Your refund rights explained as European heatwave nears dangerous 50C temperatures
Europe is continuing to face an unprecedented heatwave, as the likes of Italy, Greece and Spain are roasted by soaring temperatures heading into the high 30s and even 40s.
The sizzling conditions have been caused as the Cerberus anticyclone crawls along the Mediterranean, although there is no end in sight as they are joined by aa second heatwave dubbed Charon – after the underworld’s boorish ferryman.
Wildfires have already torn through Spain, Greece and Croatia, with more than 4,000 people evacuated in the Canary Islands – while others have warned the mercury could edge as high as 48°C on the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, potentially the hottest temperatures every recorded in Europe.
Of course, with the school holidays looming many people may have been planning to jet off for some sunshine – but many Brits have now cancelled their trips altogether while those out on holiday say it’s too hot to even leave their hotels.
If you want to cancel your own European break in the wake of the extreme heat, what are your rights?
Can I get a refund if I cancel my holiday?
It’s not guaranteed that you will get a refund on your holiday if you cancel it due to extreme heat.
Most insurance policy claims will only pay out on a trip cancellation under certain circumstances, such as illness, a family bereavement or an exceptionally long delay in travel.
Likewise, airlines are not under any obligation to refund you if you cancel a trip due to factors beyond their control.
However, there may be some circumstances under which you may be able to claim your money back.
If, for example, you have a pre-existing medical condition and travelling to the affected countries could be a health risk, you may be able to claim a refund under the terms of your insurance policy.
Likewise, some experts have suggested that airlines may offer some compensation due to the current temperatures.
‘Because it’s a freak situation affecting so many, it’s likely that travel companies and some airlines may in fact try and offer greater flexibility for their passengers on a goodwill basis,’ travel expert Sally Gethin told ITV News.
Your best bet is to contact your airline – or the company you booked your holiday with, if you booked a package trip – to see what they might be willing to offer, if anything.
If you have booked a hotel separately meanwhile, you may be able to cancel it depending on who you booked with – many will allow you to cancel your stay up to 24 or 48 hours beforehand for no charge. Once again, check your booking to see whether this is possible.
All of the above may of course change depending on current Foreign Office travel advice does – if this is updated to ‘do not travel’ to your chosen destination then you may well be able to claim a refund under your insurance.
Is it safe to travel to Europe in the heatwave?
The Foreign Office has not advised against travel to any of the countries affected by the soaring temperatures. but you should keep an eye on the website to see if this changes.
If you are planning a trip to Spain, Greece, Italy or any of those places hit by the worst of the heatwave, you should take sensible precautions during your stay.
Make sure you carry a high SPF suncream with you at all times, wear lightweight clothing and stay hydrated – carry a bottle of water around with you and top it up regularly during the day.
You should also avoid drinking too much caffeine or alcohol in such conditions, and don’t do anything too strenuous between around midday and 5pm, when the sun is at its hottest.
If you are planning on visiting any sights or attractions during your stay, you should also check whether these are still open.
Some of these, such as the Acropolis in Athens for example, have been operating at reduced hours, while others may close completely.
MORE : Met Office gives verdict on when 40C heatwave could hit UK
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