Insight Vacations TOCs
Terms and Conditions Below are Accurate as of 5/28/2020
YOUR GUIDED VACATION BOOKING
Your agreement is with Insight and a contract is formed when you make a reservation with us that we accept. Enrolment in and payment for a guided vacation shall constitute acceptance by the guest of the terms and conditions in this document. These cannot be varied except in writing by an officer of the Company. All contracts with Insight are made subject to the terms of these booking conditions.
The invalidity of any provisions herein shall not affect the validity of any other provisions. The agreement shall be construed as though the invalid provision was not contained herein and was replaced with an enforceable provision as similar as possible to the original provision. Should any conflict arise between these booking conditions and those contained within our brochures, these booking conditions shall prevail.
DISCLAIMER: Travel is personal and each individual’s goals and experiences may differ. Insight will not be bound by, or liable for, any description, photograph, representation or warranty made by or provided by any independent third party sales representative, Travel Adivisor, or other person or entity relating to any vacation offered by Insight.
DEPARTURE DATE: The departure date is the date indicated on the booking confirmation.
SECURITY: Security is a major concern to all of us and the situation globally is constantly changing. Events around the world, coupled with the “Travel Advisories” put out by various governments, may at times necessitate changes to the accommodations and itinerary or even trip Cancelation. You must accept these risks involved in travel to any country that may experience security difficulties and accept responsibility for your own travel decisions. You are urged to consult with government sources, including the United States Department of State, news sources as well as your Travel Adivisor prior to making your travel plans.
COVID-19
An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), senior citizens and guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. We ask that you please take personal responsibility for your wellbeing. This begins with packing any personal protective equipment and sanitisers you require. Please adopt physical distancing and hygiene practises throughout your pre-trip travel arrangements and follow all health instruction whether physical signage, or requests from our professional staff, once you are holidaying with us. When travelling with Insight Vacations, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19. Full details of hygiene protocols can be found at HERE
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE GUIDED VACATION PRICE
AIR TRANSPORTATION: Not included unless otherwise outlined in each itinerary page Trip Planner. Please be advized that due to the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Secure Flight rules, airlines must collect required information from guests. For more information regarding TSA’s Secure Flight rules, please visit www.tsa.gov.
GUIDED VACATION: By private motorcoach, trains, cruises, intra-trip flights and ferries (see itineraries). Rail travel is standard class unless otherwise stated. Insight’s motorcoaches feature air conditioning, reclining seats, on board washroom and are configured with between 40 and 45 seats for just 40 guests. However, the following exceptions apply:
Due to regulations on Driver’s hours, replacement motorcoaches are required once per week on certain itineraries and these replacement motorcoaches may have in excess of 40 seats.
Transfer motorcoaches, sightseeing motorcoaches or, in the event of a mechanical breakdown, relief motorcoaches, may feature up to 53 seats without a washroom. In the Eastern Mediterranean, Morocco, Iceland and Malta smaller motorcoaches may be used.
If due to circumstances beyond our control motorcoaches are used otherwise than as advertized, a refund of $10 per person will be made.
Toilets may be affected by higher altitude or extreme weather conditions such as freezing temperatures and for the comfort of those on board the motorcoach the toilets may have to be closed. In these circumstances, additional rest breaks will be incorporated into the itinerary.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS: Prices are per person, based on two persons sharing a room with private bath or shower. Triple rooms may be available on selected vacations in limited numbers. Triple rooms may utilise rollaway beds and three adults may find this small. This can be confirmed with your local sales agent or contact centre agent. Every effort has been made to reserve two-bed rooms; however, on some occasions, rooms with one double bed may be the only option available. These rooms will be allocated to single Travelers and couples first; other rooms may feature a single bed and rollaway bed, murphy bed or sleeper sofa. Special room requests (adjacent, connecting or lower-floor rooms, as examples) must be made at time of booking. Special room requests are not guaranteed and are based on availability at time of check-in. Many hotels, lodges and luxury tented camps are 100% smoke-free, including all guest rooms, restaurants, lounges, meeting rooms and public spaces. Smoking in a non-smoking room will result in a fine.
Substitute Accomodations may be used sometimes. We try to use those of similar standard. Hotel Frequent Traveler program points are not earned with hotels on Insight trips.
Please note that hotel room sizes, standards, facilities and services provided may vary from country to country and region to region and are often local in style and may not have air conditions. Accommodations outside of the USA may not be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and may not have wheelchair accessibility.
CRUISE ACCOMMODATIONS: Per person prices are based on two persons sharing a cabin with two berths, private shower and toilet. A limited number of single cabins or triple cabins may be available at an extra cost. Availability can be confirmed with your local sales agent or contact centre agent.
FREE WI-FI INTERNET SERVICE: Complimentary WiFi service is available in many Insight hotel guestrooms and/or the public areas of most hotels. In most countries complimentary WiFi is also provided on-board the motorcoaches except in remote locations. The WiFi on the motorcoaches uses the cellular phone network and as a result the connection will be slower than standard broadband and at times may not be available. Audio and Video streaming is not available using motorcoach WiFi. Please note that it may not be available on train trips, cruises, safari lodges, tented camps or when the main Insight motorcoach is not being used, such as on transfer motorcoaches and other local services. For further information on which countries WiFi is offered in as well as daily data allowances please refer to the Insight website https://www.insightvacations.com/wifi
Traveling DIRECTOR: Guided vacations are conducted in English by a professional Travel Director or Driver Guide. Mini-stays, Explorers or itinerary extensions are normally not accompanied by a Travel Director and are operated on a locally hosted basis using English-speaking Local Host services unless otherwise described.
In the unlikely event that there are fifteen guests or less Traveling on a departure, Insight reserves the right to operate this departure on an individual basis with private transfers and individual arrangements. Please refer to the individual guided vacation itinerary.
MEALS: Meals are included as detailed on itineraries.
SIGHTSEEING: Experiences, entrance fees and English-speaking Local Experts (when required) are included as detailed in the itinerary pages. Included activities marked with a hexagon () in the day-by-day itinerary descriptions require a signed liability waiver; participation in those included activities is at your own risk.
TRANSFERS: Between airports, hotels, railway stations and piers are only included as indicated on each guided vacation itinerary. There will be no refund for missed or unused transfers. If you did not purchase your flights from Insight, you will need to provide your arrival and departure flight information to Insight no less than 21 days before flight departure. It is your responsibility to update Insight with any changes to your flight schedule to ensure that you receive your transfers. Failure to do so may result in missing these services and no refund shall be due for missed arrival transfers resulting from missing or outdated flight information.
LONDON AND EUROPE AIRPORT TRANSFER: Guests arriving or departing outside the scheduled transfer times, as specified on each itinerary, including guests who have purchased pre or post trip accommodations through Insight for the night of arrival and the night prior to departure, may purchase transfers. Flight details must be provided to Insight no less than 21 days prior to departure.
LUGGAGE ALLOWANCES: Due to limited motorcoach capacity, a single bag is allowed with dimensions not exceeding 30”x18”x10” (76x46x25cm) and weight not exceeding 50 lbs./23kg. Carry-on/hand luggage is restricted to one piece per person, not exceeding 12”x11”x6” (30x28x14cm) to fit under your coach seat or in the small overhead compartment. Carry-ons with telescopic handles and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartments or under seats and therefore, cannot be accepted as carry-on luggage. Carry-on/hand luggage handling is the responsibility of each guest and must be taken on and off the coach by you each day of the guided vacation.
Travel Protection Plan premiums are non-refundable.
A charge of US$6 or local currency equivalent per Traveling day will be collected by the Travel Director if a second piece of luggage is permitted to be carried, or if suitcase exceeds weight or size limits. This is not assurance that luggage in excess of limits on size, weight and number of pieces will be permitted on the coach.
Please be advized that stricter luggage allowances may be in place for other methods of transportation such as safari vehicles, flights and cruises. Please confirm with your local sales agent or contact centre agent.
Insight and Insight’s affiliated entities shall not be liable for loss or damage to luggage or any guest’s belongings. Guests should immediately report lost items to the Travel Director who will assist in completing a lost property form that can be used for an insurance claim. Insight cannot assist in locating lost items after the guest disembarks or completes the Insight holiday.
TIPS/GRATUITIES:Tips/gratuities are included for services on guided vacation, except to your Motorcoach Driver and Travel Director (and outside of the Americas to your Local Host and Local Experts) whose tips/gratuities should be extended on a voluntary, individual basis at the end of your vacation. Included tips/gratuities cover all services provided by dining-room waiters, housekeeping staff and porters at hotels, airports and docks.
Tips/Gratuities for cruises and train journeys are subject to other arrangements which may be confirmed with your local sales agent or contact centre agent.
OPTIONAL PREPAID GRATUITIES: If you have opted to prepay your gratuities to your Travel Director and Motorcoach Driver, this will be detailed within your vacation documentation. We offer this option on the majority of our vacation itineraries. Please check the vacation Trip Planner for the applicable holidays where this option is available.
NOT INCLUDED IN GUIDED VACATION PRICE
Any items and matters not referred to above, including, airfares to and from your destination, air-related taxes and fees (except where specified); additional fees charged by airlines such as checked and/or excess baggage, seat selections and any other services; passport and visa fees; insurances of all kinds; tips/gratuities to Travel Directors, (for trips to the Americas only Local Host, Local Experts) and Motorcoach Drivers; laundry; phone calls; minibar; beverages and meals not detailed in the itinerary; Optional Experiences; and all items of a personal nature. Additional taxes and surcharges may be collected by foreign governmental and non-governmental entities. The price does not cover costs and expenses, including your return home, if you leave the guided vacation whether of your own volition, our decision based on Behavior that disrupts the trip, due to illness, action by any government or other reason. This list is illustrative and not a complete list of every item not included.
RESERVATIONS & PAYMENTS
- Your guided vacation will be confirmed after receipt of a deposit as detailed in the Summary Booking and Cancelation Terms table. We reserve the right to refuse a booking without giving any reason and shall in that event return any deposit received. If not received within 3 days of booking, the reservation will automatically be canceled. On certain departures, deposits may be required at time of booking to hold seats.
- Air-inclusive bookings may require an additional non-refundable deposit or payment in full at the time of booking, see Air Arrangements section below.
- Final payment for your land reservation will be due prior to departure no later than as detailed in the Summary Booking and Cancelation Terms table. Payment in full will be required at time of booking for reservations made later than the final payment due date (see Summary Booking and Cancelation table) prior to the trip departure date.
- Luxury Gold reserves the right to cancel the reservation and impose cancelation charges if any payment is not received as detailed within the Summary Booking and Cancelation table. Luxury Gold will not be responsible for lost land and/or air reservations.
- Credit Card Bookings: Luxury Gold should be advized of your credit card number when making your reservation directly with us. For security purposes, we are required to collect the guest’s credit card billing address, card expiration date and the customer verification code every time a payment is applied. We do not charge credit card fees.
- Any special meal requirements, including allergies, must be provided at time of booking and are received on a REQUEST basis only. Luxury Gold cannot assure that special meal requests will be fulfilled and does not assume responsibility or liability if requests are not fulfilled.
- Your Travel Adivisor shall hold all monies for each and every person named in the booking until the booking is confirmed at which time your Travel Adivisor shall provide those monies promptly to us. You consent to us depositing monies received by us as required by law. We will be entitled to keep interest earned on monies. You consent that all monies paid to us whether through your Travel Adivisor, by deposit or otherwise, may be disbursed by us as and when we see fit.
EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNTS: Savings are applied at the time of booking, apply to the LAND-only portion of vacations featuring the “Early Payment Discount” in the Trip Planner panel, and require full payment by the applicable discount deadline dates (see “Great Savings & Discounts” section). If full payment is not received by the correct date – as stated on the invoice – the discount will be removed and the booking will be re-priced. These discounts are not valid on all itineraries or departure dates and do not apply to optional extensions, airfares, government taxes and fees, air flight supplements, extra nights’ accommodations, transfers or any cruise portion of a vacation. Normal Cancelation penalties apply. This offer is subject to availability, applies to new bookings only and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. See the dates and prices section of the itinerary online at insightvacations.com for current availability.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Provided full payment has been received on time and registration completed, travel documents will be sent in electronic format no later than 21 days prior to departure. You may opt to receive hard copy documents in which case these will be sent to you approximately 21 days prior to the departure date. A document shipment fee of $10 per address will be charged for each additional delivery address. If final payment is not received when due, costs to courier documents will be your or your Travel Adivisor’s responsibility. If you are leaving home earlier, please request your travel documents well in advance. If travel documents are required the next day or earlier than 21 days prior to departure date a fee of $35 per mailing address will apply. Any documents delivered outside your geographic region will incur a minimum fee of US$50 or local currency equivalent. Actual cost will be advized at time of booking.
PASSPORTS, VISAS AND OTHER ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: All guests including children must be in possession of a machine-readable passport valid for 6 months after their trip return date along with applicable visas. Due to government imposed security/ immigration measures, passport and emergency contact information is required for all guests prior to the release of travel documents.
It is the guest’s sole responsibility to secure and/or pay for any and all visas, affidavits, Electronic Travel Authorizations, immunizations, etc. that are required in order to be permitted entry into each destination. In some countries you may be subject to entry (reciprocity) fees and/or departure taxes/ exit fees which will be collected at the airports upon entry/departure by local government authorities.
You should check with your Travel Adivisor or Consular Service for information regarding necessary visa and travel documentation. Where possible we strongly recommend obtaining any required visa or documentation prior to departure. Obtaining documentation while Traveling can be a time consuming process and some countries will not issue documentation at the border. For some countries an invitation letter is required from the Ground Handler to send along with the visa application. Please note that entry to any country may be refused even if the required information and travel documents are complete. Insight will require full passport information (full name, date of birth, passport number, nationality, issue and expiry dates) prior to final payment.
For up-to-date detailed information on travel documents and visas, entry/exit taxes and further information on entry and exit requirements please check with your Travel Adivisor or local consular services. Obtaining and carrying these documents is your sole responsibility. Insight bears no responsibility for such information and will not be responsible for advising and/or obtaining required travel documentation for any guest, or for any delays, damages, and/or losses including missed portions of your vacation related to improper documentation or government decisions about entry.
BOOKING CHANGES, Cancelation AND REFUNDS
NAMES CHANGES:An administration fee of $75 per person will be charged for name changes or name corrections together with any costs incurred, including airline charges and fees.
OTHER BOOKING CHANGES: A fee of $35 per person, per change plus any costs incurred, including airline charges and fees, will be charged for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking is confirmed. Costs and charges may increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made. We will try to make your requested change but it may on occasion not be possible.
A change of guided vacation date or itinerary after final payment is due (see Summary Booking and Cancelation Terms table) of departure date will be treated as a Cancelation. Cancelation fees will apply except when the change is to an earlier departure date and the guided vacation price is equivalent or greater, in which case a $35 per person amendment fee will be charged, together with any costs incurred including airline charges and fees.
CANCELATIONS AND CANCELEATION FEES
Travel arrangements for any member of the party may be canceled at any time by written notice by the person who made the booking. Please note the following:
- If notice of Cancelation is received by Insight before final payment is due (see Summary Booking and Cancelation table), deposit will be retained along with the Travel Protection payment.
- If full payment is not received by the due date (see Summary Booking and Cancelation table), Insight has the right to cancel your reservation and your deposit will be forfeited. Insight will not be responsible for lost reservations.
- Notice of Cancelation must be made in writing directly to Insight or through your Travel Adivisor. Please also refer to Insight Travel Protection.
- If a person in a party cancels and there is a room change caused by this Cancelation (such as a Twin/Double to Single, or Triple to Twin/Double), charges for the new room type will be the responsibility of the remaining party.
- The charges detailed in the Summary Booking and Cancelation table will apply when notice of Cancelation is given after the booking is confirmed.
- If a guest fails to join the guided vacation on the day of departure, Cancelation fees will be 100% (unless the guest notifies us of the delay and joins the guided vacation later at their own expense).
- Cancelation fees as per the Summary Booking and Cancelation table apply to additional accommodations and/or chargeable transfers prior to and after the guided vacation, itinerary extensions or cruise reserved through Insight.
- All Cancelations fees as per the Summary Booking and Cancelation table are additional to any Cancelation fees or other charges that may be levied by your Travel Adivisor.
- Please also refer to Air Cancelation Section below where applicable.
Insight is not responsible for other travel arrangements that you or your party have made outside Insight and which are affected by Cancelations.
If the reason for your Cancelation is covered under your insurance, you may be able to reclaim these charges from your insurer. You or your Travel Adivisor are responsible to make the claim to your insurer.
ILLNESS OR ABSENCE: Early return expenses are the guest’s responsibility. There is no refund for absence or early departure from a guided vacation, including but not limited to missed hotels, transfers, meals or sightseeing cruises or optional extensions. Insight urges you to purchase travel insurance to cover such circumstances. Please also refer to Insight’s Gold Seal Additional Protection if applicable. Insight makes no representation or guarantees concerning reimbursement, scope of coverage, or other aspects of any travel insurance policy or claim.
AIR ARRANGEMENTS
RESERVATIONS/TICKETING: Air-inclusive bookings require an additional non-refundable deposit at time of booking. Upon receipt of air deposit, your airfare, taxes and surcharges are final. This will be regardless of future price fluctuations up or down. When booking a guided vacation including flights, you will be required at the time of booking to provide us the full name as detailed on the passport, gender, date of birth, passport number, date and place of issue and expiration date for each guest. For published airfare bookings, a $75 per person processing fee will be charged.
Some intra-trip flights may require a deposit or full payment which may be up to 100% and non-refundable
Changes to flight itineraries and name changes and/or corrections may either not be allowed or may result in penalties charged by the airline. These are the guest’s responsibility along with the fees charged as described above.
Airlines (and other travel providers including Insight) change prices and routes from time to time. All air routings are in the sole control of the airline and are subject to change at any time.
AIR CHANGES AND CANCELATION: After deposit has been received changes or Cancelations incur a service fee of $75 per person, reduced to $35 if air ticket has not been issued prior to Cancelation, plus any airline penalties. Airline imposed penalties may be up to 100% of the air ticket price. Published Fares, Price Match Fares, Promo Fares and some other airfares booked are non-refundable.
Not showing up for your outbound flight as booked and ticketed will be considered a no-show, and all the connecting flights associated with this one, even a return flight will be canceled and no refund will apply.
AIRLINE SEATING: Seats are limited in our contracted class of service and may not be available on every flight. Insight does not hold block space on any airline and does not assure seat availability for every single guided vacation departure date. Not all airlines offer pre-assigned seats. Some may charge for pre-assigned seats. Seat assignments are not guaranteed and are subject to change without notice due to a schedule change, equipment change or other unforeseen circumstances. Seating is solely under the airline’s control. Any additional charge imposed by airlines will be at guests’ expense. Where pre-assigned seats are not offered or different seats are desired, guests must contact the airline(s) directly to arrange seating assignments as well as special meal requests. Insight does not assure that these requests will be granted.
AIRLINE SCHEDULE CHANGES: Itinerary changes due to flight delays and schedule changes is solely under the airline’s control. Insight reserves the right to offer alternative schedules for itineraries affected by airline schedule changes and equipment. Flight delays, flight Cancelations and schedule changes are the responsibility of the airline. Insight will not be responsible or liable for such delays or rescheduling and extra charges.
AIRLINE FREQUENT FLYERS: Frequent Flyer miles may be accrued on most air carriers. Upgrades using mileage are not permitted. Many airlines do not automatically add frequent flyer numbers to records for flights booked and ticketed by Insight. It is the guest’s responsibility to request frequent flyer credit from the airline. Insight shall not be responsible for matters concerning frequent flyer miles.
AIRLINE FUEL SURCHARGES & AIR RELATED TAXES, FEES & RESTRICTIONS: Airfares will be provided at time of booking, will be based on roundtrip purchase, and will include air-related taxes, fees and fuel surcharges imposed by the airlines. Any additional fees charged by the airlines such as baggage handling (visit www.insightvacations.com/baggage), seat selections and/or any other services are the sole responsibility of the guest(s).
CRUISE ARRANGEMENTS
CRUISE FEES & TAXES: Your ’double room’ Guided Vacation & Cruise price normally includes an amount covering Cruise Fees & Taxes, and all gratuities to on board cruise personnel. This can be confirmed with your Travel Adivisor or Contact Centre Agent. Cruise Fees, or “Non-Discountable Amount” as referred to by the cruise line, is a mandatory fee charged by the cruise line. That portion of the price is not subject to reduction in a discount promotion, nor commissionable to Travel Advisors. Cruise Taxes, as used by the cruise line, refers to certain taxes, fees and charges imposed by governments or quasi-government authorities, relating to any aspect of your cruise, for example, customs fees, head taxes, inspection fees, immigration and naturalization fees, harbour maintenance fees and taxes. Government fees and taxes are subject to change without notice and will apply regardless of your booking’s payment status. The cruise line reserves the right to impose or pass through fuel surcharges, security surcharges or other incidental surcharges. No right of Cancelation exists in these circumstances.
These additional Cruise Fees, Taxes and gratuities are listed in the date and Trip Planner of each Land Guided Vacation & Cruise program in our brochures.
CRUISE LINE IMMIGRATION QUESTIONNAIRE: Some cruise lines require guests to complete mandatory forms 30 days prior to the cruise departure. These are available online from the cruise company.
SHORE EXCURSIONS: To make your vacation even more memorable, cruise lines offer an extensive program of optional shore excursions. Some cruise lines may allow you to book these excursions online direct with the cruise operator in advance of sailing.
CABIN ASSIGNMENTS: Cabin assignment is strictly controlled by the cruise lines. Please confirm the available options with your Travel Adivisor.
GENERAL INFORMATION & CONDITIONS
GUIDED VACATION PRICES: Are based on costs, charges, tariffs, rates, prices, taxes, levies, exchange rates and other considerations. All are subject to change. Preview pricing is not protected should amendments be made to the booking. For up-to-date pricing contact your Travel Adivisor or visit insightvacations.com. No surcharges regarding cost or currency fluctuations will be made to the LAND only price once the deposit is received. No refund will be made on account of reduction of any of the above. If the total guided vacation price increases by more than 10%, guests will have the option to cancel the guided vacation within 7 days of notification of the surcharge without penalty. All prices are in US Dollars unless specified.
OTHER FEES AND TAXES: Taxes and fees are subject to change without notice and will be confirmed at time of booking. Any additional fees charged by the airlines/ cruise lines such as baggage handling, seat selections, and/or any other services are the sole responsibility of the guest(s). Additional air-related restrictions apply. Any additional government taxes and fees charged by the cruise lines are the sole responsibility of the guest.
MINORS: Young travelers under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult, who will be responsible for their welfare and supervision. Alcoholic beverages will not be served to guests under the legal age for alcohol consumption in the country being visited. Minors under age 18 traveling to certain foreign countries must be accompanied by both parents or have a notarized letter of consent signed by the parent(s) not traveling. Luxury Gold is not responsible for any losses if you fail to have appropriate documentation. If the other parent is deceased or the child has only one legal parent, a notarized statement must be obtained as proof. Luxury Gold seeks to provide a safe, enjoyable and memorable travel experience for all guests.
Special requests, health, reduced mobility medical conditions/disabilities and assistance when traveling.
If you suffer from reduced mobility or have any other disability or medical condition which may affect your vacation arrangements, you must provide us with full details before booking so that we can advise you if we can accommodate your request and provide you with precise information as to the suitability of the vacation taking into account your needs. Reduced mobility of course means different things to different individuals as we fully appreciate that individual capabilities, restrictions and requirements are likely to vary considerably. When we refer to reduced mobility, this means any material reduction in mobility whether this is permanent or temporary and whether caused by age or by physical or mental disability or impairment or other cause of disability. We rely on your assessment of your own ability to participate in a trip. Please also promptly inform us in writing in the event that any material change in your mobility, any other disability or medical condition occurs after your booking has been confirmed.
If you have any dietary requests, allergies or any other special request, please advise us at the time of booking. Although we will endeavour to pass any reasonable requests on to the relevant supplier, this is not confirmation that the request will be met. All requests are subject to availability. It is also your responsibility to double check and reconfirm any requirements with all vacation suppliers.
Luxury Gold does not provide personal devices (such as wheelchairs, hearing aids or prescription eye glasses) or services of a personal nature (such as eating, toileting or dressing). A traveler who requires services of a personal nature (eating, toileting, help standing, climbing stairs or being pushed in a wheelchair, as examples) must bring a companion to provide such assistance and must understand that other travelers, Travel Concierge and Luxury Gold Staff will not be available for such purposes. Luxury Gold cannot guarantee that all cites will have disability access nor can we guarantee accessible accommodations for guests traveling on guided vacation. Our coaches are not accessible and we cannot guarantee space will be available for personal devices (such as luggage with medical supplies, walkers, wheelchairs). You must advise us before booking if you plan to bring a device of such nature.
Luxury Gold does not employ medical personnel. Any necessary medical attention must be sought at a local facility, if available, at the guest’s expense. Luxury Gold is not responsible or liable for losses or costs incurred due to unavailability of medical services, or medical services obtained while on vacation, or for the quality of the care or services received. Medical care in other countries is not always comparable to care that you may receive in your local area. You are encouraged to purchase medical insurance that will cover you while on vacation. Your regular health insurance benefits may not apply abroad.
You agree to accept the authority and decisions of our employees, Travel Directors and agents whilst on trip with us. If in the opinion of any such person(s) or any other person in a position of authority (such as, for example, a local supplier or hotel manager), your health, level of fitness or conduct at any time before or during a trip is endangering or appears likely to endanger your health or wellbeing or any third party (including any of our other guests) or the safe, comfortable or happy progress of the trip, you may be excluded from all or part of the trip without refund or recompense. Where you are excluded, we will have no further responsibility towards you (including any return travel arrangements) and we will not meet any expenses or costs incurred as a result of the exclusion. In the case of ill health, we may make such arrangements we see fit and recover the costs thereof from you.
GUIDED VACATION PARTICIPATION: Many locally available experiences are operated by independent third party suppliers, not Luxury Gold. These are not part of the vacation package provided by us. Your contract will be with the operator of the experience. We are not responsible for providing of the experience, or anything that happens during the experience. Some experiences involve outdoor activities and/or can be physically demanding. You must make your own decisions about experiences and participate only in activities that suit your physical ability: we suggest that you speak with your medical provider if you have questions about your abilities. We recommend you check whether any insurance you have also includes your participation in adventure activities you may undertake.
Luxury Gold may, in its sole discretion, decline booking any guest or remove any guest who cannot comply or refuses to comply with Luxury Gold’s terms and conditions. If this occurs, you are responsible for the cost of travel back to your hometown and Luxury Gold shall not be liable for your losses and no refund shall be provided.
BEHAVIOR: Insight are here to provide the best services possible but in doing so we will not tolerate abusive or aggressive Behavior from our guests. We will refuse to deal with and may terminate the vacation of guests who assault our Insight staff, suppliers or fellow guests or who are abusive or aggressive to them and are generally affecting the enjoyment of others with their behavior.
When you make a booking, you accept responsibility for the proper conduct of all members of your party during your travels with Insight. We reserve the right at any time to terminate the travel arrangements and/or cease to deal with any party member(s) whose Behavior, in the reasonable opinion of us or our suppliers, may cause danger, upset, disruption or distress to anyone else or damage to property. Full Cancelation charges will apply and no refund will be made. We shall have no obligation to pay compensation or meet any costs or expenses (including but not limited to alternative accommodations and return transportation arrangements) guest may incur as a result of the travel arrangements being terminated.
If you damage the accommodations in which you are staying or any property, you must reimburse the accommodations provider or property owner concerned for the cost of the damage before the end of your stay if the cost has been established by then or as soon as it has been established if later. You must indemnify us for the full amount of any claim (also including legal costs) made against us. Criminal proceedings may be instigated. Insight is not responsible for any costs incurred concerning a guest removed from a guided vacation or aircraft, ship or train. Guests agree not to hold Insight or any of its related entities liable for any actions taken under these terms and conditions.
YOUNG TRAVELER DISCOUNT: Young Traveler discounts may be available to Travelers, where accompanied by an adult and sharing a double or triple room where available. This is dependent upon destination and age on day of departure. Please confirm availability with your local Travel Adivisor.
Usually, only one Young Traveler discount is available per room. The Young Traveler discount may not be applicable on certain itineraries or regions and applies to the land only portion of a trip. Some discounts cannot be combined and should be confirmed with your local Travel Adivisor or Contact Centre agent.
ITINERARY VARIATIONS: Insight strives to improve guided holiday itineraries, services and features. If improvements can be made, or if circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary, we reserve the right to vary itineraries and to substitute hotels. At certain peak periods multiple departures may operate, sometimes in reverse order; hotels may vary from those stated on the itinerary pages. On guided holidays which include cruises, the ship may be changed for operational reasons. Departures in early and late season are potentially operated in cool weather conditions. As a result, itinerary variations may occur. Certain activities may not be precisely as described or may not be available due to seasonality or weather conditions or other circumstances beyond our control. We will try to notify you or your Travel Adivisor of changes. If your enjoyment may be diminished by such limitations, please check with us or your Travel Adivisor before making a reservation.
HOLIDAYS & CRUISE CHANGES: During local or national holidays, certain facilities such as museums, sightseeing trips and shopping may be limited or unavailable. In such instances itinerary changes are made by Insight seeking to reduce inconvenience to guests. Such changes are deemed not to be a major change to the itinerary, and no compensation will be payable to guests. Holidays, closing days and other circumstances may necessitate a change of the day of the week for scheduled regional meals, sightseeing or other activities. If you feel your enjoyment might be diminished by any of these circumstances please check with the respective national tourist office before selecting a specific departure date.
EXTENDED HOTEL STAYS: If you arranged with us to remain at a destination before or after your guided holiday, your stay will be at your sole expense as is the transfer to either the hotel or airport. Breakfast and luggage handling is not included unless otherwise stated. However, inexpensive airport transfers can often be purchased from Insight. If your extra night accommodation is not the hotel where your guided holiday begins or ends, you will be responsible for your transfer arrangements at your own expense.
FOR YOUR COMFORT: Insight operates a daily seat rotation system and enforces a strict no smoking (including e-cigarettes) and no alcohol policy on board motorcoaches. Regular comfort stops are made on traveling days. Many hotels, restaurants, trains, cruises and other venues are 100% smoke free.
GUIDED VACATION CANCELATION: Insight Vacations reserves the right to cancel, re-schedule or make other adjustments to any guided vacation departure in any circumstances, including in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control. If cancelation is made by Insight Vacations any time prior to the departure date of the guided vacation except when you failed to pay the final balance on time, Insight Vacations will offer a comparable vacation if available or a future travel credit. Insight Vacations will refund any difference in price if the alternative is of a lower price however, the guest will be responsible for additional costs if the alternative is priced higher. Insight Vacations will not be liable for cancelation, delay, rescheduling or other adjustment or impact to a departure or itinerary or other aspect(s) of the vacation brought about due to force majeure or other circumstance beyond its control that prevents or interferes with any aspect of the tour, also including governmental and administrative actions. Insight Vacations is not responsible for other travel arrangements affected due to our cancelations or changes and is not liable for any cancelation or change costs or penalties incurred on other travel arrangements, including air tickets.
The cruise operator has reserved the right to cancel any departure due to insufficient reservations up to eight weeks before the date of departure. Passengers may be offered alternative cruise dates. The cruise operator also reserves the right to cancel any departure up until the date of that departure due to force majeure or other circumstances beyond the control of the operator that prevents the operation of the tour including governmental and administrative decisions. Neither the cruise operator nor its agents are responsible for any costs or penalties relating to air transport or other services that are cancelled. The cruise operator is not liable for failure to provide the services or accommodations offered to the extent that such services of accommodations cannot be provided due to force majeure or other circumstanced beyond its control.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insight recommends that all guests purchase comprehensive Travel Insurance. Certain countries have a requirement for foreign visitors to have valid medical insurance on entry. Insight cannot be held responsible for denied entry if a guest is unable to provide details to authorities of insurance or denial of entry for any reason.
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES: The Operator warrants only that the services shall be generally, though in view of the vagaries of travel, not necessarily precisely, as described, and subject to changes and the other terms and conditions herein. All other warranties, express and implied, including warranties of fitness for a specific purpose and merchantability are expressly excluded. There is no warranty that extends beyond the description of the face hereof.
RESPONSIBILITY
COMPLETE AGREEMENT: These booking conditions, together with the other terms incorporated into this contract referred to below, represent the entire agreement between the parties.
CHANGES: The Operator shall be responsible to the guest for supplying the services and accommodations described in the itinerary, except where they cannot be supplied or the itinerary is changed due to delays or other causes of whatever kind or nature beyond the Operator’s control. In such circumstances, the Operator will seek to supply comparable services, accommodations and itineraries and there shall be no refund in these circumstances.
DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY: Neither Insight nor the Operator nor its agents or affiliated entities (“released parties”) shall be responsible or liable for Cancelations, acts of other service providers, diversions or substitution of equipment or any act, variation, postponement, omission or default by air carriers, land carriers, hoteliers or hotels, transportation companies, or any other persons providing services or accommodations to guests including any results thereof, such as changes in services, accommodations or facilities. Nor shall they be liable for loss or damage to baggage or property, or for injury, illness or death, or for any damages or claims whatsoever arising from loss, negligence or delay from the act, error, omission default or negligence of any person not its direct employee or under its exclusive control, including any act, error, omission, default, or negligence of any country, government or governmental authority, officer or employee. The released parties shall not be liable for indirect, special or consequential damages. All baggage and personal effects are at all times and in all circumstances at the risk of the guided vacation participant. Insight recommends that each guest obtains baggage insurance. After return at the end of the guided vacation, if lost articles are found and returned to the owner, a service fee will be charged. The Travel Directors, carriers, hotels and other suppliers who provide services on guided vacations are independent contractors; they are not agents, employees or servants of the Operator or its associated companies. All certificates and other travel documents for services issued by the Operator are subject to the terms and conditions specified by the carriers and suppliers and to the laws of the countries in which the services are supplied. Carriage by sea is subject to the Carrier’s Conditions of Carriage which are expressly incorporated into this contract, copies of which are available upon request. The released parties are not responsible for any criminal or other conduct by third parties, whether criminal, intentional, grossly negligent, negligent or otherwise.
ADDITIONAL RISKS: Additional risks and dangers may arise including, but not limited to, hazards of traveling in undeveloped areas, hazards of travel by boat, train, automobile, aircraft and other means of conveyance, animal interactions, forces of nature, political unrest, other unrest, hazardous local customs and practices, differing levels of sanitation, differing standards of safety, risks associated with water, food, plants, insects and differing animal regulation, accident or illness in areas lacking means of rapid evacuation or medical facilities, and acts of national and local governments and unrest and acts of others against governments. These risks are not an exhaustive list but are examples of many kinds of risks. You are voluntarily participating in these activities with the knowledge that there are significant dangers involved, and you hereby agree to accept any and all risks. As lawful consideration for the agreement with Insight to participate in such trips and activities you agree you will not make a claim against Insight, its related companies or its personnel or sue for bodily injury, emotional trauma, death, property loss or damage or other loss, cost or expense, however caused, as a result of or related to your contracting for, traveling to or from, or in any and every other way participating in the trip. You release Insight, its related companies and its personnel from any and all claims, known or unknown, arising from contracting for, traveling to or from, and in any and every way participating in a trip. This release of liability and assumption of risk agreement is entered into on behalf of you and all members of your family and party, also including minors accompanying you. This agreement also binds your heirs, legal representatives and assigns.
SAFETY: Where the guest occupies a motorcoach seat fitted with a safety belt, neither Insight nor the Operator nor its agents or co-operating organizations or service providers will be liable for any injury, illness or death or for any loss or damages or claims whatsoever arising from any accident or incident, if the safety belt is not being worn at the time of such an accident or incident. This exclusion and limitation of liability shall not be used to imply that the Operator or its agents or affiliated entities are liable in other circumstances.
INTERNATIONAL TREATIES: Transportation companies, airlines etc. are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time guests are not on board planes, transportation or conveyances. We rely on international convention which may apply to the services provided by us, our suppliers or agents with respect to any claim of any nature brought by you against us as a result of the provision of those services. International conventions which apply may include: Warsaw Convention 1929, (as amended by Hague Protocol and Montreal Protocol) in relation to air travel, or Montreal Convention; the Berne Convention for rail travel; Athens Convention 1974 for carriage by sea; the Geneva Convention for carriage by road and the Paris Convention 1962 for Hotels. We are to be regarded as having all the benefits of these conventions on limiting our liability in relation to any claim for death, injury, loss, damage and delay to guests and luggage.
INSIGHT VACATIONS INC’S LIMITED ROLE: Insight Vacations, Inc., a California corporation, serves only as sales representative, and is not responsible for any activity beyond its limited role in arranging reservations and ticketing. Insight Vacations, Inc. shall not be responsible or liable for any act, omission or default, whether negligent or otherwise, of any other entity whether or not affiliated with the Operator.
CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE SELECTION: This Agreement is deemed to be entered into in Orange County, California. The exclusive venue for any action concerning the interpretation, enforcement, or breach of any term, obligation, or duty as contained or related to these Booking Conditions or any grievance relating to the trip shall be solely in the Superior Court of California in or for Orange County or the United States District Court for the Central District of California. This Agreement shall be construed according to the internal laws of California without regard to conflicts of law principles. All guest claims must be submitted in writing and received by Insight no later than 60 days after completion of the Insight vacation. Guest claims not submitted and received within this time shall be deemed to be waived and barred. In any legal action, arbitration, or other proceeding to enforce, interpret or construe the terms of this Agreement, or concerning any grievance relating to the trip, the prevailing party shall be entitiled to recover actual reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses.
ERRORS AND OMISSIONS: In the case of computer or human billing errors, we reserve the right to re-invoice guests and their Travel Advisors with correct billing.
Every effort is made to ensure accuracy of our brochure and website; however, Insight cannot be held responsible for printing or typographical errors, or errors arising from unforeseen circumstances. Moreover, photographs and descriptions of locations or attractions are merely representative of conditions that existed at time of brochure printing and conditions may not be the same at the time of your journey.
The airline(s) featured or nominated in our brochures or website do not by virtue of their endorsement commit or represent themselves either as contracting with any purchaser of a vacation from Insight or as having any other legal relationship with them.
All bookings made with any provider of any transport, facilities, meals, other goods or of any services are subject to terms and conditions and exclusions and/or limitations of liability imposed by them in relation to matters not covered particularly and expressly by your agreement with Insight.
If you decide that you do not want to visit a country or part of a country you intended to visit because of any law, condition or requirement of any government or governmental authority, official, servant or agent, you are responsible for any costs, expenses, charges, fees, losses or damage incurred as a consequence and any Cancelation or amendment fees. None of the companies in the Insight group of companies, or any of their staff or agents, accept any responsibility or liability for your acts, omissions, defaults, conduct, state of health, condition or circumstances.
COMPLIANT PROCEDURES & CONSUMER PROTECTION
COMPLAINT PROCEDURE: If you have a problem during your vacation please inform Insight’s Travel Director/Local Representative immediately, who will try to make things right. Such assistance may include providing information on health services, local authorities and consular assistance as well as arranging communication and/or making alternative travel arrangements. We may charge a fee for these services where you have caused the problem intentionally or by your own negligence. If the matter was not resolved locally, please write to Insight’s Guest Relations Department at the address below within sixty (60) days of the end of your Insight vacation, as it is important that you provide us the information quickly. Please quote your booking reference number and all relevant information. Failure to follow this procedure may delay or deny us the opportunity to investigate and rectify the problem, which may affect the way your complaint is dealt with and your rights under this contract. Accordingly, any claim not received in writing within this time is waived and barred.
GUESTS WHO PURCHASE FROM WITHIN CALIFORNIA: Transactions entered into with Insight are covered by the California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund (TCRF) if the guest is located in California at the time of payment. Eligible guests may file a claim with TCRF if the guest is owed a refund of more than $50 for transportation or travel services which the seller of travel failed to forward to a proper provider or such money was not refunded when required. The maximum amount which may be paid by the TCRF to any one guest is the total amount paid on behalf of the guest to the seller of travel, not to exceed $15,000. A claim must be submitted to the TCRF within 12 months after the scheduled completion date of the travel. A claim must include sufficient documentation to prove your claim and a $35 processing fee. Claimants must agree to waive their right to other civil remedies against a registered participating seller of travel for matters arising out of a sale for which you file a TCRF claim. You may request a claim form by writing to: Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation, P.O. Box 6001, Larkspur, CA 94977-6001; or by faxing a request to: (213) 897-8846
GUESTS WHO PURCHASE FROM OUTSIDE OF CALIFORNIA: Transactions entered into with Insight are not covered by the California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund.
DATA PROTECTION: To process your guided vacation booking, Insight will need to use personal information for you and guests in your booking. Personal information may include each guest’s name, address, phone number, email address, passport number, and sensitive information such as health, medical, dietary, mobility, religious or other special requirements. This personal information may be passed on to other suppliers of your travel arrangements in addition to public authorities (such as customs and immigration), security and credit checking organisations, and otherwise as required by law. We may need to provide personal information to contractors who provide services to or for us (e.g. sending mail, providing marketing assistance, etc). This may involve sending personal information (including sensitive information) to other countries that may not afford the same level of protection of personal information. In making your booking, you consent to your personal data being passed to relevant third parties as set out above.
We may also use personal information you provide us to review and improve the guided vacations and services we offer, and to contact you (by post, email, telephone or other means) about other guided vacations and services offered by Insight that may interest you. If you don’t want to receive this information, or if you want a copy of the personal information we hold about you, write to us at INSIGHT VACATIONS INC., 5551 Katella Avenue, Cypress, California 90630. Insight may charge a fee for supplying you this information as permitted by law.
OTHER CONDITIONS:
Each guest is required to comply with the terms, conditions, requirements, laws, rules and/or regulations of any service provider, or any country or governmental authority, and shall be liable for any such non-compliance.
BOOKING ARRANGEMENT: Your booking arrangements can be made through your Travel Adivisor or with Insight directly. When you make a booking, you must be at least 18 years of age at the time of booking. You are guaranteeing that you understand and have the authority to accept and do accept on behalf of yourself and all members of your party the terms of these booking conditions. We will deal only with the lead booking name in all subsequent correspondence and dealings. You are responsible for making all payments due, ensuring the accuracy of all personal details and other information supplied in respect of yourself and your party, notifying us of any changes or Cancelations and for receiving correspondence and keeping your party informed.
ADDITIONAL OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES: With Insight, you will enjoy many famous highlights as included features on your guided holiday, at no extra cost. An exciting array of additional optional experiences and activities may be made available to further enhance your experience. These experiences and activities are optional, and are offered at special preferential prices. They can be booked only after you start your guided holiday, as many of them are carefully programmed to coincide with highlights available at the time of your visit. A detailed list and cost of these will be included in your travel documentation as well as available on the Insight website once they have been confirmed for your itinerary. You can book and pay for them through your Travel Director, by cash or credit card. Optional experiences and activities may vary due to seasonal conditions and often require minimum guest participation. Prices are subject to change without notice. Please also see the relevant section of “Guided Holiday Participation” regarding limitation (exclusion) of our liability for optional experiences and activities operated by independent third party suppliers.
UNITED STATES TOUR OPERATOR ASSOCIATION:
$1 Million Travelers Assistance Program
Insight Vacations Ltd shares the coverage available under the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program with affiliates of The Travel Corporation who, as an Active Member of the USTOA is required to post $1 Million with USTOA to be used to reimburse, according to the terms and conditions of the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program, the advance payments of Insight Vacations Ltd customers in the unlikely event of The Travel Corporation bankruptcy, insolvency or cessation of business. Further, you should understand that the $1 Million posted by The Travel Corporation may be sufficient to provide only a partial recovery of the advance payments received by Insight Vacations Limited. Complete details of the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program and a list of affiliates may be obtained by writing to USTOA at 275 Madison Avenue, Suite 2014, New York, New York 10016, or by email to information@ustoa.com or by visiting their website at www.ustoa.com