TOUR PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Access to and use of the services of Advantage International, LLC (“Advantage International” and/or “we/us/our”) is subject to acceptance of these terms and conditions (“Terms and Conditions”). By accessing, using or obtaining any content, products, or services through Advantage International, you, the purchaser and/or traveler (“Client” and “passenger” and “you/your”) agree to be bound by these terms. These terms and conditions govern the relationship between Advantage International and you, the Client. These terms restrict your rights and remedies and provide protection to Advantage International. These also include warranty disclaimers and liability exclusions. IF THERE IS ANY PART OF THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH, PLEASE DO NOT USE ADVANTAGE INTERNATIONAL’S SERVICES. No alterations to these terms and conditions may be made by any Advantage International authorized representative or agent, unless in writing by an authorized officer of Advantage International.
Use of Advantage International Services, Access and Information for Travel: You warrant that you are at least 18 years of age and possess the legal authority to enter into this Agreement and to make travel bookings with Advantage International in accordance with all terms and conditions herein. You agree to be financially responsible for all of your travel bookings and warrant that all information supplied by you or members of your household transacting business with Advantage International is true and accurate. Without limitation, any speculative, false, or fraudulent reservation is prohibited. You agree that the travel services provided by Advantage International shall be used only to make legitimate reservations or purchases for you or for another person for whom you are legally authorized to act.
Advantage International provides private group tours and private charter cruise departures. Because of the private group nature of these tours and cruises, reservations are not taken on an individual basis for fully independent travel, and alterations, cancelations and amendments cannot be made for individual travelers when booked on a group itinerary. You agree to abide by the terms and conditions of purchase imposed by Advantage International. You understand that any violation of our conditions of purchase may result in cancelation of your reservation(s) or purchase, in your being denied access to any flights, hotels, cruises, or automobiles, in your forfeiting any monies paid for such reservation(s) or purchase, and in Advantage International debiting your account for any costs Advantage International incurs as a result of such violation. You shall be completely responsible for all charges, fees, duties, taxes, and assessments arising out of your travel bookings through access provided by Advantage International.
When you receive any and all travel documents, it is your sole responsibility to review and verify all information. Contact Advantage International immediately if corrections are required. You acknowledge that it is your responsibility to review all documentation necessary for checking in with suppliers on your itinerary, and that if you have authorized Advantage International to check you in for any component of your trip, that you take full responsibility for agreeing to and complying with the supplier’s terms and conditions of check-in.
Air Arrangements: UNLESS SET FORTH IN WRITING, AIRLINE RESERVATIONS FROM YOUR HOME AIRPORT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR TRAVEL PLANS. While Advantage International may include contracted group air from a domestic gateway, it is your responsibility to make appropriate air arrangements, or other transportation to and from the destination where the travel booking originates and returns. Advantage International shall not assume any responsibility for any air and/or ground schedule changes. In rare instances, upon departure from a country, certain departure taxes must be paid in cash only, and may vary in price. Due to enhanced security, it is strongly recommended that you check in a minimum of 2 hours prior to scheduled departure for domestic flights and 3 hours prior to scheduled departure time for international flights. Reconfirm flight times at least 24 hours prior to scheduled departure time. Failure to use a reservation may result in automatic cancelation of all continuing and return flights, as well as forfeiture of airfares.
E-tickets expire a year from issue date unless carrier fare rules in passenger’s itinerary fare provide otherwise.
Pricing Validity. All dates, itineraries and prices of tours are subject to change at any time and the current price will be quoted and confirmed at the time of booking, subject to any surcharges that may be levied in accordance with these Terms. Other than taxes, fuel surcharges or fees, which may fluctuate, Advantage International will not increase the price of your Tour after you have paid in full. Tours are priced and advertised inclusive of applicable taxes. All tours are priced in US Dollars.
We reserve the right to correct errors. All land and event offers are subject to availability and may change without notice. In the event of a land or event pricing error or omission, we reserve the right to adjust such pricing or make any other corrections.
From time-to-time we may offer reduced pricing on certain products or services. Reduced pricing applies only to new bookings. Bookings where payment of at least a deposit has been received by us are not entitled to reduced pricing.
You acknowledge that you are responsible for keeping up to date on the specific details of your Tour and any other products or services, including, but not limited to checking our website at least 24 hours prior to departure as minor changes may have been made after the time of booking.
Other Taxes and Fees: Some governments charge departure taxes and/or fees. These fees are the responsibility of each passenger traveling to the designated country and are not included unless stated.
Payment Schedule: Not adhering to the payment schedule can result in cancelation without notice and/or rate increases. Payments are due on the schedule outlined in the booking information document for each tour.
In the event that final payment is not received by us by the due date, we may, in our discretion, cancel your reservation and retain the full amount of your non-refundable deposit. Alternatively, a late payment fee of $100 per person may apply for any payments received after the due date.
Prospective Clients are advised to reserve early to avoid disappointment and additional late booking fees.
Cancelation by Traveler: Notice of cancelation must be made in writing to Advantage International, LLC, and your cancelation date will be the date we receive your notice. Cancellation penalties are outlined in the booking information document for each tour. Additional cancellation fees and policies are applicable and unique to your booking as outlined in the booking information document for each tour.
- 100% of the initial deposit is non-refundable if canceled at any time.
- 100% of the total package price is non-refundable if canceled after final payment, including if you do not show up at the start of your trip. If final and full payment is not received by the applicable due date, reservations are subject to cancelation and deposits shall be forfeited.
Your decision not to participate on the Tour due to State Department warnings, fear of travel, or the like will be deemed a cancelation. Because tour prices are based on contract rates, there will not be any refund for any unused portion of a tour. Some group tours are based on minimum numbers of passengers traveling; if the number of passengers falls below the minimum required, a surcharge may be imposed, the tour may be rescheduled or the tour may be canceled outright.
Name Changes: A name change is permitted up to 90 days prior to travel and will incur a penalty of $100 per name change. From 89 days until departure, a name change may be requested, but cannot be guaranteed and additional fees will apply. ADVANTAGE INTERNATIONAL RELIES ON THE INFORMATION THAT YOU ENTER INTO THE FORM FOR EACH TRAVELER, AND WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY FEES OR OTHER EXPENSES CAUSED BY YOUR FAILURE TO ACCURATELY ENTER DATA INTO OUR BOOKING FORM. WE STRONGLY ADVISE THAT YOU REVIEW YOUR INFORMATION CAREFULLY BEFORE SUBMITTING.
Operator Cancelation or Substitution: We will make commercially reasonable efforts to keep the Itinerary as it has been published; however, the final Itinerary may vary due to availability and factors beyond our control. We may in our sole discretion substitute services such as hotels or goods of similar quality for any service or good stated in the Itinerary. If a tour that is subject to cancelation penalties is postponed or rescheduled, we will use best efforts to accommodate the traveler on rescheduled dates, or on a future Advantage International group tour departure. If a tour is canceled outright, our liability is limited to a full refund of your payments, and we will not be liable for any other costs, damages, or refunds of any kind for any loss, delay, inconvenience, disappointment, or expense whatsoever in such circumstances. If for reasons beyond our control, a Tour in progress must be interrupted or canceled, we will in good faith consider refunding a portion of the price depending on our actual costs incurred compared to the Tour as originally contemplated.
Passports and Visas: It is the responsibility of each Client to obtain and carry a valid passport, visa(s), and all other documents required by applicable government regulations. When traveling domestically or internationally, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) advise that everyone carry at least two forms of acceptable identification in order to board a flight. Acceptable identification can be found at http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/acceptable-ids; examples are DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license, USA Passport, a foreign government passport. The name, date of birth and gender that appears on the identification card must exactly match the same such data that is listed on airline ticket(s) and booking records. Advantage International strongly recommends that you take into account that certain countries will not admit a passenger if their passport expires within six (6) months of the date of entry. Non-United States citizens may require additional documentation. Children and infants also require travel documents. Minors traveling with one parent, and/or without both parents, may be stopped and not admitted, unless authenticated and verified consent forms are provided to the authorities; please see https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/268/kw/travel for forms. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency requires that for USA child groups under age 19 arriving by land or sea from contiguous territory and traveling with a school group, religious group, social or cultural organization, or sports team, may also present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization Certificate. Parental or legal guardian consent must be provided to the supervising adult/Group Leader. You acknowledge any failure to strictly comply with these requirements may result in denied boarding or an undue delay at an airport security checkpoint causing Client to miss flight(s), and subsequent scheduled travel bookings on cruises and tours. Check each supplier’s website to ensure you and all members in your travel group or party obtain and carry travel documentation required.
Client is responsible to make Advantage International aware when traveling on a passport from a country other than the United States of America.
Each foreign country holds different views of past criminal offenses, whether within or outside of their boundaries. If you have a current or past offense, and you are unsure how the country you are traveling to (or through) views that offense, please contact that country directly for entry and exit requirements. (Details can be found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_4965.html.) We do not inquire about an individual’s criminal record, in the interest of respecting our Clients’ privacy. For example, if traveling to or through Canada, Americans with a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) record should always check whether current rules exclude admission, and potential waivers. (Reference http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/faq/inadmissibility/index.asp)
Advantage International neither controls nor warrants the issuance of visas or approval of visa waivers related to your travel.
Hazardous Materials: United States federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard aircraft in the passenger’s luggage or on the passenger’s person. A violation can result in five years’ imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radio- active materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals.
There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in the passenger’s luggage and certain smoking materials carried on the passenger’s person. For further information, each passenger should contact the relevant airline representative(s) on their itinerary. Restrictions on hazardous materials are listed http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/prohibited-items.
Insecticide Notice: All passengers are referred to always check the list of countries that require airlines to treat the passenger cabin with insecticides prior to the flight or while on the aircraft on the DOT’s website, as this list is updated from time to time: http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements.
Health and Immunizations: Each Client is responsible to make absolutely certain to have the proper immunizations and required documentation of such immunizations before travel, and to make the necessary accommodation for security rules imposed by government authorities. Advantage International shall not assume responsibility for the accuracy of health requirements or vaccination and/or documentation prior to departure or upon landing at the final destination. See your health practitioner for advice. Prior to travel, required inoculations, if any, must be recorded by Client’s health practitioner on a valid vaccination certificate, which the Client must carry for proof of inoculation where required. If you are concerned about taking any medications or receiving certain inoculations, check with your health practitioner BEFORE booking. Check the USA State Department Web site http://travel.state.gov, for relevant information relating to travel to specific destinations, and the USA Centers for Disease Control http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/ relating to health issues.
Should a visa not be issued, Advantage International is not responsible for lost payments made toward the contemplated trip. Please note that USA rules regarding entry and exit change on a daily basis.
Risks and Safety: Travel to certain destinations may involve greater risk than others. Advantage International urges you to remain informed on a daily basis as to current news events, as well as to review travel prohibitions, warnings, announcements and advisories issued by the United States Government prior to booking travel to international destinations. Information on conditions in various countries and the level of risk associated with travel to particular international destinations can be found at http://www.state.gov, http://www.tsa.gov, http://www.dot.gov, http://www.faa.gov, http://www.cdc.gov, and http://www.cbp.gov The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency. Registration is recommended and provided by going to https://step.state.gov/step/
BY OFFERING FOR SALE TRAVEL TO PARTICULAR DESTINATIONS, ADVANTAGE INTERNATIONAL DOES NOT REPRESENT OR WARRANT THAT TRAVEL TO SUCH POINTS IS ADVISABLE OR WITHOUT RISK, AND SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR COSTS, DAMAGES, OR LOSSES THAT MAY RESULT FROM TRAVEL TO SUCH DESTINATIONS. CLIENT’S PARTICIPATION CONSTITUTES ACCEPTANCE OF SUCH EVENTS AT CLIENT’S OWN RISK.
Travelers needing special assistance: Advantage International will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the needs of our travelers; however, travelers needing special assistance for their personal needs must notify Advantage International at the time of booking for a determination of what assistance it can reasonably provide. In cases where Advantage International cannot accommodate a traveler’s special needs, persons requiring this assistance must be accompanied by a companion who will be responsible for independently providing the needed assistance. Advantage International regrets that it cannot provide special individual assistance to travelers with special needs for ordinary daily activities, such as walking, dining, etc. and other special needs. In no instance will Advantage International or contracted personnel physically lift or assist clients on to or off of transportation vehicles.
Limitations of Responsibility and Disclosure: Advantage International acts solely as a booking agent for disclosed principal supplier cruise lines, hotels, airlines, air charters, bus companies, ground transportation, boat purveyors or owners, and other independent contractors providing accommodations, transportation, and/or other services (“supplier(s)”), and is not the source or provider of the travel services. Each of these supplier companies is an independent entity with its own management and is not subject to the control of Advantage International. You are advised that the suppliers whose names appear in travel documentation are those actually responsible for providing the travel services purchased, and you consent to the use of those suppliers, and understand and agree to each supplier’s Terms and Conditions. All bookings are accepted by Advantage International as agent for the travel suppliers on your itinerary.
The transportation, accommodations and other services provided by the identified sea, ground, and air operator suppliers offered are subject to the terms and conditions contained in the tickets, exchange orders or vouchers issued by them and/or their suppliers, including Terms and Conditions on their respective Web sites. BECAUSE ADVANTAGE INTERNATIONAL ACTS AS AGENT FOR DISCLOSED PRINCIPAL SUPPLIERS AND DOES NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO CONTROL THE OPERATIONS OF SUCH INDEPENDENT OPERATORS AND SUPPLIERS, YOU AGREE THAT ADVANTAGE INTERNATIONAL IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE, WHICH MAY ARISE OUT OF THESE SERVICES. ADVANTAGE INTERNATIONAL HEREBY DISCLAIMS ANY LIABILITY WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION LIABILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL OR INDIRECT DAMAGES, IN CONNECTION WITH THE GOODS OR SERVICES PROVIDED BY ANY PRINCIPAL SUPPLIER BOOKING THROUGH ADVANTAGE INTERNATIONAL’s OFFICE OR THROUGH THIS WEB SITE, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION LIABILITY FOR ANY ACT, ERROR, OMISSION, INJURY, LOSS, ACCIDENT, DELAY OR IRREGULARITY WHICH MAY BE INCURRED THROUGH THE FAULT, NEGLIGENCE, WILFUL ACTS, OMISSIONS OR OTHERWISE OF SUCH SUPPLIER, OR OF ANY SUPPLIER OR THEIR RESPECTIVE EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, SERVANTS, OR REPRESENTATIVES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THEIR FAILURE TO DELIVER OR THEIR PARTIAL OR INADEQUATE DELIVERY OF SERVICES, FUEL INCREASES, AND OTHER MATTERS OUTSIDE OF ADVANTAGE INTERNATIONAL’S CONTROL, AND YOU HEREBY EXONERATE ADVANTAGE INTERNATIONAL FROM ANY LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO THE SAME. Weather conditions, including but not limited to the presence or absence of snow, sunshine, and rainfall are not guaranteed to occur or not occur, and are clearly outside of Advantage International’s control. Volcanic eruptions, ash clouds, and wind may be characterized as an adverse weather condition or a natural disaster by suppliers and your travel insurance company, which is beyond the control of Advantage International. Advantage International reserves the right to cancel any itinerary or any part of it, to make such alterations in the itinerary as it deems necessary, and to refuse to accept or to retain as a member of any tour any person at any time. Advantage International shall not assume any responsibility for any air and/or ground schedule changes.
We may exclude you from participating in all or any part of the Tour if, in our sole discretion, your condition behavior renders you unfit for the Tour or unfit for continuation once the Tour has begun. Unfitness may include, without limitation, any behavior that, regardless of its cause, is inappropriate or offensive or interferes with the delivery of Tour services, or may constitute a hazard or embarrassment. In such case, our liability shall be strictly limited to refund of the recoverable cost of any unused portion of the Tour.
You agree to indemnify Advantage International for any liability created by the actions or omissions of your traveling party.
Force Majeure: “Force Majeure” means, in relation to Advantage International, any circumstances beyond the reasonable control of Advantage International, (including, but without limitation, acts of God, explosion, flood, tempest, forceful wind, fire or accident, war or threat of war declared or undeclared, acts of terrorism, sabotage, insurrection, riots, strikes, civil disturbance, requisition, sickness, quarantine, government intervention, weather conditions, defects in machinery and vehicles, delay, wildlife, or other untoward occurrences).
Advantage International shall not be deemed to be in breach of these terms and conditions or otherwise be liable to you, by reason of delay in performance, or by non-performance, of any of its obligations hereunder to the extent that any such delay or non-performance is due to any Force Majeure. THE PURCHASE OF TRAVEL INSURANCE IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ON ALL TRIPS.
If Advantage International, and/or any of its travel suppliers, are affected by Force Majeure, they shall be entitled to, and may in their sole and absolute discretion, vary or cancel any itinerary or arrangement in relation to the trip. Payment of any refund by Advantage International to you as a result of the non-performance of any obligations hereunder shall remain in its sole and absolute discretion, although Advantage International shall use its reasonable efforts to secure reimbursement for you where possible. However, Advantage International shall be entitled to deduct from any refund recoverable the reasonable actual and potential costs to Advantage International of the Force Majeure and applicable cancelation fees.
Regarding civil unrest, once Advantage International has investigated the prevailing situation, as it deems fit, it shall remain in Advantage International’s sole and absolute discretion whether to proceed with any tour, cruise or other travel. You may in such circumstances cancel the trip subject to Advantage International’s and each supplier’s terms and conditions.
Currency Fluctuations: Currency exchange rates fluctuate. Prices are subject to change based upon currency exchange rate fluctuations, provided actual variations have occurred. Advantage International is not responsible for surcharges or foreign transaction fees imposed by Client’s credit card.
Travel Insurance: ADVANTAGE INTERNATIONAL OFFERS ACCESS TO TRAVEL INSURANCE TO PROTECT PASSENGERS AND THEIR INVESTMENT IN TRAVEL. UNLESS SPECIFICALLY NOTED, TRAVEL INSURANCE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE COST OF CLIENT’S ITINERARY TO PROTECT AGAINST THIRD PARTY SUPPLIER DEFAULT/BANKRUPTCY PROTECTION, DELAY, INTERRUPTION, MISSED CONNECTION FOR CRUISES, CANCELATION, MEDICAL EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION/EVACUATION & REPATRIATION, BAGGAGE & PERSONAL EFFECTS/LOST LUGGAGE & BAGGAGE DELAY, ILLNESS, JOB LOSS PROTECTION AND CHANGE OF PLANS, ACCIDENTAL DEATH AND DISABILITY, TRAVEL ACCIDENT/SICKNESS MEDICAL EXPENSES, AND MORE. PROPER INSURANCE MAY PROTECT YOU FROM FINANCIAL LOSS IN ALMOST ALL CIRCUMSTANCES. ADVANTAGE INTERNATIONAL CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT ANY INSURANCE PROVIDER WILL APPROVE COVERAGE FOR A CLAIM MADE UNDER THE INSURER’S POLICY AND MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS ABOUT THE EXTENT OF COVERAGE FOR ANY POLICY IT MAY OFFER OR QUOTE. Without appropriate travel insurance, you understand and agree that if you cancel or interrupt your travel for any reason, portions of the trip/tour may not be refunded and Advantage International’s and travel suppliers’ cancelation penalties will apply resulting in the loss of monies up to the full cost of Client’s travel booking and related costs. The purchase of travel insurance is not required in order to purchase any other product or service offered by Advantage International. Advantage International is not a licensed insurance broker and is not qualified or authorized to answer technical questions about benefits, exclusions, and conditions of any of the insurance offered, nor evaluate the adequacy of the prospective insured’s existing insurance coverage. An additional charge applies for any travel insurance selected.
Reservation of Rights and Changes to these Terms: We reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to change these Terms and Conditions at any time. Updated versions of the Terms will be provided to you and posted on our website, and are effective immediately on posting.
General: Any dispute related to the Tour shall be governed by Illinois law without regard to conflict of laws principles. The federal or state courts in Cook County, Illinois shall be the exclusive forum for any lawsuit related to the tour, and you consent to the personal jurisdiction by said courts. You agree to present any claims against us within 30 days after the Tour ends and to file within one year of the incident, and you acknowledge that this expressly limits the applicable statute of limitations to one year.
You agree to grant us (and third parties with whom we may engage in joint marketing) a worldwide, royalty-free, fully paid up license to use your photographic, video, or digital likeness solely for our promotional and/or commercial purposes. Facsimile transmission of any signed document shall be deemed delivery of an original. At our request, you shall promptly provide an original document as well. If there are any conflicts between this Participant Agreement, the Reservation Form, and the Itinerary, this Participant Agreement shall apply. You also agree and grant a worldwide, royalty-free, fully paid up license to use your photographs and videos on our social media outlets, including re-posting of content that you created, whether or not you have tagged Advantage International.
We reserve the right to decline to do business with anyone on a non-discriminatory basis.
If any part of these Terms and Conditions is determined to be invalid or unenforceable pursuant to applicable law including, but not limited to, the warranty disclaimers and liability limitations set forth above, then the invalid or unenforceable provision will be deemed superseded by a valid, enforceable provision that most closely matches the intent of the original provision and agreement shall continue in effect.
These Terms and Conditions (and any other terms and conditions referenced herein) constitute the entire agreement between the Client and Advantage International with respect to travel bookings made with Advantage International by any means, and it supersedes all prior or contemporaneous communications and proposals, whether electronic, oral, or written, between Client and Advantage International with respect to communications with Advantage International. A printed version of this agreement and of any notice given in electronic form shall be admissible in judicial or administrative proceedings based upon or relating to these Terms and Conditions to the same extent and subject to the same conditions as other business documents and records originally generated and maintained in printed form.