When can I cancel a trip for free?

The short answer

For package trips, you can cancel free of charge if there are unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances at the destination that significantly affect the trip. Think of war, natural disasters, terrorism or serious safety issues. For standalone bookings (separately booked flights, hotels), the cancellation terms of the provider apply. Travel cancellation insurance can provide a solution in other situations. The rules have become stricter since COVID-19, so always check the current conditions.

What does the law say?

The Package Travel Act gives consumers the right to cancel free of charge in case of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances at the travel destination. This law only applies to package trips, not to standalone bookings. The tour operator must then refund your money within 14 days. For standalone bookings, cancellations fall under the general terms and conditions of hotels, airlines or other providers.

What should you pay attention to?

Pay close attention to the difference between package trips and standalone bookings, as different rules apply. Always check your travel insurance and any cancellation coverage. Keep all communication with tour operators or providers as evidence. The circumstances must really be unavoidable - personal reasons like illness do not entitle you to free cancellation without insurance.

Example from practice

Suppose you have booked a package trip to Turkey, but a war breaks out in the area where your hotel is located. This is an unavoidable circumstance that allows you to cancel free of charge. The tour operator must refund your money within 14 days. However, if you had only booked a hotel separately, the hotel's cancellation terms would apply. Some hotels offer leniency in extreme situations, but this is not legally required.

What can you do?

Take these concrete steps to safeguard your rights.