With the end of school next week, the great summer travel season begins. Experience teaches that many travel problems can be expected again. 

The booked hotel is overbooked and you end up in a flophouse, instead of a "fine sandy beach" you will find a rocky bay, instead of peace and quiet there is construction noise and all the other regularly recurring complaints. The principle of brochure truthfulness applies to travel brochures. Everything that is described in the travel brochure or illustrated with colorful photos is considered a promised feature of a trip. The tour operator must - regardless of whether he is at fault for defects or not - be responsible for these promised services. If the services are not provided in the agreed form, the customer has the right to make improvements on site or reduce the price.

“If the defect cannot be improved (the rocky cove will not become a sandy beach) or simply not improved, then one should secure evidence: photos and videos of the construction machines making the noise, names and addresses (also cell phone numbers and e-mail) of Fellow sufferers and written confirmations from the travel agent that the shortcomings were reported accordingly. Back at home, you can now assert a price reduction against the tour operator,” says Peter Kolba, the chairman of the consumer protection association (VSV).

If the tour operator or his vicarious agents are at fault for the spoiled vacation, then in addition to the warranty, compensation is also due. So if a spoiled "all-inclusive buffet" brings vomiting, diarrhea and bed rest, then one is also entitled to compensation for medical expenses and compensation for pain and suffering. There is also compensation for lost holiday enjoyment.

In the case of package tours (e.g. booking flight and hotel), the tour operator is responsible for these claims. He is also the point of contact for flight delay claims. In the case of individual bookings, on the other hand, you have to contact the respective contractual partner. If a tour operator becomes insolvent, there is insolvency protection for package tours; this is not the case for individual bookings, such as flights.

The VSV supports its members with advice and action. In the event of mass damage, the SAAM also organizes class action lawsuits.