FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions

We hope you find this page helpful. If you have a question that’s not listed please let us know and we’ll answer you and add it to the list.

ASK A QUESTION

Who can use Altogether Travel?

Our service is aimed at anyone aged over 18 who needs some form of care or support to enjoy a holiday. Our customers in the past have been older people, frail/ elderly, those with dementia, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, sensory impairment and people experiencing mental health issues.

What do you offer?

Altogether Travel is a supported travel provider, so we take care of your holiday needs. We can assist you in planning, booking and providing the agreed support to ensure you have a great time at your chosen holiday destination accompanied by our experienced holiday companion. If you have a current care provider, then we can replicate your care package on holiday.

What about my care and support needs?

We will work with you, your family or support system in place to ensure we understand exactly what is expected in terms of support and how best to meet your support needs whilst away. We will provide you a copy of your holiday plan before you go which details all the necessary care tasks, such as medication.

How do I find out more about a holiday?

Click here and fill out our holiday form to find out more about your holiday. The request form allows you to tell us, where and when you want to go on holiday and some other bits of useful information. This allows us to provide you with a number of options to consider. The second form is our health and support form, this is looking at your care and support needs. This gives us an idea of the support you would require whilst on holiday. Once returned we will work with our travel partners to find you the right holiday package and provide you with a quote for the holiday and support. If you are happy to proceed we will book your chosen holiday and work with you / carer to create your holiday plan.

Can I meet the holiday companion before the holiday?

We can absolutely arrange this* (*charged separately from your holiday, to cover time and travel costs). This can be at your home or out for a coffee somewhere. If your holiday is booked in advance and you would like multiple visits, or more complex care support needs require subsequent visits, we can also arrange this*.

Tell me more about your staff?

Our Companions have official background checks, are qualified and experienced supporting people for many years. They have a wide range of experience within the care sector and we recruit them for their love of travel, meeting new people and dedication to ensuring you have a great holiday.

How much does it cost?

Every holiday is different and various factors affect the price. This could be some people need more support than others, the time of year travelling, the duration of the holiday, when the holiday was booked. We will provide you with a quote detailing your holiday price and support costs.

Unlike most care companies we do not charge by the hour, this ensures holidays are affordable.

What if I am not happy about something?

We want our customers to have a positive holiday although sometimes things don’t work out that way. You can speak to your holiday companion who will attempt to resolve this whilst on holiday or you can call our registered Care Manager who will look into it. After every holiday we send customers a holiday feedback form to get their views on their holiday, the accommodation our service and staff. These forms allow us to reflect and improve our service.

Can I go on holiday with a family member/ friend ?

Yes, of course you can. In fact we have supported many people who been accompanied by their spouse, parents, siblings, other family members or friends. It’s your holiday after all.

How long can I go on holiday for?

We can offer support from 1 night up to a maximum of 21 days. We also provide support if you are just looking to go out for a day trip somewhere or attend an event.

Can I get travel insurance if I have a health conditions or are elderly ?

Yes, we have partnered with an insurance broker who specialising in insurance for older people (up to aged 99) and for those with pre-existing health conditions, such as heart conditions, dementia, epilepsy, Stroke.

I use mobility equipment at home can I take this with me ?

If you wish and its possible to fit it in!. Or we have a partnership with a company and can hire almost all pieces of mobility aids from hoists, wheelchairs, shower/ commode chairs, standing frames, profile beds. These can be hired and delivered to your chosen accommodation waiting for you to arrive. We also have access to a fleet of wheel chair accessible vehicles within the UK and overseas.

What other services do you offer?

Altogether Travel offers travel companions to assist those who need support to travel from A to B. This could be via car, train, boat or plane. What’s more we can make all the arrangements and bookings so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Why are you registered with the Care Inspectorate ?

The Care Inspectorate are an independent scrutiny and improvement body for care services registered in Scotland. They make sure people receive high quality care and ensure that we promote and protect our customer’s rights. This gives our customers and their families the reassurances that they will receive a high quality care service.

Any provider of care and support should be registered with a regulatory body.

What care tasks do you cover?

We have a pool of experienced care staff who can assist with personal care tasks, medication, mobility, moving and handling, emotional support, companionship, keeping you safe and much more.

Do you provide nursing care whilst on holiday ?

Sadly no, but we can recommend some establishments that cater for holiday makers with health conditions.

How do I pay for my holiday?

You can pay in a number of ways, cheque, bank transfer, cash, or debit/ credit card. All invoices must be paid in full prior to travel.

What if I need to cancel?

We understand that your circumstances can change resulting in you not being able to go on holiday. We have a cancellation policy which provides details of what happens next. Some suppliers offer flexible booking rates and we strongly advise you to have comprehensive travel insurance. Please ask for more information.

Travel in confidence with the UK's first registered Care Inspectorate travel company.

Jim & Nan.

Parent

Craig has not stopped talking about his holiday and asking when he is going away again. A big thank you.

Helen.

Customer

Out of all the supported holiday companies I have used Altogether Travel is by far the best as I get to choose where to go on holiday.

Mr & Mrs S.