First, listen to your gut. That uneasy feeling might be the news, or it might be your neighbour Bob telling you about “that one time his cousin got stuck in an airport.” Bob means well, but Bob also once brought a casserole to a barbecue.
The reality is, travel these days comes with a little extra paperwork and sometimes a dash of uncertainty. Think of it like packing a suitcase: you always bring one more pair of socks than you need, just in case. It’s the same with travel—a little flexibility goes a long way.
If the only reason you’re thinking of cancelling is because you’re scared of a delayed flight, then book a good book and a neck pillow. Delays happen, but so do sunsets over the Mediterranean.
The Cost of a “Maybe” vs. a “Yes”
Let’s talk about money. Cancelling might feel like a sensible “adult” move, like choosing water over soda. But here’s the thing: you’ve already paid for the soda, and now you’re just leaving it on the counter.
I once cancelled a trip to Portugal because I was worried about a storm forecast. The storm fizzled out, but my deposit didn’t. I spent that weekend on my couch, eating cold pizza and watching Portuguese travel vlogs. I regretted it. Don’t be me, friend.
Check your cancellation fees. If it’s a small loss, maybe it’s worth keeping the peace of mind. But if it’s a big chunk of change, ask yourself: can I handle a little organized chaos for a few days of paradise?
