Thousands of Tunisia holidaymakers left in limbo
Thousands of families booked to travel to Tunisia over February half-term and Easter risk missing out on their holidays as operators wait to decide whether to risk returning to the destination where violence broke out last week.
Customers are being told by operators to wait and see before cancelling trips to Tunisia, but those who wait too long to switch to alternative destinations may find a lack of availability elsewhere.
Families booked to travel over February half-term and Easter who want to cancel now or switch to alternative destinations risk losing money or being forced to pay amendment fees.
TUI has cancelled flights to Tunisia up to and including January 26 and anyone booked to travel up to February 16 can cancel with a full refund or choose an alternative holiday, but no decision has been made for the second half of February, which includes half-term for many families, and beyond.
Thomas Cook has cancelled flights up to and including February 2 and customers can cancel or choose another holiday for travel up to February 28, which includes the school half-term break. Families due to travel over Easter must wait and see what happens or lose cash if they cancel now.
The Foreign Office said the situation in Tunisia was calmer now than last week, but it continues to advice against all but essential travel to the country. "Demonstrations are expected to continue and incidents of violence are still possible," it said.
By Linsey McNeill
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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