Category: United Kingdom

If you’ve been caught up in the  Thomas Cook  Collapse and don’t know what to do then here’s some basic emergency help.

Already Abroad During The Thomas Cook Collapse

If you’re already abroad and wondering how to get home then don’t despair.  The UK government is launching the biggest peace-time rescue package ever and they’re not just limiting it to ABTA and ATOL protected deals.

In a nutshell this means that even if you’ve booked a flight only then you shouldn’t be stranded by the Thomas Cook Collapse.

Who To Contact

Your first port of call is the Thomas Cook CAA website.  If you’re flying today then this will give you the up to date information you need.  If you’re flying in the coming days then the current advice is don’t go to the airport today.  Finish your holiday.  Turning up at the airport will just add to the chaos and you’ll likely just waste the day.  The website will be updating each day so keep checking online.

If you have any difficulty with the website crashing  (over 650,000 people need bringing home!) then take a look at the information here until it is up and running again.

Reclaiming Your Money

As we said above if you’re a flight only customer then UK government have stated they will still rescue you.  Unfortunately this doesn’t mean some people won’t fall through the cracks somehow.  For anyone needing to arrange their own flights home then the TripAdvisor Flights page is a huge help.  If you don’t automatically have ATOL protection and you paid Thomas Cook with either a credit card or a debit card then those companies (Visa, Mastercard etc) are jointly liable.  This also applies to Hotel only and Car Hire only.  You can reclaim your money under section 75 or the Chargeback scheme.  Click here for help with this then ring the number on the back of your card.

Flights

Various airlines are already  being rallied to rescue passengers stranded by the Thomas Cook collapse.  If you’re in the USA, Cuba and Jamaica then Virgin Atlantic are already helping to bring people home and you can contact them on 0344 742 4384 for return travel arrangements.  You’ll still need to follow advice on the Thomas Cook CAA website though.

Special Needs and Assistance

If you have any special requirements due to health conditions then you’ll need to ensure the rescue airline are aware.  Once you know who you’re flying with make direct contact with them as they’ll need to know in advance.  If you don’t give them the heads up then they may not be able to provide the level of support you  need.  Do this as soon as possible.

Preparing to travel in the right way whether your disability is visible or invisible can have a huge impact on your health in the coming days or weeks.  A lot of our readers are arthritis patients so click here for helpful advice.  We also give tips for travelling with debilitating conditions such as fibromyalgia which you can read about here.  Whatever your condition you should find some of these tips helpful.

Wheelchair Passengers

I cannot stress enough how important it is to give the rescue airline as much notice as possible to help you board.  Airlines are becoming expert at dealing with accessibility but often need some prior notice to make the required arrangements.

Time Limit

The CAA will only be repatriating people for the next two weeks.  This takes you up to October 7th so if you’re due to return on or after that then you will have to make your own arrangements.  Click here for the CAA website section that addresses this. It  gives fully comprehensive advice so you’ll have all the information and guidance you need.

Final Note

Keep your cool and don’t panic.  This is a really stressful situation during what should have been an enjoyable and relaxing break.  Getting angry with airport/hotel staff isn’t going to help and given that anyone connected to Thomas Cook has likely lost their job it will only make a bad situation worse.  Everyone concerned is desperately sorry this has happened but no-one should be stranded for long.  The operation taking part in the UK to get you home has already swung into action so check the websites, call your credit/debit card company then try to enjoy what’s left of your time in the sun.

 

 

Updated March 2020 – If you’re looking for luxury near the North Yorkshire Coast, the small village of Seamer is host to The Copper Horse Cottages. Situated about 40 miles from the City of York it’s easy to find. The local scenery is truly stunning even in Autumn colouring the trees and landscape as far as the eye can see.  We were booked into a cottage named ‘The Lodge’ at The Copper Horse Cottages and on arrival we couldn’t have been happier,  it felt like a home from home.  The whole house was  fresh, clean, and inviting.

Cosy & Warm

The ambience was calm and restful with quality furnishings that were as comfortable as they were good looking and it was cosy warm throughout.  Too often I’ve rented holiday cottages out of season and found the heating timer set to ‘stingy’ and locked away to prevent access. 

If you have health problems that are triggered by the cold this can make your stay thoroughly miserable.  The heating in all Copper Horse Cottages is set to ‘ON’ all the time so you can control it via the thermostat in the hall, that in itself is a huge bonus in my book. 

Thoughtful Touches

With a well designed layout that offered an open plan kitchen, dining and living area,  all three boutique style bedrooms were en-suite with lots of thoughtful little touches such as a vanity kit, hand & body lotion and shampoo and bubble bath.  All the sinks throughout had boutique hand wash and lotions and the mandatory fluffy towels with lashings of hot water.

Comfortable Beds

The Lodge boasts  superking size beds with quality Sealy Orthopaedic mattresses that you can have converted into twin beds.   You’ll also find a flat screen TV, hairdryer, trinket box, tissues and make-up mirror.  The bed linen (and towels) were supplied by Richard Haworth Linens.  They felt heavenly to slide into and there was even a tower fan in the room to keep us cool if needed.

Well Equipped

Next to the large flat screen TV in the living area we were happy to find a good quality Bose docking station.  There was plenty of information on the local area in this room as well as  games for all the family.  With a well-equipped kitchen that leaves you wanting for nothing this truly is a luxurious and comfortable home from home.

Pets

Copper Horse Cottages are also pet friendly which is a refreshing change for luxury accommodation. They have thought of everything to make your stay perfect.   Doggy essentials such as a dog bed, dog bowls, blanket, biscuits and poop bags are all provided for you so your pooch can feel just as important as you do.

 

Private Patio

Outside is a paved patio area with chairs and sun loungers but it was the end of September so the time to sunbathe didn’t really present itself.  This area was nicely screened off to give complete privacy to guests. There was parking for two vehicles at the front with large metal gates to keep you and your pet feeling secure.

Out & About

Heading out to find somewhere to eat on our first night we discovered a walkway around the rear of the double garage.  This brought us into the car park of the The Mayfield Pub.   They offer pleasant surroundings and a comprehensive menu and carvery at very good prices.  The service was good and the food was delicious so we can fully recommend it.  Finding somewhere so close and accessible makes settling in on that first night after a long journey a pleasant experience.

Further up the Main Street you’ll find more Copper Horse cottages and The Copper Horse Pub with a  more upmarket offering and a friendly welcome.  Scarborough is a short 4 miles away and offers more good restaurants and attractions  including nature parks, theatres and museums.

Accessibility

The Lodge had a good sized downstairs bedroom with large en-suite shower room,  perfect for anyone with general mobility problems.   Unfortunately there wasn’t enough room to get a wheelchair into the room due to the furniture.  However if your mobility makes climbing stairs are a problem then this room is ideal.

Booking

The Copper Horse Cottages website matches bookings on the number of guests rather than choosing a particular cottage first.  However it’s worth giving them a call for the pleasure of experiencing their hospitality.  Our hosts genuinely could not do enough for us and we hope we get the chance to visit again.  As with all holidays don’t forget to buy your travel insurance as soon as you book.

Price

A typical two night stay in one of the Copper Horse Cottages starts at around £320 depending on the time of year.  It’s always a good idea to advise them what your special needs are at the time of booking so they can match your accommodation to your requirements.

OPINION

This was by far the best holiday cottage I have ever stayed in.  The attention to detail and the luxury of the fittings and furnishings was a pleasant surprise.  You cannot underestimate the importance of comfort if you have health issues to deal with and being warm and cosy allowed me to relax and enjoy the company of my family, often into the wee small hours.  Copper Horse Cottages have set the bar very high.  We have to give them ten out of ten for warmth and comfort and the same for style.  Click here for TripAdvisor reviews.

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