Holiday Cancellation... Help, please.

Neadine

Ok, I am looking for some help here. Probably haven't even posted in the correct place, sorry if this needs to be moved.
I recently, about 2 weeks ago, booked a package for me and a friend, we have done the holiday thing together a few times so didn't think twice about booking and paying for the entire thing after we had chatted about it.
Anyway, she sent me a TEXT, saying very sorry won't be able to go, etc. Anyway, I have paid for the bloody thing and today I called to see what the situation was with cancelling, they charge 90% of the total cost for cancellation, I almost feel over.
Does the fact that I have booked, and paid, using my credit card make a difference? I have credit card protection or what ever it is.
Right now I am just sick and so angry, we were due to fly out in just 2 weeks time.

gandalf

Unfortunately they can. I had a similiar situation except with a family member who was supposed to go and had a stroke. None of us could go obviously then. I claimed some back on my travel insurance. I don't think this will be possible with your situation.

Why did she cancel? And is there anyone else you know that could travel in her place. You may need to pay a little extra to get the name changed on the tickets.

The_Conductor

If you took out travel insurance as part of the package- or have your own travel insurance policy- it is possible that a portion of the costs may be reclaimable from the insurance company (but this will depend on the reason the holiday was cancelled, and whatever terms and conditions are attached to that policy in particular).

In all likelyhood- you may very well not be entitled to anything back.

S.

OP it would be cheaper for you to get the travel agent to just change the names on the airline tickets rather than lose the entire holiday-just pick someone else to go with you.
Ok it might be hard to get someone at short notice but offer it to them at half price or something...at least thats better than losing the entire thing [or even offer it to them free,thats also better than losing the entire thing!]

Please do that and enjoy yourself and send your [unreasonable] friend a postcard...

flikflak

If I were you I would go and demand the money you have pulled out from this so called friend.

Then once you have the money then you can offer the place so someone else. They will then get a holiday for the price of a name change.

Make sure you go on the holiday though - even if you end up going on your own.

Berty

OP,

Were you possibly drinking when you decided you would go on this holiday?

I ask this because women often book Limo's late at night after drinking for quite some time, hand over a non refundable deposit over the phone, and then never ever go on the journey.

If you were sober and your friend agreed then it is their responsibilty, morally, to pay you their share.

mikedragon32

Guys, can we leave the rights and wrongs of the friend cancelling out of the discussion please. That's more suited to PI than Travel.

The first thing to do is check the T&Cs of your booking and if you have insurance, check with them too.

Neadine

Ok, thanks everyone for your suggestions, much appreciated, and also the comments about my 'friend'!
There was no alcohol involved in the booking of the holiday, stone cold sober at the time. We have been on holiday together a few times, so really didn't envisage there would be a problem.
I am going on holiday this weekend, without the afore mentioned 'friend'. Strangely enough haven't heard from her since the night that she sent the delightful text. But she has managed to make contact with other mutual friends, funny that!
Anyway, there has been no suggestion of her paying for her part of the holiday, moral obligation or not. I'm putting it down the experience and it's a mistake I won't be making again.