As Christmas is just around the corner many of us will be embarking on travels either via flights or trains.

The busy period sees a high footfall in airports and train stations across the UK as many Brits make the most of the festive season.

Heathrow Airport sees a whopping 21% increase in passengers on Christmas Day with a record-breaking number of passengers for the entire month.

Despite the UK's rail network being closed on Christmas Day, trains in the UK will be extremely busy during Christmas, particularly in the days leading up to Christmas Day.

With so much travel taking place an expert has offered the five tips to help you get a refund if your flight or train is cancelled over Christmas.

MoneyMagpie Editor and financial expert Vicky Parry offered some key insights when it comes to cancellations and refunds.

1. Travel insurance

Parry highlights the importance of having travel insurance when flying which offers an extra layer of contingency planning and refund claims if your flight or train is cancelled.

Having travel insurance allows a person to claim back a portion of their holiday when an outbound flight is delayed.

Travel insurance also helps in the unforeseen chance of illness whereby you could claim some money including lost deposits.

2. Claim!

If travelling on trains during the run up to Christmas and they are either cancelled or delayed, a person may be entitled to a refund or compensation, however this largely depends on the circumstances.

Parry adds: “Refunds are only provided if it is something the airline could control, such as a technical issue with the aeroplane, and the flight was delayed by more than three hours with bad weather delays not qualifying.

“Cash compensation will be between £220 and £520 depending on the length of delay and the flight distance.”

3. Know your rights

Parry adds that fights that are delayed for more than five hours will allow for a full refund for the cost of the ticket.

If there is a cancellation or a delay on your train it's advised to request a full refund from either the retailer or train company where you purchased your ticket from.

This cancellation or delay refund request should be done within 28 days and a person should keep your tickets to get the refund.

In regards to compensation, If the train is delayed and means you arrive at your destination more than half an hour later you can get your money back with some train companies allowing for compensation if the train was more than 15 minutes late.

The Rail Delivery Group that represents UK train firms warned that compensation is unlikely if the journey took longer due to planned engineering work or a strike.

The group states that a person can only claim compensation against the amended timetable.

MoneySavingExpert adds: “If you have a season ticket you've fewer rights if your train's cancelled.

“You won't be able to get a refund because your ticket isn't for a specific time.”