PLANNING a late holiday to find some summer sun? City of York Council Trading Standards warns sun seekers that, on holiday, when you have wound down and dropped your guard, you may prove easy prey to sales representatives promoting the benefits of joining a holiday club.

Beware of the enticements of a friendly holiday representative offering inducements like free drinks, a personal organiser, tickets to a club or sightseeing tours - any or all of these may be offered as an incentive to attend a sales presentation.

Falling for such enticements could mean attending a high-pressure sales presentation hosted by one of the less reputable companies which could last for anything from one to five hours, during which sales people will do their best to persuade you to sign up to become a member of a holiday club for up to 35 months entitling you, at a price, to reserve a fixed number of weeks each year at various resorts.

Of course, some holiday companies are genuine, but if you feel you have been tricked into attending a holiday club presentation just walk away. Don't let your credit card or cheque book leave your pocket unless you are absolutely sure of what you are signing, and beware of accepting drinks which could affect your judgment.

Remember, the protection which applies to timeshare does not apply to holiday clubs. If it is a timeshare that is being offered in the EU then you have ten days to change your mind and no money should be taken in those ten days. There is no such protection for holiday club deals.

If you are considering "signing up" find out first if:-

The company is a member of a reputable trade association

There is a cooling-off period

There is an inventory of the accommodation on offer

You have all the verbal claims and promises in writing

If you have second thoughts:-

Write to the company immediately

Complain to the local tourist office

Contact your credit company if you have made any part of the payment by credit card

Seek advice on your return to the UK

For advice about holiday clubs, timeshare or any other consumer matter, phone 01904 551562 or call at 9 St Leonard's Place. The trading standards website address is trading.standards@york.gov.uk.

Updated: 09:17 Thursday, August 26, 2004