In recent days, the number of new corona cases in Europe has risen sharply in some cases. Peter Kolba's consumer protection association warns that free cancellations are not always easy due to the general pandemic situation. "Anyone who books trips and hotels in the middle of a pandemic must know that a free cancellation due to a dangerous Covid-19 situation on site can be highly controversial. The consumer protection association therefore advises that you definitely agree on such a free cancellation option when booking," says Peter Kolba, chairman of the consumer protection association (VSV). "In February-March 2020, for example, hoteliers in Ischgl still demanded full payment for the stay from guests who wanted to leave earlier." The consumer advocate points out, among other things, that if you cannot go on a trip due to a Covid-19 infection, this falls under the "risk in your own sphere". If you do not have appropriate travel cancellation insurance, you usually have to pay the cancellation fee. Kolba assumes that this is usually covered by appropriate travel cancellation insurance. Nevertheless, you should clarify before signing whether Covid-19 infections are insured, because this is still not the case with all providers. However, if the risk of contracting Covid-19 is high on site and there may be corresponding travel warnings, then that would be a reason for a free withdrawal from the contract, says Kolba. "But there is a catch: If the situation was foreseeable - and we fear that the courts would see it that way - then there is no loss of the basis of the transaction and no free withdrawal." The VSV chairman's recommendation is: "We recommend
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