COLORADO SPRINGS — We know so many people have had to cancel travel plans due to the coronavirus and there could be more cancellations to come.
With so many of us trying to make ends meet right now knowing where to go and who to contact is going to be vitally important if your trip gets canceled and you need to get your money back.
"Things go through our mind from do we cancel? Are they going to cancel?"
It's questions like these that people like Nicole Croney are asking. She and her family have a trip planned to Las Vegas at the end of May.
Croney said, "We're just kind of holding our breath."
In the meantime, she's communicating with hotels and other companies - inquiring about refunds if needed. She said, "Everywhere has been really great about providing us with a full guaranteed refund."
For now, her vacation is still on, but for Holly Tripp - she had to cancel her family's vacation to Europe which was scheduled in June.
Tripp said, "We had several different legs. It was a pretty complicated trip."
Her travel agent, Terry Sim, booked everything and of course, helped to cancel things and get money back for Tripp.
"Our flight was canceled for the airfare so that was a huge relief and she worked with the cruise line, and so we're getting a refund for almost everything."
While Tripp is a client, Sim shared that she's willing to help anyone cancel their trip for free even if they didn't book with her.
Sim, owner and travel advisor of Terry's Travel, said, "If you do it yourself and now you're floundering, and you're thinking I'm just going to lose $500 - don't lose $500. Give me a call and see if I can help."
If you prefer to do it yourself though, Sim has some advice. Let's start with flights.
Sim said, "You can't just say oh well, it's canceled. You have to request your money back so you've got to take action."
She suggests going to the airline's website and looking at its COVID-19 policies.
"That's really the best place to start to see what your options are and usually it's broken down by is your flight canceled or is your flight not canceled?"
If you simply decide you just don't want to go somewhere anymore she says you probably won't get your money back. Instead, you'll receive a voucher.
"Hotels and rental cars - you can usually get those canceled no problem."
With so many trips getting canceled emotions are running high. Sim's advice: pack your patience.
If you're booking a trip for later this year Sim advises buying the "Cancel For Any Reason" travel insurance. Then, if you do need to cancel you can get some of your money back.
Another tip: Sim says if you're taking a cruise and it hasn't been canceled yet to wait and see what happens before canceling it yourself. She says cruise lines are offering better incentives for people who do this.
If you'd like to reach Sim you can contact her at 719-531-0540.
