Wildfires have caused widespread destruction across France and Spain this week. More than 300,000 people have now been evacuated from their homes in Gironde and Landes in south-west France, and around Madrid and Ávila in Spain. But what does this mean if you have a holiday booked this summer? Can you get a refund if you no longer feel safe travelling?
What to Do If You Haven't Travelled Yet
If you haven’t travelled yet, Rhys Jones, travel insurance expert at comparison website Go.Compare, says you should not cancel your trip yourself. If you cancel because you no longer want to go, you could lose the money you’ve paid and may not be able to claim it back. Instead, keep an eye on official advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in case it issues a do not travel warning.
Mr Jones said: “If they advise against travel, your holiday provider or travel insurer may be able to support you, depending on how you booked and what your policy includes.” Currently, travellers are being advised to follow the advice of local authorities and check with their accommodation or travel provider before making their journey.
Package Holidays vs Independent Bookings
If you booked a package holiday and the FCDO advises against travel, you will be entitled to a refund. However, for independently booked flights and hotels, you are not automatically guaranteed a refund if your flight is still due to depart and your hotel is operating as normal. Mr Jones said: "Check whether your travel insurance includes cancellation or catastrophe cover that could help with costs you cannot recover elsewhere."
If You Are Already on Holiday
If you’re already on holiday and wildfire warnings are issued, your safety should be the immediate priority. You should follow the instructions of local authorities, emergency services, your hotel and your travel provider. Mr Jones said: "Once you are away from danger, contact your travel insurer’s emergency assistance line, which should be listed in your policy documents. They can advise on what support may be available and what evidence you will need."
He added: “You should also keep receipts for any extra costs caused by the disruption, such as alternative accommodation, transport, replacement essentials or additional travel. If possible, keep copies or screenshots of evacuation notices, local authority updates, flight disruption announcements and correspondence with your hotel, airline or tour operator.”
