Conditions of Travel
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FRANCE
Participants:
- Must be able to climb in and out of buses. Your willingness to rotate seats at times is appreciated.
- Must be able to tolerate walking tours at an easy pace on uneven terrain.
- Your trip includes walking. These conditions may pose problems to participants with particular physical issues and you should always consult your personal physician before embarking on such an adventure.
In general, this trip requires:
- Flexibility and good humor – unexpected changes and/or glitches will occur.
- A spirit of adventure and curiosity.
Air Schedules:
Choosing the best possible air arrangements for our travelers is always a challenge. We work with many airlines that offer the best level of service, routings and value for our programs. While there may indeed be more direct routings available with another airline, the cost of these flights may not be within our allotted budget that allows us to give you the best value possible. If you prefer to purchase your own international air, please feel free to choose the “land only” rate for this program. The start and the end city for this program is Paris.
Upon registration, you must provide your full legal name as it appears on your passport. In the event an airline ticket is issued with incorrect information you have provided, you will be responsible for charges associated with reissuing the ticket
REGISTRATION
HOW TO BOOK: Fill out and sign the enclosed reservation form and send it, along with the relevant deposit as shown below, to: UNC Charlotte Normandy France Trip, Office of International Programs, UNC Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28223-0001. Upon receipt of your signed reservation form and deposit, we will, subject to availability, reserve your spot on the tour. You may consider your booking confirmed when you receive a confirmation notice and invoice from us. Registration Closes: October 16, 2017
PAYMENTS
DEPOSIT: A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 per person for the main trip and $250 for the extension must be submitted at the time of booking and no later than October 16, 2017. Deposits may be paid by check or charged to American Express, MasterCard, Visa or Discover. Please keep in mind that space is limited.
REGISTRATION CLOSES: October 16, 2017
FINAL PAYMENT: Final payment is due on January 5, 2018.
RATES: Rates are based on the minimum number of guests outlined in this document, plus airfare costs, currency exchange rates and other factors and are subject to change. Though it is rare for Classic Escapes to make a price adjustment after promotion of an itinerary, we do reserve the right to assess a surcharge if the minimum is not met, or if increases are forced upon us by airlines or other partners or because of changes in currency exchange rates.
NOT INCLUDED: Cost of passport and visa fees, as well as service charges for obtaining visas; excess baggage charges levied by airlines; laundry and other items of a personal nature; optional travel insurance policy; cost for anything not specifically included in listing above.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: The quoted rate is valid for the first two single rooms booked and on a first-come, first-served basis. If more than two single rooms are needed, an additional supplement will apply. Single accommodations are not guaranteed, but will be provided at additional cost if available (see reservation form for cost.) The single room supplement pays for privacy, not better accommodations. For passengers who are traveling alone and wish to share a room with another tour member, we will do our best to provide a roommate. However, if this is not possible, you will be required to pay the single room supplement prior to your departure from the USA.
GRATUITIES AND TAXES: Gratuities for baggage handling, service charges and taxes imposed by hotels, and entrance fees to all points of interest as outlined in the itinerary are included. U.S. and foreign airport taxes are included in air costs. Tips to drivers and naturalist are NOT included.
CANCELLATIONS, DEVIATIONS & CHANGES
INSURANCE: We recommend travel insurance. Travel insurance can provide financial reimbursement should the unexpected occur.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations are only effective on receipt of written notification. The following per person fees are applicable on this tour:
- Deposit is non-refundable.
- March 4 to March 23, 2018, less 75% of tour cost.
- After March 23, 2018, no refund is possible.
These cancellation fees are also in addition to any fees imposed by airlines.
CHANGE FEES: Once you reserve your tour, changes are possible subject to availability of air or land space at the time of request. Should there be any change fees imposed by airlines or ground operators, or additional costs incurred due to availability of any space, this cost will be invoiced to you.
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS: We would be happy to make additional travel plans for you, including specially arranged pre- or post-tour extensions different than those that may be offered in conjunction with this tour. A service charge of $150 per person (over and above the cost of the services required) will be assessed.
DOCUMENTS
PASSPORT & VISAS: The onus is upon the guest to ensure that passports and visas are valid for the countries visited and for the applicable time period, as outlined by the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov) or by the passport holder’s country. Classic Escapes, their staff and their agents cannot be held liable for any visas, etc. not held by the guests, nor for the cost of obtaining visas.
PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION: Upon receipt of your registration and deposit, we will send a pre-departure packet to you. This packet contains all the information you need to prepare for your tour, including the complete itinerary, packing checklist, required documents, insurance information, etc.
FINAL DOCUMENTS: Final documents and tickets will be sent to you approximately two weeks prior to departure.
TRANSPORTATION
OPTIONAL AIR TRANSPORTATION: Roundtrip, economy-class flights via AMERICAN AIRLINES and/or other IATAN carriers are between Charlotte, and the destination city noted in the itinerary. Rates are based on special promotional fares; cancellation fees apply once tickets are issued. Departures from other cities in the USA are possible at additional cost; inquire at the time of reservation. Please note that these promotional fares are subject to 10 passengers traveling together on the same airline routing and itinerary. If this minimum is not met, the special group rates are not applicable and it might become necessary to issue instant purchase tickets earlier than when final payment is due in order to take advantage of airfares that are similar to the group rates. Should this occur, you will be contacted with the details.
AIRLINE SEATING: For AMERICAN AIRLINES, we request seats together for the group. All planes are non-smoking. We can request a seating preference on your behalf, however requested seats cannot be guaranteed. Requests should be made in writing no later than 60 days prior to departure. Bulkhead and/or emergency row seats can only be requested at airport check-in on the day of departure. Boarding passes will only be issued at the airport on the day of departure. You may inquire about seat changes during check in, based on availability and is at the sole discretion of airport staff.
FREQUENT FLYER MILEAGE: As mentioned, we work primarily with AMERICAN AIRLINES. For a list of the airline’s partners, visit https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-program/miles/partners/partner-airlines.jsp. Obtain frequent flyer mileage on any of these carriers. Present your frequent flyer card for all flight check-ins and keep the boarding passes until you receive a statement with the mileage credit
TRANSFERS: Roundtrip airport transfers are included in the tour for guests arriving on group flights. If travelers make their own air arrangements, they will be subject to extra transfer fees.
TRIP DETAILS
ACCOMMODATIONS: You will marvel at the wonderful accommodations provided throughout your tour. All rooms have private bathroom facilities and air conditioning and/or fans. All rates are based on double occupancy. Most rooms are twin-bedded, but king-size beds are occasionally available and should be requested in advance. Accommodations listed in this itinerary are correct at time of writing, but on rare occasions may be substituted for a different property of comparable quality.
MEALS: All meals as specified in the itinerary. Please notify us if you have special dietary needs or requests, and we will do our best to accommodate.
INOCULATIONS: When it comes to vaccination and disease prevention, we suggest that travelers first review information provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov/travel) and then review those details with their personal physicians.
WATER: It is always advisable to drink bottled and/or filtered water when traveling overseas. Safe drinking water will be provided to travelers free of charge in the vehicles and during meals.
BAGGAGE: On average, international flights from the USA allow one piece of checked luggage, each not exceeding 50 pounds; however we always recommend that you check your airline’s policy just before departure, as luggage limitations are always subject to change. Despite this weight allowance, we always suggest guests travel light.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
RESPONSIBIITIES: Neither Classic Escapes (the Company) nor any person or agent acting for, through or on behalf of the Company shall be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever arising from any cause whatsoever and without restricting the generality of the aforegoing shall particularly not be responsible for loss or damage arising from any errors or omissions contained in its brochure or other literature, loss or damage caused by delays, sickness, theft, injury or death. In addition the Company shall have the right at any time at its discretion to cancel any trip or the remainder thereof or make any alteration in route, accommodation, price or other details and, in the event of any trip being rendered impossible, illegal or inadvisable by weather, strike, war, government or interference or any other cause whatsoever, the extra expenses incurred as a result thereof shall be the responsibility of the passenger. The Company may at its discretion and without liability or cost to itself at any time cancel or terminate the guest’s booking and in particular without limiting the generality of the aforegoing it shall be entitled to do so in the event of the illness or the illegal or incompatible behavior of the guest, who shall in such circumstances not be entitled to any refund. The person making any booking will, by the making of such booking, warrant that he or she has authority to enter into a contract on behalf of the other person included in such a booking and in the event of the failure of any or all of the other persons so included to make payment, the person making the booking shall by his/her signature thereof assume personal liability for the total price of all bookings made by him/her.
PHOTOGRAPHY: The Company reserves the right without further notice to make use of any photograph or film taken on the tour by our photographers without payment or permission. We guarantee that no photographs of a compromising nature will be used.
CHANGES TO SCHEDULES: Although every effort is made to adhere to schedules it should be borne in mind that the Company reserves the right and in fact is obliged to occasionally change routes and hotels as dictated by changing conditions.
REFUNDS: While the Company uses its best endeavors to ensure that all anticipated accommodation is available as planned, there shall be no claim of any nature whatsoever against the Company for a refund either in the whole or part, if any accommodation or excursion is unavailable and a reasonable alternative is not found. If the guest is unable to use any service provided in the itinerary, then there are no refunds due.
AIRLINE CLAUSE: The airlines concerned are not to be held liable for any act, omission or event during the time the passengers are not on board their planes or conveyance. The passengers’ tickets in use by the airline or by other carriers concerned when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the airlines and the purchaser of these tickets and/or passengers.
DELAYS: We cannot be held liable for any delays or additional costs incurred as a result of airlines not running to schedule. If one of our guides is unable to take a trip due to illness, etc. we reserve the right to substitute with another guide. This agreement is made subject to and shall be governed by and construed according to the laws of the country in which the trip takes place. Classic Escapes act merely as an agent for the operating companies. To the best of our knowledge the itinerary is correct at the time of printing. We cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies or changes that may occur after printing.
CONSENT: The payment of the deposit OR any other partial payment for a reservation on a trip constitutes consent by all guests covered by that payment to all provisions of the conditions and general information contained in this brochure whether the guest has signed the booking form or not. The terms, under which you agree to take this trip, cannot be changed or amended except in writing signed by an authorized director of the Company.
INSURANCE: It is a condition of booking that the sole responsibility lies with the guest to ensure that they carry the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover themselves, as well as any dependents /traveling companions for the duration of their trip. Classic Escapes, including their representatives, employees and agents will take no responsibility for any costs, losses incurred or suffered by the guest, or guest’s dependents or traveling companions.
Please visit the website to obtain enrollment form – http://www.travelguard.com/classicescapes/. For any questions you may have on insurance, contact Travel Guard at 1-866-385-4839
INCLUDED EMERGENCY EVACUATION COVERAGE: For the convenience of our travelers, Classic Escapes provides a complimentary Medical Insurance Plan during this trip through Travel Guard Group, Inc. This includes:
- Emergency evacuation insurance up to $100,000.
- Up to $25,000 medical expense and up to $500 dental expense coverage subject to the terms and limitations of the insurance policy.
- 24-hour worldwide travel and medical assistance.
Please click here to view complete coverage of details.
CLASSIC ESCAPES CONSERVATION FUND
In keeping with our mission to provide exciting, educational, and fun-filled experiences that nurture and directly support the diverse wildlife and cultures we visit around the world, Classic Escapes has established the Classic Escapes Conservation Fund to ensure that a percentage of all profits go to support conservation and wildlife researchers performing their critical work in the field. Project support has included wild dog, elephant, rhino and cheetah conservation in Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania and Namibia, penguins in Punta San Juan Peru, tiger preservation in India, and sponsoring school children in Kenya, among many other projects around the world. By traveling with Classic Escapes, you are supporting travel as a tool for building the mutual respect, awareness and understanding that are vital to preserving this planet for future generations.