Due to the unexpected purchase of a new home, my husband and I must cancel a trip to Italy we had planned for late May (please, no lectures on priorities, it was a tough decision :)). We had 2 private, 1/2 day tour guides arranged. One I will be giving a month's notice of cancellation and the other I will be giving about 3 weeks' notice. We paid no deposits. Should we offer them compensation for the cancellation, and if so, how much? Thanks!
With a cancellation this early, I think not. They have plenty of time to fill the slot and mostly likely appreciate the early cancellation instead of not showing up. They are business and understand that things change.
They could always have demanded a deposit in advance, as many guides do. Anything you offer them in compensation would, I'm sure, be appreciated. And of course, be sure to fall all over yourself apologizing.