A renowned Hitchin travel agent has been helping to warn warning sun seekers about potential travel pitfalls and scams.

Mondial Travel, an online travel business headquartered in Hitchin, is urging holidaymakers to be vigilant when making bookings, to ensure they don't fall victim to ongoing holiday scams and to guarantee professional help if plans go astray.

Following a surge in holiday bookings due to the lifting of various Covid restrictions, Mondial Travel is encouraging consumers to book with trusted travel businesses after it has been revealed an average of £1,168* is lost by those affected by holiday fraud, and thousands of holidaymakers suffer in long queues and experience flight cancellations. 

Mondial Travel is revealing a number of ways holidaymakers fall victim to fraud, including bookings made through fake websites which appear genuine, false advertisements placed on social media and legitimate websites, and misleading communication through WhatsApp, social media and email.

Susan Downie, Owner and Director at Mondial Travel said: "Booking through a reputable business is always the safest way to avoid fraudulent bookings and to ensure you get the best offers possible for your holiday.

"Holiday scammers are using new tactics which are harder than ever to detect, with some victims not even realising they've been scammed until the day of their holiday. To ensure your holiday is in the safest hands, it's always best to visit a trusted travel business in-store or online, which not only provides holiday protection and expert advice, but also delivers the best deals, saving both time and money."

In addition to fraudulent bookings, consumers in recent weeks have faced holiday uncertainty with disheartening airport staff shortages, flight cancellations and long queues, often leading holidaymakers unsure of where to turn to.

Ms Downie said: "After a long period of travel uncertainty, it's no surprise that the public are ready and raring to get back on a plane to their favourite destinations.

"The vast majority of holidaymakers enjoy their trips without a hitch, but for those worried about either scams circulating or disruptions at airports, we encourage them to book through a trusted local travel business which can provide the latest advice and will be on hand to assist if any issues arise."

*Source: Airbnb