‘Avis Lacked Our Booked Hire Car and Charged Us £619 More

✉ On April 7, I reserved a small Renault 5 Electric car (or similar) with Avis for pick-up at Toulouse airport on April 24, costing a total of £489. Upon our arrival at the Avis location, my wife and I were informed that there was no electric car available, nor anything comparable to our booking. The only alternative presented was a BMW 4 series, which would incur an additional charge of £619—a significant amount over our planned budget. The lack of availability in the category we originally booked, despite making the reservation three weeks prior, indicates a flaw in Avis’s vehicle management system. We were not offered a refund, leaving us feeling misled; ultimately, we had no option but to pay extra to secure the car. Could you assist us in obtaining a full refund for the additional charge? David Kassner

Initially, when you raised your concerns with Avis, they maintained that since you had signed the contract, the issue was closed. However, under European regulations, it is the responsibility of the car rental company to manage their bookings correctly. If a rental firm fails to provide the vehicle requested, as in your case, they breach the contract. Therefore, you should have been entitled to receive the BMW at the original rate for the Renault 5 Electric. Following my intervention, Avis acknowledged that an error had occurred, refunded the £619, and issued an apology for the trouble caused.

✉ My trip to Lisbon was canceled due to the March power outage at Heathrow, and I submitted a claim to Axa for the first night of my hotel stay (due to a non-refundable deposit), as British Airways agreed to refund our canceled flights. This hotel night amounted to £193, yet Axa declined to compensate, stating that a power outage is not considered an included scenario for delayed departure coverage. Shouldn’t it be? John Swarbrooke

Given the recent power disruptions at Heathrow and in Spain and Portugal, it’s wise for travelers to review their insurance policies for coverage in such events. Unfortunately, in your case, the policy you selected lacked travel disruption coverage – an optional add-on that you chose not to purchase. A spokesperson for Axa Partners mentioned: “We empathize with Mr. Swarbrooke’s circumstances and regret that he had to cancel his trip. The travel insurance he acquired does not cover incidents like this, as outlined in the terms and conditions of his policy, which includes a comprehensive list of covered scenarios.”

✉ My 91-year-old mother, who is still active and enjoys swimming, wishes to go on holiday with me. She prefers a hotel in Europe by a lake with outdoor swimming opportunities, beautiful gardens nearby, and a lakeside promenade for relaxing in cafés and observing the surroundings. Meanwhile, I would enjoy walks, and we would reunite in the evenings. Good weather is essential. Any suggestions? Judith Aldridge

The family-operated Beach Hotel du Lac in Malcesine, located on Italy’s stunning Lake Garda, could be a perfect fit. You would be right at the waterfront, with access to a private beach area and sun loungers on the wooden jetty. Your mother could savor the outdoor pool and hot tub, and you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the promenade to the medieval town center. Don’t miss the lovely gardens at Palazzo dei Capitani. While she explores, you can take on some hikes, like the Busatte-Tempesta path for the best lake views or the longer trek up Monte Altissimo di Nago. Expect to pay around £1,942 for a week in September in a family suite with twin beds and a balcony (dulac.it). Flights to Verona are available.

✉ My fiancé and I are having difficulty deciding on the destination for our honeymoon in August. We envision a classic honeymoon vacation outside Europe and are considering the Caribbean and Indian Ocean, although both regions face potential rainfall during this period. Any alternative luxury destination recommendations? Tom Winter

Fiji offers excellent weather in August, around 26°C with minimal rain, and the Tokoriki adults-only boutique resort in the Mamanuca Islands serves as a delightful honeymoon retreat (despite a lengthy 28-hour flight). This resort, facing west for picturesque sunsets, features 34 thatched beach bures (cabins) and villas with all-inclusive options that encompass various treats: afternoon tea, cocktail tastings, a couple’s massage, a champagne island picnic on a secluded beach, a daily snorkeling excursion, and access to kayaks, paddleboards, and Hobie Cat sailboats. A seven-night stay starts from £6,895 per person, covering economy flights to Nadi via Los Angeles and transfers. Although the flight is long, you could extend your vacation by adding a week at Nanuku Resort, located on Fiji’s mainland next to a pristine two-mile beach. A full two-week package at both resorts, including flights and transfers, begins at £11,223 per person (audleytravel.com).

Alternatively, consider central Vietnam, where hot and dry weather prevails at the start of August. The Nam Hai, a Four Seasons resort, boasts a beautiful beach, three stunning palm-fringed pools, an exceptional spa, and is just minutes from the UNESCO Heritage town of Hoi An. A week’s B&B in a one-bedroom villa, with flights to Da Nang and transfers, starts from £3,899 per person (turquoiseholidays.co.uk). Flight time is approximately 16 hours.

✉ For a significant birthday celebration, I am seeking to rent a property close to the sea at the beginning of July next year that can accommodate at least 12, possibly 15 family members, ideally within a three-hour drive from Cardiff or Hampshire. Although my budget is approximately £3,000, I am willing to consider spending more or even glamping options. What do you recommend? Jeannette Lowe

For a large family gathering in July near the sea, glamping may be your best bet to stay within budget. Consider Secret Valley, an organic farm, vineyard, and activity center located near Bridgwater in Somerset and close to the coast. The area’s Kilve beach, known for its fossils and rock formations, is just a half-hour drive away. The site offers plenty of activities to keep a large family entertained, including raft building, kayaking, canoeing, coarse fishing, wine tastings, a treetop adventure course, and a mini zoo. An added fun feature is the glamping buggy that circulates in the evening, providing guests with wine, local cider, marshmallows, electric meter cards, along with wood and coal supplies. Accommodations include a variety of lodges and shepherd’s huts with bathrooms, wooden wigwams, and bell tents, allowing for flexible arrangements to remain budget-friendly. Lodges that sleep up to six start around £175 per night in July (prices for next year are not yet available), whereas wooden wigwams can accommodate five at £64 (secret-valley.co.uk).

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