DEAR ABBY: I’m part of a small group of women who enjoy traveling together internationally. We have a system: one person researches and books our accommodations (something she loves to do), and then we each pay her our share. We book our flights separately.
For our most recent trip, I had to cancel three months in advance because of illness. I had already paid nearly $800 toward lodging and car rental. When I asked if I could be refunded, the group refused, saying my cancellation increased their costs and it wasn’t their responsibility to cover my decision not to go.
I feel like I’m now subsidizing their vacation, but they don’t see it that way. Am I wrong to expect at least part of my money back, or am I being unfair? — STAYING HOME IN THE EAST