Cancellation policy

Every retreat on RetreatBird is run by an independent retreat leader, and cancellation terms are set by that leader. They are confirmed with you before you pay anything, so you know exactly what you would get back, and until when, before any money changes hands.

Where to find a retreat's terms

When the leader has written their policy, it is on the retreat's page under Cancellation & policies. When it isn't there yet, the terms come with the reply to your booking request, before you pay anything. Sending a request costs nothing and commits you to nothing, so you can read the terms first and decide afterwards.

What to ask before you pay

Cancellation terms matter more on a retreat than on an ordinary stay, because a leader plans food, teachers and rooms around a small, fixed group. Five questions cover almost every case:

1. 1

   Is the deposit refundable, and until when?

   Many leaders keep the deposit once the retreat is close, because it pays for food, staff and rooms they have already committed.

2. 2

   What do I get back if I cancel 60, 30 or 14 days out?

   Terms usually step down as the start date approaches. Ask for the dates in writing, not a percentage alone.

3. 3

   Can I move to other dates, or pass my place to someone else?

   Plenty of leaders would rather move you than refund you. It is worth knowing before you need it.

4. 4

   What happens if the retreat is cancelled or moved by the leader?

   Check whether you get the full amount back or a credit, and how quickly.

5. 5

   What happens if I can't travel because of illness or a travel ban?

   This is usually where the leader's terms stop and travel insurance starts, so read both together.

How refunds work

RetreatBird does not take or hold payments. When the retreat leader confirms your booking request, the payment terms — any deposit, the balance and when each is due — are agreed between you and them, and you pay the retreat leader directly. A refund you are due under their terms is therefore paid back by the retreat leader, usually to the method you paid with. If a refund you are owed does not arrive, email us with your booking reference so we can raise it with the retreat leader.

Travel insurance

We recommend a policy that covers trip cancellation as well as medical care and the activities you will be doing. It is what protects you when plans change for reasons a leader's terms do not cover.

Company retreats planned by RetreatBird follow the company retreat terms. More questions about changing or cancelling are answered in the help centre. About a specific booking? Email hello@retreatbird.com.