Can I cancel a travel package and get my money back?

What the Law Says

California law gives consumers strong protections when buying travel packages — especially those sold outside a traditional retail setting.

If you buy a travel package (like a vacation tour, cruise, or air-hotel bundle) in a location other than the seller’s regular place of business — such as at your home, over the phone, or online — you have a legal right to cancel the contract within 7 days and receive a full refund.

This is called the 'cooling-off period' and applies under the California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund Act. The law also establishes a fund to reimburse consumers if a registered travel seller goes out of business before delivering services.

The seller must give you a written notice of your cancellation rights at the time of sale — including how to cancel and where to send the notice.

Statutory Text

Any contract for the sale of travel services entered into at a location other than the seller’s place of business may be cancelled by the buyer within seven days after the date of the contract.

— Business and Professions Code, § 17545 — Cancellation of contracts

Statutory Text

The seller shall provide the buyer with a written notice of the buyer’s right to cancel… in a form prescribed by the Attorney General.

— Business and Professions Code, § 17545.5 — Notice requirements

Statutory Text

The fund shall be used to reimburse consumers who have suffered financial loss as a result of the failure of a registered seller to provide travel services… up to $50,000 per claim.

— Business and Professions Code, § 17549.5 — Restitution fund limit

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