Despite the uncertain corona situation, many people are already booking their summer vacation now. There are a few things to consider.

"We can see from the searches on our booking portal that the desire and hope for the summer vacation 2021 is great despite all the difficulties," explains Christoph Heinzmann from Holiday Check. By far the greatest demand is for offers with free cancellation options. And that is also advisable. Because travelers have to be prepared for all circumstances, especially in these times.

Flexible offers can be found with surcharges ranging from 39 euros to 3 percent of the travel price. Cancellation free of charge is usually possible up to 14 days before departure. “With the Flex option from Holiday Check Reisen, holidaymakers can even cancel free of charge up to six days before departure at no extra charge. There is also no down payment ”, it says in the mailing. 

Flex also carries risks: all-round carefree only with corona protection 

But: As great as offers with flexible cancellation conditions are, full coverage against all eventualities is only available in combination with travel cancellation insurance and Covid protection. Because even Flex offers cannot be canceled free of charge up to the last day before departure. If something unforeseen occurs in the period between the expiry of the free cancellation period and departure, not only will the vacation be canceled, but a large part of the travel price will also be due. 

It is therefore important to take out appropriate travel insurance even after booking a Flex offer, which is essential: comprehensive Covid protection. Because many travel cancellation insurances do not fully apply in the event of a pandemic or quarantine. “Nobody can say with certainty that they will not be affected by the corona virus. Be it through a specific infection or through an ordered quarantine, ”says insurance expert Christoph Heinzmann.

It is also important for holidaymakers to note that - unlike before - these insurance packages can only be taken out with most providers within a few weeks of booking. "For last-minute bookings, please note: As a rule, travel insurance can be taken out up to 30 days after booking the trip. If the departure takes place within the next four weeks, the vacationer has three working days to take out insurance. "