NSW Fair Trading Minister Anthony Roberts is warning parents and families to avoid school holiday stress and the associated pitfalls of poor planning, purchases and promises.

Mr Roberts said NSW school students and their families would be looking forward to the start of the holidays tomorrow.

“Remember – careful consumers are stress free consumers,” he said.

Fair Trading tips on what NOT to do these school holidays are:

• Don’t rush in – take the time to carefully plan any travel, accommodation and holiday purchases and bookings and shop around to get the best prices. For travel and accommodation already booked, make sure you get what you have paid for.
• Don’t ignore the fine print – in product and service contracts, particularly with flights and accommodation, where restrictions on changes and check in times can apply. Also check cancellation and refund policies.
• Don’t impulse buy – resist children’s pester power.
• Don’t use unlicensed travel agents – check licence details online at www.tcf.org.au.
• Don’t assume everything is included – check for add-ons such as food and equipment hire.
• Don’t be deceived by disingenuous marketing – make sure the advertising on accommodation and other products and services matches the reality.
• Don’t spend money when you don’t have to – there are plenty of free and affordable options for families that won’t bust your budget. Also remember to check for surcharges on credit cards and additional costs at ATMs.
• Don’t throw out receipts and keep a record of all transactions and contracts.
• Don’t forget to ask traders, especially accommodation providers, to lift holding deposits from credit cards, when you pay the account.
• Don’t delay when a dispute arises – first try and sort it out with the trader and if that fails, contact Fair Trading on 13 32 20 or lodge a complaint online at this website.

Mr Roberts recommended seeking advice from locals at any tourist destination – for the best restaurants, local attractions and transport options.

Visitors to NSW can also call the Traveller Consumer Helpline on 1300 552 001 or email: travelhelp@fairtrading.nsw.gov.au

Back to Media releases