Book Early & Cover Your Bases
Trust us when we say you’re not alone in wanting to get the hell out of dodge so you'd best book your accommodations ASAP! People are in serious need of a vacay, so don’t be surprised if flights and hotels book up super quickly.
But while cheap, tempting flights abound, be sure to cover your bases in case COVID situations change or you need to cancel your trip. It's smart to always opt for travel insurance, which covers you for cancellations, delays, and loss and damaged property, along with emergency health coverage if you get sick while traveling. The good news, though, is that many airline companies are waiving change and cancellation fees.
As for any booked accommodations? Hotel reservations are typically non-refundable, but hotels around the world have adopted a more flexible approach. Per the New York Times, "companies like Hilton and Four Seasons are allowing cancellations up to 24 hours before check-in. Hyatt is allowing fee-free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance for arrivals through July 31 (and it’s always possible that date will be extended). For points nerds, most of the big hotel chains allow most award nights to be canceled scot-free, with the points redeposited, within a day or two of the expected check-in."
So if you're booking early, minimize your risk of losing money by double-checking the cancellation and re-booking policies every step of the way.