Have you started showing up at the airport gate too early?
Travel Insights by Christopher Elliott
Americans are cutting their vacations short: How to leave early
By Christopher Elliott for The New Mexican
It was meant to be Erwin Gutenkunst’s first real vacation in years—a hiking adventure in the Canadian Rockies. However, a call from the office changed everything.
“Shipments were delayed, and a project deadline was looming,” Gutenkunst explained. As he gazed at the stunning mountains, his mind was occupied with the responsibilities back home. “I couldn’t just sit there and expect it to resolve itself.”
Experts note that vacation-quitting is becoming increasingly common. Yet, ending a trip prematurely can be costly. Fortunately, there are strategies to help navigate the tricky cancellation fees imposed by airlines and hotels.
Gutenkunst quickly packed his luggage and headed to Calgary airport, cutting his vacation short. He lost a few nights at the hotel and had to purchase a new airline ticket, but he returned in time to address the urgent issues back home.
Why Are People Leaving Vacations Early?
One main reason for early departures is overcommitment.
“Americans often treat their vacations like checklists,” says Susan Sherren, founder of the luxury travel agency Couture Trips. She observed that since the pandemic, many have tried to cram too many activities into their itineraries, ignoring travel advisers’ advice on pacing. This usually leads to exhaustion, a pattern her clients have increasingly encountered, often resulting in costly decisions.
Another contributing factor is uncertainty, especially during unpredictable economic times. Being far from home while the stock market fluctuates can induce feelings of helplessness and anxiety. The worry about what awaits you when the trip ends is palpable.
Homesickness can also play a role. One of James Katz’s clients experienced this last summer. “She decided she didn’t want to continue her trip,” recalls Katz, an adviser at OvationNetwork. Fortunately, they managed to cancel her remaining hotel bookings without penalty, though she did incur flight change fees.
Regardless of the reason—homesickness, work anxieties, or itinerary overload—the financial implications of leaving early can be significant.
How to Avoid Change or Cancellation Fees
Here are some strategies to minimize extra expenses:
- Know Cancellation Policies: “Travelers often wish they had reviewed cancellation policies prior to booking,” says Deepak Shukla, CEO of Pearl Lemon Adventures. Sometimes, you can secure a refundable flight or hotel room for a small added cost, making it worthwhile if you anticipate second thoughts.
- Consider Travel Insurance: A solid insurance policy can protect your travel investment from cancellations, says Beth Godlin, president of Aon Affinity Travel Practice. While standard policies only cover specific reasons, a “cancel for any reason” policy allows you to back out any time, compensating you for a portion of nonrefundable expenses. It might cost a bit more, but the flexibility it offers can be invaluable.
- Communicate Openly: Although travel companies typically enforce strict cancellation fees, they may allow exceptions in extraordinary circumstances. “Companies can show surprising flexibility if you present your situation honestly,” advises Abdullah Boulad, CEO of a rehabilitation clinic in Zürich. Being truthful about your circumstances can yield unexpected leniency.
Considerations Beyond Financial Costs
The emotional impact of leaving a vacation early can be just as significant as the financial toll.
“Exiting a trip early without incurring emotional strain requires both practical and psychological strategies,” says Sabrina Romanoff, a clinical psychologist and professor at Yeshiva University.
Most decisions to cut trips short involve discussions with traveling companions, which can be challenging. “It’s important to communicate openly. Discuss the possibility of leaving early and set expectations ahead of time,” she recommends. “Clear communication minimizes misunderstandings and helps everyone adjust if plans need to change.”
Staying positive and focusing on your well-being is essential. “It’s okay to prioritize yourself over the sunk costs of an extended stay,” she adds.
I can relate. I’ve cut a few trips short myself. Once, I booked an outdoor hotel in Central Florida that wasn’t a good fit for my family, coupled with increasing work demands, so we turned around and left.
Traveling is not always as glamorous as it may seem on social media. This emerging trend of Americans leaving early gives me hope for improving the quality of future vacations. With careful planning, you can sidestep heavy fees and penalties. As for getting my family to understand my need to return early—well, that’s a work in progress.