What to Do When Your Companion Must Cancel a Trip By Florence Isaacs Q. I planned a vacation in Europe with a widow friend, who lives in another state. Five days before departure, she was hospitalized for a sudden, serious health problem and had to drop out. I was able to cancel everything but the nonrefundable airfare. The latter can be applied to another flight later on, but involves a sizeable ΓÇ£change fee.ΓÇ¥ My friend has offered to reimburse me for the fee. What should I do? It doesnΓÇÖt feel right to accept the money. Yet it also bothers me to pay. (I considered going by myself, but didnΓÇÖt feel comfortable with the ideaΓÇöand I couldnΓÇÖt find anyone else to join me on such short notice.) Money is always a touchy subject, which is why itΓÇÖs wise to set boundaries about it in any relationship. But your situation is unusual. It seems to me that these are the issues involved: It was nobodyΓÇÖs ΓÇ£fault.ΓÇ¥ SheΓÇÖs taken responsibility by offering to cover your financial loss. If you value the friendship, isnΓÇÖt it worth it to pay the fee yourself and chalk it up to ΓÇ£an act of GodΓÇ¥? (Remember sheΓÇÖs probably stuck with a change fee, too.) If she protests, say something like, ΓÇ£You can take me out to dinner sometime.ΓÇ¥ SheΓÇÖll feel less guilty and youΓÇÖll feel better, too. How would you feel if the sudden illness happened to you? In addition, if the trip had taken place as planned, wouldnΓÇÖt you have spent extra money on items like day tours and/or museum entry fees that can really add up? YouΓÇÖve ΓÇ£savedΓÇ¥ on those expenses. Is it a financial hardship for you to pay the change fee? If youΓÇÖre truly in a bind due to unexpected bills or whatever, you have the option of explaining your situation and accepting the offer (or part of it). It isnΓÇÖt only the money involved. ItΓÇÖs also a bummer to see all those wonderful plans evaporate. On your calendar youΓÇÖve crossed out a block of time from your everyday life. Suddenly youΓÇÖre in limbo and wondering, ΓÇ£What will I do with myself now?ΓÇ¥ One way to look at it is: ΓÇ£If this is the worst thing that ever happens to me, IΓÇÖll be a lucky person.ΓÇ¥ And next time, you might want to consider travel insurance. ItΓÇÖs expensive, depending on your age and other factors. But it may be worth it to you. Florence Isaacs is a bestselling author of ten nonfiction books on health, medicine, relationships, social and business etiquette, and communication. She also writes two blogs for www.Legacy.com where this post originally appeared. IsaacsΓÇÖs articles appear in major newspapers, magazines and websites.