A local travel agent in Alsager has been working around the clock to support customers affected by the ongoing disruption to travel via the Middle East, and is urging local residents to make sure they are properly protected before they travel.

Travel Counsellor, Sara Dickenson, who lives and works in Alsager, said it had been "a really busy few days" helping customers navigate flight changes, uncertainty and fast-moving updates.

"It has been a really busy few days for me and for Travel Counsellors supporting customers affected by the situation. Staying close to official guidance and working quickly with airlines and suppliers has been essential to make sure people are safe and informed," Sara explained.

"The real value of booking through a travel expert is that when something unexpected happens, you are not left navigating it alone. You have someone advocating for you, rearranging plans and keeping you updated every step of the way."

With the trusted support of Travel Counsellors, a globally respected travel business with a 5 star review on Trustpilot, Sara has been helping customers either return home or make sensible decisions about postponing or rerouting upcoming trips, always using the latest official guidance as the starting point.

Sara added: "It is also a timely reminder that protection matters. Booking a full package gives customers ATOL protection, and it is important that travellers understand exactly what their insurance policy covers before they travel. In fast-moving situations, having both the right protection and professional guidance makes a real difference."

For local residents who have booked flights and accommodation separately online, Sara has the following advice:

"For anyone in the local area with an upcoming trip that you have pieced together yourself online, my message would be: do not panic, but get organised.

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"Check the latest official travel advice for your destination on the FCDO website, read through the terms and conditions for each element you have booked, and check what your travel insurance actually covers.

Alsager's travel expert, Sara Dickenson, is helping people caught up in the Middle East issue. (Photo: Sara Dickenson)

"Make a simple list of your flights, hotels and transfer bookings with contact details and references so you know who to speak to if plans change.

"And if you are unsure, you can still speak to me for guidance. I can't change your bookings but I may be able to steer you in the right direction."

Although some of the people Sara has supported are her own clients, she stresses that her advice applies to anyone in Alsager, whether they have booked with her or not.

"My advice would be to check official guidance regularly (the FCDO website and your airline's website), understand what protection you have in place, and speak directly to your travel provider or adviser, if you have one, before making any decisions," she said.

On whether people should avoid travelling altogether, Sara is clear that decisions should be guided by trusted, official sources.

"Travel decisions should always follow official guidance. Where the FCDO advises against travel, that advice should be followed. Outside of that, it is about making informed decisions based on up-to-date information and your individual circumstances."

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For those who may be concerned about friends or family currently travelling through the region, Sara emphasises the importance of having someone coordinating on their behalf.

"In situations like this, our priority is always the safety and wellbeing of our customers. We work closely with airlines and suppliers to explore all available options and keep people informed. Having someone managing that on your behalf can significantly reduce stress during what is already an uncertain time."

Sara adds that, for many Alsager residents, the key lesson is not to wait for a crisis before thinking about protection.

"Most of the time, holidays go exactly as planned," she said. "But when they do not, that is when having a properly protected package, good insurance and a trusted travel professional in your corner really counts."

Residents in Alsager who are worried about upcoming trips, whether booked through an adviser or online, or who simply want to understand what protection they have in place, are encouraged to speak directly with a trusted travel professional for personalised guidance.

If you need help or guidance or would like to book your next holiday with the support of a Travel Counsellor, please contact Sara Dickenson on [email protected] or 01270 917091.

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