.
Bathrooms
All bathrooms are basically equipped and not many properties provide shower curtains or non-slip mats in their baths and showers. Bathroom floors are often tiled, so you will be using a bath or shower tray which is unfamiliar to you. Please take extra care to ensure you do not slip.
Insects
Ants, cockroaches and mosquitoes are prevalent in hotter countries and the only way to eradicate them completely would be for the government of each country to mount a national campaign which could prove extremely costly. Therefore, insect invasion remains a problem in all hotels and apartments. Accommodation owners usually try to control them by judicious use of spray and powders but it is impossible to eliminate them completely. The presence of food in self catering accommodation will encourage insects into the actual living areas of the apartments. If you find insects in your accommodation please notify our local staff or the accommodation management in order that the area can be fumigated. It is advisable to take insect repellents with you on holiday in order to avoid mosquito bites.
Water
Water is a precious commodity, we ask you to conserve it.
Hot Water
Most holiday resorts use solar heating which means that on cloudy days or in the mornings and late evenings, this can result in the water being tepid. Please note, in high season you should be prepared for a drop in water pressure or a breakdown in supplies, particularly when everybody is trying to shower at the same time. In some resorts, hot water may only be supplied to the bathrooms and not the kitchen. You should also be aware that the plumbing and water heating systems overseas are not as efficient and sophisticated as those that we are used to in the UK.
Drinking Water
Although water is chlorinated in most destinations, we do not recommend that you drink it since not all countries treat tap water. We would recommend that you drink bottled water which is inexpensive and widely available throughout Egypt.
Air-Conditioning
Air conditioning is widely available and is payable locally once you arrive in the resort unless advised otherwise.
All Inclusive
In accordance with your room vacation at 12 noon on the day of departure, the all-inclusive package will also finish at this time. Some hotels may offer the facility to extend the all-inclusive but this must be arranged and paid for locally. Times/facilities available during All-Inclusive terms of stay may vary in certain hotels.
Safety and Local Standards
The safety standards and regulations in operation overseas are those of the country visited and often regrettably, do not aspire to the same levels as the UK. Therefore, the general standards of safety, hygiene, fire precaution etc. may be lower than your expectations. This is a matter for the authorities of that country and the overseas supplier of the services concerned.
Balconies
If you are travelling with young children, make sure they are not left unsupervised on balconies. Keep balcony furniture away from the railings so that they are not encouraged to climb up.
Glass Panels
Few hotels and apartments are legally obliged to install “toughened” or safety glass in their windows, doors and glass cabinets etc. Please take particular care when walking through patio doors. It can be difficult to spot if they are closed in bright sunlight. Identifying stickers should be in place on patio doors and other large glass doors. If they are missing, please bring this to the attention of your representative.
Lifts
Some hotel and apartment lifts do not have internal doors. This means that the inside of the lift is exposed to the lift shaft. If your hotel or apartment has this type of lift, make sure that you stand clear of the wall and never allow children to travel inside any lift without an adult.
Playgrounds and Children's Clubs
Some hotels and apartments in our programme feature playgrounds and other children’s facilities including children’s clubs. These are not always supervised and it is advisable that you supervise your children at all times, throughout your holiday
Fire Safety
Please read carefully all fire safety information which is available in your hotel or apartment. On arrival, always familiarise yourselves with the nearest fire exits to your room or apartment.
Standards and Safety of Beaches
Our brochure descriptions give a fair indication of the type of beach at the resort and the availability of any watersports or any other beach related activities. Although many holiday-makers prefer swimming pools and surrounding terraces to the beach, as a responsible company we feel it our duty to point out that the EC publishes a report annually which lists the beaches throughout Europe which do not meet the Commission’s requirements to cleanliness. Swimming outside of designated beaches is very dangerous, there can be strong undercurrents where swimming in such areas has resulted in loss of life. We recommend that you swim off main beaches and should avoid remote rocky coastlines. Familiarise yourself with the local flag warning systems and seek local advice on which beaches are the safest. Check to see if the beach has lifeguards and swim parallel to the shore within your depth. Children should be supervised at all times and there should be no swimming at night. You should swim before eating and drinking and not immediately after and you should always beware of any “zones” for jet skis and power boats and stay well away.
SCUBA DIVERS PLEASE NOTE: IT IS IMPORTANT YOU DO NOT DIVE FOR 24 HOURS BEFORE TRAVELLING BY AIR. THIS MAY INVALIDATE YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE IN THE EVENT OF ILLNESS.
Alcohol
Most people like to indulge during holidays. There are times however, when alcohol is best avoided. As Egypt is a Muslim country the majority of alcohol is imported and therefore more expensive than in the UK. Local alcohol is a lot cheaper than imported varieties, however the quality is a lot lower. Soft drinks such as coca cola & lemonade are widely available, bottled water is recommended. You should not drink alcohol before swimming and it should be avoided during sunbathing, since it causes dehydration. Never drink if hiring a car, as drink-driving laws exist in most countries. Drunken behaviour in accommodation and on board aircraft can result in you being asked to leave the accommodation or the aircraft accordingly. In such cases, our contract with you will cease and we will have no further responsibility for you.
Mopeds, Motorbikes and Jet Skis
Be warned, mopeds are a major source of injury (and even death), especially when in the hands of inexperienced riders. Any insurance cover available when you hire, which is unlikely, would not be adequate in either of these events. Although mopeds and motorbikes look like fun, we strongly recommend you do not indulge. Pushbikes are a healthy option but be careful of motorised vehicles which ALWAYS have priority. Due to our own experiences in dealing with injured guests who have hired jet skis over recent years, we have been made increasingly aware of their possible dangers. We do not want to spoil your fun, but would like to highlight the potential hazards involved in hiring jet skis which in the past has resulted in serious injury.
Pregnancy Note
Airline regulations state that women over 28 weeks or more into pregnancy, at the time of return travel, must have a medical certificate of fitness before travel. Normally after 32 weeks, permission to travel is refused.
Carriage of Infants
Infants must be over 6 weeks old to travel by air. Infants under 2 years old on the date of return are carried for £25 on charter flights and £45 for Egypt & Jordan Scheduled flights and £75 for Dubai, but they must sit on an adult’s lap, unless a seat is vacant. Infant prices for scheduled flights will be advised at the time of booking. British registered airlines will now allow infants to travel in one of four approved child car seats. The price charge will normally equate to the applicable seat-only price. You will not be charged for cots or food for any infant, at the time of booking. Cots & food are available in most resorts & accommodations but they must be paid for locally
Roads and Torches
Roads overseas and in holiday resorts in general are unlit at night. We recommend that you take a torch out with you to help light your way at night. You should also take a comfortable, flat pair of shoes with you as you are likely to be walking on loose gravel and unmade roads, particularly if you are sightseeing.
Noise
Our experience has shown that if you are used to living in a quiet area, you are likely to find a resort described as “quiet” in this brochure, subject to a higher level of noise than you might expect. Local people will often start work as early as 6.30am. Motorbikes are very common and they can be heard all night. Many locals keep animals such as sheep, goats, dogs, chickens, cockerels and camels and it is not unusual to hear barking throughout the night and crowing in the early morning. In general, holiday makers like to stay up late and make use of all the night-time facilities. Entertainment in all resorts can be open-air and can go on until 2 3am. Please remember that life goes on even in the quietest resorts. If you are concerned about noise levels, it is important to read the description of the accommodation in resorts carefully. In addition in Muslim countries there is a call to prayer five times a per day including calls at dusk and dawn.
Tourist Development
Tourism is a rapidly expanding industry and this has resulted in many new accommodations being built, as well as new holiday villages, roads and plumbing and sewer systems. This is in response to demands by the influx of tourists and there are still new buildings and roads being constructed in most popular resorts.
Building Works
Since holiday resorts are constantly being developed and expanded, there may be building or construction work in the vicinity of your chosen accommodation or in the resort in general. The work may start early in the day as is the local practice, and it can occur during any time throughout the season. It is impossible to foresee the extent of such activity and we regret we cannot always issue information on these ever-changing local conditions. Whenever we are made aware of such work and if, in our opinion it is likely to affect your direct enjoyment of the holiday, we will endeavour to notify you as soon as possible. We ask you to bear in mind that as tour operators, we have no control over such work and should this happen close to you, please do not let it spoil your holiday.
Passports and Visas
You must have a valid 10-year passport to travel. Carry it in your hand luggage whilst travelling and please make sure it does not expire during your holiday. All passports must be valid for a further 6 months following your return date to the UK. Holders of non-British passports (and those issued abroad) should check with the appropriate consulate for possible visa requirements. Failure to ensure you have the correct passport or visa requirements may mean cancelling your holiday and you will be liable to pay full cancellation charges and any other costs. As travel regulations constantly change, we as tour operators are unable to provide up-to-date information concerning such requirements. It is therefore the responsibility of the client to ensure that they comply with all necessary travel regulations, especially visas and passports, either through their travel agent or directly with the appropriate consulate of the countries involved. Visas are required for all visits to Egypt. For British passport holders, these can be obtained from the Egyptian Embassy in London or locally on arrival. Please note that if you choose to obtain your visa locally on arrival, it will have to be paid for in Pounds Sterling. Local currency will not be accepted for payment of a visa. All non-British passport holders should check with the Egyptian Embassy in London prior to travelling.
Useful Telephone Numbers
Egyptian Consulate: 020 7235 9777
Dubai Embassy: 020 7581 1281
Cyprus Tourist Board: 020 7569 8800
Cyprus High Commission: 020 7499 8272
Greek Tourist Board: 020 7495 9300
Greek Embassy: 020 7221 6467
Turkey Tourist Board: 020 7629 7771
Turkey Tourist Board: 020 7393 0202
Tipping
Tipping is standard practice and expected, especially in Egypt. Keep plenty of small change/notes for tipping purposes. The general rule is to tip little and often. You will be expected to tip porters, waiters, pool attendants, barmen, boat crew, coach drivers, taxi drivers and in general anyone who offers you any type of service or assistance.
Personal Safety
Please take care of all your personal property and valuables at all times. Wherever possible, you should make use of any safety deposit boxes that are available in your accommodation. Always remember to lock your door and close your windows at night and when you go out during the day in the same way that you would at home. Be careful when walking around holiday resorts, since given the opportunity, pickpockets throughout the world are keen to help themselves to your handbags, cameras etc.
Meals
Bed and Breakfast is usually continental unless otherwise stated. Half Board is usually breakfast and evening meal and can be either buffet or waiter service at the discretion of the management. Guests staying on half board, full board or allinclusive basis have their meals in the main hotel restaurant unless otherwise advised on arrival. Please bear in mind that guests with special dietary needs (for example, vegetarians, vegans and different cultures) may not find the same variety or options available that they are accustomed to. Although several higher standard hotels will offer an alternative menu, please do not expect too much. Your board ceases when you vacate your accommodation at 12 noon on your departure day.
Wheelchair Assistance
Some airlines may make a charge for wheelchair assistance, in which case we will absorb the cost. This requirement must be notified to us at the time of booking.
Dress Code
Most 3, 4 and 5-star hotels enforce a minimum dress code for dining in the restaurants in the evenings. In effect, this means no jeans, no shorts, no trainers and no swimwear for both men and women. This is only a guideline and requirements may vary between hotels, therefore it is advisable to check on arrival at your chosen hotel.
Tickets on Departure
Please note that tickets arranged on departure carry a minimum charge of £12 per person. TRAVEL & HEALTH ADVICE As a partner in the Know Before You Go campaign, we are working with the foreign & Common wealth Office to do all that we can to help British travellers stay safe overseas. Before you go overseas, check out the FCO website at www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo it is packed with essential travel advice and tips, and up-to-date country information. Useful health advice and information can be found on the Department of Health’s website at www.dh.gov. uk/travellers They also produce a leaflet entitled “Advice on Health for Travellers”. Further health information can be found through ABTA at www.abta.com/healthy.html. Please speak to your GP or Practice Nurse if you have any queries regarding your health and travel arrangements. EHIC As of 1 January 2006, the E111 has been entirely replaced by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Just like the E111, the EHIC entitles all UK residents to reduced cost (sometimes free) health care, if necessary, whilst travelling in most European countries. The quickest way to get an EHIC is to apply online at www.dh.gov.uk/travellers as customers will receive it within 7 days. Alternatively, customers can call the EHIC Application Line on 0845 606 20 30 or pick up an application pack from local Post Offices. It can take up to 21 days for the EHIC to arrive if applied for by post. Please remember that the EHIC is an addition to travel insurance and should not be relied upon instead of travel insurance. Some insurance policies may be deemed invalid without the EHIC and you should check with your insurance provider before travelling.
The 1998 data protection act and you
Libra Holidays is a trading name of Allbury Travel Group Ltd. Information that you provide us will be held on the Group's computers (and in other ways) for use by us and other Group companies for the following purposes:
Booking Information
Information about you (and your travelling party) may be passed to holiday providers and others and may include things such as religious beliefs, dietary
requirements, your (or your travelling party’s) physical or mental health. This information may also be transferred abroad.
Insurance
If you apply for insurance, then we may process information (including medical information) about you (or your travelling party) and pass it to the insurers.
Statistical Analysis/Market Research, Fraud Prevention/ Debt Collection and Contacting You
To contact you via e-mail, letter or phone with details of Libra Holidays, Libra Holidays Group or selected suppliers’ products and services which may be of interest you. We may also monitor and/or record your telephone conversations with the Group for security purposes and to ensure consistent customer service levels (including staff training). By entering into a contract with us you agree to the use and disclosure of information by the Group as described. You are entitled to a copy of your information held by us. If you would like to see this please contact our customer services department. We may make a small charge for providing this to you. |