Besieged in the Balearics? Marooned in Majorca?The best planned holidays sometimes go wrong, but you can reduce the risks and, if things do go wrong, can ensure matters are resolved without undue delay.

Before you travel:

- Take out adequate insurance and take your policy with you

- Make sure any special requirements you consider important are noted on the confirmation invoice and guaranteed

- Consider paying at least some of the cost of your holiday on credit card to the tour operator, then you will have rights against the credit card company if something goes wrong

- Chose a tour operator which is bonded (eg look for the ABTA symbol).This gives you financial protection if the company goes out of business.

In resort:

- Attempt to resolve problems immediately. Failure to do this may harm your claim irrevocably. Fill out a claim form and ask for a copy

- Collect photographic and video evidence and obtain details from any fellow holidaymakers who have suffered the same problems

- Keep a record of any out-of-pocket expenses you incur

- Be careful about accepting any sum in compensation which is made to you in resort. If you want to take your claim further you will need to show without doubt that the offer was an interim payment only and you should accept it "without prejudice to any future claim"

- Avoid offers to attend timeshare/holiday presentations, unless you are interested in buying this type of holiday.

On your return

- Keep your brochure and travel documents, you may need to refer to them

- Write to the tour operator as soon as you return home and keep copies of all correspondence

- Do not be deterred by an initial refusal to pay compensation, or an inadequate offer - a valid claim is worth pursuing

- Seek legal advice about your claim

If you need help with a holiday complaint or any other consumer matter, please contact York Trading Standards at 9 St Leonard's Place or telephone 01904 551562. The fax number is 01904 551590 and the email address is trading.standards@york.gov.uk