Booking Conditions

Please take the time to read and understand the conditions of booking set out below prior to booking a trip with us. We strongly recommend that you also read the Essential Trip Information relating to your trip prior to booking to ensure that you understand the itinerary, style and physical demands of the trip you are undertaking.

1. Our Contract

All bookings are made with B School Travel, LLC (us/we). We act as an agent on our behalf. By booking a trip with us you are deemed to have agreed to these Booking Conditions (which constitutes the entire agreement between you and us) and your booking will be accepted by us on this basis. The services to be provided are those referred to in your booking confirmation invoice.

2. Validity

Dates and itineraries are valid until 31 December 2018. Beyond 31 December 2018 dates and itineraries are indicative only.

In order to be considered for a specific trip you must apply (through our application process). If you are approved your credit/debit card will be charged and will receive an email notification (stating such approval) and a link to finalize any outstanding balances (if applicable).

3. Deposit Requirement

You are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of $99 per person per trip for your booking to be confirmed. If your booking is made within 90 days of the departure date then the full amount is payable at the time of booking. Please note that different deposits amounts are required for selected trips. We accept payment via credit card, debit card and wire transfer. If you pay by wire transfer you are responsible for all fees associated with such payments.

4. Acceptance of Booking and Final Payments

If we accept your booking we will issue a confirmation invoice. A contract will exist between us from the date we issue the confirmation invoice or if you book within 30 days of departure the contract will exist when we accept your payment. Please refer to your booking confirmation invoice for details regarding final payments. Payment of the balance of the trip price is due 60 days before the departure date. Please note that full payment is required earlier. If this balance is
not paid on or before the due date we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled.

5. Prices & Surcharges

Prices are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes. We reserve the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange markets. We also reserve the right to withdraw a tour or any part of it to make such alterations in the itinerary or with the tour inclusions as it deems necessary or desirable and to pass on to tour members any expenditures or losses caused by delays or events beyond its
control. Itineraries and arranged sightseeing are subject to change at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond control. Every effort will be made to operate tours as planned, but alterations may occur after the final itinerary has been issued. See Changes to Itineraries for further details.

Our trip prices are subject to variable and seasonal pricing, both of which are standard practice within the travel industry. This means our trip prices may vary at any time in accordance with demand, market conditions and availability. It is likely that different passengers on the same trip have been charged different prices. Your best option if you like the price you see is to book at that time. Any reduced pricing or discounts that may become available after you have paid your deposit will not apply. If you wish to cancel your booking to take advantage of a cheaper price, full cancellation conditions apply. The most up to date pricing is available on our website. Prices are based on currency exchange rates as of January 2018; note that prices may vary depending on which currency the booking is made. We reserve the right to impose surcharges up to 60 days before departure due to unfavorable changes in exchange rates, increases in airfares or other transportation costs, increases in local operator costs, taxes, or if government action should require us to do so. In such instances we will be responsible for the any amount up to 2% of the trip price and you will be responsible for the balance. If any surcharge results in an increase of more than 10% of the trip price you may cancel the booking within 14 days of notification of the surcharge and obtain a full refund. Air Passenger Duty is included in the price of your air inclusive trip. Please note that a surcharge may be applied to all purchases made by credit card.

6. Your Details

In order for us to confirm your travel arrangements you must provide all requested details with the balance of the trip price. Necessary details vary by trip; they include but are not limited to full name as per passport, date of birth, nationality, passport number, passport issue and expiry date and any pre-existing medical conditions you have which may affect your ability to complete your travel arrangements. On some more demanding trips we may require you to complete and forward an assessment. Failure to provide requested details may result in additional charges or non-refundable cancellation of your trip.

7. Cancellation By The Traveler

If you cancel some or all portions of your booking cancellation fees will apply. A cancellation will only be effective when we receive written confirmation of the cancellation. If you cancel a trip:

[90 days] or less prior to departure, we will retain the deposit;
[Between 46 and 60 days] prior to departure, we will retain the deposit or 50% of the total booking cost; whichever is greater, and
[45 days or less prior] to departure, we will retain 100% paid by you in connection with the booking.

Note that different cancellation conditions including higher charges apply to some styles of trips and additional services. Your booking consultant will advise if differences apply and details can be found in the Essential Trip Information relating to your trip. You are strongly advised to take out cancellation insurance at the time of booking which will cover cancellation fees. If you leave a trip for any reason after it has commenced we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services. If you fail to join a tour, join it after departure, or leave it prior to its completion, no refund will be made. The above cancellation fees are in addition to fees which may be levied by accommodation providers, travel agents or third party tour and transport operator fees.

8. Cancellation By Us

We may cancel a trip at any time up to departure, subject to clause 8. We may cancel a trip at any time prior to departure if, due to terrorism, natural disasters, political instability or other external events it is not viable for us to operate the planned itinerary. If we cancel your trip, you can transfer amounts paid to an alternate departure date or receive a full refund. In circumstances where the cancellation is due to external events outside our reasonable control refunds will be less any unrecoverable costs. We are not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking including but not limited to visas, vaccinations, travel insurance excess or non-refundable flights.

9. Booking Amendments

If you wish to transfer from one trip to another or transfer your booking to a third party you must notify us at least [90 days] prior to the proposed departure date. A fee of [$200] per person per change will apply (in addition to any charges levied by hotels, ground operators or airlines). If you notify us less than [60 days] prior to the proposed departure date the refund policy applicable to cancellations will apply. Transfers to a third party are only permitted where the transferee meets all the requirements in relation to the trip, and transfers to another departure can only be made to a departure within the current validity period.

Amendments to any other arrangements made in conjunction with your trip will incur an [$130] administration fee per booking per change. This fee is in addition to any charges levied by hotels, ground operators or airlines. No amendments are permitted to your booking within 10 days of departure.

10. Inclusions

The land price of your trip includes:

All accommodation as listed in the itinerary
All transport listed in the itinerary
Sightseeing and meals as listed in the itinerary
The services of a group leader as described in the itinerary

11. Exclusions

The land price of your trip does not include:

International or internal flights unless specified
Airport transfers, taxes and excess baggage charges unless specified
Meals other than those specified in the Essential Trip Information
Visa and passport fees
Travel insurance
Optional activities and all personal expenses
Tips for leaders, guide or diver
Late check-out at hotels

12. Age & Health Requirements

Minimum Age: For the majority of our trips the minimum age is 18 at the time of travel.

Please note we cannot guarantee triple or adjoining rooms for families; accompanying adults may be required to share with others in the group on a twin share basis.

Maximum Age: For the majority of our trips we have no upper age limit though we remind you that our trips can be physically demanding and passengers must ensure that they are suitably fit to allow full participation. We are able to provide details on mandatory health requirements; however, we are not medical experts. It is your responsibility to ensure that you obtain proper and detailed medical advice at least two months prior to travel for the latest health requirements and recommendations for your destination.

Fitness to Travel: Good physical and mental health are essential for the enjoyment of Bschool Travel’s trips. In many cases participants travel in rugged areas remote from modern medical facilities. Good physical conditioning is recommended as preparation for all trips. Most trips require some walking. By paying the booking deposit and completing the registration form, the traveler certifies that he/she is fit for rigorous travel and does not have any physical, mental, or other condition that would create a hazard for him/herself or other travelers. It is essential that any participant with a medical condition requiring regular treatment or which may be affected by vigorous activity, prolonged travel, high altitude, heat, cold, natural phenomena, or particular foods, notify Bschool Travel in writing prior to booking.

We assume no responsibility for medical care and we cannot guarantee meeting special dietary requirements or vegetarian needs. Participants may be required to furnish a physician’s statement of good health. Bschool Travel’s or the individual trip leader’s or guide’s judgment shall provide the ultimate determination of an individual’s fitness to embark upon, or to continue, a trip. Bschool Travel reserves the right to refuse reservations or deny participation prior to departure of anyone whom it deems unsuitable for a trip. Once a trip has been confirmed, medical circumstances will not be considered as exceptions to our cancellation policy. All participants must be covered by a current major medical insurance policy for the duration of their trip. Proof of such coverage may be requested.

13. Small Groups & Combination Trips

Our trips are guaranteed to depart once they have one fully paid traveler unless minimum group size specifically states otherwise. This means at times we can have groups with small numbers of travelers. Many of our trips are designed to fit with other departures to create a longer “combination” trip; this means that some of your group may have already been traveling together for some weeks when you commence your trip. If you would like to know how many people are booked on your trip or any combination trip it is part of please ask prior to making your booking.

14. Passport and Visas

You must carry a valid passport and have obtained all of the appropriate visas, permits and certificates for the countries which you will visit during your trip. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the duration of the trip. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas, permits and certificates for your trip; please refer to the itinerary for details. We are not responsible if you are refused entry to a country because you lack the correct passport, visa or other travel documentation.

15. Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory for all our travelers and should be taken out at the time of booking. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation with a recommended minimum coverage of US$200,000 for each of the categories of cover. We also strongly recommend it covers cancellation, curtailment, personal liability and loss of luggage and personal effects. You must provide proof of your travel insurance on the first day of your trip; you will not be able to join the trip without it.

16. Flexibility

You appreciate and acknowledge that the nature of this type of travel requires considerable flexibility and you should allow for alternatives. The itinerary provided for each trip is representative of the types of activities contemplated, but it is understood that the route, schedules, itineraries, amenities and mode of transport may be subject to alteration without prior notice due to local circumstances or events.

17. Change of Itinerary

While we endeavor to operate all trips as described we reserve the right to change the trip itinerary. Please refer to our website before departure for the most recent updates to your itinerary.

Before departure: If we make a major change we will inform you as soon as reasonably possible if there is time before departure. The definition of a major change is deemed to be a change affecting at least one day in five of the itinerary. When a major change is made you may choose between accepting the change, obtaining a refund of money paid on the land portion of the trip only or accepting an alternative tour offered.

After departure: We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or events outside of our control. In such emergency circumstances the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itinerary such as visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights.

18. Air Transportation

We will not accept any responsibility for mistakes or errors in airfare bookings made by independent third parties. The traveler’s confirmed web page will have detailed tour information, and it is up to the traveler to ensure the correct arrival and departure flight information from the tour start and end cities. The independent agent will arrange the best-priced airfare available at the time of your trip’s booking. Please note that certain airfares are subject to a service fee.

19. Authority On Tour

Our group trips are run by a group leader. The decision of the group leader is final on all matters likely to affect the safety or well-being of any traveler or staff member participating in the trip. If you fail to comply with a decision made by a group leader, or interfere with the well-being or mobility of the group, the group leader may direct you to leave the trip immediately, with no right of refund. We may also elect not to carry you on any future trips booked. You must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited, and you also agree to travel in accordance with our responsible travel guidelines.

Further, your trip will travel between cities on various modes of transportation; if you are not present at the aforementioned time (for said transportation) your group leader reserves the right to carry on without you so as not to divert from the predetermined itinerary. If this is the case we are not responsible for any additional transportation costs that may arise. We are not responsible for your health, safety, wellbeing, or any other liabilities during this time in which you are “separated from the group” on your own recognizance. Lastly, you are never obliged to participate in any activity which you wish not to for whatever reason.

20. Acceptance Of Risk

You acknowledge that the nature of the trip is adventurous and participation involves a degree of personal risk. You will be visiting places where the political, cultural and geographical attributes present dangers and physical challenges greater than those present in our daily lives. We use information from government foreign departments and reports from our own contacts in assessing whether the itinerary should operate. However it is also your own responsibility to acquaint yourself with all relevant travel information and the nature of your itinerary. You acknowledge that your decision to travel is made in light of consideration of this information and you accept that you are aware of the personal risks attendant upon such travel.

Risks: There are certain inherent risks in adventure travel of the type involved here. These include, but are not limited to, hiking, walking, climbing injuries and altitude sickness, and in all trips dangers of animals, inaccessibility to medical attention and difficulty in evacuation from remote locations in the case of . medical emergency. Passenger assumes all such risks with regard to these possibilities.

21. Limitation Of Liability

We contract with a network of companies, government agencies and individuals to assist in the running of our trips as agent for these third parties. We are not responsible for the acts and omissions of these third parties.

To the fullest extent permitted by law:

any liability for any loss, death, injury or damage which you may suffer (directly or indirectly) in connection with or arising out of your participation in a trip, or any breach of the Booking Conditions, is excluded;
you release us and our officers, employees, agents and representatives from any liability and expressly waive any claims you may have against us arising out of or in connection with your participation in a trip; and
any condition or warranty which would otherwise be implied by law into these Booking Conditions (Implied Warranty), is excluded.

To the extent an Implied Warranty cannot be excluded, our liability in respect of the Implied Warranty is limited to (in our absolute discretion): (i) the provision of a similar trip to an equivalent value; or (ii) a refund of the total amount received by us from you in connection with your booking.

Any claim by you is excluded to the extent that it is for indirect or consequential loss, loss of profits or economic loss, however it arises, or for indirect, special, punitive or exemplary damages.

22. Optional Activities

Optional activities not included in the trip price do not form part of the trip or this contract. You accept that any assistance given by your group leader or local representative in arranging optional activities does not render us liable for them in any way. The contract for the provision of that activity will be between you and activity provider.

Travel Advisories/Warnings: It is the responsibility of you, the traveler to become informed about the most current travel advisories and warnings by referring to the U. S. State Department’s travel website atwww.travel.state.gov/ or by phone at 1-888-407- 4747. In the event of an active State Department Travel Warning against travel to the specific destination location(s) of the trip, should you still choose to travel, notwithstanding any travel advisory or warning, you assume all risk of personal injury, death or property damage that may arise out of the events like those advised or warned against.

23. Claims & Complaints

If you have a complaint about your trip please inform your group leader or our local representative at the time in order that they can attempt to rectify the matter. If satisfaction is not reached through these means then any further complaint should be put in writing to us within 30 days of the end of the tour.

We will not accept any liability for any claims that are not received within 30 days of the termination of your travel program. All claims for days missed while traveling should be made in writing within 30 days of the termination of the program and directed to info@bschooltravel.com.

24. Severability

In the event that any term or condition contained in these Booking Conditions is unenforceable or void by operation of law or as being against public policy or for any other reason than such term or condition shall be deemed to be severed from this contract or amended accordingly only to such extent necessary to allow all remaining terms and conditions to survive and continue as binding.

25. Photos and Marketing

You consent to us using images of you taken during the trip for advertising and promotional purposes in any medium we choose. You grant us a perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide, irrevocable license to use such images for publicity and promotional purposes.

26. Privacy Policy

Any personal information that we collect about you may be used for any purpose associated with the operation of a Trip or to send you marketing material in relation to our events and special offers. The information may be disclosed to our agents, service providers or other suppliers to enable us to operate the Trip. We will otherwise treat your details in accordance with our privacy policy (available for viewing on our Website).

27. Financial Protection

B School Travel LLC is an ARC accredited agency.

28. Applicable Law

The laws of the state of Michigan, United States govern these Booking Conditions to the fullest extent allowable. Any disputes in connection with a trip or these Booking Conditions must be initiated in the courts of Washtenaw County, Michigan.