In the wake of the Tsunami disaster, On Your Behalf puts your questions and concerns to an ABTA spokesman
What should I do if I am due to holiday in Asia in the next few weeks?

The Association of British Travel Agents says most companies are accepting cancellations for travel to Sri Lanka’s coastal resorts and the affected areas of Thailand until at least the end of the month. Customers are being offered full refunds, alternative trips or postponements.
Information is not so clear for people travelling to the Maldives. ABTA says: “Some atolls were untouched, and for hotels there, it is business as usual.”

ABTA says “By rights, if the airport and hotel are operating, our members could impose full cancellation charges, however, they are sympathetic and will consider requests to cancel on a case-by-case basis.”

If you are travelling independently you should contact your airline. Many scheduled carriers are waiving amendment charges for travel to all affected areas until at least January 15.

If you have booked with a charter airline, contact the travel agent or tour operator through which you booked the flight to find out if it is still operating. You should be able to cancel for affected areas until at least January 31.

Q I am booked to travel in March. Can I cancel?

A Tour operators are asking those due to travel in the coming months not to make a decision immediately. If changes are necessary to travel plans, they will contact customers as their departure date approaches.

Q What are my rights if I find building work is being carried out at my hotel when I arrive?

A Extensive repairs constitute a material change to a holiday. Your tour operator is obliged to inform you of significant building work and offer a refund or an alternative hotel. If your operator does not do so, or if when you arrive you find the level of work unacceptable, you can demand compensation.

Q I have been offered an alternative holiday but it is more expensive. Who pays the difference?

A You, not the tour operator, will have to pay the extra if you accept a more expensive package. By the same token, if you choose a holiday that is cheaper, the tour operator would refund the difference.

Q I am due to holiday close to the affected regions. I no longer want to, can I cancel?

A Most tour operators are taking a firm line: cancellation charges will apply in these circumstances. Insurers are likely to be equally inflexible.

Q If my travel provider will not let me cancel without penalty, can I claim on my insurance instead?

A ABTA says: “Travellers directly affected by the tsunami will be covered for key elements such as loss of possessions and medical expenses. For any other claims, payment will depend on the provisions of the individual policy.”

The Foreign &Commonwealth Office has set up a helpline 020 7008 0000, specifically for worried relatives and friends who wish to check on UK travellers directly affected by the Tsunami or to pass on information about them. For flight or travel related enquiries contact tour operators or airlines. Travellers in the region should aim where possible to contact friends and relatives in the UK to let them know their whereabouts or condition. For general travel advice, telephone 0870 606 0290 or check our related links top right.