Booking Terms and Conditions
Thank you for booking and traveling on an experience with Sophisticated Sojourner. These Terms and Conditions (the “Terms”) apply to any travel products and/or services you have booked with or purchased from Sophisticated Sojourner (hereinafter, “S.S”) and govern the contractual relationship between you and S.S. with respect to any such travel products and/or services (hereinafter, the “Products”). Please read these Terms carefully as by booking any Product with S.S. you acknowledge that you: i) have read and understand these Terms, and ii) indicate your express acceptance of and agree to be bound by these Terms. If you have confirmed a booking on any Products with more than one client named and booked on such booking, you shall be deemed to have accepted these Terms on behalf of all clients named in the booking (including minors and those under a disability) and traveling on or otherwise participating in any Products (hereinafter “you”, the “Client(s)”), and by such travel or participation all passengers indicate their assent to these Terms. The client who confirmed the booking is deemed to be the designated contact person for all other clients named in such booking. These Terms constitute the entire agreement between the Client and S.S. with respect to the subject matter thereof and supersedes all prior agreements, representations and understandings of the parties, written or oral.
1.THE BOOKING CONTRACT
A booking is confirmed and these Terms shall apply when S.S., or an authorized agent acting on S.S.’ behalf, have received the applicable deposit from the Client and the Client has received written confirmation from S.S. of such booking. The Client confirming the booking must be no less than 21 years of age and agrees to provide full, complete and accurate information as requested by S.S. to confirm such booking. Any Client confirming a booking on any Products with more than one Client named and booked on such booking represents and warrants to S.S. that: i) they have all requisite consents and authority to make such booking on behalf of all other Clients named on the booking, and have communicated all necessary information to the other Clients in order for them to give free and fully informed authorization to do so; ii) the information that they are providing regarding all clients is complete and accurate, and they have obtained all necessary consents and permissions to share such information with S.S. for the purposes of completing the booking; and iii) they will inform all other named Clients on the relevant booking of the applicability of these Terms to the booking and the Clients’ relationship with S.S..
At any time before a booking is confirmed, S.S. reserves the right to increase or decrease brochure prices of any Products. S.S. reserves the right to decline any booking, in their sole discretion.
2. MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
All Clients should consult their physician regarding their fitness for travel. S.S. encourages all Clients to seek their physician’s advice regarding necessary or advisable vaccinations, medical precautions, or other medical concerns regarding the entirety of the Client’s travel with S.S.. S.S. does not provide medical advice. Clients must notify S.S. in writing prior to the due date of their final payment for their booking of any medical conditions, pregnancy, disability or any other mental and or physical condition which may impact the Client’s fitness to travel, and/or any continuing medical condition. Full disclosure of such information is a condition of traveling on any Product or in any capacity with S.S.. Certain Products may not be suitable for all people due to restrictions posed by limitations in mobility, physical or cognitive disability, pregnancy or various other physical or mental conditions. It is the Client’s responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each Product in light of such Client’s limitations, physical and mental fitness and condition, and any medical requirements or issues of such Client. S.S. may refuse to carry pregnant women over 24 weeks or Clients with certain conditions, if suitable accommodation or alternate Products or services cannot be arranged. Travel, as offered by S.S., by its nature may involve visiting remote or less developed regions, where medical facilities may not meet the standards of those found in a Client’s home country. The condition of medical facilities in the countries in which S.S. operates varies and S.S. makes no representations and gives no warranties in relation to the standard of such facilities or medical treatment in those regions. S.S. will endeavor to accommodate the special requests of Clients, such as dietary and accommodation requests, but such requests do not form part of these Terms or the contract between Client and S.S. and S.S. is not liable for any failure to accommodate or fulfill such requests.
Traveling with Minors: This is an adult only experience. Travel with minors (under age 21) is prohibited. Clients aged 21 at date of first travel are deemed to be adults.
3. FINAL PAYMENT SCHEDULE/LATE PAYMENT/ACCEPTANCE OF BOOKING/CLIENT DETAILS
(a) Final Payment: Clients should refer to the confirmation email sent by S.S. and/or their applicable confirmation email for details regarding final payment for any Products booked. Payment of the balance of the price for any Product is due no less than 30 days before the departure date of the first Product to depart (of the Products included in such booking). If full payment is not received by such due date, S.S. may change the rate payable for the Product, or may treat the booking of such Product as cancelled and shall retain the amount paid on booking as a cancellation fee, at S.S.’s sole discretion. If a Product is booked less than 30 days before the departure date of the first Product to depart (of the Products included in such booking) then the full amount is payable at the time of booking in order for the booking to be confirmed. If, for any Product, payment terms differ from those outlined in this section, the applicable terms will be communicated to the Client prior to booking and shall also be detailed on the applicable invoice.
(b) Late Payment: Failure to make a payment on time on the agreed upon date is a breach of contract and will result in the cancellation of your experience. S.S. maintains the right to assign your spot to the next eligible client on the waitlist. All late invoices incur a $50 late fee within 48 hours of deadline and 10 days past the deadline will result in spot cancellation with no refunds.
(c) Client Details: As a condition to valid confirmation of any booking with S.S. (including all Products) the Client must provide all necessary information as requested by S.S. along with their final payment. If the Client fails to provide such information prior to 30 days before the departure of the purchased Product, an Administrative Fee will be charged to the Client, and S.S. reserves the right to treat such booking as cancelled and levy any cancellation fees deemed reasonable by S.S., in its sole discretion. The information required from each Client will vary by Product purchased, and the requirements will be communicated to the Clients during the booking process.
(d) Credit Card Charges: S.S. is not responsible for any charges levied or charged by third parties and/or financial institutions and payable by the Client as a result of credit card or other payment transactions in connection with the purchase of Products and will not refund or return any fees charged by such third parties in connection with payments made by Clients to S.S..
(e) Automatic payment: Clients can signup for automatic payments by saving their card to file after manually paying their first invoice. By saving the card to file, a client is giving S.S. permission to automatically charge their card on/after the due date of remaining invoices.
4. CANCELLATION BY THE CLIENT
Any cancellation of a booking and/or a Product by a Client must be delivered to S.S. in writing and be acknowledged by S.S. in writing. Products are NON-REFUNDABLE. It is required that all S.S. clients PURCHASE separate trip cancellation coverage. Trip cancellation insurance is the only means of receiving reimbursement for flights and other non-refundable expenses should you cancel your S.S. trip for any reason, whether voluntarily or as a result of S.S.' actions.
S.S. is not responsible for any incidental expenses or consequential losses that the Client may have incurred as a result of the cancelled booking such as visas, vaccinations, non-refundable flights or rail, non-refundable car parking or other fees, loss of earnings, or loss of enjoyment, etc.
Clients purchasing Products are highly recommended to purchase comprehensive cancel for any reason insurance, to the extent such insurance is available under the laws governing each client's country of origin. COMPREHENSIVE CANCEL FOR ANY REASON INSURANCE MAY ONLY BE AVAILABLE TO CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND CANADA.
To cancel services booked through third party vendors, please contact the applicable vendor.
5. CANCELLATION OF A TOUR BY S.S.
S.S. will not cancel a booking on any tour Product once confirmed, in accordance with these Terms, except for reasons of ‘Force Majeure’, which shall be defined as unusual or unforeseen circumstances outside of the reasonable control of S.S.
In this Clause, "Event of Force Majeure" means an event beyond the reasonable control of S.S, which prevents a party from complying with any of its obligations under this Contract, including but not limited to:
5.1.1 act of God (such as, but not limited to, fires, explosions, earthquakes, drought, tidal waves and floods);
5.1.2 war, hostilities (whether war be declared or not), invasion, act of foreign enemies, mobilization, requisition, or embargo;
5.1.3 rebellion, revolution, insurrection, or military or usurped power, or civil war;
5.1.4 contamination by radio-activity from any nuclear fuel, or from any nuclear waste from the combustion of nuclear fuel, radio-active toxic explosive, or other hazardous properties of any explosive nuclear assembly or nuclear component of such assembly;
5.1.5 riot, commotion, strikes, go slows, lock outs or disorder, unless solely restricted to employees of the Supplier or of his Subcontractors; or
5.1.6 acts or threats of terrorism.
S.S. shall not be liable in any way to the Client for death, bodily injury, illness, damage, delay or other loss or detriment to person or property, or financial costs both direct and indirect incurred, or for S.S.'s failure to commence, perform and/or complete any duty owed to the Client if such death, delay, bodily injury (including emotional distress or injury), illness, damage or other loss or detriment to person or property is caused by an Act of God, war or war like operations, mechanical breakdowns, terrorist activities or threat thereof, civil commotions, labor difficulties, interference by authorities, political disturbance, howsoever and wheresoever any of the same may arise or be caused, riot, insurrection and government restraint, fire, extreme weather or any other cause whatsoever beyond the reasonable control of S.S., in the event of S.S.’s bankruptcy, insolvency, or cessation of business; or an event which S.S. or the supplier of services, even with all due care, could not foresee.
When a tour is cancelled by S.S. before the agreed date of departure for reasons not arising from the fault or negligence of or within the reasonable control of the Client, the Client shall have the choice of:
(i) accepting from S.S. a substitute tour Product of equivalent or superior value, where such substitute is reasonably available;
(ii) accepting from S.S. a substitute tour of lower value if no tour of equivalent or superior value is reasonably available, and to recover from S.S. the difference in price between the price of the tour originally purchased and that of the substitute tour; or
(iii) accept from S.S. a full refund of all monies paid for the cancelled tour Product(s).
S.S. is not responsible for any incidental expenses or consequential losses that the Client may have incurred as a result of the cancelled booking such as visas, vaccinations, non-refundable flights or rail, non-refundable car parking or other fees, loss of earnings, or loss of enjoyment, etc. S.S. reserves the right to issue a full refund in lieu of the choices above, in its sole discretion. Where, after departure, a significant element of the Product(s) as described cannot be provided, S.S. will make suitable alternative arrangements for the continuation of the trip Product(s). If it is not possible to provide a suitable alternative or the Client reasonably rejects any suitable alternatives, S.S. will provide the Client a refund of unused Products or Product portions.
6. UNUSED SERVICES
S.S. shall not offer or pay any discounts or refunds for missed or unused services which were missed or unused by the Client due to no fault of S.S. or its Organizers, which shall include any termination of the Client’s participation in the tour Product due to the Client’s own fault, negligence or breach of these Terms.
7. PRICES, SURCHARGES AND TAXES
Due to the nature of travel and the prices of the resources on which it depends, the published price of any Product is subject to change at any time, before or after booking confirmation, up to 30 days before the departure of such Product. After a Confirmation Invoice has been issued by S.S. to the Client, S.S. reserves the right to impose surcharges on any Product(s), but only for reasons arising from increases in transportation costs, fuel costs, dues, taxes or fees chargeable for services such as landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airport charges, local operator costs, currency and exchange fluctuations, increases in taxes, or government action which impacts the price of the applicable Product(s), but only where the increase in question is greater than 2% of the original price paid for the Product (excluding add-ons, insurance, and taxes). S.S. shall provide notice to the affected Client as soon as reasonably possible upon learning of the necessity to impose a surcharge in accordance with this section.
Where the increase in price is greater than 7% of the price of the applicable Product, upon receiving notification from S.S. the affected Client(s) may elect to either:
(i) cancel the applicable Product booking without incurring any penalty; or
(ii) accept the change of price.
The Client must notify S.S. of their election within 14 days of receipt of notice of the increase, or they shall have been deemed to have accepted the price change and have accepted liability for payment of the increase.
Tours are priced and advertised exclusive of applicable sales taxes and such taxes will be advised to Client at the time of booking and itemized on subsequent invoicing.
8. VALIDITY
The prices of Products advertised on the S.S. website are based on costs in effect at the time of posting to the website. S.S. reserves the right to alter prices of any Product at any time prior to receipt of payment in full for such Product. All dates, itineraries and prices are indicative only and the price quoted at the time of Booking shall be the applicable price, subject to the surcharges that may be levied in accordance with Section 7, above. Changes, revisions, or other amendments may be made to the particulars contained on the S.S. website before a contract is concluded, and such changes, revisions or amendments shall be incorporated herein as of the date of such amendment.
9. FLEXIBILITY
The Client acknowledges by booking a Product and/or agreeing to travel with S.S. that the nature of this type of travel requires considerable flexibility and acknowledges that they will permit reasonable alterations to the Product and/or itinerary by S.S.. The Client acknowledges their understanding that the route, schedules, itineraries, amenities and mode of transport may be subject to change without prior notice due to circumstances or events, which may include sickness or mechanical breakdown, incidents in the location where the Product will be operated, flight cancellations, strikes, events emanating from political disputes, entry or border difficulties, extreme weather and other unpredictable or unforeseeable circumstances which are beyond the reasonable control of S.S..
10. CHANGES
(a) Trip details: The itinerary is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations is not a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered, nor does it form part of the contract between the client and S.S.. Although the itinerary has been curated with care and details are provided in good faith, S.S. may make improvements that stem from weather changes, local factors, past travelers’ comments, and research, to name a few examples. As a client, you also expressly acknowledge and assume responsibility for inherent risks associated with physical activities you participate in.
(b) Changes made by S.S.: While S.S. will endeavor to operate all Products as advertised, reasonable changes in the itinerary of any Product may be made where deemed necessary or advisable for operational reasons by S.S., in its sole discretion. If S.S. makes a Material Change (defined as a change affecting at least one in three full tour days of the itinerary, or which materially affects the character of the Product in its entirety) to any Product, S.S. will inform the Client(s) booked on such Product of any Material Change as soon as reasonably possible, provided that there is sufficient time before departure to properly notify all affected Clients. If a Material Change is made more than 14 days prior to departure, the affected Client may elect to:
(i) accept the Material Change and proceed with the amended Product;
(ii) book another Product of equivalent or greater value, if available (Client shall be responsible for paying any difference in price between the amended Product and the Product booked in its place);
(iii) book another Product of a lower value, if available, with a refund payable to the Client of the difference in price; or
(iv) cancel and receive a full refund of all monies paid in respect of the land-only portion of the applicable Product (and for clarity, this shall not extend to additional Products booked by the same Client which are not subject to any Material Change).
The affected Client must notify S.S. of their decision in writing within 7 days of receiving the notification of alteration, or they shall have been deemed to accept the Material Change and deemed to have agreed to the amended Product itinerary.
If any Material Change arises from reasons of Force Majeure, as herein defined, the Client shall be entitled to recover only the costs of the Product recoverable by S.S..
Once a Product experience has departed, changes to such Product’s itinerary may be necessary or advisable as a result of unforeseen circumstances or other reasons related to effective Product operation, health, safety, Client enjoyment, or Client comfort. Any such changes are at the discretion of the Organizers and any indirect costs incurred as a result will be the responsibility of the Client. The Client acknowledges that they must have reasonable financial resources to cover incidental expenses on every Product on which they travel, whether or not they arise from a change in the itinerary or from the travel itself, and that S.S. shall not be liable for any Client’s failure to prepare adequately for their travel and unforeseen circumstances which may arise during such travel.
S.S. will not be liable for any indirect and/or consequential losses associated with any changes to a Product’s itinerary.
(c) Changes made by the Client: Client may contact S.S. directly by email, to correct any errors in Client’s personal information recorded on their booking. Client is responsible for ensuring that information provided to S.S. in making their booking is accurate, up-to-date, and correct. A one-time transfer from one S.S. Core Product tour to another may be made 120 days or more prior to departure of the applicable Product for a fee of $199, subject to Product availability and approval by S.S.. If such transfer request is approved by S.S. and the Client has transferred to (i) a more expensive Product tour, Client shall pay the difference in price between the cost of Client's original Product tour and the new Product tour; or (ii) a less expensive Product tour, Client shall not be eligible for a refund of the difference in price between the cost of Client's original Product tour and the new Product tour. Any request to transfer received less than 120 days before departure of the applicable Product will not be accepted and Client must cancel the Product booking in accordance with the cancellation terms herein and create a new booking for any other Products. The Client may only transfer a booking to a departure date 12 months from the original date of purchase. Any changes to the traveling Client’s name on any Product booking are subject to S.S.’ approval and applicable Administrative Fees may apply, which will be payable by the Client.
(d) Other Changes: Any changes to a file will depend on availability and will be on a request basis and subject to S.S.’ approval. Any extra costs incurred for making the change will be charged to the Client along with an Administrative Fee. No changes are permitted to any booking within 14 days of departure of the first Product to depart under the applicable booking.
11. AIRFARE
All product tour prices do notinclude international airfare or any other flights.
12. ACCEPTANCE OF RISK
The Client acknowledges that the nature of Product tours may involve a significant amount of risk to Client's health and/or safety. The Client hereby assumes all such risk and does hereby release S.S. from all claims and causes of action arising from any damages or injuries or death resulting from these risks inherent in travel, visiting foreign destinations, and participating in adventurous activities such as those included in Product itineraries.
Accommodation, transportation, activities and excursions, and other components of S.S.’ Products will be arranged by S.S. with suppliers local to the region where the Product operates, who may themselves engage the services of local operators and/or sub-contractors. Standards of hygiene, accommodation and transport in some countries where Product tours take place are often lower than comparable standards than what the Client may reasonably expect in their home country or region. S.S. at all times endeavors to appoint reputable and competent local suppliers and to comply with all applicable laws and regulations concerning health and safety in the regions where Product tours operate. The terms and conditions of all suppliers of Product components will be applicable to the Product component provided by such supplier and are expressly incorporated into these Terms. These may limit or exclude liability of the supplier. The liability of S.S. will not exceed that of any supplier of any Product component. The components that make up each Product tour shall be regarded as having been satisfactorily performed and delivered solely in reference to the regulations and laws concerning health and safety in the applicable jurisdiction where such component is operated.
13. AUTHORITY ON TOUR & CLIENT RESPONSIBILITY
At all times the decision of the S.S. Organizers or other designated representative will be final on all matters regarding safety and well-being of Clients and operational requirements of the Product tour. By traveling with S.S., the Client agrees to abide by the authority of the Organizers or designated S.S. representative. The Client must at all times strictly comply with all applicable laws and regulations of all countries and regions visited on the applicable Product tour. If the Client is affected by any condition, medical or otherwise, that might affect Client’s ability to travel or participate in adventure travel activities, Client’s enjoyment of the Product tour being booked, the ability to travel or enjoyment of any other Clients on the Product tour, or the treatment to be administered to the Client in any emergency situation, the Client must advise S.S. at the time of booking along with any other documents reasonably requested by S.S. to ensure the health and safety of all Clients who travel with S.S..
Should the Client fail to comply with the above or commit any illegal act when on the Product tour or, if in the opinion of the Organizers (in his/her and/or S.S.’ sole discretion), the Client’s behavior is causing or is likely to cause danger, distress or material annoyance to others, S.S. may terminate that Client’s travel arrangements on any Product immediately without any liability on S.S.’ part and the Client will not be entitled to any refund for unused or missed services or costs incurred resulting from the termination of the travel arrangements, including, without limitation, return travel, accommodations, meals, and/or incidentals.
Clients agree that they are responsible for any costs incurred by S.S., S.S.’ suppliers or S.S.’ partners, as a result of damage, destruction, theft, or excess cleaning fees related to Client’s accommodation, transport, or other use of facilities while on the Product tour. Clients agree to immediately report any pre-existing damage of this kind to staff of the accommodation, transportation service, or facility (as appropriate) and/or a S.S.’ representative as soon as possible upon discovery by the Client.
Client agrees to take all prudent measures in relation to their own safety while on any S.S. Experience, including, but not limited to, the proper use of safety devices such as seat belts, harnesses, and helmets, and obeying all posted signs and warnings in relation to Client health and safety. S.S. shall not be liable for any failure on the Client’s part to comply with this paragraph.
14. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
(a) Valid Passport: The Client is entirely responsible for securing and must be in possession at all times while on a Product tour of a valid passport required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region visited or traveled through throughout the itinerary of the applicable Product tour, and for re-entry to the Client’s country of residence or departure (passport must be valid at least six months past the last date of travel with S.S.), as well as all visas, permits and certificates including vaccination certificates and insurance policies, required for entry into all regions and participation in all parts of the Product tour itinerary. The Client accepts full responsibility for obtaining all such documents, visas and permits prior to the start of the Product tour, and is solely responsible for any adverse consequences resulting from missing or defective documentation. Client agrees that they are responsible for the full amount of any loss or expense suffered or paid by S.S. or any of its third party suppliers which are a direct result of the Client’s failure to secure proper travel documentation. Any information or advice given by S.S. regarding visas, vaccinations, climate, clothing, baggage, special equipment, etc. is purely advisory, provided as a courtesy to the Client, and S.S. is not responsible for any errors or omissions in the information provided, or in the information provided to Clients by third parties such as government or travel authorities.
(b) Documents: Please note that all travel documents for Products such as vouchers, itineraries and invoices will be sent electronically and via email to the e-mail address provided on booking. S.S. reserves the right to impose an administration fee on those Clients who wish to receive their travel documents by other means.
(c) Trip Details: The Client acknowledges that due to the changing nature of travel, they are responsible for keeping up to date on the details of their travel on the S.S. website, including, but not limited to checking the website and/or social media platforms at least 72 hours prior to departure to ensure the Client has the most current Trip Details as minor changes may have been made since the tour documents were originally provided by S.S..
Client(s) assumes sole responsibility to independently confirm all documentation requirements for all passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry and/or travel requirements of each destination. Client(s) assumes sole responsibility for, and hereby releases S.S. from any claims or responsibility for any and all damages incurred as a result of Passenger(s) failure to comply with applicable documentation requirements, including but not limited the requirement that all Clients procure, and have on their person the proper travel documents at all times. S.S. recommends the Passenger(s) consult with the appropriate domestic and foreign governmental agencies for the current document requirements.
Suggested reference materials for passport, visa, health requirements as well as travel advisories:
For US Citizens: http://travel.state.gov
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis_pa_tw_2223.html
US State Department Travel Warnings: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html
US State Department Travel Alerts: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1766.html
US Center for Disease Control for required vaccinations: http://www.cdc.gov/travel
Visa information for US citizens: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_4965.html
(examples of countries requiring Visas: Australia, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Russia, & Turkey)
For Canadian citizens: http://www.ppt.gc.ca
*Note that this is not a comprehensive list of reference sites and is provided solely for your convenience. These sites are owned and operated by third parties who may alter the URL at any time without notice.
16. INSURANCE
CLIENT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT IS MANDATORY THAT ALL CLIENTS OBTAIN TRAVEL INSURANCE WITH A MINIMUM MEDICAL, EVACUATION, AND REPATRIATION COVERAGE OF US$100,000 covering all applicable dates of any travel with S.S. and this insurance must cover personal injury and emergency medical expenses. Thirty days before the departure of each Product tour, S.S. will verify that all Clients have such insurance in place and coverage as per the required amounts above. It is strongly recommended and encouraged that Clients also extend their coverage to include cancellation, curtailment, and all other expenses that might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience occurring to the Client. S.S. shall have no liability for loss, theft of or damage to baggage or personal effects of Clients while participating in a Product tour. Clients should not leave personal belongings unattended in any public areas, on board any mode of transportation, or elsewhere, and are responsible at all times for their own effects and belongings. S.S. cannot accept responsibility for and in no event shall be liable for loss or damage of valuables or other articles left in or on facilities used by S.S. such as hotels, homestays, vessels, expedition vehicles, or any other mode of transportation. Client acknowledges that the cost of the Product tour does not include any insurance coverage for such Client, and that the Client is required to obtain separate coverage at an additional cost to the Product tour price. When obtaining travel insurance the Client must ensure the insurer is aware of the type of travel to be undertaken so that the insurer may properly cover travel on the applicable S.S. Product.
WE URGE YOU TO READ YOUR POLICY WHEN IT ARRIVES AS IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION. THIS INFORMATION INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO, DETAILS ON THE EXTENT OF COVERAGE AND PROCEDURES FOR MAKING A CLAIM.
All requests for service under the policy must be filed directly with the travel insurance provider, in accordance with the policy terms and conditions, which you the passenger are responsible for reviewing upon receipt of your travel protection policy. S.S. is not able to give advice with regard to possible cancellations and any associated claims processing. All queries regarding cancellation, penalties, coverage should be directed to your particular travel insurance provider. Please note that the travel insurance provider may not be allowed to discuss your claim with S.S. due to privacy laws (e.g. HIPAA). Accordingly, you acknowledge that S.S. cannot be involved in any aspect of your claim/request for service. Client's acknowledge and agree that S.S. has no control over the travel insurance provider or its coverage decisions, and as a result S.S. is not responsible for and shall not be liable for policy coverage, claims processing, or the denial of any claims.
17. DISCOUNTS AND PROMOTIONS
All discounts and any reduced pricing and/or promotional benefits are applied at S.S.’s sole discretion. From time-to-time S.S. may offer reduced pricing on selected Product tours. The reduced pricing applies strictly to new bookings, and bookings that have already been confirmed (which for these purposes shall mean bookings in respect of which payment has been made in full or in part and has been received by S.S.) are not entitled to the reduced pricing. Clients agree that if they have previously cancelled a booking in their name for a Product, they shall not be entitled to re-book on the same or any similar Product tour with any promotion or discount applied, even in the event that they may appear otherwise entitled to such discount.
18. CLAIMS AND COMPLAINTS
Client agrees to bring any complaints regarding a Product to S.S. as soon as possible in order to provide S.S. with the opportunity to address such complaint properly. Client agrees to inform the Organizers at the earliest opportunity directly. S.S. assumes no liability for complaints that are not properly brought to the attention of S.S. with sufficient notice for S.S. to resolve or attempt to resolve any Client complaints. Any complaint made after the completion of a Product tour must be received in writing by S.S. directly at info@sosoglobal.com within 30 days of the end of the tour. Client acknowledges and agrees that S.S. will not accept any liability for claims received after this period.
19. CLIENT RESPONSIBILITY
The Client acknowledges that depending on the nature of the Product booked, or the location(s) in which such Product is to operate, there may be a significant degree of personal risk involved in travel on the Product. There are dangers inherent to adventure travel generally and Client acknowledges they have considered such risk to health and safety and are willing to assume it, by confirming their booking of such Product. The Client acknowledges she or he has considered the potential risks, dangers and challenges in light of their own personal capabilities and needs, and expressly assumes the risks attendant to travel under such conditions. The Client acknowledges and agrees that S.S. is not responsible for providing information or guidance to the Client with respect to local customs, weather conditions, specific safety concerns, physical challenges or laws in effect in any locations where Products are operated, and S.S. strongly encourages that Clients locate or make contact with his/her local embassy or consulate in each destination prior to departure on any S.S. Product.
20. EXTRAS
Extras (which for the purposes of this section mean any activity, transportation, meal, or any other product or service not expressly included in the Product description or itinerary, or in the price of the Product) do not form part of the tour or Product. Client agrees that any assistance given by the S.S. organizers or other S.S. representative in arranging, selecting, or booking any Extras is purely at the request of the Client, and S.S. makes no warranties regarding such information and expressly disclaims any liability whatsoever arising from any Extras or participation thereon by any Client, or any information provided by any S.S. representative or organizers regarding any Extras. Accordingly, the Client hereby releases S.S. from all claims and causes of action arising from any damages, loss of enjoyment, inconvenience, or injuries related to Extras.
21. LIABILITY
S.S. is not responsible for any damages, expenses, losses, or claims which are attributable to the fault of any Client, the unforeseeable or unavoidable act or omission of a third party unconnected with the provision of any services that form any part of the Product(s), or a force majeure event (as herein defined).
THE CLIENT MUST COMMUNICATE AT THE EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY, IN WRITING, TO S.S. ANY SUCH FAILURE THAT THE CLIENT ALLEGES HAS OCCURRED. In the event that any loss, death, injury or illness is caused by the negligent acts and/or omissions of S.S. or of the third-party suppliers of any services which form part of the Contract, then S.S. limits its liability and any liability S.S. may incur for the negligent acts and/or omissions of its suppliers shall be limited to a maximum of the price which the Client paid for the Product, not including insurance premiums and administration charges. Where this relates to loss of and/or damage to luggage and/or other personal possessions then S.S.'s liability will not exceed $1,000. S.S. will not at any time be liable for any loss of or damage to valuables of any nature. The Client agrees that they shall be precluded from making a double recovery by making the same claims and seeking recovery against S.S. and its suppliers, contractors or other third parties.
In no event shall S.S. be liable for any accident which occurs in hotels, in resorts, on airplanes/in airports, on buses/in bus stations, on trains/in train stations, on board a cruise ship, on tenders, on shore excursions, or during any mode of transportation encountered during the trip, resulting from equipment or any other cause. The Client admits a full understanding of the nature and character of the mode of transport and assumes all risks of travel, transportation and handling of passengers and baggage. YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE USE OR ENJOYMENT OF AN ACTIVITY MAY BE HAZARDOUS AND INHERENTLY RISKY, AND, TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, S.S. SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH; LOST, STOLEN, DAMAGED OR DESTROYED PROPERTY; OR OTHER LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE AND OPERATION OF THE ACTIVITY, AND ALL ACTIONS OR EVENTS OCCURRING PRIOR TO, DURING, AT OR AFTER, THE ACTIVITY.
22. SUPPLIERS
Hotels, shuttle services or other constituent elements of a Product will be arranged by S.S. with suppliers local to the regions in which the Product operates, who may themselves engage the services of other local operators and/or sub-contractors. S.S. will at all times endeavor to appoint reputable and competent local suppliers. The terms and conditions of the suppliers will be applicable and are expressly incorporated into these Terms, and the Client assents to those terms and conditions and the limitations and obligations contained therein. These may limit or exclude liability of the supplier. The liability of S.S. will not exceed that of any supplier. All suppliers will be selected and assessed by S.S. in reference to local laws and regulations in the relevant country of operation. Neither S.S. nor any carrier is liable for the acts or omissions of any independent contractors.
23. SEVERABILITY
In the event that any term or condition contained herein is unenforceable or void by operation of law or as being against public policy or for any other reason then such term or condition shall be deemed to be severed from these Terms or amended accordingly only to such extent necessary to allow all remaining terms and conditions hereof to survive and continue as binding. If any provision of these Terms is found to be so broad as to be unenforceable, such provision shall be interpreted to be only so broad as is enforceable. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision hereof shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision.
24. CONTRACT PARTIES, SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS
These Terms shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon S.S. and the Client and their respective heirs, legal personal representatives, successors and assigns, as well as anyone named in any booking made by the booking Client on whose behalf the Client is purchasing any Product.
S.S. exists under, and is pursuant to, the laws of NEW YORK.
25. APPLICABLE LAW
You agree that by accepting the Terms, you and S.S. are each waiving the right to trial by jury and the ability to participate in a class action. ANY AND ALL DISPUTES S.S. OR YOU HAVE RELATING IN ANY WAY TO THE SERVICES OR YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH S.S. (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION WITH RESPECT TO DATA, YOUR INTERACTION WITH THE COMPANY, COMPANY’S ADVERTISEMENTS AND DISCLOSURES, EMAIL AND MOBILE SMS (TEXT) MESSAGES COMPANY SENDS TO YOU, OR THE USE OR DISCLOSURE OF ANY INFORMATION ABOUT YOU), THESE TERMS OF USE, AND PRIVACY POLICY (COLLECTIVELY, “CLAIMS”) WILL BE SUBMITTED TO CONFIDENTIAL ARBITRATION IN THE FEDERAL JUDICIAL DISTRICT IN WHICH YOU RESIDE, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT YOU HAVE, IN ANY WAY, VIOLATED OR THREATENED TO VIOLATE ANY COMPANY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHT. CLAIMS INCLUDE CLAIMS BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING INTENTIONAL TORT), FRAUD, AGENCY, YOUR OR THE COMPANY’S NEGLIGENCE, STATUTORY OR REGULATORY PROVISIONS, OR ANY OTHER SOURCE OF LAW.
If you intend to seek arbitration you must first send to the Company, by certified mail, a written Notice of Dispute ("Notice"). The Notice to S.S. must be sent to 55 Hathaway Ave., Elmont, NY 11003. The Notice shall describe the nature and basis of the claim or disputes and the specific relief sought. If you and we cannot reach an agreement to resolve the claim within thirty (30) days after the Notice is received, you or we may commence arbitration. All arbitrations required by these Terms will be conducted under the Commercial Arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitrator’s award is binding and may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, no arbitration brought under, or with respect to, Claims is to be joined to an arbitration involving any other party subject to these Terms whether through class arbitration proceedings or otherwise. Unless S.S. and You agree otherwise, the arbitrator may not consolidate more than one person’s claims, and may not otherwise preside over any form of a representative, private attorney general or class proceeding.
26. PRIVACY POLICY
S.S.’ website(s) uses tracking cookies in order to enhance user and booking experience. Your use of S.S.’s website(s) indicates your assent to such use in accordance with S.S.’s Privacy Policy. In addition, S.S. must collect personal information from Clients in order to give effect to any booking, to deliver the Products and any collateral services and to assist in evaluating such Products. S.S. takes care to safeguard all Client information and protect the privacy of all of our Clients. S.S. collects, uses and discloses only that information reasonably required to enable us to provide the particular Product or service that you have requested, to maintain our customer/visitor lists and/or to respond to your inquiries or feedback and for other purposes further described in S.S.’s Privacy Policy and is expressly incorporated into these Terms. In particular, S.S. may share your information, as necessary, with our third-party suppliers and operators who deliver services or component parts of a Product to Clients, in order to enable them to provide such products and services. All such third parties are bound by confidentiality obligations and shall treat all information received from S.S. in accordance with our Privacy Policy. By submitting any personal information to S.S., Clients indicate their acceptance of the terms of S.S.’ Privacy Policy.
27. ONLINE BOOKINGS
All online reservations shall be deemed as booked in the United States, and shall be subject to United States law and jurisdiction.
28. IMAGES AND MARKETING
The Client agrees that while participating in any S.S. Product images, photos or videos may be taken by other Clients and/or S.S. representatives or Organizers that may contain or feature the Client in part or in whole. The Client acknowledges that they consent to any such pictures being taken and agree that Client hereby grants a perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide, irrevocable license to S.S., its affiliates and assigns, to reproduce for any purpose whatsoever (including marketing and promotions), in any medium whatsoever, whether currently known or hereinafter devised, without any further obligation to the Client or compensation payable to such Client.
29. REFUSAL OF SERVICE
S.S. retains the right to refuse service to any Client at any time, for any lawful reason whatsoever, in its sole discretion.
30. AMENDMENTS
S.S. reserves the right to update and/or alter these Terms at anytime, and shall post the amended Terms on the S.S. website (www.sosoglobal.com). Any such amendment shall take effect 7 days following its posting to the S.S. website. The latest Terms, as amended, may be accessed any time on S.S.’s website, or will be sent to Client upon their written request to S.S.. Clients shall be deemed to have accepted any amendments to these Terms on the date that is 7 days after their posting on the S.S.’s website. S.S. recommends that all Clients refer to the Terms prior to their travel to familiarize themselves with the most up-to-date version hereof.
31. MISCELLANEOUS
(a) Clients purchasing from the waitlist must purchase from the full payment plan.
(b) Participants choosing double occupancy payment option must identify roommate's name one month prior to departure or payee is responsible for paying full single occupancy rate.
(c) Payment Plans. On each Client's payment due date, S.S. will deduct Client's payment from the payment account Client designated at the time of purchase or as updated thereafter. Automatic payments will be debited from Client's bank account on the payment due date indicated on Client's account.