If you are already booking your vacation in Corona times, you should be careful and factor in uncertain factors. Travel warnings apply to almost all countries in the world! Sometimes it is therefore not possible to cancel later free of charge.
The AK advises: book at short notice. If possible, contractually agree a free cancellation in writing up to the start of the journey. Attention: If, on the other hand, the organizer cancels the trip, no cancellation costs may be charged!
Book your vacation now - you should consider:
- Find out about the current status of the security warnings and further developments in the individual countries on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Book trips at short notice and do not make excessive prepayments. The down payment may amount to a maximum of 20 percent of the travel price. Any additional sums could not be covered in the event of bankruptcy!
- Find out about the cancellation fees for a trip before booking.
- It would be ideal if you can agree in writing with the contractual partner about a free cancellation option up to the start of the journey. Keep travel documents.
- Many travel cancellation insurances have a disclaimer in the contracts in the event of a pandemic or epidemic. The insurance then generally does not cover any cancellation costs incurred as a result of the cancellation or cancellation of a trip.
Package travel - you should consider this when booking:
- Return trip price: If the trip is canceled by the tour operator, no cancellation fee is due. You can reclaim the entire travel price. You do not have to accept a voucher or a change in booking.
- Do not cancel free of charge: Attention, as there is an increased risk of corona in almost all countries, you have to take this into account when booking in the middle of the corona crisis. A free cancellation is then usually excluded in these cases.
- Price reduction claim in the event of defects: If the trip is inadequately carried out, there may be a price reduction as part of the warranty.
- Safer in the event of a "breakdown": Package travelers are better protected than individual travelers. In the event of defects, you only have one contact and your trip is insolvency insured.
Book flight and accommodation directly - you should consider this:
If you book the flight and accommodation separately, it is advisable to book the flight directly with the airline. Booking platforms often offer little or no support and often charge high service fees. Important: If the company cancels the flight, the entire ticket price must be reimbursed. You also don't have to accept vouchers or rebooking offers.
Travel booking via a foreign platform - what you should know:
If you book accommodation online or via a platform abroad, the respective national law applies. The platform is usually just the intermediary. Experience has shown that legal enforcement abroad is difficult.
Tip: In the Travel Tips section, Aviation Direct has put together valuable recommendations and tips that can be useful when planning air travel and protect you from cost traps. More on this under this link.
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