CULTURE TRIP WINTER SALE
TERMS & CONDITIONS
CULTURE TRIP LTD (“CULTURE TRIP”)
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Non-UK Booking Conditions
Last updated on 1st March 2024 (Version 1.9)
These Terms and Conditions of Booking (“Booking Conditions“) together with our Website, Privacy Policy and any documents referred to in them will apply to: (A) Your use of our website; (B) Our supply of products and services; and (C) Our contract with you, so please read them and the product descriptions through carefully before booking.
These Booking Conditions contain important information regarding the limitations on and terms of purchase of, and other agreements regarding, our supply of products and services, which are provided and disclosed to you in these Booking Conditions.
Please note that to book any of the products described on our website or to you via email or over the telephone you must agree to be bound by these Booking Conditions. If you have any questions about the Booking Conditions, please contact us for clarification prior to booking.
References to “you” and “your” include the first named person on the booking and all persons on whose behalf a booking is made or any other person to whom a booking is added or transferred. References to “Travel Arrangement(s)” in these Booking Conditions means single element travel arrangements, as more specifically defined clause A1, and “Packages” means package holidays or package bookings, as more specifically defined in clause A2. References to “Supplier” means the supplier of the Travel Arrangements or the Packages including but not limited to accommodation providers, transfer providers, experience and activity providers and car hire companies. References to “Principal Supplier” or “Principal” means the Supplier with whom your contract is with. Please print a copy of these Booking Conditions for future reference. Please understand that if you refuse to accept these Booking Conditions, you will not be able to make any bookings with us for any products or services we offer for sale.
About Us
We are The Culture Trip Ltd (‘Culture Trip’, ‘we’, ‘us’, ‘our’) a company registered in England and Wales Company No: 07539023, with its Registered Office and main trading address at 129 W 29th, 11th Floor New York, NY 10001. Our USA business telephone is +1(678)967-4965. By making a booking, the first named person (referred to herein as the “primary contact”) on the booking agrees on behalf of all persons listed on the booking that he/she:
- has read these Booking Conditions and has the authority to and does agree to be bound by them;
- consents to our use of personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy and is authorized on behalf of all persons named on the booking to disclose their personal details to us, including where applicable, special categories of data (such as information on health conditions or disabilities and dietary requirements);
- is over 21 years of age and resident in the United States (subject to clause d.) and where placing an order for services with age restrictions declares that he/she and all members of the party are of the appropriate age to purchase those services;
- is not, and no member of the party is, a resident of any of Hawaii, California, Florida, Washington State or Iowa;
- accepts financial responsibility for payment of the booking on behalf of all persons listed on the booking and is authorized to use the credit or debit card that is used to pay for the booking;
- has provided information that is true and accurate; and
- will only make legitimate reservations. False and/or fraudulent reservations are strictly prohibited.
Please Note:
We act as both a direct seller of single-element travel arrangement bookings and the sale of package holidays, and as an agent of others in the sale or resale of single-element travel arrangement bookings and the sale of package holidays. You will be advised at the time of booking which one of these scenarios applies to your booking and it will also be confirmed on your Confirmation Invoice. Our obligations to you will vary depending upon which arrangements you book with us, and we have tried to set them out below as clearly as possible:
- Section A contains the conditions which will apply where we are acting as the direct seller, with the following additional conditions in Part A-1 or Part A-2, as applicable:
- Part A-1 applies to Packages
- Part A-2 applies to Travel Arrangements
- Section B and Section C are intentionally omitted
- Section D contains the conditions which will apply where we are acting as an agent of others to your bookings (i.e., a reseller), whether in the case of Packages or Travel Arrangements.
SECTION A – TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO ALL BOOKINGS (OTHER THAN WHEN WE ACT AS AN AGENT/RESELLER)
1. Contract
1.1 When making your booking we will arrange for you to enter into a contract with us for a Package or Travel Arrangement, as specified on your Confirmation Invoice. Your booking with us is subject to the relevant parts of these Booking Conditions and we advise you to read these carefully prior to booking.
1.2 All bookings are subject to availability at the time of booking. We do not guarantee that any of the Travel Arrangements or Packages we advertise will still be available at the time of booking.
1.3 After we receive your booking and all required payments, we will issue a confirmation invoice (‘Confirmation Invoice’) via email with a booking reference number. We will send the Confirmation Invoice to the primary contact and you will become directly responsible for the payment of the total price and if applicable, any cancelation charges. A binding contract to purchase the Package or Travel Arrangement will come into existence when we send the Confirmation Invoice.
1.4 In addition to being bound by our Booking Conditions you will also be bound by the terms and conditions of the Suppliers we choose to facilitate your booking, and such terms and conditions are available on request
2.Booking
2.1 The primary contact is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the personal details and any other information supplied to us in respect of yourself and all other members of your booking party and for passing any information regarding the booking or any changes made in relation to the booking to all members of the booking party including, but not limited to, information on schedule changes or copies of booking confirmations.
2.2 It is important to check the details on the Confirmation Invoice to ensure that all elements of your booking are exactly as requested. Please check that all names, dates and timings are correct on receipt of all documents. Please ensure that the names given are the same as in the relevant passport.
2.3 In the event of any discrepancy in the details contained on the Confirmation Invoice please contact us immediately at tripssupport@theculturetrip.com as it may not be possible to make changes at a later date and/or you may have to pay amendment or cancelation fees in accordance with clause 6.9.
2.4 Except as expressly set out in these Booking Conditions, only the necessary booking information that you provide to us will be passed on to the relevant Suppliers of your booking or other persons necessary for the provision of your booking. The information may be provided to public authorities such as customs or immigration if required by them, or as required by law. This applies to any special category (personal or otherwise sensitive) information that you give to us such as details of any disabilities, vaccinations, or dietary and religious requirements. In making this booking, you consent to this information being passed on to the relevant persons. Certain information may also be passed on to security or credit checking companies. If you are travelling outside the United States, the government authority of the country or territory to which you are traveling (such as a customs or border patrol authority) may be provided this information for the purposes of preventing and combating terrorism and other transnational serious crimes. Please click here for full details of our privacy policy.
3.Price
3.1 We reserve the right to alter the prices of any of the Packages or Travel Arrangements and the prices do change from time to time. You will be advised of the relevant current price before your booking is confirmed.
3.2 All prices quoted include any sales taxes. Any additional local taxes or charges which may be payable locally during your trip are not included.
3.3 We will do our best to ensure that all the information and prices that we advise you of or publish are accurate, however, occasionally changes and errors occur and we reserve the right to correct prices and other details in such circumstances. You must check the current price and all other details relating to the Package or Travel Arrangement that you wish to book before your booking is confirmed. Where the Package or Travel Arrangement has been incorrectly priced and the booking has already been confirmed, we reserve the right to cancel the booking and refund all monies paid to you.
3.4 If during the booking process you request a price match you will be required to provide sufficient proof to show the price and itinerary being offered by the other supplier. If we agree to price match you will not be entitled to any ‘free services’ or ‘added extras’ we have previously advised you of.
3.5 We do not permit price matching after a booking has been made.
3.6 In some cases, taxes and fees including but not limited to, city taxes, resort fees, car parking and refundable deposits are charged by hotels/resorts, which can only be paid locally and not at the point of booking. We will do our best to inform you of such fees but accept no responsibility for the payment of these fees. If you are unclear as to whether city taxes and/or resort fees will be payable please ask and we will do our best to advise you.
4.Payment
4.1 The primary contact acts on behalf of all other persons on the booking and is responsible to us for all payments in respect of the booking.
4.2 When you make your booking a deposit may be payable. The amount of the deposit will be dependent on the components of your Package or the Travel Arrangement that you are booking. You will be advised of the deposit requirements during the booking process.
4.3 By confirming you would like to proceed with your booking either during a call with our reservations team or by completing the check-out process and making a booking for a Package or other Travel Arrangement by clicking “[PAY]” on the checkout page, you are confirming the purchase of the product from us. Your booking for the Package or other Travel Arrangement is subject to these Booking Conditions. All reservations are only confirmed when you receive the Confirmation Invoice from us. If you do not receive a Confirmation Invoice within 48 hours of placing your reservation please contact our customer support centre at tripssupport@theculturetrip.com
4.4 Where a booking requires a deposit, the balance of the Package or Travel Arrangement price must be paid at least 55 days prior to your departure or commencement date, however, in certain circumstances you may be asked to pay your balance earlier due to our commitment to our Suppliers.
4.5 If the departure date is within 55 days or less at the point of booking the full balance will be payable immediately.
4.6 If the deposit and/or balance is not paid in time, we reserve the right to cancel your booking and charge any administration and cancelation charges in accordance with clause 6.9.
4.7 On some occasions we may need to take the full payment for a booking due to a special fare, this payment then becomes non-changeable and non-refundable. You will be informed of any non-changeable and/or non-refundable parts of your booking prior to completing the booking process.
4.8 The Confirmation Invoice will reflect the amount paid at the time of booking, the date of payment, the purpose of the payment (e.g., deposit or full amount), and an itemized statement of the balance due if any.
4.9 All pricing is reflected in U.S. Dollars. Unless otherwise stated, prices include all government taxes as at the date of publication but not fees addressed in clause 3.6. Prices are valid for travel for the date ranges shown on the Confirmation Invoice.
4.10 We will accept payment from you in accordance with the payment methods listed on our website and/or mobile platform.
5. Special Requests/Medical Issues
5.1 If you wish to make a special request, you must do so at the time of booking. We will try to pass any reasonable requests on to the relevant Supplier, but we cannot guarantee that any requests will be met.
5.2 The fact that a special request has been noted on your Confirmation Invoice or any other documentation or that it has been passed on to the Supplier is not confirmation that the request will be met.
5.3 Failure to meet any special requests will not be a breach of contract on our part unless the request has been specifically confirmed.
5.4 We are happy to advise and assist you in choosing a suitable Package or Travel Arrangement. As some of the Packages or Travel Arrangements may lack even the simplest facilities, such as ramps for wheelchairs, elevators, etc., it is important that, when booking, you advise us of any disabilities and special requirements to make sure the product meets your specific needs. We accept no liability if we are not advised of any special requirements your party have before a booking is completed. In the event that we are advised of a special requirement after a booking has been completed, your booking may be subject to additional charges to make the required arrangements or may have to be canceled together with any applicable charges.
5.5 If we reasonably feel unable to properly accommodate the particular need of the person(s) concerned, we will not confirm the booking or, if full details are not given at the time of booking, cancel when we became aware of these details.
6. If you Change or Cancel your Booking
6.1 If you need to make a change to your Booking or would like to change the trip you have booked, we aim to accommodate you subject to cancelation charges and availability. Cancelation charges apply to Bookings canceled from the day the remainder of your balance is due if you paid a deposit, or within 55 days of the departure date on your Booking Confirmation. For a full breakdown of the fees, please see Cancelation Charges 6.9. Alternatively, within 54 to 35 days from the departure date, we will offer to transfer your deposit and any funds paid to an alternative departure date free of charge. Please note that changes are subject to availability and the Booking must be transferred in full.
If you need to cancel within 29 days of trip departure, 100% cancelation fees will apply.
6.2 If, after our Confirmation Invoice has been issued, you wish to change your Package or Travel Arrangement in any way, we will endeavour to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes must be made to our Customer Support Centre via email at tripssupport@theculturetrip.com or via telephone on +1 (678) 967 4965 by the primary contact on the booking.
6.3 Certain bookings may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration could incur a cancelation charge up to 100% of that part of the booking. In some cases any changes made may mean you having to pay for the canceled arrangements and making a new booking at full price. You will be advised of any non-refundable costs prior to booking.
6.4 If some of your party cancel, in addition to paying the applicable cancelation charges we will recalculate the cost for the remaining travelers and you may have to pay additional charges.
6.5 Certain arrangements may incur a cancelation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangement of the Package or Travel Arrangement after it has been confirmed.
6.6 You will be asked to pay any relevant difference in the price of your booking, together with further costs we incur in making the alteration for any amendment or cancelation. You should be aware these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made. If you choose not to pay the difference in the price of your new booking you may choose to cancel your booking in accordance with clause 6.9.
6.7 Unless otherwise advised at the time of booking and/or on your Confirmation Invoice, you may not make any changes within 35 days of departure.
6.8 We recommend that in the event of any cancelation you contact your insurance company as you may be able to reclaim the loss depending on the reason for the cancelation and the policy you have taken. Please refer to clause 16 for further information about travel insurance requirements for your trip.
6.9 Standard Cancelation Charges:
Notification Period Cancelation Charge
- 55 days or more – No charge
- 54-30 days – 50% of Package/Travel Arrangement price
- 29 days or less – 100% of Package/Travel Arrangement price
Please note that if you change your booking, “Package/Travel Arrangement Price” does not include any other costs paid which are not refundable in the event of your cancelation. These cancelation charges apply to all bookings, except items or services that are non-refundable. You will be advised of any items of this nature at the time of booking.
Cancelling – Travel Advisories Covid 19
6.11 The government authorities of many countries and other jurisdictions have advised, or may from time to time advise, against all but essential travel due to Covid and its mutations and variants (referred to herein as the “Covid-19 pandemic”). However, many of the destinations in which we operate remain open and accept travelers (in some cases subject to quarantine or other restrictions), and flights to and from these destinations continue to operate. If holiday destinations remain open and flights continue to operate and travel services can be performed, we will continue to offer our products and services to customers who wish to purchase them.
6.12 If you book a Package or Travel Arrangement with us during the Covid-19 pandemic, you confirm that you have checked, understand and accept the travel advice relating to your chosen destination, including where there may be a requirement on you to quarantine upon your return to the USA (or at your destination), and understand and accept that there is a heightened risk of travelling during the Covid-19 pandemic, beyond that associated with travel during ordinary times. It is your responsibility to determine and review advice or mandates that may be applicable to you and/or your travel destination and/or your re-entry into the USA. You are also required to purchase a specialist travel insurance which includes certain cover for Covid-19 – see clause 13.
6.13 You acknowledge that the Suppliers providing your Package or Travel Arrangement will need to comply with national and/or local guidance and requirements relating to Covid-19 and have implemented certain measures as a result. This will likely include specific requirements regarding personal protective equipment, such as use of face-masks by staff (and you may be required to wear a face-mask as well), social distancing, maximum number restrictions on the use of certain facilities, designated alternative entrance and exit routes, mandatory hand sanitization, limited entertainment options and limited food/drink availability and temperature testing, and other measures relating to your safety and the safety of others. Depending on the measures, and your view of the measures, these measures may have a significant impact on your enjoyment of your Package or Travel Arrangement.
6.14 Where you are choosing to travel to a destination subject to a governmental agency (or agencies) advisory against non-essential travel (whether issued by a USA governmental agency or by a governmental agency in the destination (or destinations) to which you are traveling), you accept that once your booking has been confirmed, if you decide not to travel due to the advisory, you will have to pay our standard cancelation charges as shown in clause 6.9 of these Booking Conditions. You are not entitled to cancel and receive a full refund in these circumstances, and you are deemed to have confirmed as if you have made your booking with full knowledge of the advisory against non-essential travel.
6.15 Where your departing or chosen destination does not have an advisory against non-essential travel at the time of booking but an advisory subsequently is issued, you accept that you will not have the right to cancel your booking and receive a full refund. If you choose to no longer travel in these circumstances, you will have to pay our standard cancelation charges as shown in clause 6.9 of these Booking Conditions, as you will be deemed to have made your booking with full knowledge of the risks of travelling during the Covid-19 pandemic.
6.16 Please note that we will have no liability for any refunds, compensation, costs, expenses or other losses of any kind incurred by you (including, where applicable, the cost of medical treatment), other than in the following circumstances:
- If you, or anyone in your booking party, test positive for Covid-19, or are notified or otherwise become aware that you have, or suspect you may have, come into close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 (or where they otherwise suspect they may have Covid-19) and have to self-isolate for a period of time:
(i) If this happens within 14 days of your departure/commencement date, you must contact us immediately as you may no longer be able to travel and provide medical evidence. We will offer you the following options where possible and subject to availability:
- Postponing your booking to a later date. We will notify you of any impact on the price the postponement may have (please note that you may have to pay full cancelation charges on some elements of your booking, as well any increase in cost imposed by Suppliers); or
- If not everyone on the booking is affected, you may be able to transfer your place on the booking to another person nominated by you, subject always to compliance with the requirements within our Booking Conditions and any amendment and administration charges payable; or
- You may be able to claim these costs back from your travel insurance – please check your policy wording.
(ii) If this happens once your Package or Travel Arrangement has commenced please notify us immediately and we will provide such reasonable assistance as we can in the circumstances. However, we will not be responsible for covering the cost of any curtailment of your Package, Travel Arrangement, missed transport arrangements, additional accommodation required, or other associated costs incurred by you. Your travel insurance may cover some of these costs for you – please check the policy wording.
- You fail any tests, checks or other measures imposed by a Supplier, airline, port or airport, border control authority or other government body or local authority or fail to submit for testing or assessment when requested to do so, and as such you are denied boarding, entry to the destination, access to the travel services or you are otherwise unable to proceed with your Package or Travel Arrangement, or any part of it, or you are required to self-isolate within the destination in accordance with the requirements imposed in the destination. Your travel insurance may cover some of these costs for you – please check the policy wording.
7.1 As we mostly arrange and plan your Package or Travel Arrangement many months in advance, we may have to make changes to your booking both before and after your booking has been confirmed.
Changes
7.2 Most changes are minor, but from time to time we may have to make a major change to your booking.
7.3 If we make a major change to your Package or Travel Arrangement (as determined by us in our discretion), we will inform you as soon as reasonably possible if there is time before your departure or commencement of the booking, as appropriate. You will have the choice of either accepting the change of arrangements, accepting an offer of alternative of comparable standard from us if available (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value), or cancelling your Package or Travel Arrangement and receiving a full refund of all monies paid. This does not apply for minor changes. Additional provisions may apply to Packages (see clause 18).
7.4 Examples of minor changes may include, but are not limited to change of accommodation to another or higher standard or minor change to a trip itinerary. See additional provisions and examples that apply to Packages at clause 18.
Cancelation
7.5 We may in exceptional circumstances be required to change or cancel your booking, including but not limited to instances where the minimum number of travelers required for the Package to go ahead hasn’t been reached, in which case a full refund of all monies paid will be made to you. The minimum number required will be provided to you with the trip description, along with the time limit for us to tell you if the package has to be canceled. In respect of groups, we will confirm or cancel the Package within 60 days of departure.
7.6 Other than the refund discussed in the above clause, we will not be responsible for any expenses or losses that you may incur as a result of change or cancelation, including any additional Travel Arrangements that you have made via another company.
7.7 Where you have booked a Package, additional terms and conditions apply to your booking, please see clause 18.
7.8 If we agree that any refunds are due to you, then these will be made by the same method used to pay for the booking. Any payment made by credit card or debit card will be returned to that card and will not be refunded to any other card.
Unavoidable and Extraordinary Circumstances
7.9 In these Booking Conditions, Unavoidable and Extraordinary Circumstances (also known as Force Majeure) means a situation which is beyond our or the Supplier’s control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if reasonable measures had been taken. Such situations are likely to include, but are not limited to whether actual or threatened, war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, flood, epidemics and pandemics, fire, airport, port or airspace closures, restrictions or congestion, flight or entry restrictions imposed by any regulatory authority or other third party, a government authority advisory against travel to a particular destination and any other government restrictions on travel. Except where otherwise stated in these Booking Conditions, we have no liability including for compensation, costs and expenses in such situations.
7.10 We shall have no liability to you for any changes, cancelations, failure to perform, or delay in performance of, any of our obligations that are caused by Unavoidable and Extraordinary circumstances. If such an event takes place and if affects the performance of our obligations to you we will contact you as soon as reasonably possible to notify you. If you have any concerns about a booking, please contact tripssupport@theculturetrip.com or call us on +1 (678) 967-4965. We do not have any liability or obligation to you to make any refunds, pay you compensation or meet any costs or expenses you incur as a result.
8. Travel Requirements
8.1 You accept responsibility for both you and your party in respect of the following:
- Any flights and all other travel and/or transport at your own cost and risk if applicable in order for you to commence your booking (unless transport is expressly included within the Package or Travel Arrangement).
- If transport is expressly included within the Package or Travel Arrangement, we will provide the following to you in the Confirmation Invoice in the case of air travel: the name of the carrier with which we have contracted to provide the transportation, the type and size of carrier to be used, and the date, time and place of each departure; and a detailed description of any other services provided in conjunction with the transportation.
- You must ensure that you and your party have valid passports and appropriate visas. Your specific passport and visa requirements, and other immigration requirements are your responsibility. Requirements can change at any time and so we encourage you to check the current requirements with your local passport office, the relevant embassy, consulate, or other appropriate authority (including for health and vaccine requirements) in advance of departure or commencement and the relevant government’s website for the latest advice on conditions and information on specific countries.
- You will be responsible for the behavior of yourself and your party. (Please refer to clause 11).
9. Assistance in Resort
9.1 If the contract we have with you is not performed or is improperly performed as a result of failures attributable to a third party unconnected with the provision of the services, or as a result of failures due to Unavoidable and Extraordinary Circumstances and you suffer an injury or other material loss, we will offer you such prompt assistance as is reasonable in the circumstances.
10. Complaints
10.1 In the event that you experience any problems with any element of your Package or Travel Arrangement once it has commenced, you must immediately inform us and the relevant Supplier of the particular part of the Package or Travel Arrangement that you wish to complain about while still at the hotel or resort or while the Travel Agreement is taking place.
10.2 We will use reasonable efforts to resolve problems or complaints while the Package or Travel Arrangement is trip is ongoing. However if you remain dissatisfied please contact us in writing within 28 days of your return by emailing our Customer Support Centre at tripssupport@theculturetrip.com (which is the fastest way to communicate with us) or write to Customer Service Department, Culture Trip, 129 W 29th, 11th Floor New York, NY 10001.
10.3 We will require any documentation to support your complaint in order for us to investigate any problems you may have incurred.
10.4 If you fail to follow these procedures we will have been deprived of the opportunity to investigate and rectify your complaint.
10.5 You acknowledge that we are located in, and formed under the laws of, the United Kingdom. All disputes that are not resolved will be resolved exclusively by arbitration in the United Kingdom as follows: Hunt ADR Limited have been appointed to administer and manage an independent arbitration scheme, the rules of which can be provided upon request.
Should you wish to commence arbitration to resolve your dispute, Culture Trip will provide you with contact details of Hunt ADR Limited and Culture Trip’s reference number, which is required to commence arbitration, on request. The request for arbitration must be submitted within 18 months from the date of the dispute, and you will be required to provide copies of any previous correspondence that you may have had with us and any paperwork that is at all relevant e.g. receipts, invoices, etc. as part of the arbitration process.
11. Behavior
11.1 You are expected to conduct yourself in an orderly and acceptable manner and not to disrupt the enjoyment of others, and in all events in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. If in our or our Supplier’s opinion or in the opinion of any other person in authority, your behavior or that of any member of your party is causing or is likely to cause distress, danger or annoyance to any other customers or any third party, or damage to property, or to cause a delay or diversion to transportation, we reserve the right to terminate your booking immediately with no further liability to you. No refunds will be made and no expenses or costs incurred by you as a result of the termination will be made. You and/or your party may also be required to pay for loss and/or damage caused by your actions and you and each member of your party will be jointly and individually liable for any damage or losses caused. If you fail to make payment, you will be responsible for meeting any claims (including legal costs) subsequently made against us because of your actions together with all costs we incur in pursuing any claim against you.
11.2 We cannot be held responsible for the actions or behavior of other guests or individuals who have no connection with your booking arrangements or with us.
12. Flights
12.1 We do not provide any Packages or Travel Arrangements that include flights. If you require flights in order to get to the place of your booking, it is your responsibility to do so. We accept no responsibility for any flights, cancelations, or amendments whatsoever.
13. Insurance
13.1 It is a condition of travel on our Packages and Travel Arrangements that all travelers are adequately covered by travel insurance prior to departure. Insurance should cover personal accident and medical expenses, evacuation and repatriation, baggage loss, and cancelation or curtailment of your trip in addition to the clause 13.2 below.
13.2 You must purchase a specialist travel insurance policy which includes specific cover for Covid-19 related issues and incidents which may affect your Package or Travel Arrangements and, if necessary, travelling to a destination subject to an advisory against travel. It remains your responsibility to read and understand the insurance policy and ensure that it is suitable and adequate for your particular needs. Please read your policy details carefully and take them with you on your trip. If you choose to travel without adequate insurance coverage, we will not be liable for any losses suffered by you in respect of which insurance cover would otherwise have been available.
13.3 We are an appointed representative of World Nomads who are authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK. World Nomads are able to offer competitive rates of insurance, details of which can be found here. If you do not purchase insurance via World Nomads you must arrange alternative insurance of at least comparable standard (we will not check it, this is your responsibility) and you must provide details of your policy to us upon request.
14. Excursions
14.1 Excursions or other tours that you may choose to book or pay for during your Trip are not part of your Package or Travel Arrangement. For any excursion or other tour that you book, your contract will be with the operator of the excursion or tour and not with us. We are not responsible for the provision of the excursion or tour or for anything that happens during the course of its provision by the operator.
15. Changes to Booking Conditions
15.1 We may make changes to these Booking Conditions from time to time. Please check your booking confirmation email which includes a copy of the Booking Conditions that apply to your booking.
16. Other Important Information
16.1 Severability – Each of the sections and paragraphs of these Booking Conditions operates separately. If any court or relevant authority decides that any of them are unlawful or unenforceable, the remaining sections and paragraphs will remain in full force and effect.
16.2 Waiver – If you breach these Booking Conditions and we take no action, or if we delay in taking action, that does not mean that we have waived our rights and we will still be entitled to enforce our rights and remedies. If we do waive a breach by you, we will only do so in writing
16.3 Rights to your image or likeness – Culture Trip reserves the right to use passengers’ images or likenesses for promotional or marketing purposes on its website, social media channels or in other related materials.
17. Law and Jurisdiction
17.1 These Booking Terms and Conditions and any agreement to which they apply are governed in all respects by English law. We both agree that any dispute, claim or other matter which arises between us out of or in connection with your contract or booking will be dealt with exclusively by the Courts of England and Wales.
SECTION A-1: TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO PACKAGES
This section only applies to Packages. This section supplements Section A. Note that Section A-2 does not apply to Packages.
18. Package Contract
18.1 Your booking is considered a “Package” if you book a combination of at least two different types of the following individual travel services, for the purpose of the same trip or holiday:
- transport (including but not limited to flights, trains and coaches, but does not include minor transport services such as a guided tour or a transfer); or
- accommodation; or
- rental of cars, motor vehicles or motorcycles (in certain circumstances); and
- any other tourist service not intrinsically part of one of the above travel services, provided that those travel services are purchased together from a single visit to our website and selected by you before you agree to pay; or are advertised, sold or charged at an inclusive or total price; or advertised or sold under the term “package” or a similar term.
18.2 Your contract will be with us and we will accept responsibility for this booking unless we are acting as an agent for a Principal Supplier in which case Section B of these Booking Conditions will apply.
19. Transferring Your Package
19.1 If any member of your party is prevented from travelling on their Package, that person(s) may transfer their place to someone else, subject to the following conditions:
- that person is introduced by you and satisfies all the conditions applicable to the Package;
- we are notified not less than 7 days before departure;
- you pay any outstanding balance payment as well as any additional fees, charges or other costs arising from the transfer;
- the transferee agrees to these Booking Conditions, and all other requirements applicable to the Package; and
- you and the transferee remain jointly and severally liable for payment of all sums.
If you are unable to find a replacement, cancelation charges as set out will apply in accordance with clause 6.9. Otherwise, no refunds will be given for passengers not travelling or for unused services.
20. If we Change or Cancel your Package
20.1 Where you have booked a Package and we make a significant change to or cancel the Travel Arrangements which form your Package, the provisions of this clause 20 will apply.
20.2 We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances:
Surcharges
20.3 Changes in transportation costs, including the cost of fuel, dues, taxes or fees chargeable for services such as landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports and exchange rates mean that the price of your Package may change after you have booked. However, there will be no change within 20 days of your departure.
20.4 You will not be charged for any increase equivalent to 2% of the Package price, which includes insurance premiums and any amendments charges.
20.5 You will be charged for the amount over and above that stated in clause 20.4.
20.6 If this means that you have to pay an increase of more than 8% of the Package price, you will have the following options:
- Accept the changed price; or
- Purchase alternative arrangements from us, of similar standard to those originally booked if available (if there is an increase in cost from the original booking you will be liable for this cost; if there is a reduction in cost, we will refund the difference to you) or
- Accept the cancelation, in which case you will receive a refund in full of all monies you have paid to us.
Should you decide to cancel you must do so within 14 days from the date of your final invoice.
20.7 Should the price of your holiday go down due to the changes mentioned above, by more than 2% of your holiday price, then any refund due will be paid to you.
Changes and Cancelations
20.8 If we make an insignificant or minor change to your Package, we will make reasonable efforts to inform you as soon as reasonably possible if there is time before your departure, but we will have no liability to you. Examples of insignificant changes may include change of accommodation to another of the same or higher standard, or minor changes to services available at the accommodation.
20.9 Occasionally we may have to make a significant change to your confirmed Package. Examples of “significant changes” include the following, when made before departure:
- A change of accommodation area for the whole or a significant part of your time away.
- A change of accommodation to that of a lower standard or classification for the whole or a significant part of your time away.
20.10 We will not cancel your Package less than 35 days before your departure date, except for reasons of Unavoidable or Extraordinary circumstances or failure by you to pay the final balance.
20.11 If we have to make a significant change or cancel your Package, we will tell you as soon as possible and if there is time to do so before departure, we will offer you the choice of:
- (for significant changes) accepting the changed Travel Arrangements; or
- having a refund of all monies paid; or
- accepting an offer of alternative travel arrangements of comparable or higher standard if available (at no extra cost); or
- if available, accepting an offer of alternative travel arrangements of a lower standard, with a refund of the price difference between the original Travel Arrangements and the alternative travel arrangements.
20.12 You must notify us of your choice within 7 days of our offer. If we do not hear from you within 7 days, we will contact you again to request notification of your choice. If you fail to respond again we will assume that you have chosen to accept the change, alternative travel arrangements or cancelation as appropriate.
Compensation
20.13 If we cancel or make a major change we will pay as a minimum compensation as detailed below, except where the major change or cancelation arises due to Unavoidable or Extraordinary circumstances (clauses 7.8-7.10) or your failure to pay.
- Period before departure in which we notify you Amount you will receive from us (per full-fare paying adult named on the holiday booking)
- 60 days and over – zero
- Between 59 to 29 days – $15
- Between 28 to 14 days – $30
- Between 13 and 1 day notice or in resort – $45
21.1 You must inform us without undue delay of any failure to perform or improper performance of the travel services included in the Package. If any of the travel services included in your Package are not performed in accordance with the contract, or are improperly performed, by us or the Suppliers, and this has affected the enjoyment of your Package, you may be entitled to an appropriate price reduction or compensation or both. We will not be liable where any failure to perform or improper performance of the travel services is due to: you or another member of your party; or a third party unconnected with the provision of the travel services in the Package; or due to Unavoidable and Extraordinary circumstances; or an event which either ourselves or Suppliers could not reasonably have foreseen or prevented.21.2
Our liability, except in cases involving death, injury or illness, shall be limited in all events to a maximum of the cost of your Package. Our liability will also be limited in accordance with and/or in an identical manner to:
- The contractual terms of the Suppliers that provide any transportation for your travel services making up your Package. These terms are incorporated into this contract; and
- Any relevant international convention, for example the Montreal Convention in respect of travel by air, the Athens Convention in respect of travel by sea, the Berne Convention in respect of travel by rail and the Paris Convention in respect of the provision of accommodation, which limit the amount of compensation that you can claim for death, injury, delay to passengers and loss, damage and delay to luggage. We are to be regarded as having all benefit of any limitation of compensation contained in these or any conventions.
In the case loss of and/or damage to any luggage or personal possessions and money, the maximum amount we will have to pay you in respect of these claims is an amount equivalent to the excess on your insurance policy which applies to this type of loss per person in total because you are assumed to have adequate insurance in place to cover any losses of this kind.
21.3 You can ask for copies of the supplier contractual terms (where relevant), or the international conventions, from our Customer Support Centre via email at tripssupport@theculturetrip.com or call us on +1 (678) 967-4965 .
21.4 If it is impossible to ensure your return as scheduled due to Unavoidable and Extraordinary circumstances, we will bear the cost of necessary accommodation, if possible of equivalent category, for a maximum of three nights unless otherwise
required by applicable law. However, you must notify us of any special circumstances at least 48 hours before the start of your holiday, including if a traveler has reduced mobility and any person accompanying them, pregnant women and unaccompanied minors, or persons in need of specific medical assistance.
21.5 It is a condition of our acceptance of liability under this clause that you notify any claim to ourselves and our Supplier(s) strictly in accordance with the complaints procedure set out in these Booking Conditions at clause 10.
21.6 When making any payment, we are entitled to deduct any money which you have received or are entitled to receive from any relevant Suppliers for the complaint or claim in question.
21.7 Where any payment is made, the person(s) receiving it (and their parent or guardian if under 18 years) must also assign to ourselves or our insurers any rights they may have to pursue any third party and must provide ourselves and our insurers with all assistance we may reasonably require.
21.8 Please note, we cannot accept any liability for any damage, loss or expense or other sum(s) of any description: (a) which on the basis of the information given to us by you concerning your booking prior to our accepting it, we could not have foreseen you would suffer or incur if we breached our contract with you; or (b) relate to any business.
21.9 We will not accept responsibility for services or facilities which do not form part of our agreement or where they are not advertised in our website. This includes, without limitation, any excursion or activity you book while away, or any service or facility which your hotel or any other supplier agrees to provide for you.
SECTION A-2 – TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO TRAVEL ARRANGEMENT BOOKINGS
This section applies to all Travel Arrangement bookings. This section supplements Section A. Note that Section A-1 does not apply to Travel Arrangement bookings.
22. Contract
21.1 A “Travel Arrangement” is a booking that is for a single element (e.g. an experience, activity, service, or accommodation only).
22.2 We will only be responsible for the provision of any Travel Arrangement that has been arranged by us and as set out in your Confirmation Invoice. Any additional activities, services, experiences, accommodations, etc. booked directly with the Supplier or anyone other than us will be between you and the Supplier or other relevant person.
23. Pricing
23.1 Price increases may occur any time prior to departure and you will be liable to pay any such increases in full. If, before you book, we know of circumstances that may cause an increase in the price of your booking after you have paid, we will endeavor to provide details to you.
24. Our Liability to You
24.1 For Travel Arrangement bookings, where we are Principal, we will select the relevant Suppliers with reasonable care. We have no liability to you for the actual provision of the Travel Arrangement, except in cases where it is proved that we have breached our duty to use reasonable care, and as a direct result, damage to you has been caused. Therefore, providing we have selected the relevant Suppliers with reasonable care, we will have no liability to you for anything that happens on the Travel Arrangement or any acts or omissions of the Suppliers or others. We also have no liability in the following situations:
- where the Travel Arrangement cannot be provided as booked due to Unavoidable and Extraordinary circumstances;
- where you incur any loss or damage that could not have been foreseen at the time of your booking, based on the information provided by you.
- where you incur any loss or damage that relates to any business activity.
- where any loss or damage relates to any Travel Arrangement, activities or services which do not form part of our contract with you.
SECTION D – TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLICABLE WHEN WE ARE ACTING AS AGENT TO A PRINCIPAL SUPPLIER
This section only applies where you have booked Package or any single element Travel Arrangement(s) (e.g., experiences or accommodation) where we are acting as an agent (or reseller) of a third party (referred to as the “Principal Supplier”). These terms and conditions are stand alone and Section A (including A-1 and A-2) do NOT apply to these bookings. Your contract will be with the Principal Supplier who is ultimately responsible for your booking and their booking conditions will also apply.
1. Contract
1.1 If you purchase a Package or single element Travel Arrangement your contract will be with the Principal Supplier and no-one else. In such circumstances, we act solely as agent for that Principal Supplier who is ultimately responsible for your booking. The Principal Supplier’s terms and conditions will apply to your contract.
1.2 When making your booking we will arrange for you to enter into a contract with the Principal Supplier(s) (e.g., tour operator/accommodation/experience provider) named on your Confirmation Invoice(s). As the agent we accept no responsibility for the acts or omissions of the Principal Suppliers or for the Package or Travel Arrangements or services provided by them. The Principal Supplier’s terms & conditions will apply to your booking and we advise you to read these carefully as they do contain important information about your booking. Some of our Principal Supplier’s Booking Conditions can be found below:
Intrepid Travel – please refer to the Booking Conditions which can be found at
https://www.intrepidtravel.com/uk/booking-intrepid/booking-conditions
Dream Yacht Charter – please refer to the customer T&Cs which can be found at
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N5q446aufAX2K_FDjcEIgNgCGm6c8Yb2/view?usp=sharing
If you are in any doubt which Booking Conditions apply or cannot find your relevant Booking Conditions above, please ask us for copies of these and we will send them to you. In the event of any conflict between these Booking Conditions and the Principal Supplier’s separate booking terms and conditions, these Booking Conditions will prevail.
1.3 All Travel Arrangements which we provide or which are sold through us are not an offer by us to sell any Travel Arrangements, but an invitation to you to make an offer to the Principal Suppliers of the arrangements. We are free to accept that offer on behalf of those Principal Suppliers or to reject it.
1.4 By using our services and making a booking for a Package or Travel Arrangement where we act as agent, the first named person on the booking agrees on behalf of all persons detailed on the booking that he/she:
- has read these Booking Conditions and has the authority to and does agree to be bound by them;
- consents to our use of personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy and is authorized on behalf of all persons named on the booking to disclose their personal details to us, including where applicable, special categories of data (such as information on health conditions or disabilities and dietary requirements);
- is over 21 years of age and not a resident in the United Kingdom (subject to clause d.) and where placing an order for services with age restrictions declares that he/she and all members of the party are of the appropriate age to purchase those services;
- is not, and no member of the party is, a resident of Hawaii;
- accepts financial responsibility for payment of the booking on behalf of all persons detailed on the booking and is authorized to use the credit or debit card that is used to pay for the booking;
- has provided information that is true and accurate;
- will only make legitimate reservations. False and/or fraudulent reservations are strictly prohibited.
2.1 Booking
2.1 We will advise you of the Principal Supplier’s details prior to your booking.
2.2 If you have not made any bookings but have a question about a Package or Travel Arrangement then please get in touch with us at tripssupport@theculturetrip.com.
2.3 The primary contact is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the personal details and any other information supplied to us in respect of yourself and all other members of your booking party and for passing any information regarding the booking or any changes made in relation to the booking to all members of the booking party including, but not limited to, information on schedule changes or copies of booking confirmations.
2.4 It is important to check the details on the Confirmation Invoice to ensure that all elements of your booking are exactly as requested. Please check that all names, dates and timings are correct on receipt of all documents. Please ensure that the names given are the same as in the relevant passport.
2.5 Except as expressly set out in these Booking Conditions, only the necessary booking information that you provide to us will be passed on to the relevant Suppliers of your booking or other persons necessary for the provision of your booking. The information may be provided to public authorities such as customs or immigration if required by them, or as required by law. This applies to any special category (personal or otherwise sensitive) information that you give to us such as details of any disabilities, vaccinations, or dietary and religious requirements. In making this booking, you consent to this information being passed on to the relevant persons. Certain information may also be passed on to security or credit checking companies. If you are travelling outside the United States, the government authority of the country or territory to which you are traveling (such as a customs or border patrol authority) may be provided this information for the purposes of preventing and combating terrorism and other transnational serious crimes. Please click here for full details of our privacy policy.
3. Price
3.1 You will be advised of the Principal Supplier’s current price before your booking is confirmed.
3.2 All prices quoted include sales taxes. Any additional local taxes or charges which may be payable locally during your trip are not included.
3.3 We will do our best to ensure that all the information and prices that we advise you of or publish are accurate, however, occasionally changes and errors occur and we reserve the right to correct prices and other details in such circumstances. We are reliant upon the prices and information that the Principal Supplier provides us with. You must check the current price and all other details relating to the Package or Travel Arrangement that you wish to book before your booking is placed. We reserve the right, on behalf of the Principal Suppliers, to amend all advertised prices on our website or mobile platform and to correct errors in pending bookings and any obvious errors or mistakes in prices of pending bookings and confirmed bookings.
3.4 In some cases, taxes and fees including but not limited to, city taxes, resort fees, car parking and refundable deposits are charged by hotels/resorts, which can only be paid locally and not at the point of booking. We will do our best to inform you of such fees but accept no responsibility for the payment of these fees. If you are unclear as to whether city taxes and/or resort fees will be payable please ask and we will do our best to advise you.
4. Payment
4.1 The primary contact acts on behalf of all other persons on the booking and is responsible for all payments in respect of the booking.
4.2 By confirming you would like to proceed with your booking either during a call with our reservations team or by completing the check-out process and making a booking for a Package or Travel Arrangement by clicking the “PAY” button on the checkout page, you are confirming to purchase the product from the relevant Supplier. Your booking for the Package or Travel Arrangement is subject to these Booking Conditions and the relevant Principal Supplier Booking Conditions. All reservations are only confirmed when you receive the Confirmation Invoice from us. If you do not receive a Confirmation Invoice within 48 hours of placing your reservation please contact our Customer Support Centre at tripssupport@theculturetrip.com.
4.3 When you make your booking, depending on the Principal Supplier, a deposit may be payable, the amount of the deposit will be dependent on the Package or Travel Arrangement that you are booking. You will be advised of the deposit requirements during the booking process and if a deposit is to be taken, when the final balance is due as this will vary between Principal Suppliers. In the case of some Principal Suppliers the full balance will become due immediately. You will also be advised of this during the booking process.
4.4 If the deposit and/or balance is not paid in time, we reserve the right, on behalf of the relevant Principal Supplier, to cancel your booking and charge any of the Principal Supplier’s cancelation charges.
4.5 On some occasions, any payment may be non-refundable, and the booking unchangeable. You will be advised if this is the case.
4.6 Unless otherwise stated, prices include all government levies as at the date of publication but not the fees set out in clause 3.4. Dates, itineraries and prices are indicative only. Prices are valid for travel for the date ranges shown. Payments are taken in US Dollars.
4.7 We will accept payment from you in accordance with the payment methods listed on our website and/or mobile platform.
5. Special Requests/Medical Issues
5.1 If you wish to make a special request, you must do so at the time of booking. We will try to pass any reasonable requests on to the relevant Principal Supplier but we cannot guarantee that any requests will be met.
5.2 The fact that a special request has been noted on any documentation or that it has been passed on to the Principal Supplier is not confirmation that the request will be met.
5.3 If you or any member of your party has any medical issues or disability which may affect your trip, please provide us with full details before we confirm your booking so that we can try to obtain advice from the Principal Supplier as to the suitability of your chosen Package or Travel Arrangement. The Principal Supplier may require you to produce a doctor’s certificate certifying that you are fit to participate in your chosen Package or Travel Arrangement.
5.4 Acting reasonably, if the Principal Supplier is unable to properly accommodate the needs of the person(s) concerned, we will not confirm your booking on the Principal Supplier’s behalf. If you did not give us full details at the time of booking, we will inform the Principal Supplier once we are aware but if they are unable to accommodate the needs of the person(s) concerned they may cancel and impose cancelation charges.
6. If you Change or Cancel your Booking
6.1 Any cancelation or amendment request must be made to us by emailing our Customer Support Centre at tripssupport@theculturetrip.com by the primary contact on the booking. Please ensure that you have received written confirmation of any changes to your booking prior to travel. Whilst we will try to assist, most cancelations or amendments are outside of our control. We cannot guarantee that the Principal Supplier will meet such requests. The Principal Supplier will charge the cancelation or amendment charges shown in their terms and conditions (which may be as much as 100% of the cost of the Package or Travel Arrangement and will normally increase closer to the date of departure). We will notify you of the exact charges at the time of amendment or cancelation.
Please note:
Some Packages or Travel Arrangements may not be changeable after a booking has been made, for example, where discounted non-refundable accommodation, activities or flights have been booked. You will be advised of any non refundable charges prior to confirming your booking.
6.2 We recommend that in the event of any cancelation you contact your insurance company as you may be able to reclaim the loss depending on the reason for the cancelation and the policy you have taken.
Canceling and Travel Advisories and Covid 19
6.3 Where you are choosing to travel to a destination subject to a governmental agency (or agencies) advisory against non-essential travel (whether issued by a USA governmental agency or by a governmental agency in the destination (or destinations) to which you are traveling), you accept that once your booking has been confirmed, if you decide not to travel due to the advisory, you will have to pay the Principal Supplier’s standard cancelation charges– you are not entitled to cancel and receive a full refund in these circumstances, as it is assumed and you confirm that you have made your booking with full knowledge of the advisory against non-essential travel.
6.4 Where your chosen destination does not have an advisory against non-essential travel at the time of booking but an advisory subsequently is issued, you accept that you will not have the right to cancel your booking and receive a full refund. If you choose to no longer travel in these circumstances, you will have to pay the Principal Supplier’s standard cancelation charges, as you made your booking with full knowledge of the risks of travelling during the Covid-19 pandemic.
6.5 Please note that neither we nor the Principal Supplier will have any liability for any refunds, compensation, costs, expenses or other losses of any kind incurred by you (including, where applicable, the cost of medical treatment), in the following circumstances:
- If you, or anyone in your booking party, test positive for Covid-19, or are notified or otherwise become aware that you have, or suspect you may have, come into close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 (or where they otherwise suspect they may have Covid-19) and have to self-isolate for a period of time. If this happens within 14 days of your departure date, you must contact us immediately as you may no longer be able to travel. We will then contact the Principal Supplier and advise you on what their response is.
If this happens after your Package or Travel Arrangement has commenced, please notify us and/or the Principal Supplier immediately and we will liaise with the Principal Supplier in the hope they will provide you with assistance. Neither we, nor the Principal Supplier will be responsible for covering the cost of any curtailment of your Package or Travel Arrangement, missed transport arrangements, additional accommodation required, or other associated costs incurred by you. Your travel insurance may cover some of these costs for you – please check the policy wording.
- You fail any tests, checks or other measures imposed by a Supplier, airline, port or airport, border control authority or other government body or local authority or fail to submit for testing or assessment when requested to do so, and as such you are denied boarding, entry to the destination, access to the travel services or you are otherwise unable to proceed with your Travel Arrangement, or any part of it, or you are required to self-isolate within the destination. Your travel insurance may cover some of these costs for you – please check the policy wording.
6.6 It is your responsibility to ensure that you have read, understood and keep updated with any Covid 19 policy of the Principal Supplier.
7. Changes and Cancelations by the Principal Supplier
7.1 We will inform you as soon as reasonably possible if the Principal Supplier needs to make a significant change to or cancel your confirmed Package or Travel Arrangement. We will also liaise between you and the Principal Supplier in relation to any alternative travel arrangements offered by the Principal Supplier but we will have no further liability to you.
7.2 We reserve the right, on behalf of the Principal Suppliers, to make changes, cancel or substitute the Package or Travel Arrangement if the Principal Supplier needs to make any change(s), cancelations or substitutions. As we are acting as an agent on behalf of the Principal Supplier we will not be responsible for any costs associated with any changes, cancelations or substitutions made.
7.3 Where any refunds are due (i.e. you have booked a Package or Travel Arrangement that is refundable and you have requested a refund via our customer support centre), then refunds will be made by the same method used to pay for the booking. Any payment made by credit card or debit card will be returned to that card and will not be refunded to any other card.
8. Unavoidable and Extraordinary Circumstances
8.1 In these Booking Conditions, Unavoidable and Extraordinary Circumstances (also known as Force Majeure) means a situation which is beyond our or the Principal Supplier’s control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if reasonable measures had been taken. Such situations are likely to include but are not limited to, whether actual or threatened, war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, flood, epidemics and pandemics, fire, airport, port or airspace closures, restrictions or congestion, flight or entry restrictions imposed by any regulatory authority or other third party, a government authority advisory against travel to a particular destination and any other government restrictions on travel. Except where otherwise stated in these Booking Conditions, neither we nor the Principal Supplier have liability including for compensation, costs and expenses in such situations.
8.2 We shall have no liability to you for any failure to perform, or delay in performance of, any of our obligations that is caused by Unavoidable and Extraordinary circumstances. If such an event takes place and it affects the performance of our obligations to you we will contact you as soon as reasonably possible to notify you. If you have any concerns about a booking, please contact tripssupport@theculturetrip.com.
9. Travel Requirements
9.1 You accept responsibility for both you and your party in respect of the following:
- All travel and/or transport at your own cost and risk (unless transport is expressly included within the relevant Package or Travel Arrangement).
- You must ensure that you and your party have valid passports and appropriate visas. Your specific passport and visa requirements, and other immigration requirements are your responsibility. Requirements can change at any time and so we encourage you to check the current requirements with your local passport office, the relevant embassy, consulate, Principal Supplier, or other appropriate authority (including for health and vaccine requirements) in advance of departure or commencement and the relevant government’s website for the latest advice on conditions and information on specific countries.
- You must be responsible for the behavior of yourself and your party. (Please refer to clause 13).
10. Your Experience
10.1 You acknowledge that the Principal Suppliers providing your Package or Travel Arrangement will need to comply with national and/or local guidance and requirements relating to Covid-19 and have implemented certain measures as a result. This will likely include specific requirements regarding personal protective equipment, such as use of face-masks by staff (and you may be required to wear a face-mask as well), social distancing, maximum number restrictions on the use of certain facilities, designated alternative entrance and exit routes, mandatory hand sanitization, limited entertainment options and limited food/drink availability and temperature testing. We do not expect these measures to have a significant impact on your enjoyment of your Package or Travel Arrangement and all measures will be taken with the purpose of securing your safety and those around you.
11. Our Liability to You
11.1 Your rights in relation to the Package or Travel Arrangement are as set out in the relevant Principal Supplier Booking Conditions. As agent, our responsibilities are limited to making your booking in accordance with your instructions. We cannot and do not accept any liability whatsoever for any improper performance of the service supplied by the Principal Supplier including but not limited to the Package or Travel Arrangement itself, for any information concerning the Package or Travel Arrangement which we pass on to you in good faith, for the performance of your contract by the Principal Supplier or for the acts or omissions of the Principal Supplier, its employees, agents or suppliers or any other person or party in any way connected with the Package or Travel Arrangement. The Principal Supplier will be set out in our confirmation documents.
11.2 In order to try and assist you, we will act as an intermediary between you and the Principal Supplier through our customer support centre when you have any questions, changes or issues but you accept that we cannot guarantee, be responsible for or be liable for the Package or Travel Arrangement that you have booked with the Principal Supplier.
11.3 We accept no liability for:
- you and/or any member of your booking being refused entry into any country due to failure to hold the correct passport, visa or any other travel documentation that is required by any country, authority or airline;
- any articles, photos and/or videos on our website or mobile platform that relate to the Package or Travel Arrangement not meeting your expectations. The articles, photos and/or videos we make available on our website or mobile platform are intended to give a guide as to what you may expect but we must not be considered to be making any representations or warranties and cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided by us through articles, photos and/or videos on our website or mobile platform provided to us by Principal Suppliers;
- any errors, inaccuracies and/or omissions, prices or other information provided by Principal Suppliers; and
- any system (which includes our website and mobile platform) failure of any kind.
11.4 In the event that we are found liable to you on any basis whatsoever, our maximum liability to you is limited to the cost of the commission we earn on your booking of a Package or Travel Arrangement. We do not exclude or limit any liability for death or personal injury that arises as a result of our negligence or that of any of our employees whilst acting in the course of their employment, for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation and any matter in respect of which it would be unlawful for us to exclude or restrict our liability.
12. Complaints
12.1 In the unlikely event that you have any reason to complain or experience any problems, queries or concerns with any element of your Travel Arrangement whilst away, you must immediately inform the Principal Supplier whilst in resort. If you fail to follow this procedure there will be less opportunity for the Principal Supplier to investigate and rectify your complaint. The amount of compensation you may be entitled to may therefore be reduced or extinguished as a result.
12.2 If you are unable to contact the Principal Supplier then you may contact us and we will endeavor to assist you to resolve any issues but we cannot guarantee, be responsible for the actual provision of the Travel Arrangement, or the outcome of any complaint. You can contact our customer support centre about a pending booking and/or existing booking at the following email address: tripssupport@theculturetrip.com.
Important: claims/complaints about injuries or illness
12.3 In the unfortunate event that you suffer an injury or an illness while you are away, and you believe this is the fault of the Principal Supplier, it is very important that you notify the Principal Supplier whilst you are in location. Accommodation providers, in particular, will often not accept claims for illness or injury unless the issue is reported to them at the time.
12.4 Most problems or complaints can be resolved whilst you are away, however if you remain dissatisfied please contact us in writing within 28 days of your return by emailing our Customer Support Centre at tripssupport@theculturetrip.com. We will then endeavor to assist in our capacity as agent by liaising with the Principal Supplier on your behalf.
12.5 The Principal Supplier will require any documentation to support your complaint in order for them to investigate any problems you may have incurred.
12.6 If you fail to follow these procedures the Principal Supplier will argue that it has been deprived of the opportunity to investigate and rectify your complaint.
13. Behavior
13.1 You are expected to conduct yourself in an orderly and acceptable manner and not to disrupt the enjoyment of others, and in all events in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. If in the Principal Supplier’s opinion or in the opinion of any other person in authority, your behavior or that of any member of your party is causing or is likely to cause distress, danger or annoyance to any other customers or any third party, or damage to property, or to cause a delay or diversion to transportation, the Principal Supplier reserves the right to terminate your booking immediately with no further liability to you. No refunds will be made and no expenses or costs incurred by you as a result of the termination will be made. You and/or your party may also be required to pay for loss and/or damage caused by your actions and you and each member of your party will be jointly and individually liable for any damage or losses caused. Full payment for any such damage or losses must be paid directly to the Principal Supplier prior to departure or commencement. If you fail to make payment, you will be responsible for meeting any claims (including legal costs) subsequently made against us because of your actions together with all costs we incur in pursuing any claim against you.
13.2 We cannot be held responsible for the actions or behavior of other guests or individuals who have no connection with your booking arrangements or with us.
14. Flights
14.1 Occasionally flight operators change the flight times and for that reason it is important that you confirm your flight times two days prior to departure.
14.2 For inbound flights, it may be necessary to reconfirm your flight with the airline or your Principal Supplier. Please check this in the correspondence received from the airline or the Principal Supplier including all the relevant booking conditions. You should take a note of any reference number or contact name when reconfirming. If you fail to reconfirm you may be refused permission to board the aircraft and you are unlikely to receive any refund.
14.3 Neither we nor the Principal Supplier can accept responsibility in the event that you miss your flight if you do not confirm your flight times as described above.
14.4 The latest flight timings will be shown on your tickets which are normally dispatched to you approximately 7-14 days prior to travel. You must check your tickets very carefully immediately on receipt to ensure you have the correct times. It is possible that flight times may be changed even after the tickets have been dispatched.
14.5 Under EU Law, you have rights in some circumstances to refunds and/or compensation from the airline in cases of denied boarding, cancelation or delay to flights. Full details of these rights will be published at EU airports and will also be available from airlines. Reimbursement in such cases is the responsibility of the airline.
14.6 Please note that in accordance with Air Navigation Orders, in order to qualify as an infant status, a child must be 2 years and under on the day of his/her return flight.
14.7 Where you have booked a Package or Travel Arrangement that does not include flights and you have booked flights separately we accept no responsibility for any flights, cancelations, amendments whatsoever.
15. Insurance
15.1 It is a condition of travel of our Principal Suppliers’ Packages or Travel Arrangements that all travelers are adequately covered by travel insurance prior to departure. Insurance should cover personal accident and medical expenses, evacuation and repatriation, baggage loss, and cancelation or curtailment of holiday in addition to the clause 15.2 below.
15.2 You must purchase a specialist travel insurance policy which includes specific cover for Covid- 19 related issues and incidents which may affect your Package or Travel Arrangements and, if necessary, travelling to a destination subject to an advisory against travel. It remains your responsibility to read and understand the insurance policy and ensure that it is suitable and adequate for your particular needs. Please read your policy details carefully and take them with you on holiday. If you choose to travel without adequate insurance coverage, neither we nor our Principal Suppliers will be liable for any losses suffered by you in respect of which insurance cover would otherwise have been available. We are an appointed representative of World Nomads who are authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK. World Nomads are able to offer competitive rates of insurance, details of which can be found here. This policy includes cover for cancelation charges and the cost of assistance, including repatriation, in an emergency. If you do not purchase this insurance you must arrange alternative insurance of at least comparable standard (we will not check it, this is your responsibility) and you must provide details of your policy to us upon request.
16. Changes to Booking Conditions
16.1 We may make changes to these Booking Conditions from time to time. Please keep a copy of the terms that apply to your booking for your records.
17. Other Important Information
17.1 Severability – Each of the sections and paragraphs of these Booking Conditions operates separately. If any court or relevant authority decides that any of them are unlawful or unenforceable, the remaining sections and paragraphs will remain in full force and effect.
17.2 Waiver – If you breach these Booking Conditions and we take no action, or if we delay in taking action, that does not mean that we have waived our rights and we will still be entitled to enforce our rights and remedies. If we do waive a breach by you, we will only do so in writing.
18. Law and Jurisdiction
18.1 These Booking Conditions and any agreement to which they apply are governed in all respects by English law. We both agree that any dispute, claim or other matter which arises between us out of or in connection with your contract or booking will be dealt with exclusively by the Courts of England and Wales only. Please note that this may be different in any of our Principal Supplier’s Booking Conditions and you should check their Booking Conditions where you have any dispute against a Principal Supplier.
Section C – CERTAIN STATE SPECIFIC TERMS:
NEW YORK
The following terms apply to residents of New York only:
YOU MAY CANCEL THIS TRANSACTION, WITHOUT ANY PENALTY OR OBLIGATION, WITHIN THREE BUSINESS DAYS FROM THE RECEIPT OF THE CONFIRMATION INVOICE.
We request that notice of the cancelation be given by email, to tripssupport@theculturetrip.com
However, we advise you of the following:
TO CANCEL THIS TRANSACTION, MAIL OR DELIVER A SIGNED AND DATED COPY OF THIS CANCELATION NOTICE OR ANY OTHER WRITTEN NOTICE OR SEND A TELEGRAM TO
The Culture Trip UK Limited AT 129 W 29th, 11th Floor New York, NY 10001, for the attention of The Customer Services Team
_________________________ _________________________
NOT LATER THAN MIDNIGHT OF THE THIRD DAY
AFTER RECEIPT OF THE CONFIRMATION NOTICE
(Place of Business)
(Date)
I HEREBY CANCEL THIS TRANSACTION
(Date)
_________________________
(Purchaser’s Signature)
Until the Confirmation Invoice has been received, you may cancel the booking agreement by notifying us in any manner and by any means of your intention to cancel.
Within ten days after notice of cancelation is given, we will refund to you any payments made by you; such refund may be made by reaccrediting your charge account if a credit card was used to make a payment and we will inform you in writing that the charge account has been reaccredited.
Your rights, and our obligations, are subject to 2014 New York Laws GBS – General Business – Article 10-A – (155 – 159-A) TRUTH IN TRAVEL ACT – 157-A – Travel agreements.