What to check before entering a holiday competition
The details that can turn a dream trip into a prize you can actually use.
Fearless team4 October 20261 min read
Holiday competitions can be exciting, but travel prizes often contain more conditions than a simple cash or product prize. Before entering, check whether the dates, travellers and departure arrangements would work for you.
Look for fixed or flexible dates
Some trips must be taken within a particular window or on specified dates. Others allow booking subject to availability. School holidays, peak periods and public holidays may be excluded.
Check where the journey starts
A prize may include flights from a named airport but not travel to that airport. For Ireland and UK entrants, the departure point can make a significant difference to the real cost of accepting the prize.
Understand what is included
Accommodation, flights, transfers, meals, insurance, visas, resort fees and spending money should not be assumed. The terms normally explain the package and any costs left to the winner.
Check passport and traveller requirements
The winner and guests may need valid travel documents and may have to meet age or relationship conditions. Some prizes require a guest to be over 18.
Decide before entering
If the dates or travel requirements would make the prize impossible to use, it may be better to focus on another opportunity. The official terms should guide that decision.