What are my rights if a flood affects my holiday?

Times

2 days ago

Flooding after heavy rainfall has become increasingly frequent in recent years, particularly in Europe, where it's the most common and costly natural disaster. Take Greece, for instance: this spring, a powerful storm brought extreme flooding to several islands, including Paros, Mykonos and Crete, and in 2023, catastrophic flooding killed 17 people and destroyed houses and crops in the central region of Thessaly. In southern France this week, at least three people have died in floods caused by torrential rain and storms.
For locals, cleaning up can take weeks or even months, while travellers might be unexpectedly stranded due to cancelled flights or flooded hotels. It's hard to predict exactly which areas will be affected and how badly, even when there are warnings. Still, if you're travelling to a flood-prone region, it's worth being prepared — here's how.
Large parts of central and western Europe have experienced extreme flooding in recent years. In Italy, regions across the country have been affected, including Piedmont, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Liguria and Sicily. In some of the mountainous areas, there have also been landslides.
In Spain, flooding has been more concentrated in southern and coastal regions like Andalusia and Valencia, as well as the Balearic Islands. In France, Mediterranean storms have triggered floods in the Côte d'Azur and Languedoc. Some countries, such as Austria and Norway, aren't normally affected, but have nevertheless also experienced heavy flooding in recent times.
Further afield, parts of south and southeast Asia will flood every year due to seasonal monsoons as well as typhoons. Some of the worst-affected countries include Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, India and Bangladesh. And over in the Americas, it's the Caribbean and southern United States that are most prone to flooding, largely due to the Atlantic hurricane season.
• Is it safe to travel to Crete?• How will Caribbean hurricane season affect my holiday?
It's hard to predict when a flood will hit and how severe it will be. But if you're travelling to an area where there's a known risk, it's certainly worth doing more research, especially when it comes to deciding where you should stay. Opting for higher ground won't completely mitigate the risks, but it can help.
It's also worth keeping an eye on weather and local emergency services alerts. Some flood forecasting is available on Google's Flood Hub, although this tends to focus on rivers at risk of bursting their banks.
On a practical level, there are also specific things you can pack in case. Drinking water can be hard to come by after a flood, so having a water filter that removes bacteria and viruses, or water-purifying tablets, can be helpful if you don't think you'll be able to access bottled water.
It's also worth taking a portable power bank, hand sanitiser and wipes, and basic first-aid supplies. A waterproof bag will be invaluable for things like your passport and gadgets. Don't forget to print out your travel insurance document and jot down any emergency contact numbers for your travel provider.
If your holiday destination floods, it's best to turn to your accommodation provider, local authorities or emergency services for guidance. They can help direct you to shelters or evacuation routes if necessary, and offer practical advice for your destination. You should also keep an eye on local weather reports and any emergency alerts.
If you're out and about, do not attempt to cross any flooded areas. You should also avoid contact with the flood water where possible, as it could contain sewage or hazardous material.
If you're required to evacuate, take the essentials with you, including your ID, money and medication. You should also notify your travel insurer and travel provider at the earliest opportunity.
• The 2025 strikes and disruption expected across Europe
If a flood occurs before you depart, your rights will depend on the type of holiday you booked. Package holidays are protected under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. It means if the area you're travelling to has been badly flooded and your holiday will be materially different from the one you booked, you would be allowed to cancel your trip and receive a full refund, or you might be provided with a suitable alternative. If you booked flights and accommodation separately, however, it's likely you'll only be able to get your money back if your travel providers cancel.
In either case, it's worth speaking to your travel provider first. Depending on the severity of the flood, and when you're travelling, it may be that the clean up will have been completed by the time you visit. Your travel provider might also offer to change your trip dates.
If the flood is merely a risk, though, you'll usually still be expected to travel. If you decide to cancel, you won't get your money back.
Cover for natural disasters varies from policy to policy, so do check the small print of yours. That said, most comprehensive policies will cover for things such as cancellation, delay, or curtailment due to natural disasters, as well as any medical expenses.
'Crucially, you need to have bought your insurance before the flooding became a known event,' says Michelle Cooper, director of travel insurance at Saga. 'If that's the case and the cancellation is outside your control, you may be able to make a claim.' Do keep receipts for any reasonable expenses, though, so you can be reimbursed.
• Travel insurance: everything you need to know