1. Acceptance of booking and final payments
If we accept your booking we will issue a confirmation invoice. A contract will exist between us from the date we issue the confirmation invoice or if you book within 30 days of departure the contract will exist when we accept your payment. Please refer to your booking confirmation invoice for details regarding final payments. Payment of the balance of the trip price is due 30 days before the departure date. Please note that full payment is required, If this balance is not paid on or before the due date we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled.
2. Personal information
In order for us to confirm your travel arrangements, you must provide all requested details with the balance of the trip price; they include but are not limited to full name as per passport, date of birth, nationality, passport number, passport issue and expiry date and any pre-existing medical conditions you have which may affect your ability to complete your travel arrangements. On some more demanding trips, we also require you to complete and forward a Self-Assessment form. Failure to provide requested details may result in additional charges or non-refundable cancellation of your trip.
3. Cancellation
If you cancel some or all portions of your booking cancellation fees will apply. A cancellation will only be effective when we receive written confirmation of the cancellation. If you cancel a trip:
- 56 days or more prior to departure, we will retain the deposit;
- Between 31 and 55 days prior to departure, we will retain the deposit or 50% of the total booking cost; whichever is greater, and
- 30 days or less prior to departure, we will retain 100% paid by you in connection with the booking.
4. Cancellation by us
Our trips are guaranteed to depart once they have one fully paid traveler unless minimum group size specifically states otherwise. We may cancel a trip at any time prior to departure if, due to terrorism, natural disasters, political instability or other external events it is not viable for us to operate the planned itinerary. If we cancel your trip, you can transfer amounts paid to an alternate departure date or receive a full refund. In circumstances where the cancellation is due to external events outside our reasonable control refunds will be less any unrecoverable costs. We are not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking including but not limited to visas, vaccinations, travel insurance excess or non-refundable flights.
5. Inclusions
The land price of your trip includes:
- All accommodation as listed in the Essential Trip Information
- All transport listed in the Essential Trip Information
- Sightseeing and meals as listed in the Essential Trip Information
- The services of a tour guide as described in the Essential Trip Information
6. Exclusions
The land price of your trip does not include:
- International flights
- Airport taxes and excess baggage charges
- Meals other than those specified in the Essential Trip Information
- Visa and passport fees
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities and all personal expenses
7. Age & Health requirements
Minimum Age: For the majority of our trips the minimum age is 15 at the time of travel. All travellers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian, by an escort over the age of 18, appointed by their legal guardian. The legal guardian or their designee will be responsible for the traveler under the age of 18’s day to daycare. If a legal guardian elects to designate an escort in their lieu, they will be required to complete and sign a relevant document, to delegate their authority.
Please note we cannot guarantee triple or adjoining rooms for families; accompanying adults may be required to share with others in the group on a twin share basis.
8. Passport and visas
You must carry a valid passport and have obtained all of the appropriate visas, permits and certificates for the countries which you will visit during your trip. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the duration of the trip. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas, permits and certificates for your trip; please refer to the Essential Trip Information for details. We are not responsible if you are refused entry to a country because you lack the correct passport, visa or other travel documentation.
9. Travel insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory for all our travelers and should be taken out at the time of booking. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation with a recommended minimum coverage of US$200,000 for each of the categories of cover. We also strongly recommend it covers cancellation, curtailment, personal liability and loss of luggage and personal effects. You must provide your travel insurance policy number and the insurance company’s 24-hour emergency contact number on the airport; you will not be able to join the trip without these details. If you have travel insurance connected to your credit card or bank account please ensure you have details of the participating insurer, the insurance policy number and emergency contact number with you rather than the bank’s name and credit card details.
10. Flexibility
You appreciate and acknowledge that the nature of this type of travel requires considerable flexibility and you should allow for alternatives. The itinerary provided for each trip is representative of the types of activities contemplated, but it is understood that the route, schedules, itineraries, amenities and mode of transport may be subject to alteration without prior notice due to local circumstances or events.
11. Optional activities
Optional activities not included in the trip price do not form part of the trip or this contract. You accept that any assistance given by your group leader or local representative in arranging optional activities does not render us liable for them in any way. The contract for the provision of that activity will be between you and the activity provider.