You can cancel any time before the holiday starts but you'll probably have to pay a cancellation fee. The fees should be in the terms and conditions. They're likely to be higher if it's close to the departure date. Contact the company if you can't find your terms and conditions.

The cancellation window for a holiday depends entirely on the terms of your specific booking provider, though most "standard" flexible policies require cancellation at least 24 to 48 hours before arrival for a full refund. For package holidays (flights plus hotel), policies are significantly stricter; you may only receive a full refund if you cancel 60–90 days in advance, with the refund amount decreasing as the departure date nears. In 2026, many "non-refundable" or "basic" rates offer no refund at all once booked, regardless of the timeframe. If you have a medical emergency or a death in the family, some providers may offer travel credits even after the deadline, but this typically requires a "Force Majeure" clause or a gesture of goodwill. To protect your investment, it is standard practice to use travel insurance, which can cover late-stage cancellations for "covered reasons" that the travel provider’s own policy might exclude.