Understanding the ins and outs of hotel cancellation policies is crucial for every traveler. But what if your hotel unexpectedly cancels on you? After a tiring day of travel, the last thing you want is a surprise at check-in. Below, find out why a hotel might cancel a guest’s reservation — and what to do if it happens to you.

Why Hotels Cancel Reservations

“Can a hotel cancel my reservation?” The answer is yes. When a hotel is unable to honor a guest’s reservation upon arrival, it’s called being “walked.” There are a few reasons why this might happen:

• Unforeseen circumstances, such as emergency repairs, severe weather, or a brand-new hotel not opening on time. The hotel has little control over this, but they should notify guests before they arrive.

• Circumstances within a hotel’s control, such as canceling reservations to accommodate large group events that may bring in more revenue for the hotel, such as weddings, corporate meetings, and even filming.

• For a similar reason, a hotel might cancel existing bookings and open up those rooms to new, more expensive bookings if a popular music tour or major sporting event is coming to town.

• Cancellations can also happen because some hotels overbook on purpose (similar to airlines) in anticipation of a small number of guests canceling before their check-in date. If a hotel is overbooked and no one cancels, anyone can run the risk of being bumped.

Unlike with airlines, there are no laws to protect hotel customers in this scenario. “Hotels legally can cancel on you. It’s not like an airline where they are governed by the Department of Transportation,” attorney George Finn explains. Due to the lack of policies and safety nets, travelers must learn how to advocate for themselves.

Your Hotel Canceled Your Reservation — Now What?

When a hotel cancels your reservation, you’ll often find that an immediate solution isn’t offered in your cancellation notification (e.g., a full refund or an upgraded room). That can leave travelers feeling powerless. To make matters worse, hotels are vague in their policies in an attempt to save money by not fully compensating travelers. 

If this is the case with your booking, read the terms and conditions in your confirmation email. You likely didn’t entirely read that long document during your online booking, but carefully looking over those terms now might help save you money if your compensation options are outlined. Most hotels and vacation rentals offer compensation if they cancel on you, especially if it’s last-minute, but you might have to ask for it.

“What a lot of hotels do in most circumstances is provide credits and points and refunds,” Finn explains. Short-term rental policies also vary. For example, if an Airbnb host cancels a reservation within 30 days of arrival, you can book a similar place or receive a refund. 

Types of Compensation

You might be wondering, “If a hotel cancels my reservation, do I get a refund?” Rest assured, you might have to contact the property directly and advocate for yourself to a manager or customer service representative to receive appropriate compensation. Typically, employees have guidelines to follow (which usually aren’t published publicly) in these situations, outlining what they can or cannot offer customers.

Here are a few types of compensation that can be offered:

• Often, if your room is canceled far in advance, you’ll receive a refund for any amount you already paid, but no extra perks. 

• The closer to the reservation date that the cancellation occurs, however, the more you’ll be compensated. On top of receiving a refund (if the reservation was prepaid or booked with a deposit), they might offer you points or help you book new accommodation.

• Some hotels will also compensate you for your first-night stay at a different hotel (whether it’s part of their brand or not). If this is the case, research the new hotel before they book it to ensure you’re receiving suitable accommodations. 

In such situations, it also helps to be an elite member of a hotel chain’s loyalty program. For example, Marriott publishes a room guarantee policy, outlining compensation based on the guest’s membership tier in the Bonvoy loyalty program. Depending on tier level, Marriott will pay for the first night’s stay at a nearby hotel and give you between $50 and $200 cash. Members also receive between 45,000 and 140,000 points for the inconvenience.

What Happens if You Aren’t Refunded?

If a hotel cancels your reservation and doesn’t refund your money, you have a few options:

• First, you can contact your credit card company to refute the charges. Explain the situation and provide relevant documentation, such as the cancellation notification and the hotel’s terms and conditions. The credit card company will then investigate the matter and may refund your money if they find that the hotel’s actions were unjust.

• Filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and writing an online review are important ways to ensure other customers aren’t affected by a hotel’s customer-unfriendly policies.

• Small claims court is usually a last resort due to the time and money required.

Ways To Prevent Cancellations

Though hotel cancellations can happen to anyone, there are a few things you can do to prevent it from happening to you:

• Try to avoid using third-party booking sites, which are often the first to be bumped if a hotel is oversold, and book direct. Signing up for the hotel’s free membership program can also afford you additional compensation if something happens to your reservation.

• If you plan on checking in late at night, inform the hotel beforehand. Rarely, a room will be given away if a guest hasn’t arrived yet and all other rooms are full, as hotel staff don’t want to turn a potential customer away if the original customers are no-shows. To mitigate this risk, contact the hotel the week before via email or phone and tell them what time you plan on checking in.

• Always ensure the credit card you booked your room with is active and working. If the hotel is oversold, staff might run credit card authorizations on all reservations. If your card doesn’t go through, they might cancel your reservation. However, they should notify you of any credit card issues.

• Lastly, check your bookings periodically before a trip. Some travelers have been sorely disappointed when arriving on vacation only to find out their booking was canceled without notification. Finding out that your reservation has been canceled three months out is much easier to fix than finding out after you arrive at your destination.

Epic trips don’t just happen out of the blue — they require careful planning, from finding the best deals on flights to uncovering the hidden gems that make a vacation truly memorable. But there’s one step of the process we don’t always give much thought to: the luggage we’re bringing along. And yet, traveling with the right luggage — and the right travel accessories — can take the stress out of lugging your belongings throughout the journey, whether at TSA security or up the stairs at the vacation rental home. We asked our editors at Daily Passport and other Optimism brands to share the luggage and travel gear they can’t travel without. Below are a few of our favorite picks for the best editor-recommended luggage and travel gear.

Away The Carry-On

“Ever since I got it a few years ago, the Away carry-on has been a game changer. I love how the aluminum edition is not only super sleek but extremely sturdy. Plus, it has handy features like TSA-approved locks and a mesh packing system inside.” -Bennett Kleinman, Senior Staff Writer, Optimism

Béis Convertible Mini Weekender

“The Béis weekender has a lot of great features — a padded laptop pocket, a key leash, a trolley pass-through that doubles as an outer pocket when it’s zipped, a removable bottom compartment — and it fits a surprising amount of stuff. I use it as my personal item on longer trips, but it’s a tight squeeze under the seat on some airlines (especially if it’s packed full).” -Allie Takeda, Senior Managing Editor, Optimism

Briggs & Riley Expandable Spinner

“I was recently in the market for new checked luggage, and the timeless style of this Briggs & Riley bag caught my eye. Though it’s on the pricey side (but less so than many of the top brands), it immediately felt sturdier and better-built than other bags I looked at. And most importantly, the company offers a lifetime repair guarantee — no questions asked.” -Peter Vanden Bos, Editor, Daily Passport

Dagne Dover Petra Convertible Tote

“One of my favorite bag companies, Dagne Dover, just introduced luggage, and I haven’t stopped using the Petra Convertible Tote. It has slots for everything I carry (like my laptop) and easily converts from a tote to a backpack.” -Liz Denton, Editor, Unique Beauty

Gregory Rhune 25 Backpack

“The Rhune 25 backpack has been hugely helpful on recent road trips and hikes. It fits so much more inside it than I could’ve ever realized, and is extremely comfortable on the shoulders.” -Bennett Kleinman, Senior Staff Writer, Optimism

Packing Cubes and Cord Wraps

“These compression packing cubes helped me fit two weeks’ worth of clothing (including multiple outfits for some days) in a single carry-on for my recent trip to Italy. I also highly recommend velcro cord wraps — they make organizing your cords and electronics so much easier.” -Allie Takeda, Senior Managing Editor, Optimism

Pacsafe Crossbody Bag

“Available in three colors, this crossbody bag from Pacsafe is not only stylish but also has a number of anti-theft features, including an embedded mesh that prevents the material being cut, interlocking zippers that attach securely to an in-built bar, and a reinforced shoulder strap that’s long enough to be worn across the body.” -Peter Vanden Bos, Editor, Daily Passport

Topo Designs Accessory Bags

“I always use the Topo accessory bags to keep things organized within bigger bags — for example, I use the small one for my phone chargers and earbuds. Plus, the colors are so fun!” -Meg Neal, Deputy Managing Editor, History Facts

2-in-1 Travel Pillow and Blanket

“Bringing both a pillow and blanket onboard can eat up valuable space in any carry-on, but you don’t have to worry with this 2-in-1 travel pillow and blanket. This product easily tucks into any bag, and it also has a built-in sleeve that you can strap around any suitcase handle while navigating through the airport.” -Bennett Kleinman, Senior Staff Writer, Optimism

Apple AirTag

“This is the one gadget I recommend never leaving home without — particularly if you’re planning on checking a bag on your trip. If, on the off chance, the airline loses your bag, having an Apple AirTag tucked inside can be a lifesaver. The quarter-sized device makes it simple to keep tabs on your luggage wherever you are.” -Peter Vanden Bos, Editor, Daily Passport

Note: All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. Daily Passport may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.

Featured image credit: Credit: Zbynek Pospisil/ iStock via Getty Images Plus

Even the smallest tip can leave a big impression among hoteliers and their dedicated staff. But are you up to speed on common tipping etiquette? While leaving a 15% to 20% tip at restaurants is a good rule of thumb in the United States and many other North American countries, the amount varies for housekeepers, bellstaff, valet attendants, and other service workers who may assist you at your accommodation. To take the guesswork out of your next hotel stay, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to tipping at hotels based on recommendations from the American Hotel and Lodging Association.

Shuttle Drivers, Door Staff, and Valet

If your accommodation offers a courtesy shuttle to and from the airport or downtown, don’t forget to leave the driver with $1 to $2 for every person in your party. If a shuttle isn’t provided, door staff can certainly call you a taxi to the airport. If they arrange for your pickup, a tip of $1 or $2 is a small thank you to save you the hassle of having to hail one on your own. Once the taxi comes, consider tipping additionally for lifting any heavy suitcases. 

Or, if you’re bringing a rental car or your own vehicle to the hotel and opt for valet parking, don’t forget to tip the parking attendants. The American Hotel and Lodging Association recommends a tip of $1 to $5 when you receive your car. 

Concierge

The list of things your concierge can do for you is seemingly endless, so it’s impossible to abide by fixed rates for particular services. But, for example, if your concierge is able to score your party a table at a highly coveted restaurant, tipping upwards of $10 is a good rule of thumb. (You don’t need to tip if they only offer recommendations.) However, if the concierge assists in a more difficult request, such as booking tickets to a sold-out performance, tipping upwards of $100 is appropriate. If your concierge goes to even more extreme lengths for an anniversary or a birthday, that is also a time to show your gratitude with a generous tip. 

Bellstaff and Porters

If you are staying at a luxury hotel that offers butler service, showing your appreciation with a $10 to $15 tip is customary for each task they go out of their way to complete for you — even at all-inclusive resorts where gratuity is otherwise included. A butler can help assist with tasks during your stay such as making reservations, taking luggage to your room, helping with unpacking or packing, or even drawing you a bath or ironing your clothes. And, if a bellhop handles your luggage when checking in, $1 to $5 per bag is a good rule of thumb.

Housekeeping

Housekeepers are some of the hardest-working staff members at a hotel, but reports show that less than one-third of hotel guests leave them a tip for their efforts. Show your thanks for tidying your accommodation by leaving a cash tip in an envelope clearly marked on a surface in plain sight, such as a nightstand or desk. (Many hotels will now leave envelopes for this purpose, but if you don’t have one you could also write a note on the provided notepad.) Anywhere from $5 to $10 per night will be much appreciated. 

Waitstaff and Room Service

If you prefer to indulge at your hotel’s on-site restaurant, don’t forget to leave a tip just as you would at independent establishments. Anywhere from 15% to 20% is advised by the American Hotel and Lodging Association, but leaving a little more for outstanding service is appropriate. Similarly, at the hotel bar, it’s customary to leave between 15% and 20% of your final beverage tab.

On the other hand, if you order room service, check the receipt to see if a room service gratuity or service charge has already been added to your bill, which is common at many properties. If not, leave 15% to 20% as you would at a restaurant. There’s no need to tip extra, but anything additional is always appreciated.

Special Item Delivery

Apart from extra towels, toiletries, and other standard items you may find in your suite, you can also call the front desk and request special items such as a sleep mask, blanket, toothbrush, or razor. For one item, tip $2, but any additional items can be $1 each. You should also tip if you ask for a package to be delivered to the hotel (and then your room).

In the United States, giving someone a thumbs up making a horn shape with your fingers are usually considered to be friendly gestures. But in other countries, those hand signals might have an entirely different and potentially insulting meaning. When traveling abroad, you should always be aware of local customs and etiquette rules. Rather than risk offending a local, take some time to learn about what’s considered impolite before you travel to an unfamiliar location. To start, here are six common hand gestures that you should avoid using in certain countries.

Reverse “V” Sign – United Kingdom

In the U.S., holding your index and middle finger in the shape of a “V” with your palm facing out is known as the peace sign. But in the United Kingdom, that same gesture stands for “victory,” and it was popularized by Winston Churchill as a gesture to convey hope during World War II. On your travels to the U.K. or Commonwealth countries such as Australia and New Zealand, be careful to avoid turning your palm inward. That’s because making a “V” sign with the back of your hand facing out is akin to telling someone, “Up yours!” 

Beckoning – The Philippines

In order to beckon someone, you may place your palm toward the sky and curl either one or all of your fingers toward you. However, this is a highly offensive gesture in the Philippines. In fact, it’s considered to be such an insult that it’s even punishable by arrest in extreme instances. This is due to the fact that Filipinos often use this same gesture to summon dogs and other animals. Fortunately, there’s a much better alternative for calling someone over in the Philippines — just face your palm down instead of upward and bring the fingers toward you in a scratching motion.

Crossing Your Fingers – Vietnam

Crossing your fingers brings you the opposite of good luck in Vietnam, as the gesture is understood to be deeply offensive. Locals liken the appearance of crossed fingers to a part of the female anatomy, which has earned the gesture its unfortunate connotation. If you’re looking to wish someone good luck while traveling through Vietnam, just say chúc may mắn instead.

Pointing With Your Index Finger – Malaysia

Be careful not to use the wrong finger when pointing at someone or something in Malaysia. What is considered the most offensive digit over in Southeast Asia is also the most common one here in America: the index finger. Malaysians consider pointing with your index finger to be bad etiquette, though pointing with your thumb is perfectly acceptable.

Horns – Italy

For Americans, making a horn shape with your index and pinky fingers outstretched generally means, “Rock on!” But in Italy and other Mediterranean countries, the sign of the horns can be considered taboo depending on how you use it. If you keep the fingers pointed downward, it’s a gesture of good luck that’s used to ward off evil. But if you point the “horns” at someone or raise your fingers toward the sky, then the gesture is considered highly offensive. Wagging your hand around adds further insult, so avoid it at all costs.

Chin Flick – Belgium

While in Belgium, be careful to avoid flicking the bottom of your chin with the backside of your hand. Locals use this gesture to tell another person to “get lost.” This is also the case in places like Tunisia and northern Italy. Interestingly, the chin-flick gesture means something entirely different in southern Italy, where it’s used to simply say “no.”

As travelers, we often spend days or even weeks tracking airfares to find the best deals on flights. But still, we might hesitate to pull the trigger on that upcoming vacation even when we do land on a seemingly good price. After all, what if airfares drop significantly if we wait a few weeks? Fortunately, there’s a simple travel hack that could end up saving you hundreds of dollars on your next flight — and you don’t have to wait for the exact right moment to book your ticket. Here’s how it works. 

Why You Should Keep Monitoring Prices After You Book Your Flight

Once you purchase an airline ticket, you may think the price you paid is locked in, but in many cases, that’s only partially true. During the pandemic, most U.S. airlines permanently removed change fees to allow travelers more flexibility. Some airlines, such as Southwest, never charged change fees to begin with, but other U.S. airlines once charged $200 or more per ticket to change most fare types. (The key word is “most” — some of the cheapest fares, like basic economy, never allow you to change or cancel.) 

Let’s say you buy a $400 ticket from Chicago to Orlando. Two weeks later, you see that the price for the same flights dropped to $325. Prior to the pandemic, that $200 change fee wiped away any potential savings to be had by rebooking your flight. But without that change fee, you can reprice the flight and pocket the $75 as a credit toward future travel. That’s why it’s smart to keep an eye on flight prices after booking. Even better, set a price tracker on an airfare comparison site like Google Flights and forget about it until you receive an alert.

The 24-Hour Rule and Refunds

While you can potentially save on airfare if the price drops after you book, it’s almost always in the form of a voucher that can only be used with the airline you booked — you won’t get money back in your pocket. That means you’ll have to keep track of any vouchers or credits you have and use them toward a new flight before they expire (typically one year after issuance). 

There’s a notable exception, however: the 24-hour rule. The Department of Transportation requires that airlines allow customers to cancel a booking within 24 hours (as long as it’s more than seven days prior to the departure date) and receive a full refund to their original form of payment. Because of this rule, it definitely makes sense to keep a close eye on prices the day after you book — if prices go down, you can cancel your original flight and get money back on your credit or debit card before making a new reservation for the exact same flight.

Additionally, some airlines may offer a refundability option on tickets for an added fee. For example, if Delta is selling a main cabin fare from Seattle to Los Angeles for $300, it won’t be refundable (though it will be changeable without a fee). But you could see an option to pay an extra $50 during the purchase process to make your ticket fully refundable to your original form of payment, which might be worth the extra fee if you think your plans could change or you’re hoping to score a much better deal closer to departure.

How To Reprice Your Flight

So, how does it work? Before you book anything, pay close attention to the fare type. With most U.S. airlines, basic economy fares are ineligible for changes or refunds once the 24-hour window has passed, so you won’t be able to reprice them if fares go down. 

If you’ve booked a standard economy class (sometimes called “main cabin”) ticket, however, you should regularly check fares after booking. If you notice your flights have gone down in price, you can go to your booking on the airline’s website or app and click the option to change your flight and search for the same dates and cities as before. 

With some airlines, like Delta or Southwest, you’ll usually see your original flight pop up in your search results, alongside an amount to be credited back to you as a voucher for future travel. Once you reselect those same flights, you will receive an email with the voucher number, and it should also show up in your account if you’re a member of the airline’s frequent flyer program. Then, you can apply this voucher during checkout when booking a new flight.

However, other airlines, like United, don’t make the process as easy. If you find a lower price for your original flight, you may need to call and speak to a reservations agent to rebook. Or you can cancel the flight, receive the voucher, and use that voucher to rebook your flights — saving any remaining amount for a future trip. Though it may be a small hassle to do so, the potential savings can easily outweigh the effort required.