My wife and I have been planning a trip to Italy for eight weeks this fall and found out yesterday that our daughter is expecting twins, due while we would be there. Sooo, the cancelation process starts. I made sure that I ran how to cancel for all of the places we have reserved but, I wondered if anyone has had to go through this (cancelations, not grand kids) and are there some methods of contacting that work better than others? Thank you for any ideas. I can't believe anything would make me so excited about canceling a
chance to travel to Italy.
Posted by
Grapevine, TX, USA
875 posts
I would recommend always making transactions through email so you will have a paper trail of proof if you should need it. Of course, you can telephone, but I would always verify in writing what has been agreed upon. I've not had any problems cancelling hotel reservations this way.
Posted by
Atlanta
3262 posts
Congratulations Charles (and family)!
I haven't had to cancel an entire trip (could you go earlier?) but have canceled hotel reservations in Europe because of a change in schedule.
I just send an e-mail to the hotel asking them to cancel and request a return e-mail confirming the cancellation. I print the e-mail message confirming cancellation in case there's an issue later.
Best,
Sharon
Posted by
Fredericksburg, VA, USA
409 posts
Charles - I had a situation a few years back where my sister-in-law took gravely ill just before a trip. I was pleasantly surprised that the people I contacted, when I just honestly explained the situation, were more than glad to work with me. I think being upfront is the best route. Granted, this was with Irish B&Bs, but I think most people would be understanding of your predicament and could put themselves in your shoes. Also, you are giving them a lot of lead time. Good luck!
And BTW, congrats! First time grandparents?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23642 posts
We don't do a lot of advance reservations but when I need to I tend to reserve the first thing I find that is acceptable and slowly look for something "better." If we find something more suitable, then we will cancel the other reservation. In nearly all of our confirmations from hotels there will be a cancellation policy. As long as you comply with their cancellation policy you should not have any problem but keep track of your correspondence. We never give reason -- just say -- Please cancel.
Posted by
Atlanta
1358 posts
Have you already bought your plane tickets? I had to change mine once, my mother died suddenly and my original flight out would have been the day after her funeral. We moved our flight dates back about 6 weeks but had to pay $200/ticket to do so.
Posted by
Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
207 posts
Congratulations on the new additions to your family. I had to pay $150 to change my airline tickets. I called the airline agency and did it over the phone. I e-mailed the hotel and cancelled the reservation. It was relatively painless.