FAQs
Here you’ll find the answers to some of our clients frequently asked questions (FAQs).
1. Who are we?
We are Paul and Helen Hansgate, passionate sports players and experts in tailor-made holidays, with over 18 years of experience. We studied Sports Science at Loughborough University then we embarked upon careers teaching Physical Education. But in 2004 we decided to quit our day jobs, sell up in the UK, and move to France to set up a catered chalet company in the Alps. After years of first-hand experience operating a catered ski chalet company we now use our expertise to organise tailor-made sports holidays. The latest additions of golf and tennis have been an exciting development in our independent travel company.
We like to play sports too! Helen has played county tennis and combines coaching with her role as first team captain and committee member at the local tennis club. The whole family participate regularly in tennis and golf.
Paul can often be seen, playing a round at the local golf club, trying to improve his decidedly average handicap.
2. Where are we based?
In the past we lived and worked in the Alps and our holidays take place across Europe, but now we are based in Cambridge, England, UK.
3. Are Hanski holidays really tailor-made?
The short answer is yes! But what do we mean by tailor-made? When we create a unique holiday proposal we start with a blank page. We will call you to have a conversation about your needs and create a trip designed for you, then we will send you a proposal email with suggestions and resorts. If you want to find out more about the process check out our How it Works page or Contact Us directly.
4. How do you choose the resorts/hotels/who you work with?
What makes Hanski unique is that we have tried and tested all aspects of the holidays we tailor for you. As snow conditions change and the years go by the research never stops which keeps us very busy and why Paul is often on the slopes! We visit all our resorts and hotels, so when we recommend a resort or hotel we have first-hand experience and can give you the best advice. Alongside our extensive research, we have excellent relationships with our suppliers and who are TTA checked.
5. Where are your holidays?
Our holidays are primarily within Europe in locations such as France, Italy, Spain and Austria. Check out our Blog for more information about our resorts.
6. How long will it take to receive my proposal?
Once you’ve had a chat with us, we will put together the proposal using our directory and our contacts with resorts and sports providers. The proposal can take up to 48 hours to collate, though this may be longer during busy periods, but it will be worth the wait. If you’d like to find out more about our experiences and resorts while you wait, check out our Blog and our Instagram.
7. What about insurance?
It is the responsibility of the individual, group or company to sort insurance for your holiday.
8. What financial protection does a Hanski holiday have?
All our holidays are 100% financially protected. We are licensed under the T-ATOL scheme with the Travel Trust Association (TTA). Every TTA member deposits money received from its customers into a ‘Trust Account’. Your money remains in the Trust Account and is supervised by an appointed Trustee who is either a banker, chartered or certificated accountant or a solicitor. The Trust Account will ensure that all the money which you have paid is safely protected and available to reimburse the money paid. All our hotels have been approved by the TTA too. For more information check the TTA website here: https://ttaholidays.co.uk/financial-protection/ and for more information on our TTA protection see our Terms & Conditions.
9. What happens if something goes wrong or we need to cancel our holiday?
We will do our best to help if something goes wrong, Paul is always available to take your call and has a great relationship with the holiday providers. Check out our Terms and Conditions for more detailed information on our policies.
10. What do I need to know before I go?
Paul will call you before you go to give you any tips and advice specifically for your trip such as the latest information on weather and snow quality for skiers. But you can also check out our Blog for some pre-holiday tips and here are a few helpful websites you can use:
- For travel advice from the NHS, visit https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home
- Travel advice from the UK government, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice and https://travelaware.campaign.gov.uk
- For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security, local laws and passports – click here
11. Will Covid affect my holiday?
For up-to-date travel advice from the UK government, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice and https://travelaware.campaign.gov.uk. We recommend that you consult these websites before booking in order to make an informed decision about your chosen destination, and again before departure. For more information on our Covid-19 policies please see our Terms and Conditions.
12. Do you take corporate bookings?
Absolutely we do. We do bookings for groups of all sizes. And we’re adept at handling different schedules and multiple transportation needs. Whatever package you’d like we can handle. Check out the Our Clients page for testimonials from our corporate clients.
If there’s anything we’ve missed in our FAQs you can get in touch with us directly here or fill out our enquiry form below.
