Speak to an Expert
(732) 266-0224    |    hpatil@xplorearth.us

BOOKING AND TRAVEL POLICY - TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. Delay, Cancellation or Change of Itinerary by xplor.earth:

We reserve the right to cancel any trip prior to departure (including, but not limited to, by reason of too few people booking a tour) in which case participants will be given a refund in full. xplor.earth reserves the right to cancel, delay, or reschedule any tour prior to departure, and, so long as this is not due to any of the aforesaid causes beyond our control, the passenger shall be entitled to a full refund of all monies paid up to that point if he/she so desires, less any non-refundable deposits or uncollectible expenses incurred.

However, you will not be entitled to make any further claim for any injury, loss, expenses or damage (either direct or consequential) or for any loss of time or inconvenience which may result from such cancellation (including but not limited to visa, passport and vaccination charges, gear purchases, flight costs including airport and airline taxes). 

2. Cancellation by Participant:
Every circumstance will be taken into account individually, and all attempts will be made in earnest to recoup fees/charges to the extent possible. If feasible, xplor.earth will also strive to postpone the trip to a later convenient date in order to avoid any losses.

If it becomes necessary to cancel your trip, you must notify xplor.earth immediately in writing. Upon receipt of your notice, our cancellation policy will take effect. Clients are subject to cancellation fees assessed by contracted service providers. Please note that the following charges will apply on cancellation.

• if cancellation takes place more than 90 days prior to departure, your deposit will be returned less an administration charge of US $750 and any service provider assessed fees and charges.
• if cancellation takes place between 60 and 45 days prior to departure, 50% of the trip price will be forfeit, in addition to any provider assessed fees and charges
• if cancellation takes place less than 30 days prior to departure, 100% of the trip price will be forfeited.

Some trips may attract a minimum processing charge – please check on specifics with our travel advisor.

3. Postponement by Participant:
If client chooses to postpone their trip, then they will receive a credit of the funds that can be recouped from service providers. The credits can be applied to future travel dates. These would include accommodation, on ground logistics, flights, rentals, guides, excursion costs etc. If any portion of trip expenses cannot be applied to future dates (based on service provider’s policies), that portion will be forfeited.

As much as feasible, we will try to recoup all costs for accommodation, travel, logistics etc. All recovered funds will be credited towards future travel dates, subject to service provider policies.

The trip price is quoted as a comprehensive package. No partial refunds or credit will be given for unused accommodation, services, activities, and meals once travel has already commenced. In the instance where travel has not yet commenced, refunds or credit will be applied only to the extent that they can be recouped from the service providers. We highly recommend that travelers obtain travel and comprehensive medical insurance upon booking.

4. Insurance:
Personal travel insurance is not included in the tour price. We strongly recommend that you buy travel insurance including cancellation and/or medical related evacuation insurance upon booking.

5. Limits on Responsibility:
xplor.earth, its employees, officers, directors, successors, agents and assigns, does not own or operate any entity which provides goods or services for your trip. It purchases transportation (by aircraft, coach, train, vessel or otherwise), hotel and other lodging accommodations, restaurant, ground handling and other services from various trusted but independent suppliers. All such persons and entities are independent contractors – xplor.earth’s role is to insure they are scrutinized and vetted for their reliability, operational safety and quality of service. xplor.earth, however, is not liable for any negligent or willful act or default of any such person or entity or of any third-party service provider.

xplor.earth, acts solely as agents for the client with respect to all transportation, hotel and other tour arrangements. In that capacity, xplor.earth exercises all reasonable care possible to ensure the traveler’s safety and satisfaction. It does not assume nor bear any responsibility or liability for any injury, death, damage, loss, theft, accident, delay, or irregularity arising in connection with the services of any airplane, train, ship, automobile, motor coach, carriage, or other conveyance, or the actions of any third-party involved in carrying the traveler or in delivering these services. xplor.earth is not liable for damages, additional expenses, or any other losses due to cancellation, delay or other changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, civil disturbances, acts or threats of terrorism, travel warnings or bans, termination or suspension of war risks or other insurance, quarantine, acts of God or other causes beyond its control. All such losses are the responsibility of the traveler. Trip prices are applicable only for the duration stated at the time of confirmation of the trip. xplor.earth is not liable for delays, changes or cancellation costs due to incorrect, incomplete or expired travel documents. In the event of cancellation, delay or rescheduling mandated by any of the aforesaid causes beyond xplor.earth’s control, the traveler shall have the option of accepting in lieu of the original tour such rescheduled tour or other substituted tour(s) as may be feasible, or else, receiving a refund of as much of such tour expenditures as xplor.earth can recover on the traveler’s behalf from carriers and third-party service providers. xplor.earth reserves the right to make alterations to the trip itinerary and to substitute hotels, vehicles, ships, or activities if required.

All attempts will be made in earnest to recoup fees/charges to the extent possible. If feasible, xplor.earth will also strive to postpone the trip to a later convenient date in order to avoid any losses. Travelers are highly encouraged to purchase appropriate travel insurance.

In addition and without limitation, xplor.earth is not responsible for any injury, loss, death, inconvenience, delay or damage to personal property in connection with the provision of any goods or services whether resulting from but not limited to acts of God or force majeure, illness, injury, disease, acts of war, civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, animals, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, overbooking or downgrading of services, food poisoning, mechanical or other failure of aircraft or other means of transportation or for failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart on time.

6. Risks:
There are certain inherent risks in adventure travel especially overseas. These include, but are not limited to, hiking, walking safaris, climbing injuries and altitude sickness, and inherent dangers of wildlife, animals and inaccessibility to medical attention and difficulty in evacuation from remote locations in the case of a medical emergency. Passenger assumes all such risks with regard to these possibilities. Travelers are highly encouraged to buy appropriate medical and evacuation insurance.

Travel Advisories/Warnings: It is the responsibility of the traveler to stay informed about the current travel advisories and warnings by referring to the U. S. State Department’s travel website at www.travel.state.gov/

In the event of an active high-level State Department Travel Warning against travel to the specific destination of the trip, should the traveler still choose to travel, notwithstanding any travel advisory or warning, the traveler assumes all risk of personal injury, death or property damage that may arise out of the events like those advised or warned against. In the event that client chooses to postpone or cancel their trip, the above policies on postponement and cancellation will apply.

7. Health and Fitness Requirements:
Participants must be in good health and reasonable physical condition. It is vital that participants with medical conditions, including but not limited to allergies/diet restrictions specifically inform us prior to departure. In case you suffer from severe muscular, chest, heart or bronchial disorders, or if you are a severe asthmatic, or have high blood pressure, you are strongly advised against participating in physical adventure activities. Expeditions generally take place in remote areas where there is little to no access to normal medical services or hospital facilities for medical emergencies. Where necessary, evacuation can be prolonged, difficult and expensive. Medical and evacuation expenses will be the responsibility of the participant.
8. Route Changes/Postponement or Delay:
xplor.earth may for any reason change the date of departure or conclusion of the tour, or it is possible that a route change, postponement or delay (either in relation to departure or to the duration of the expedition) may become necessary due to inclement weather, snow and ice conditions, government restrictions and political upheaval or any other natural causes. In the event of a change, postponement or delay, participants do not have recourse to a refund of the trip price (in whole or in part) or other compensation for any injury, loss or damage.

All attempts will be made in earnest to recoup fees/charges to the extent possible. If feasible, xplor.earth will also strive to postpone the trip to a later convenient date in order to avoid any losses. Travelers are highly encouraged to buy appropriate travel insurance.

9. Trip Prices:
Tour prices are based on ground service costs, airfares and currency exchange rates. xplor.earth will always attempt to refrain from increasing tour prices (in full or part). However, sometimes increases are beyond its control. We reserve the right to amend tour prices (or any part) without notice at any time before and including the departure date. Amendments may be necessitated for many reasons including, but not limited to, exchange rate fluctuations, increased fuel costs, airfares, airport charges etc. Any increase in tour prices must be paid prior to the departure date. Xplor.earth will always attempt to notify travelers of such prices increases as early as possible.

10. Exclusions from Trip Price, Unless Specified:
The following items are usually excluded from the trip price:
• Visa, passport and vaccination charges:
• Departure, airport and airline taxes…
• Meals & beverages not specifically included in the itinerary
• Laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses, personal travel insurance
• Emergency evacuation insurance and
• Tips and excess baggage charges.

11. Responsibility/Liability:
(IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ CAREFULLY)

I acknowledge and confirm the following:

I waive any and all claims I may now and in the future have against, and release from all liability and agree not to legally pursue xplor.earth and its officers, employees, guides, agents or representatives or the licensor for any personal injury, death, property damage, or loss sustained by me as a result of my participation in an adventure trip with xplor.earth, due to any cause whatsoever, including without any limitation, negligence on the part of xplor.earth, it’s staff and its service providers. I am aware that your adventure trip, in addition to the usual dangers and risks inherent, has certain additional dangers and risks, some of which may include physical exertion for which I may not be prepared, sudden and unexpected change in weather, remoteness from normal medical services and evacuation difficulties if I am disabled.

I accept all the inherent risks of the proposed adventure trip and the possibility of personal injury, death or property damage or loss resulting therefrom. I acknowledge that the enjoyment and excitement of adventure travel is derived in part from the inherent risks involved in such travel and the activity beyond the normal accepted safety of life at home or work, and that these inherent risks contribute to such enjoyment and excitement, being a reason for my participation.

I agree that if I suffer injury or illness then xplor.earth, can, at my cost, arrange medical treatment and emergency evacuation service, as they deem essential for my safety. In entering into this Agreement, I am relying on oral, written nor visual representations or statements by xplor.earth or its staff and acknowledge that I am aware of and willing to undertake, of my own free will, such risks without any inducement or coercion. I confirm that I have read and understood the terms and conditions of contract and this Agreement prior to signing it and agree that this Agreement will be binding upon my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators and successors.