The consumer champion issued the advice as wildfires continue to affect parts of the Greek island, including the Rethymno region, prompting evacuations of around 8,000 residents and tourists earlier this week.

Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said travellers due to depart in the coming days should stay in touch with their travel provider, but warned that those travelling later should resist cancelling before operators have confirmed whether their holiday can go ahead.

"Travellers who cancel now will likely forfeit the right to a refund or rebooking," Boland said, adding that travel insurance is also unlikely to cover cancellation because the UK's Foreign Office (FCDO) has not advised against travel to the affected areas.

Instead, Which? said holidaymakers should wait until closer to their departure date, when tour operators and airlines will have a clearer picture of whether holidays can proceed or whether flexible booking options will be offered.

"The wildfires in Crete are deeply worrying, and the dangers posed by their spread will be a major concern for both locals and holidaymakers, as well as a serious blow to local businesses reliant on tourism," he added.

'Safety is our absolute priority'

The advice comes as much of southern Europe continues to grapple with an intense wildfire season. In recent weeks, blazes have also disrupted holidays in parts of Spain and France, with more than 360,000 people evacuated as authorities battled the fast-moving fires.

Meanwhile, Greek authorities have sought to reassure visitors that the situation in Crete is stabilising. Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni said the government responded rapidly from the outset of the wildfire in Rethymno, deploying around 40 tourist coaches and intercity buses to evacuate residents and visitors from affected areas.

"The safety of residents and visitors remains our absolute priority," Kefalogianni said. "Thanks to close coordination among all relevant authorities, evacuees are now safely returning to their accommodations to continue with their holidays."

The FCDO continues to advise British travellers in affected areas to follow the guidance of local authorities, but has not issued advice against travel to Crete.