By law, we have to ensure that your money is secure. If you book your complete package holiday with us (either a cruise line package or a holiday we have built for you), you will be protected. We hold an ATOL licence issued by the CAA and this provides security for all air packages constructed and sold by Stewart Travel, which means you have peace of mind knowing your holiday is protected from the moment you pay. And because we are responsible for each component of the holiday, if there is a problem with any component, either before you go, or whilst you are away, we are legally obliged to sort it out and provide you with help and assistance. For extra security, we are also full members of ABTA, the Travel Association.

Your holiday documentation will show you details of our ABTA and ATOL numbers, which you can check and verify online at www.abta.co.uk and www.atol.org.uk.

In recent years there has been much hype about the benefit of "building" your own holidays - taking a low cost flight from the internet and coupling it with your choice of accommodation or cruise. Whilst constructing your own holidays from the internet can be relatively straightforward there are also some important factors to take into account.

Booking your flights, accommodation or cruise with different travel companies online is not necessarily a cheaper option, especially when you consider that there are sometimes "hidden" charges such as taxes, in flight meals and transfers. We can tailor your flights and accommodation separately as part of one fully protected package. It is important to point out that if you book them separately yourselves online your money and holiday could be at risk if one of the companies collapses. For example you could find you are left with a cruise or accommodation and no flight to get there.

If you book direct using your credit card, you could be covered by your card provider. However, be mindful that re-claiming your money could be a lengthy process and you must have spent at least £100 on each element of your holiday. Terms and conditions do vary by card provider, so we would suggest you contact them for more details.