Holidaymakers 'should purchase from trusted travel firms'

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It is crucial that people booking a holiday ensure that they only deal with licensed travel agents, it has been claimed.

Speaking after it was revealed that former travel agent Judy Nobilo - trading as Imperial Travel - has been suspended following allegations she had been operating without a valid licence, acting fair trading minister Linda Burney reminds consumers to only purchase from reputable providers.

Among the consumer complaints against Ms Nobilo are that she conned customers out of money by not supplying the products or services that she was paid for, with travellers being left stranded at airports with invalid tickets, StreetCorner reports.

Now, the government department is working alongside the Travel Compensation Fund and the NSW Police in investigating the complaints.

"My advice to consumers is, if you paid by credit card, contact your financial institution and use the charge back facility on your credit card," she tells those who have booked with Imperial Travel.

For those looking for an effective means of funding a vacation - from a respected travel operator - opting for a credit card offering an interest free period on purchases could prove to be of assistance.

And while away, credit card customers could do well to bear in mind they will be charged for using such a product while abroad as an Age article claimed many holidaymakers are often shocked about being charged for foreign currency conversions and ATM withdrawals upon returning home.

Written by Ashley King