What You Should Know About the Risk of Forest Fires in the Holiday Region

"For package travelers, the general rule is: If due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances – such as natural disasters like forest fires – the execution of the trip or the journey is significantly impaired or becomes impossible, a free cancellation is possible," says ÖAMTC lawyer Verena Pronebner. "This applies regardless of whether there is an official travel warning from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs." If extreme heat leads to restrictions in the package tour itinerary – such as the closure of attractions like the Acropolis or the Eiffel Tower – and no adequate replacement is provided, a price reduction may be considered.

Forest Fire Risk in the Holiday Region: Forest Fires as a Reason for Cancellation and Information on Return Transport

In many holiday countries, the risk of forest fires is currently very high. "If a fire area affects the specific travel route or holiday destination and thus significantly disrupts arrival or stay, this can justify a free cancellation," explains the expert. Timing is crucial: "If the holiday starts, for example, in two weeks, it is advisable to wait and get informed about the current situation shortly before." For individual trips, a free cancellation of the flight is usually only possible if the airport area is directly affected, for example, by a closure or a landing ban. Whether accommodation can be canceled depends on the respective national law or a goodwill arrangement.

If extreme weather conditions or natural disasters occur at the holiday destination, it depends on the type of booked trip: "For package tours, the organizer must arrange and cover the cost of return transport in such cases. A partial refund of travel costs is also possible," says Pronebner. Individual travelers should immediately contact their travel insurance to clarify whether the costs for trip interruption are covered in the specific case. If closed airports prevent a return journey, airlines or tour operators must provide care, such as meals or accommodation for several nights.

ÖAMTC Information on the Situation in the Holiday Region

The ÖAMTC advises all travelers to continuously inform themselves about the current situation at their travel destination – for example, via the club's travel radar in the ÖAMTC App Meine Reise or on the website. For legal questions, the mobility club's lawyers offer expert and free advice. In urgent legal matters, they also assist ÖAMTC members at home and abroad outside regular office hours. More information is available here.

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