How the tsunami could impact your holiday plans and what your rights are

Daily Mail​

30-07-2025

As warnings hit popular holiday destinations across the Pacific region, travel experts have advised tourists what to do if their trip is impacted by the tsunami.
From flight disruptions to accommodation issues, a natural disaster like a tsunami or an earthquake could cause issues for holidaymakers.
Sarah Rodrigues, who works with Avanti travel insurance, has revealed what disruptions travellers should consider and what their rights are.
She explained how natural disasters can 'have a huge impact' on trips abroad.
' Earthquakes and tsunami warnings can have a huge impact on your holiday plans,' the travel expert said.
'If you're due to travel and find your trip will be affected by a natural disaster there are steps you can take to try to change your plans or to get a refund.'
Sarah went on to explain what tourists can do to, and advised the initial step would be to reach out to the holiday provider.
She said: 'The first thing you should do is contact the holiday provider you booked your trip with to see what support they can give you, as they may be able to provide an alternative, or to refund or reschedule your trip.'
However, in some instances the booking agent may not be able to help.
In this case, the travel expert urged travellers to contact their bank for reimbursement instead.
Sarah added: 'If your holiday provider can't help you reschedule or refund your costs, you should contact your bank. You may be able to recoup your costs through a "chargeback claim" if you paid using a credit card.'
Another option is using holiday insurance, depending on the policy.
She explained: 'If you've tried both options without any luck, then you may be able to claim through your holiday insurance.
'It's important to check your policy documents before cancelling a trip or if you decide not to travel, so check out the "Travel Delay" section in your policy wording to find out if a natural disaster is covered.
'If you're already on holiday and your return journey to the UK is delayed or cancelled, speak with your holiday provider for alternative options.
'In this instance, your travel insurance policy should automatically extend to cover the extra time you need to get home. However, always check with your insurance provider to be on the safe side.
'You will also need to speak with your holiday provider if your accommodation is affected, as they may be able to find you an alternative place to stay or, if necessary, to bring you home early.'
She also recommended tourists check FCDO for travel advice as this could cause issues with insurance.
'Lastly, if your travel arrangements change, be sure to update your travel insurance policy.
'Additionally, be aware that traveling against FCDO advice may invalidate your cover, so keep up to date with the latest announcements on the FCDO website,' Sarah said.
Travel insurance expert Alicia Hempsted echoed Sarah's advice and urged tourists to check their insurance policy documents.
'Travel insurance policies that include natural disaster cover will generally cover you for cancelled accommodation, travel and activities, as well as emergency medical care and evacuation should you need it,' Alicia said.
She revealed why travellers may not receive compensation from airlines if their flight is impacted by 'extraordinary circumstances', explaining that it isn't required 'under international regulations'.
Such circumstances include natural disasters, like earthquakes or tsunamis.
'If your flight, however, is delayed because of this, your airline has an obligation to offer food, drink and accommodation depending on the length of your delay,' the expert explained.
Alicia also warned that travelling despite warnings and 'extreme conditions' could leave tourists with insurance issues.
She said: 'If extreme conditions are forecast before you book or leave for your trip, and you choose to travel regardless, your insurance provider may not cover you for any related problems.'