Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve put together answers to the questions we get asked most often. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, just give us a call on 01277 355 565 — we’re always happy to help.
How do I book a holiday with JollyDays?
You can call us or contact us through the website. We will talk through the holiday you are interested in, your support needs, travel arrangements and any questions you or your family or carers may have. We want to make sure the holiday is a good fit before everything is confirmed.
Is it possible to be picked up from my home?
Yes, we provide a door-to-door service at no additional cost. We can pick you up from your home, or another agreed address, and return you there at the end of the holiday.
Will I be able to have a room of my own?
Yes, this is often possible. Holidays are usually priced based on a twin room share, but on many holidays a single room can be arranged for an additional cost. Please ask us about this before booking.
Do you hold DBS checks on all of your staff?
Yes. Our staff, including our pick-up drivers, are DBS checked. Safeguarding is extremely important to us, and we want clients, families and carers to feel confident about the people supporting each holiday.
Are JollyDays holidays ABTA and ATOL protected?
Yes. JollyDays is an ABTA member and our flight-inclusive package holidays are ATOL protected where applicable. This gives extra peace of mind when booking with us. If your holiday is ATOL protected, you will receive an ATOL Certificate showing what is protected. Non-flight package holidays are protected separately in line with package travel regulations. If you are ever unsure what protection applies to your holiday, just ask us before booking and we will explain it clearly.
Are the staff medically trained?
Our staff hold certificates in emergency and basic first aid. We also ask about health, medication and support needs before travel so we can plan each holiday carefully.
What is the support client ratio?
Our usual support ratio is 2 supporters to 7 clients. On some overseas holidays, we may take up to 10 clients with 3 support workers. We will always consider the needs of the group and the type of holiday when planning support.
May I participate in the activity supported holidays if I use a wheelchair?
Yes, many of our activity supported holidays are wheelchair accessible. Please speak to us before booking so we can discuss the holiday, accommodation, transport and activities in detail and make sure it is suitable for your needs.
Are the instructors at the activity centres trained in handling disability groups?
Yes. We work with activity centres where staff are trained and experienced in supporting disability groups. Our own support staff are also there throughout the holiday to help make the experience safe, enjoyable and rewarding.
I have little verbal communication skills. Are you able to communicate via sign language?
This is not usually a major problem. Our staff have a limited understanding of Makaton, and we will discuss your communication needs before travel so we can understand how best to support you.
Do you provide one-to-one support?
Yes, we can arrange one-to-one support where needed, at an additional cost. This means we provide additional staffing so that one-to-one support is available throughout the holiday. Support is delivered flexibly by the staff team, rather than requiring one named staff member to stay exclusively beside one client at all times. This helps the holiday feel natural, sociable and positive, while still ensuring the agreed level of support is available when needed. We will discuss one-to-one requirements before booking so we can understand the support needed, plan staffing properly and confirm any additional cost.
Will I receive information before I go?
Yes. We send holiday information before departure so you know what to expect. This may include travel details, pick-up arrangements, accommodation information, suggested clothing, spending money guidance and any important forms we need returned.
Can you support me with medication?
Yes. We will always discuss and request details of your medication requirements as part of the booking process, so we can plan the right support before you travel. Please tell us exactly what medication you take, how it is stored, and what help you need. If you require medication to be administered in a specific medical way, we will need to discuss this before booking to make sure the right support is possible.
Can you help with personal care?
Yes, we support many of our clients with their personal care while they are away. Please speak to us before booking so we can understand what help is needed and plan staffing, privacy and dignity properly. Additional costs may apply depending on the level of support required.
Can you cater for dietary requirements or allergies?
Yes, please tell us about any dietary needs, allergies, intolerances or food preferences before you travel. We will do our best to make suitable arrangements with accommodation and restaurants, and we will let you know if there is anything we need to discuss further.
Are all the supported holidays abroad only accessible by air?
Most of our overseas holidays involve flying, but not all of them. We also travel to some destinations, such as France, Holland and Belgium, by ferry or Channel Tunnel. If you are interested in holidays abroad without flying, please call our office team and we can talk through the available options.
Can I bring mobility equipment or a wheelchair?
We will fully discuss and support your mobility requirements before travel so we can plan properly. In most cases, where larger equipment is needed, we would look to book suitable equipment at the location we are travelling to. It is rarer for us to take large mobility equipment with us, and we do not take mobility scooters with us. If a mobility scooter or other larger item may be needed, we can discuss booking one locally as part of the booking process.
How much money will I need?
This varies depending on the holiday. We will give guidance on spending money when we send your holiday itinerary, usually around 2 weeks before departure. This helps you plan for souvenirs, drinks, snacks or optional extras.
What clothing will be required for the activity holidays?
For activity holidays, you will usually need trainers and older, warmer clothing that you do not mind getting muddy or wet. A waterproof jacket is also a good idea. Any specialist activity equipment is normally supplied on site, and we will let you know what to bring before you travel.
What happens if I need to return home due to illness?
If you need to return home due to illness, we will help organise this and escort you if required. Any additional costs would need to be met by you, so it is important that you have suitable travel insurance in place before your holiday.
Do I require holiday insurance?
Yes, you must have suitable travel insurance before your supported holiday. This should cover cancellation, illness, medical treatment, loss of belongings and any personal circumstances relevant to you.
Are your supported holidays suitable for adults with autism?
Yes. Most, if not all, of our holidays are suitable for adults with autism. Please contact us before booking so we can talk through the level of support needed, routines, communication preferences and anything that may help make the holiday more comfortable.
What if I feel anxious or need extra reassurance on holiday?
That is completely okay. Many people feel nervous before travelling, especially if it is their first holiday without family or familiar carers. Our staff are friendly and experienced, and we will use the information you give us to help you feel settled, included and supported.
Can I come if I have epilepsy, diabetes or another medical condition?
Yes, we routinely take clients with epilepsy, diabetes and other medical conditions away on supported holidays. Please tell us about any medical conditions before booking so we can understand what support is needed and make sure the holiday is suitable and well planned.
Will staff be there during the night?
Yes. Staff stay at the same location as clients and are on call overnight for any priority issues or emergencies.
Can families or carers contact you during the holiday?
Yes. We understand that families and carers like to know everything is going well. We will explain the best contact arrangements before the holiday. If there is anything important during the trip, we will contact the agreed person.
Do you take photos during holidays?
We often take photos so clients can remember their holiday and families can see what everyone has been up to. We will only use or share photos where the right permission has been given.
I am a carer/family member. Am I able to come away too?
Yes, family members and carers are welcome on many of our holidays. You would need to pay the full holiday cost, and we can discuss arrangements with you before booking.
Can you give me any guidance on passports and visas?
All overseas holidays require a valid passport. If you need to apply for or renew a passport, please do this well in advance of your holiday. You can find current passport information at gov.uk/apply-renew-passport, and current foreign travel advice, including entry requirements, at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. It is your responsibility to make sure you hold a valid passport. JollyDays will obtain any visas that may be required.