How to Avoid Paying for a Canceled Trip
Natural disasters, personal problems or health issues are a few reasons for cancelling a trip. Depending on how much you pay up front for the vacation, you could lose a significant amount of money on a trip you never get to take. In most cases, you will end up paying for at least some of the costs or cancellation fees, but the way you book and pay for your vacation helps you minimize your obligation on a canceled trip.
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Instructions
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Learn about the cancellation policy before you purchase your vacation when booking online. Look for a package that allows you to cancel with minimal or no fees.
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Ask your travel agent if the agency allows cancellations with refunds. Call around to different travel agencies if yours doesn't offer any sort of cancellation option.
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Call your credit card company to determine if you have any coverage for a canceled trip that you purchase on the card. Some credit cards give you cancellation coverage that will refund part of your money. If you have multiple credit cards, call each company to determine which one offers the best cancellation benefits and use that card for your vacation purchase.
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Purchase a separate travel insurance policy for the vacation if there is a chance you might have to cancel. Estimate about 5 percent of the trip cost for the coverage, a much smaller chunk of money than losing the entire amount.
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Book your lodging at a hotel that allows cancellations up to 24 hours before you were supposed to check in. Ask about the fees charged if you have to cancel after the window passes. Choose the hotel with the smallest fees or most lenient cancellation policy.
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Call the vendors, such as the hotel, rental car company or airline, directly if you know you will need to cancel. Explain the reason for your cancellation and ask for leniency in the cancellation fees.
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References
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