With spring break just weeks away, some travellers may be wondering whether they should cancel or change their plans in the face of potential disruption.Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press
It’s been a turbulent stretch for travellers lately. Cuba is facing a fuel shortage that has forced Canadian airlines to halt service. A series of winter storms has disrupted air travel in Canada and the United States. And on Sunday, the federal government urged Canadians to avoid non‑essential travel to parts of Mexico because of gang violence.
All of this comes just weeks before tens of thousands of travellers are scheduled to head south for spring break. With headlines like these, many are understandably rethinking their plans. So, what options do you have, and what will it cost to change course?
Stay the course
If you’re holding tickets to Puerto Vallarta, you’re probably feeling uneasy. However, spring break is still at least three weeks away. No one can predict how long the unrest in Mexico will continue, but it’s possible the situation could stabilize before your departure.
Acting too early can backfire. Depending on your fare class or whether you purchased travel insurance, you may not qualify for a refund at this time. By waiting, you give airlines and hotels time to introduce more flexible rebooking or cancellation options. These are typically only available once a situation becomes clearer, as we’ve recently seen with Cuba.
Canadian travel to Cuba will be stalled well into the year, experts warn
While it’s not a perfect comparison, my wife and I faced a similar dilemma. More than a decade ago, we had a trip to Egypt booked, but then major pro‑democracy and anti‑government protests occurred. We were concerned, but because our departure was still months away, we decided not to swap locations immediately. In the end, the political climate stabilized and it turned out to be an exceptionally safe time to visit, as the country was eager to restore its reputation and welcome travellers back.
Rebook somewhere else
If you’re uncomfortable travelling to a particular country right now, rebooking to another destination is an option, but it almost always comes with added costs.
For travellers who booked an all‑inclusive package through operators such as Air Canada Vacations or WestJet Vacations, travel protection is key. This add‑on isn’t mandatory, but if you bought it, you have options. It allows you to switch your trip to another destination as long as you make the change before the deadline, though you’ll still be responsible for any price difference. Each operator’s policy is different, so it’s essential to review the fine print around dates, refunds and credits.
What to know about Canada’s travel advisory in Mexico and flight cancellations amid violent unrest
Keep in mind that with spring break approaching – and Cuba effectively off the table – prices in other sun destinations have climbed because of limited availability. Plus, booking last minute is always more expensive.
It’s also worth noting that Mexico is a vast country, and travel advisories often apply to specific regions rather than nationwide. Risks – whether related to violence, natural disasters or civil unrest – are typically localized. Travellers should review the specific advisory for their destination and make informed decisions based on current conditions.
Cancel the trip
Even with alternatives available, some travellers will still choose to cancel simply because they feel anxious or unsafe. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it’s worth understanding your options to minimize the financial hit.
Start by reviewing any travel insurance you may have. Many policies will reimburse you if the Canadian government issues an “avoid non‑essential travel” advisory for your destination. Whether your specific resort or hotel location qualifies will depend on the wording of your policy.
Mexico the latest flashpoint in travel upheaval linked to U.S. policy
Even if you are eligible for a payout, coverage is usually capped at $5,000 or $10,000, so you may still face some out‑of‑pocket costs. I’ve cancelled several trips over the years, but never for reasons covered by my travel insurance, which commonly include government advisories, a medical emergency, or job loss.
I avoid the lowest airfare classes, which usually allow me to receive partial credit or a refund, though it’s typically with a $150 fee. For hotels, I always choose fully refundable rates and only switch to a cheaper option once I’m sure I’m going. Without that approach, I would have taken a much bigger loss.
What to do moving forward
Every destination comes with some level of risk. Travellers need to plan with risk in mind and recognize that unforeseen events can derail well-intentioned plans.
Wherever you’re headed, the smartest move is to make sure you’re properly protected. Solid trip protection, travel insurance, or built‑in credit card coverage gives you options if circumstances change or you start feeling uneasy about a planned getaway. Just be sure to read the fine print so you know exactly what’s covered and what isn’t.
I continue to travel – but I do so with flexibility built into every booking and a close eye on official advisories. Plans can change quickly. The difference now is making sure you’re prepared when they do.
Barry Choi is a personal finance and travel expert at moneywehave.com.
