COVID Vacation Cancellations: How to Deal With Disappointment and Plan For Future Trips

The coronavirus pandemic has had drastic effects on how we live, work, and socialize. And while the health risks of COVID-19 are probably your main concern right now, you might also be dealing with the fallout of business and school closures, event postponement, and even vacation cancellations.

It might seem frivolous to be focused on your inability to take a trip. But if you'd been saving up for an island getaway or a trip to the Happiest Place on Earth, having your plans canceled due to pandemic can make you feel angry, depressed, and helpless. You might be wondering how to pull yourself out of that rut or whether you can recoup any of the expenses from the trip you never got to enjoy. You may even be wondering when you'll be able to plan a post-pandemic vacation. Let's talk about why you shouldn't feel guilty for being disappointed or asking for a refund -- and how long you might need to wait before vacationing again.

Refund or No Refund: That is the Question

First, let's talk about whether you might be entitled to a refund for some of your travel expenses. According to a recent study, 82% of U.S. businesses that fail have cash flow problems. Not surprisingly, many Americans are experiencing cash flow problems of their own right now; while millions have been laid off, other business owners who are staying afloat are having to make major sacrifices and depend on government aid to do so.

As a result, any refund you can obtain will probably help your financial situation. It's best to wait until the date of your trip gets closer, as outright cancelations from an airline or hotel may result in a refund. You'll generally fare better if you personally aren't the one to initiate the cancellation. Rather than cancel out of fear, wait and see whether your reservations will be canceled by the carrier or hotel. You'll need to check the individual provider's policies and cross-reference them with FTC guidelines to make sure you're doing everything possible to get money back. It's helpful to know what these companies are required by law to do before making contact with them about your trip. The more you know, the better position you'll be in.

You might not get so lucky, however. Some companies may offer credits or reimbursements, which can be a way for these brands to stay afloat during this time. If that's the case, you might have to take what you can get. You might also want to check with your credit card company. Since the development of synthetic polymers exploded in the decades following 1940, we depend on plastic for everything from travel gear to the cards in our wallet. Your credit card company might actually offer some kind of cancellation coverage.

Although COVID-19 cancellations aren't covered by most travel insurance policies, you never know. Approximately one in six Colorado drivers operated their vehicles without insurance in 2012 -- and passengers who actually invest in travel insurance are even rarer. If that doesn't work, you might be able to request a discount from your travel provider for a future trip. That could come in handy if you're required to accept a credit or reimbursement.

One word of caution: remember that the person you talk to on the other end of the line is a human being who is likely very overwhelmed with the influx of angry callers. Although the situation is certainly frustrating, these individuals are doing the best they can in an unpredictable situation. Wait times may be long and answers may be dissatisfactory. Remind yourself that millions of others are experiencing the same issues and that customer service centers weren't set up for this kind of crisis. You may truly not be entitled to a refund, depending on the circumstances -- but a calm and kind attitude can go a long way in a stressful situation.

Cancellation Blues: You're Allowed to Feel Sad

Whether or not you're able to obtain any kind of refund, you're probably going to feel disappointed that your trip couldn't happen as you planned. You might have been looking forward to your getaway for months or saved up all your PTO to manage a long weekend away. Coupled with the fact that you can't go to restaurants, go shopping, or see your friends during this time, it's easy to feel down in the dumps.

You might even feel guilty about being depressed over your canceled trip. After all, thousands of Americans have died from coronavirus already. Millions have lost their jobs. Graduations and weddings have been canceled. Births have happened without the support of loved ones. Being upset over a canceled trip to the Maldives or to Disney World might seem trivial.

But while it's important to maintain a healthy sense of perspective, it's also okay to grieve over these canceled plans. In fact, it's probably the best thing you can do. Trying to deny and minimize those feelings will only make you feel worse. Yes, recognizing your privilege is important -- but so is mourning a trip you never got to take due to circumstances beyond your control. There will certainly be other vacations in the future, of course. Still, it's okay to give yourself time to be angry or sad. It's only natural.

Ready to Plan Ahead: How Soon is Too Soon?

Once you come to terms with the fact that your vacation won't be happening, you might be looking for a means of escape. Planning a vacation is one of the best things for your mental health; in fact, data has shown that the benefits you reap from the planning process can be more pronounced than the once you experience from the actual vacation itself.

But of course, you won't want to risk planning another vacation that's destined for cancellation. Although one survey found that 72% of Americans are already making plans for their next vacation, a separate survey found that nearly half of Americans have already canceled their summer travel plans for this year. In other words, it's probably not looking good to take a trip in July. Some experts are recommending that travelers wait until at least the fall and early winter of 2020. Others may urge individuals to wait until disease experts have given the all-clear and all aspects of the economy have opened up (and have stayed that way). It really depends on what you're comfortable with and how travel might be impacted at your departure and destination hub.

Speaking of, you'll probably want to stick closer to home for your post-pandemic vacay. Domestic trips are definitely going to be the better way to go, as we don't know what international travel will look like in the coming months. Some people are even choosing to drive, rather than fly, and to go to a more familiar location to gain more control in an uncertain situation. You'll also want to consider your lodgings and accommodations before you book. For example, you should explore cancellation and postponement policies and assess options for self-sufficiency (like an in-room kitchen and fridge so you can avoid a buffet or crowded restaurant). While businesses will likely be open again by that time, they might be dealing with limited capacity and will likely be taking more precautions than before. Find out as much as you can about your airline carrier, hotel, and other businesses you plan to visit before you book and ask questions about how they plan to keep visitors safe.

And if you don't yet feel comfortable planning your next vacation? That's okay, too. You might not feel financially confident enough or you might be dealing with major stresses at home or at home that could impede you from leaving any time soon. Many museums and other tourist attractions have made their offerings available online, so you can enjoy a little escape from the comfort of your own home whenever you need a break.

While a canceled trip is undoubtedly frustrating and upsetting, we can acknowledge that loss and keep the bigger picture in mind. Eventually, we'll be in a position to start traveling again. Until that time, it's important that we stay home and do everything we can to keep our families and our neighbors safe. The more effectively we do that, the better position we'll be in to get back to normal.