Estimate trip cancellation costs.
Cancellation loss has two separate parts and only one of them is negotiable. The non-refundable portion — usually deposits, discounted airfare and booking fees — is gone regardless of when you cancel, so it sets a floor on your loss. The penalty then applies only to the refundable balance, and under a typical tiered schedule that penalty steps from nothing at 90 days out to 25 percent at 60, 50 percent at 30, 75 percent at 14 and everything inside two weeks. Those step boundaries are what make timing decisive: cancelling on day 61 rather than day 59 can halve the penalty on a large balance.
Refundable balance
Refundable = total paid - non-refundable portion
Loss
Total loss = non-refundable portion + refundable x tier penalty%
An estimate based on a typical tiered schedule, not a statement of your contractual rights. Actual penalties are set by the specific terms you agreed to and by consumer protection law in the relevant jurisdiction, which may grant additional rights. Read your booking conditions and contact the operator before relying on any figure here.
Because penalty schedules are stepped, not continuous. The jump from the 60-day band to the 30-day band can double the penalty overnight. If you are close to a boundary and cancellation is likely, checking your operator's exact cut-off dates is worth real money.
Only for a covered reason — typically illness, injury, bereavement or specified emergencies, with documentation. Standard policies do not cover changing your mind. Cancel for Any Reason cover exists but costs substantially more and usually reimburses only 50 to 75 percent.