Terms and Conditions

TRUSTED TRAVEL AGENCY

Reservation and Cancellation

Reservation:

Every guest’s name must be the same as that shown on his/her valid official travel document or passport and tickets will be issued under this name in order to meet the legal requirements of the TSA, transport carriers, hotel suppliers and domestic/foreign governments. Please note that transport carriers, such as airlines or cruise lines, and hotels do not normally allow guests the flexibility of name changes without fees or penalties after purchase confirmation. Incorrect names may constitute a cancellation and may subject to imposed cancellation penalties and/or fare changes.

Payment:

A deposit of $500 per guest is required at the time of booking. The balance of a guest’s tour cost is due 60 days prior to departure date. If full payment is not received by the due date, all reservations will be subject to cancellation and paid deposit(s) to travel/tour suppliers/intermediaries may be forfeited or, a late payment fee of US $50 per person will be assessed at the sole discretion of Elite Voyages.

If reservations are made within 60 days of departure, full payment will be due at the time of booking.

Please note that a non-refundable deposit for air reservation may be required for specific tour programs. Such a requirement will be disclosed at the time of booking for these select programs.

Full and complete payments for special promotion deals are required at the time of booking. They are priced as-is, final, non-transferable, and non-refundable purchases.

Modification:

Some tour program options can be modified after reservation:

1. Optional tours, excursions and airport transfer services may be purchased or cancelled up to 7 days before
2. the tour departure date, after full payment. However, this change shall incur a 15% fee;
3. Non-refundable and non-cancellable hotel or room upgrades, based on availability, may be may be purchased and paid in full up to 45 days before the tour departure date, after full tour payment;
4. All entry visa processing services can be included and must paid in full 60 days prior to the departure date; and
5. En-route travel insurance, except the Golden Plan that includes tour cancellation benefits which must be purchased within 21 days after initial tour booking, can be added or cancelled before the final full tour program payment.

Please note:

• There is a minimum fee of $100 per guest for any itinerary change or tour deviation made to a reservation after it has been confirmed.
• Any name change made to an existing guest on a booking after a reservation has been confirmed will result in a fee of $100 per name change, and is subject to, if any, additional airline name-change, cancellation and/or fare adjustment fees. Name changes may only be made to an existing guest’s name on a reservation record and are only applicable towards spelling corrections of the existing guest’s name on the booked reservation. Names on any reservation cannot be changed or switched from one individual to another.

Travel Protection Plan:

We recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer travel protection through Travelex Insurance Services.  For more information on the available plans or to enroll, go to www.travelexinsurance.com or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 05-1795.

Travelex Insurance Services, Inc CA Agency License #0D10209. Travel Insurance is underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. 55Y

Responsibility:

Baggage is carried at owner risk. Elite Voyages is not responsible for typographical or printing errors or omissions. Elite Voyages accepts no responsibility for cost, which may occur as result of a participant failing to secure adequate insurance coverage. Generally, your health insurance does not cover expenses outside the USA. Elite Voyages is not responsible for participant’s visa or passport requirements, will not make any refund of unused services, or reimbursement of any additional expenditure if a participant is denied entry to a country for this or any other reason

Cancellation:

All cancellations must be done in writing. Verbal cancellation by phone will not be accepted. Written notice of cancellation must be received by Elite Voyages either by email, fax or postal mail. The following cancellation fees for published tour programs, except special promotional tours, sales or deals, will be imposed on a per-person basis according to the date of receipt and acknowledgment for such cancellation:

1. a) 120 or more days prior to departure date @ $200 per person
   b) 60-119 days prior to departure date @ $300 per person
   c) 30-59 days prior to departure date @ $400 per person
   d) 15-29 days prior to departure date @ $500 per person
   e) 3-14 days prior to departure date @ $1000 per person
   f) Within 48 hours prior to departure date including no-shows @ 100% of tour fare

Elite Voyages reserves the right to issue the airline ticket(s) or through its authorized agent issues airline ticket(s), and to make all travel reservations and arrangements immediately upon receipt of full tour payment. In addition to the above-stated cancellation charges, the guest will be wholly liable for any additional cancellation penalty fee(s) or service charge(s), including and limited to any pre-paid non-refundable payments, from travel suppliers and/or intermediaries such as those of airlines, hotels, cruises, trains and/or ground operators who may have already issued tickets or confirmation of reservation(s) at the time of cancellation (regardless of number of days prior to departure). In the event of the guest’s travel companion or roommate canceling the trip, the guest will be responsible for the resulting additional single supplement charge.

Special promotional tours, sales or deals when all bookings are deemed as final once purchased and are being paid in full at the time of reservation, will not be refundable and are non-transferable upon cancellation at any time.

Tour Fare Includes:

Air Transportation:

Roundtrip international economy class air passages will be included with the tour as per the guest’s preferred international departure gateway in accordance to published and/or invoiced itinerary. Intra-destination travel arrangement(s) may or may not be included with the tour purchased. It shall be the responsibility of all guests to affirm any inclusion or exclusion with our travel specialists when in doubt. In the event that a guest chooses to arrive for the tour program prior to the scheduled date, or opts to extend his/her stay beyond the end of the tour scheduled, airport transfers to and from the hotel accommodation(s) will not be included.

Guest acknowledges that the self-purchase of his/her own U.S.A. domestic transportation tickets/passages do so at his/her own risk. Elite Voyages reserves the right to change the international air carrier used that may affect the travel date and/or time without prior notice.

For U.S.A. international departure gateway cities not listed, please consult a travel agent or Elite Voyages regarding the US domestic air add-ons or any other country’s departure gateway cities.

All government taxes/fees and fuel surcharges associated with airline tickets are included and subject to change without prior notice.

Land Only Packages:

Guest is responsible for all air transport segments (unless otherwise as specified in the itinerary purchased). It shall be guest’s sole responsibility to make his/her own travel plans in accordance with the tour package’s scheduled arrival and departure dates purchased.

Guest is hereby advised to re-confirm with a travel agent or Elite Voyages about the arrival and/or departure details, including and not limited to the date(s), time(s) and city (cities) of the tour purchased before committing to own transportation purchase(s) and ticket issuance.

Guest is solely responsible for own airport or travel transfers to or from hotel(s), and own travel arrangement(s) to or from the meeting location(s) for the start or the end of the tour where applicable.

Hotel Accommodations:

Hotel accommodations are based on a two-adults-sharing-one-room basis with two twin-beds, and at double occupancy. Triple-occupancy rooms are subject to availability and on a request basis only. Some hotels may have a maximum room occupancy limit allowed.

Guests who travel alone is required to pay an additional single supplement rate. A single room is subject to availability based on prior request at an additional cost.

In the event when due to circumstances beyond control, such as and not limited to the arranged hotel(s) become unavailable, Elite Voyages reserves the rights to substitute hotel accommodation(s) with that of a similar category without prior notice.

Meals:

Meals will be provided in hotels, local restaurants, and/or on board cruises, domestic or international air carriers as specified in itinerary.

Sightseeing:

While the sightseeing program(s) is/are as specified in the itinerary, and that Elite Voyages shall adhere to this itinerary as much as possible, its final arrangements will be determined by the local tour escort based on local circumstances which may be beyond the control of Elite Voyages such as and not limited to weather, acts of God, dangers, incidents at sea, fire, breakdown in machinery or equipment, acts of government(s) or authorities, and/or wars.

Admission / Entrance Fees:

All admission and entrance fees are as specified in the purchased itinerary.

Tour Fare Does Not Include:

• Entry tourist visa processing fee, passport application or renewal fee.
• Gratuities for tour leader, tour guides, drivers, bellmen, porters and waiters.
• Any personal charges such as and not limited to carrier baggage charges, telephone expenses, postage and delivery costs, laundry, food and beverage consumption not included in itinerary, etc.;
• Travel insurance protection premiums;
• Airfare(s) from and/or to guest’s hometown to the international gateway city, air ticket tax, airport taxes, tips, any charges levied by local state, federal or national government agencies;
• Costs and/or charges arising from tour deviation, any expenses due to delay or changes of tour schedule, over-booking of accommodation, default of any third party, cost incurred due to sickness, weather, strike, acts of God, acts of terrorism, force majeure, civil disturbances, riots, acts of government due to civil disturbances, war, quarantine, customs regulations, epidemics, criminal activity, natural or man-made disasters, or any other causes beyond the control of Elite Voyages

Special Request:

Special requests related to and not limited to food restrictions, hotel accommodations, and accessibility are to be made at the time of booking. The guest acknowledges that while every reasonable attempt will be made to accommodate specified special requests, they are subject to availability that may be beyond the control of Elite Voyages and therefore cannot be guaranteed.

Travel Protection Insurance Plan:

Recognizing that unforeseen circumstances can disrupt and/or cancel any carefully arranged journey, we strongly recommended for every traveler’s protection, that travel insurance must be purchased for every planned trip. A specially negotiated optional third-party travel insurance plan is available for your separate purchase. For the description of coverage and benefits please refer to Travelexinsurance for more info.

General Conditions:

Tour fares:

All tour fares are in U.S. Dollars. When the total number of tour members should fall below 10 guests, Elite Voyages reserves the right to cancel the tour, and the tour cost paid will be fully refunded.

Price Guarantee:

Tour price is guaranteed once Elite Voyages receives a full payment. However in the rare instance when an air carrier’s unforeseen flight schedule change may result in extra costs of additional hotel stay(s) beyond the planned itinerary, such additional costs will be separately assessed and invoiced for payment.

Unused Tour Portion:

Any unused tour feature either on air transportation or land arrangements, including but not limited to optional excursions/tours/meals, hotel accommodations and upgrades shall expire without refund. They are deemed as non-transferable, not applicable as current or future tour purchase/payment credit, and cannot be substituted for other options.

Baggage:

The guest acknowledges sole responsibility for any excess baggage charge, baggage check-in fee where applicable, and that baggage is the owner’s responsibility throughout the tour. Elite Voyages assumes no liability for loss, theft or damage to baggage or its contents, or delay of baggage in transit to, from or while on a tour. Baggage allowance may vary for different transport carriers and may change at any time. For up-to-date baggage allowance restrictions, always check with the appropriate air and/or cruise carrier for the latest regulations and fee policies before departure. Some airlines may impose additional charges if guests choose to check in any baggage.

Due to the ground transport/bus space limitations and for the sake of efficient travel convenience, guests are strongly recommended to travel with one check-in luggage and one small hand-carry item per person.

Passport:

All guests’ passports must be valid for at least six months from the return date of the trip, and at least two blank pages must be available. Non-U.S. passport holders are required to consult with a travel agent, the foreign destination’s Embassy or Consulate Office for entry requirements. Guest acknowledges that Elite Voyages does not assume any responsibility for improper or invalid passport of guests.

Visa:

Guest acknowledges the full responsibility to obtain any required tourist entry visa(s) in a timely manner prior to the tour departure date. All guests are requested to consult with a travel agent or the destination’s Embassy or Consulate Office in order to inquire or apply for any tourist entry visa where required.

Guest may choose to purchase tourist visa application services facilitated by Elite Voyages only after the full payment of the tour booked. The visa application fees may vary for different countries and are non-refundable. Elite Voyages assumes no guarantee for the procurement of any tourist visa for our guests.

Elite Voyages is not responsible when guest(s) is/are denied entry into any country for any reason even with the possession of a valid passport(s) and valid entry visa(s).

Non-U.S. passport holders are required to contact the relevant destination’s Embassies or Consulate Offices for legal entry requirements.

Deviation or Change Fee:

Tour deviation is subject to availability. In addition to any mandatory airline, hotel or transfer surcharge, there will be a service charge of $100 per person for any deviation from the original tour itinerary. No change is permitted after travel documents or tickets have been issued.

Elite Voyages reserves the right to exclude any passenger as a tour member, when such person’s health, mental condition, physical infirmity or general deportment may impede the operation of the tour or the rights, welfare or enjoyment of other tour members. Any unused tour features will be non-refundable, non-exchangeable, non-transferable, and not valid as current or future tour credit.

Shopping:

There may be shopping stops arranged during some tours at facilities that function as suitable short rest-stops during select sightseeing journeys, or that these stops are educational with the intent to serve as opportunities to better understand and support local handicrafts and cultures. Purchases at these places are not mandatory, and although our ground team is happy to assist guests with any shopping needs during the journey, Elite Voyages does not guarantee or assume responsibility for any merchandise or services purchased by guests. After-sales customer service, communication or dispute, if any, is entirely between guest and the merchant only. All guests are required to be fully aware of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations and restrictions when bringing home any goods or merchandise from abroad at this link: https://www.cbp.gov/travel.

Single Supplement Fee:

All tour prices are based on the per-person-double-occupancy basis. A single supplement fee will apply for guests traveling alone. In the event of cancellation by guest’s travel companion or roommate, the remaining guest will then be considered as a solo traveler and will be responsible for an additional single supplement charge.

Young Travelers:

Travelers who are less than 18 years old on the departure date must be accompanied by an adult. For any special requirements regarding airline tickets for children, guest must contact the airlines directly. Due to heightened security, many countries have adopted practices to prevent international abductions of children. If a child will be traveling with adults other than the parents or with only one parent, it is recommended that a notarized letter is written by the parents or non-traveling parent granting authorization to travel, including the dates of travel. We suggest that guests can also contact the appropriate consulate and airlines as they may have additional requirements.

Charge for Children:

Tour fare for children at 11 years or younger will be priced at 80% of the regular adult fare for published tour programs except the special promotional tours, sales or deals, and no extra bed will be provided. Children in this age group will need to be accommodated in the same room with at least one adult in most hotel properties during the tour journey.

No child fare will be available for children 11 years or younger for special promotional tours, sales or deals, and no extra bed will be provided.

Children of 12 years or older at the time of travel will be charged at the regular adult price.

Tour arrangements for infants under 2 years of age cannot be booked online. In such instances, guests may consult a travel agent or contact us for quotes during our regular business hours (Pacific Standard Time).

Health:

Elite Voyages recommends that travelers be in good health. Guests are requested to consult their own physicians regarding individual wellness and ability to travel long distances. Some of our tours incorporate active elements such as ingress and egress from buses and vessels, walking long distances, or sightseeing; guests are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the level of activity that will be involved in the tours. Any existing physical or mental illness, disability, pregnancy or any other condition which may create a health hazard for guests themselves or others during the tour which may require special medical attention or special accommodation during the tour must be disclosed to Elite Voyages at the time of reservation (or at later time when guest become aware of such a condition) for a determination of type(s) of assistance that can be reasonably provided. Elite Voyages will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of disabled participants but is not responsible for any denial of services by carriers, hotels, restaurants, or other suppliers. Elite Voyages regrets that special needs for ordinary daily activities, such as walking and dining cannot be accommodated. In no instance will its suppliers or employees physically lift or assist any guest on to or off any vehicles. If guest’s special needs cannot be accommodated, the guest must be accompanied by a qualified companion who will be responsible for independently providing such needed assistance. Elite Voyages reserves the right decline anyone from the tour whom is considered as unsuitable due to fitness level. Elite Voyages also reserves the right to remove any guest from the tour, at the guest’s own expense, if the guest’s condition is such that it could create a hazard to himself/herself or to others, or otherwise impact the enjoyment of other guests.

Participation and Conduct during Tour:

Guests are responsible for respecting the authority and following the directions of the tour guide and the laws of the countries to be visited in the tour itinerary. Elite Voyages may exclude any guest from participating in all or any part of the tour if, in its sole discretion, the guest’s condition or behavior may render himself/herself 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, its liability shall be strictly limited to refund of the recoverable cost of any unused portion of the tour. Should the guest decide for any reason not to participate in certain parts of the tour or not to use certain goods or services included in the tour, no refund will be made for those unused parts of the tour, or unconsumed goods and services.

Guest shall agree to indemnify and hold Elite Voyages harmless from and against any costs, damages, losses or liabilities arising out of (a) the actions or omissions of any minors traveling with the guest, and (b) guest’s companions’ claims that the guest is not authorized to agree to this Terms and Conditions Agreement on their behalf, when the guest has committed and/or paid all tour arrangements on behalf of himself/herself and his/her traveling companions.

Claims and Mediation

If a dispute arises out of or relates to this Terms and Conditions Agreement as a result of any claim, or the breach thereof, and if the dispute cannot be settled through negotiation, the parties agree first to try in good faith to settle the dispute by mediation administered by a mediator experienced in the travel industry under the Commercial Mediation Procedures of the American Arbitration Association before resorting to arbitration, litigation, or some other dispute resolution procedure.

Client Privacy:

Elite Voyages will not discuss or disclose any information about guests’ personal data or trip details with any third party other than the client’s authorized travel partner on the reservation, the airlines, hotels, land, cruise operators, and the relevant and necessary business suppliers for this tour arrangement.

Errors and Omissions:

Elite Voyages is not responsible for any typographical or printing errors, omissions or unintentional misrepresentations made on its website or in other published or broadcast media. Please review the terms and conditions prior to booking.

Responsibility:

Elite Voyages, as tour operator, acts only as an agent. All travel arrangements included in this trip are made on participant’s behalf upon express condition that neither Elite Voyages nor its agents shall be liable or responsible in the absence of its or their negligence for any direct, indirect, consequential, or irregularity of any kind which may be accessional by reason of any act or omission of any person or entity, including without limitation, any act of negligence or breach of contract of any third party such as an airline, train, motor coach, private car, cruise vessel, boat, or any other conveyance, hotel, sightseeing provider, local ground handler, etc., which is to or does supply any goods or services for this trip. Participant understands that Elite Voyages neither owns nor operates such third party suppliers and accordingly agrees to seek remedies directly and only with those suppliers and nor hold Elite Voyages responsible for their acts, omission or commission. Without their limiting the foregoing, Elite Voyages and its agents are not responsible for any losses or expenses due to delay or changes of schedule, overbooking of accommodations, default of any third parties, sickness, weather, strike, acts of God, acts of terrorism, force majeure, acts of government’s civil disturbances, war, quarantine, customs regulations, epidemics, criminal activity or for any other cause beyond its control. All such losses or expenses have to be paid for by the participant.

Elite Voyages accepts no responsibility for value, reliability, quality or authenticity of any goods purchased while on tour or for any mailing, freight or shipping arrangement.

Elite Voyages reserves the right to decline to accept, or retain any person as tour participant, should such person’s health, mental condition, physical infirmity or general deportment impede the operation of the tour or the rights, welfare or enjoyment of other tour participant.

Elite Voyages reserves the right to substitute hotels, and alter the itinerary withdraw any tour and make any desirable alteration for the convenience of the operation of tours. Elite Voyages reserves the right to cancel the tour prior to departure for any reason. Liability for such cancellation is limited to full refund of money received by Elite Voyages and this will constitute full settlement with the tour member.

All tour fares shown, except in China, are based on the present value of foreign currencies in relation to the US dollars in effect on Nov.01, 2008, and in current tariffs on the same date and are subject to change. In China, costs are quoted by Elite Voyages home office in US dollars. However, the Elite Voyages home office increases the cost of any service within China, tour fares are subject to adjustment. The right is reserved to cancel the tour prior to departure for any reason. In such case, a full refund of all payment will constitute a full settlement with the participant. The Elite Voyages home office has sole and exclusive control over the operation of all tours in China. The Elite Voyages home office reserves the right to make alterations or adjustments in the itinerary as to destinations, transportation, accommodations and all other services. Neither Elite Voyages or any subsidiary or affiliate of Elite Voyages shall be responsible for any such alterations made by Elite Voyages home office.

Baggage is carried at owner risk and baggage insurance is recommended. Elite Voyages is not responsible for typographical or printing errors or omissions. Elite Voyages accepts no responsibility for cost, which may occur as result of a participant failing to secure adequate insurance coverage, which coverage is highly recommended. Generally, your health insurance does not cover expenses outside the USA. Elite Voyages is not responsible for participant’s visa or passport requirements, will not make any refund of unused services, or reimbursement of any additional expenditure if a participant is denied entry to a country for this or any other reason.

The general conditions under which you agree to utilize the services of Elite Voyages may not be amended in any way, except in writing, by an authorized officer of Elite Voyages. By utilizing the services of Elite Voyages you agree that the exclusive venue for all claims shall be the County of San Mateo, State of California, and such claims shall be determined according to the laws and jurisdiction of the state of California.

The issuance of tickets and vouchers shall be deemed to be consent to the above conditions and to these terms and conditions.