Why do travellers prefer refundable hotel bookings for Schengen visas?
Travellers prefer refundable hotel bookings for Schengen visas because they offer a safe, flexible, and embassy-friendly way to prove accommodation without locking in money too early. Here are a few very practical reasons: No financial loss if the visa is rejected. This is the biggest reason. Visa rejections are common, especially for first-time applicants. A refundable booking means you lose nothing if your application is denied, whereas a non-refundable booking could mean losing hundreds of euros before you've even been approved to travel. Consulates require accommodation proof upfront. You must submit proof of where you'll stay for your entire trip before you know if your visa will be approved. Refundable bookings let you meet this requirement without fully committing your money to a trip that might not happen. Flexibility after approval. Once your visa comes through, your plans may have evolved — you might find better hotels, prefer a diffe...