Guides › Package Holidays and Hotels › Can I Cancel a Package Holiday Before I Go?
Can I Cancel a Package Holiday Before I Go?
You can end a package holiday at any time before it starts, but you may be charged a cancellation fee. No fee is due if unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances at the destination significantly affect the package, such as war or a natural disaster.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
The Short Answer
Cancelling Before You Go
You can end a package at any time before it starts, but may be charged a fee. No fee is due if unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances at the destination significantly affect the package (regulation 12). source
Problems at the Destination
Exceptional circumstances at the destination, such as war or a natural disaster, give a full refund but no compensation (Citizens Advice). source
Price Rises
Price rises must be notified at the latest 20 days before the package starts, with a justification and calculation. If a rise is more than 8% of the total price, you can end the contract without a termination fee (regulations 10 and 11). Refunds on termination must be paid no later than 14 days afterwards (regulation 14). source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 8%Cancel free if the price rise is over8%
- 14 daysRefund after a cancelled packageWithin 14 days of the cancellation
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 4
Check the cancellation terms in your booking.
Step 2 of 4
Check official travel advice for the destination.
Step 3 of 4
Cancel in writing and ask about any fee.
Step 4 of 4
Check your travel insurance.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
ABTA Complaint, Mediation or Arbitration
The company is an ABTA member and has not put the problem right. A fee applies for mediation or arbitration.
Card Provider: Section 75 or Chargeback
You paid by card and the company has not put it right. Use the Financial Ombudsman Service if the card provider refuses.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 12 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/634/made Checked 12 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/holiday-cancellations-and-compensation/cancelling-a-package-holiday Checked 12 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/holiday-cancellations-and-compensation/claim-compensation-for-a-holiday Checked 12 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/somethings-gone-wrong-with-a-purchase/getting-your-money-back-if-you-paid-by-card-or-paypal Checked 8 October 2026