Consumer Cop, Helen Wellings gives us the lowdown on being travel smart.

Missing ticket

Q: My friend Paula and I used a travel agency to book our holiday to Fiji. Paula picked up the wallet supposedly containing both tickets, just before we were due to leave. We were at the airport checking in when we discovered that my ticket was missing. I rang the agent and was told to buy another ticket. They promised to reimburse me when I got back. But apart from the air tax the airline refunded, we haven't received a cent.
Rachel, St Leonards, NSW.

A: Rachel, here's some great news at last! I spoke to the travel agent you dealt with, who took it up with the airline. After literally waiting weeks for a response, I finally received an email from the travel agent. Once their head office confirms your ticket wasn't used, they will issue you with a full refund.

How to be Travel Smart

As our dollar gets stronger in other countries, more and more Aussies are tempted to head overseas for their holidays.
At least a few days before you leave, check you have the details you need and make sure times, dates and names are correct.

Like Rachel and Paula, in the rush to get away, many people get caught trying to check in with wrong or missing documents. Also, unless you're a seasoned traveller, you're probably not aware of the latest traps that rob you of your hard-earned dollars and your enjoyment.

To make sure you get best value from your holiday, follow these tips.

• Household insurance

Before leaving, check your household contents policy. Many insurance companies won't cover you if you're absent for longer than six weeks. Their view is that if your house is unattended for an extended period, it's at greater risk. So call your insurer to check. It may be worthwhile having a trusted friend house-sit for some of that time and let the insurance company know in writing.

• Appliance watch

Having someone in your house while you're away has many benefits - especially if you have older appliances that may break down. Ageing water heaters can create havoc if they leak - as mine once did when I was away. Thankfully a family member had noticed!

• Power smart

If the house is unoccupied, save money on power by cleaning out the fridge and freezer and turning off all appliances at the main switch - this can reduce the risk of electrical fires. Also have some lights on a timer to give would-be burglars the impression that someone is at home.

• Travel insurance

Travel insurance is essential, especially for overseas holidays. Make sure you have enough medical and accident cover, especially if you're travelling in the US where it can cost thousands if you fall ill and you're not insured. If you have private health insurance, contact your insurer before you leave to check if they cover anything such as pharmaceuticals. Keep the medical records and receipts you obtain during your travels, you'll need them to make claims on your return.

Don't leave home without...

• A copy of your travel insurance policy. If your property is lost or stolen, or you have an illness, you'll need to check it for claims. Most policies ask you to notify local police within 24 hours of your goods being stolen and get a police report.

• Prescriptions for essential medicines. Take two of each prescription and put one in your suitcase and the other in your carry-on luggage.

• A spare pair of reading glasses and your latest prescription, in case you lose your glasses.

• Most important - register your movements with smartraveller.gov.au so your family knows if you're safe should a natural disaster occur in the area.

Ask Helen for advice
Do you have an issue with a purchase? Please include contact details of all parties and your phone number. Emails will not be answered personally.

CLICK HERE TO SEND HELEN WELLINGS YOUR QUESTION

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