Flights and hotels from a single source: what a package holiday is, what rights you have and what you should bear in mind before booking.
This page has been automatically translated from German. The German version is the authoritative one: German
In short
- A package holiday consists of at least two travel services for the same trip, e.g. a flight and a hotel (1).
- If the price rises by more than 8 per cent after booking, you are entitled to cancel free of charge (1).
- Report any issues on the spot to the tour guide or the tour operator; claims become time-barred after two years (2).
- Your payments are protected in the event of the organiser’s insolvency (1).
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What is a package holiday?
Under EU law, a package holiday is defined as a situation where at least two types of travel services are booked for the same trip – such as a flight and accommodation – and these are sold under a single contract, as a package or for a single price. Flights or hotels booked separately do not constitute a package holiday (1).
Check before booking
- Total price including all taxes and charges
- Cancellation policy and cancellation fees
- Passport and visa requirements for the destination – you must be informed of these before booking (1)
- What exactly is included: transfer, meals, luggage
- the EU standard information sheet setting out your rights, which you will receive before booking (1)
Price increase after booking
The organiser may only increase the price if certain costs rise (e.g. fuel), this is provided for in the contract, and the organiser gives at least 20 days’ notice of the increase before the start of the trip. If the increase exceeds 8 per cent of the total price, you may cancel without incurring a fee (1).
Cancellation before the start of the trip
You may cancel at any time before the start of the trip; the tour operator may then charge a reasonable cancellation fee, which depends primarily on the timing. In the event of exceptional circumstances at the destination, such as natural disasters or serious security risks, you will receive a full refund of the tour price (1). You may also transfer the trip to another person; this may incur a fee (1).
If something goes wrong on site
- Report any issues immediately to the tour guide or the tour operator – hotel staff are not usually responsible for this (2).
- Gather evidence: photos, videos, witnesses; confirmation from the tour guide is sufficient (2).
- The organiser must remedy the defect at no extra cost (1); otherwise, a reduction in the price of the trip may be considered (2).
- Submit any claims in writing and in a verifiable manner after the trip, e.g. by email or registered post; the time limit is two years from the scheduled end of the trip (2).
Insolvency protection
If the tour operator goes bankrupt, a guarantor will refund your payments and, if necessary, organise your return journey (1).
Please note: This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for legal or travel advice. We do not recommend any specific provider. In the event of a dispute with the tour operator, the Consumer Advice Centre can help.
Sources
- European Union – Your Europe: Pauschalreisen und verbundene Reiseleistungen in der EU (last reviewed by the EU on 23 December 2025; accessed on 11 October 2026)
- Verbraucherzentrale: Reisemängel im Pauschalurlaub (as at 10 August 2026; accessed on 11 October 2026)