FINANCIAL protection is boring until a company collapse makes it seem real. When you know that thousands of people have lost money because they booked with an unbonded company, you think 'it could have been me'.

Travelscene, a well-known city breaks operator, has just collapsed and many of the holidays that it sold, via an unbonded website, weren't protected. Its would-be customers lost their money as well as their holiday.

AITO has long been warning about the dangers of booking flights and accommodation on unbonded websites, and has asked the government to regulate the companies concerned, to no avail. It's simply a question of 'let the buyer beware' unless and until the government takes action.

The key industry organisations to look out for to make sure your money is fully protected are AITO and ATOL.

ATOL protects package holidays including a flight.

AITO ensures that all the holidays its members sell are protected whether you buy accommodation only, a full package or just a flight.

Does it cost more? Not usually and, if it costs more, surely it's worth it?

Holidays are an important part of our lives these days. It's worth making sure nothing goes wrong. Ring 020 8607 9080 or visit www.aito.co.uk to request a free AITO Holiday Directory.