Going on holiday should be a time to relax. But when something goes wrong abroad, it can quickly become stressful and confusing. Many travellers are unsure what rights they have, especially when they are outside the UK.
Whether it is a cancelled booking, unsafe accommodation, lost luggage, or even an incident involving local authorities, it is important to understand where you stand.
Written by Paul Cheuk, Solicitor
You might think the biggest risk on holiday is a delayed flight or a disappointing hotel. But recent reports suggest it can be far more serious. More than 1,700 British travellers have reportedly taken legal action after falling ill on package holidays in Cape Verde. Some cases involved infections such as salmonella and E coli, and a number of incidents have been reported as very serious.
It is a reminder that things can go wrong quickly when you are abroad, and not always in ways you expect. Whether it is a cancelled booking, unsafe accommodation, lost luggage, or even an incident involving local authorities, it is important to understand where you stand.
Package Holiday or Independent Travel
First and foremost, your rights may depend on how and where you booked your trip.
If you booked a package holiday through a UK travel company, you have stronger protection under UK law. This is mainly governed by the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. Under these rules, the travel company is responsible for the services provided, such as flights, hotel, and transfers. If something goes wrong, you may be able to claim compensation directly from the company in the UK, even if the problem happened abroad.
In addition to traditional travel agencies, many packages offered directly by airlines or hotel websites will also fall within these rules if they include more than one service sold together for a single price. If you are unsure whether your booking is covered by the Regulations, you should consider seeking legal advice.
If you booked everything separately, your protection is more limited. You may need to deal with foreign providers directly, which can be more difficult.
This type of situation also highlights why package holiday protection is important. Where a trip is booked as a package, the travel company may be responsible if the accommodation or services fall below reasonable standards, including cases involving illness linked to the hotel environment.
When Things Go Wrong Abroad
There are many common problems that travellers face. These include situations where the hotel does not match what was promised, where conditions are poor or unsafe, where excursions are cancelled or badly managed, or where there are accidents or transport delays.
A high-profile personal injury claim was recently launched against the travel company Tui, with over 1700 people joining the legal action as of April 2026 after becoming ill on holiday in the Cape Verde islands. The claim is being led by lawyers from Irwin Mitchell, who believe at least eight Britons have died on holiday there. The BBC has obtained footage showing what appears to be undercooked food, buffets surrounded by flies as well as mould in hotel rooms.
While Irwin Mitchell have set out their intentions to resolve their cases with Tui amicably, they expect a High Court judge to make an order involving millions of pounds in payments of damages to Irwin Mitchell’s clients.
These recent large scale claims involving illness outbreaks at Cape Verde show that issues such as food hygiene, hotel standards, and health risks are not just minor inconveniences. They can lead to serious consequences if not handled properly.
If something happens, it is important to act early. You should report the issue to the hotel, tour operator, or local representative straight away. You should also take photos, keep receipts, and make a record of what happened. This evidence can be important later.
Dealing With Authorities Overseas
In more serious situations, such as illness, accidents, or disputes with hotels or tour operators, you may need to deal with local police or officials. This can feel unfamiliar and intimidating, especially if events escalate quickly while you are still trying to understand what has happened. It is important to remember that local laws apply, not UK law. Language differences can lead to misunderstandings, and anything you say may be recorded or used later.
If you are asked to give a statement or attend an interview, you should stay calm and seek advice if possible. You should not feel pressured to sign documents that you do not understand.
While UK lawyers may not be able to advise directly on foreign law, you should not hesitate to contact one. They can act as your first point of contact, help you understand the situation, and, where needed, refer you to appropriate local lawyers.
Medical Emergencies and Insurance
If you are injured or become ill abroad, your travel insurance is essential. Without insurance, medical bills abroad can be very high. It can cover treatment costs, hospital stays, and even emergency return to the UK.
Always contact your insurer as soon as possible. They may guide you on where to go for treatment and what costs are covered.
However, you should also be careful during the claims process. If the insurer starts asking detailed questions or carries out a longer investigation, it may be wise to seek legal advice. Providing incomplete or unclear information could lead to a refusal of coverage. Having a lawyer review your situation at an early stage can help avoid this risk.
Final Thoughts
Being abroad does not mean you have no rights. But it does mean things can be more complicated. The key is to stay calm, gather evidence, and avoid making rushed decisions.
At Lisa’s Law, we advise clients on disputes arising from holidays and travel issues, including matters that involve foreign providers or incidents overseas. If something has gone wrong on your trip, we can help you understand your options and what steps to take next.
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