Introduction
In these Conditions, “Event” means the tour, activity, event or trip you wish to book; “we” means The Unusual Tourist Limited, incorporated in England and Wales with company number 11140493 and registered address at 4 Timbercroft Close, Four Marks, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 5BB England; and “you” means the person booking the Event.
By booking an Event, you agree that you and all other people included by you on the booking have read these Conditions and agree to be bound by them.
These Conditions are governed in all respects by English Law.
1. Accuracy
1.1 We endeavour to ensure that all the information published on our website is accurate, however occasional changes and errors may occur and we reserve the right to correct prices and other details in such circumstances. You will be advised of the current price of the Event before your booking is confirmed.
2. Booking an Event
2.1 You must be at least 18 years old to book an Event, although others included by you on the booking can be under 18 years of age. You are responsible for all fees due under the booking, and for obtaining the consent of anyone else included in your booking.
2.2 You should put in place appropriate travel health insurance and personal belonging insurance including covering the cost of cancellation by you, assistance (including repatriation) in the event of accident/illness or death, medical expenses, personal baggage, money and public liability. You shall provide evidence of such insurance on request including insurer’s name, policy number and emergency contact number. It is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance cover you purchase is suitable and adequate for your particular needs.
2.3 You accept the possible risks inherent in travel and in relation to your particular Event.
2.4 All our Events are subject to availability and are not confirmed until we issue a booking confirmation. We reserve the right to return your payment and decline to issue a booking confirmation at our absolute discretion.
3. Prices
3.1 Upon acceptance of the booking, prices are fixed and final. If we are obliged to modify pricing due to significant variations, e.g. transportation costs due to increase in price of fuel; changes to permits for particular services; or, revision in tax laws governing UK or destination/s booked, we will inform you as soon as possible.
3.2 We will absorb and you will not be charged for any increase equivalent to 2% of the price of your cost. You will be charged for the amount over and above that.
3.3 However, if the increase is more than 8% of the total price of your confirmed holiday, you will have the option of:
1. accepting the price increase and paying the requested amount;
2. accepting a change to another holiday if we are able to offer one (if this is of equivalent or higher quality, you will not have to pay more but if it is of lower quality you will be refunded the difference in price); or
3. cancelling your confirmed booking and receiving a full refund of all monies paid to us. Should you decide to cancel for this reason, you must exercise your right to do so within 14 days from the issue date printed on your revised invoice.
3.4 There will be no change made to the price of your confirmed holiday within 14 days of the day of your first Event nor will refunds be paid during this period.
4. Payments
4.1 Due to the complex planning, logistics, and ticket issuing that goes into the Events, you must pay all sums due in full before we can issue a booking confirmation.
4.2 For customized multi-day Events that is part of a package, a €300 non-refundable fee is charged for designing an itinerary for you. If the itinerary is confirmed, this fee will be subtracted to your total cost.
4.3 A 30% non-refundable deposit is to be paid upon confirmation and the balance to be fully paid not later than 90 days before the date of the first Event.
4.3 Full payment will be due immediately for bookings made within 90 days of travel.
4.4 We accept bank transfers but all bank fees are to be incurred by you and the amount received should be in the currency of the country where the Event is located.
5. Confirmations
5.1 We issue booking confirmations by email. We do not take responsibility for non-receipt of emails. Please ensure your spam filter is not blocking emails from [email protected]. If you do not receive a booking confirmation, please check your spam folder or email us at [email protected]
5.2 Please check your booking confirmation carefully. If any details are incorrect, please contact us immediately.
5.3 We cannot accept any liability in respect of your booking documentation for inaccuracies (a) based on information you have provided to us; and/or (b) if you do not notify us of any within ten days of receipt. We will do our best to rectify any mistake notified to us outside these time limits but you may incur additional costs.
6. Medical Conditions / Disabilities / General Health and Fitness
6.1 If you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your Event or has any special requirements as a result of any medical condition or disability, please tell us before you confirm your booking so that we may assist you in considering the suitability of the arrangements and/or continuing with the booking.
6.2 If you fail to inform us of your limitations/condition, it is our prerogative to cancel your booking or deny participation if we deem the Event either inappropriate/risky for you and your medical condition or disability. Said circumstances cannot be used as grounds for discrimination and no claims for compensation or a refund, either in part or in full, can be made for non-delivery of services.
7. Attending an Event
7.1 When you attend an Event you agree to comply with the rules and regulations for the Event, and you agree that the provider of the Event shall be entitled to refuse or cease your participation if you fail to do so. We also reserve the right in our reasonable discretion to terminate your Event if your conduct or the conduct of any member of your group is considered to be disruptive or may prejudice our reputation. No refund or payment of any costs incurred by you will be made by us under these circumstances.
7.2 For weather-dependent Events, please also contact us the day prior and be sure to provide correct local contact details in case we need to reach you.
7.3 Please ensure that all members of your booking have a valid photo ID for the Event. This is particularly important if any of your booking has qualified for a reduction based on age.
7.4 Upon booking an Event, you will receive a confirmation email that details meeting location and specific meeting time. If transfers are not included in your Event, give yourself ample time to reach meeting points. If you or your travel companions are running late or need assistance
in finding the meeting point, please call our office at the number provided in your confirmation email, and we will do our best to assist you. However, it is your ultimate responsibility to reach
a meeting point on time. We are not responsible for failure to arrive at an Event meeting point on time. Late arrivals or no shows are non-refundable.
7.5 If you are provided with any equipment during an Event, such as headphones or sound systems, you must return these at the end of the Event. If you fail to do so, you agree that you shall meet all costs of replacing the equipment.
8. Changes you wish to make
8.1 If you wish to change the date of your Event or change the number of people in your party, please email [email protected] as soon as possible. We will try to accommodate your request, but do not promise that we will be able to do so.
8.2 If we are able to accommodate your request, all changes are subject to a processing fee equal to 10% of the total price of the single event changed with a minimum of £50 plus any additional third party costs such as museum entry and reservation fees.
8.3 If we are able to change or cancel your booking, we shall send you confirmation of cancellation or amendment by email. Any change is only accepted once all additional fees have been paid.
8.4 No refunds are due or payable if we cannot accommodate your changes.
9. Cancellations you wish to make
9.1 If you wish to cancel a single day Event (including reducing the number in your party) and you give us more than 30-days notice, we will refund you 80% of the Fee, but we will retain
non-refundable third party costs such as museum entry and reservation fees. On request, we will explain to you any non-refundable third party costs included within your Event.
9.2 If you wish to cancel a single day Event and you give us fewer than 30-days notice, no refunds are due or payable.
9.3 Unless specified differently in your confirmation, for customized multi-day Events, cancellation penalties are based on the following scale:
• 90 days before - 30% of the total cost
• 60 days before - 50% of the total cost
• 30 days before - 100% of the total cost
9.4 For accommodations included in your multi-day Event or package, a 100% cancellation fee may apply unless otherwise stated in your booking confirmation.
9.5 Do note that you may be able to recover your cancellation fees through your insurance.
9.6 No refunds are due or payable if you fail to attend all or part of an Event for any reason whatsoever including due to transport delays or ill health.
10. Changes & Cancellation by Us
10.1 We may occasionally have to make changes or cancel your booking due to unforeseen circumstances or reasons beyond our control.
10.2 If we make a minor change to your Event, we will make all reasonable efforts to inform you or your travel agent as soon possible if there is time before your departure, but we will be under no obligation to pay any refund. Examples of minor changes include, changes to the mode of transportation, change of accommodation to another of the same or higher standard, changes of tours within the same city, changes in daily itineraries.
10.3 Occasionally we may have to make a major change to your Event. Examples of major changes include the following, when made before departure: a change of accommodation area for the whole or a significant part of your trip; a change of accommodation to that of a lower standard or classification for the whole or a significant part of your trip; a significant change to your tour itinerary, missing out on one or more destination entirely.
10.4 If we have to make a major change or cancel your Event, we will inform you as soon as possible and if there is time to do so before departure, offer you the choice of:
- accepting another tour of equivalent or superior standard;
- accepting a specified travel arrangement of a lower standard to that previously booked together with a refund of the difference in price; or,
- cancelling the tour and obtaining a full refund of all monies paid.
10.5 Please notify us of your choice within 7 days of our offer. If you fail to respond to us, we shall be entitled to cancel your Event and the provision below shall apply.
10.6 If we cancel all or part of an Event for reasons outside of our control or otherwise including weather, as a result of any act or omission of a supplier, our sole liability to you shall be to refund the price paid for the Event or part of the Event that hasn’t taken place. We shall calculate any partial refund acting reasonably and in good faith.
11. Force majeure
11.1 We will not pay compensation or accept any liability where any change is due to circumstances outside of our reasonable control, including (without limitation) any strikes, lock-outs or other industrial action; labour disputes; acts of God; war; riot; civil commotion; malicious damage; compliance with any law or governmental order, rule regulation or direction; impossibility of the use of any means of public or private transport or any action of any government or regulatory body; accident; breakdown of vehicle, plant or machinery; fire; flood or storm; other adverse weather conditions (including heavy rainfall, hail, snow, fog or frost) affecting any airport, port or any other transport link, embarkation or disembarkation point and their operation; flight delays; other matters affecting air traffic control (including failure of equipment, systems and software); siege; acts of terrorism; police or security alerts or precautionary measures taken.
11.2 If a site, attraction, church or museum during the day/time of your Event is closed or some rooms/artworks are unavailable due to force majeure, including strikes, floods, fire, earthquakes, extreme weather conditions, terrorism, renovations, religious ceremonies, government directives, or other unforeseen closures, we will do our best to contact you as soon as possible and offer an alternative solution, such as changing the itinerary, rescheduling the Event, or providing a refund, pending availability and at full company discretion. We cannot be held liable for unannounced closures/unavailabilities, in full or in part, that are at the discretion of the site/church/museum.
12. Conditions of Suppliers
12.1 We contract a network of companies and individuals to provide services included in your Event or Package. These are independent third parties vetted and qualified to perform their respective assignments. All of these services are subject to third-party terms and conditions such as transfers, accommodations, and excursions to be provided. The purchase of such services shall be considered as accept-ance by you of those conditions. We do not operate the buses, ferries, trains, cars or accommodations used in your Event so we shall not be responsible for changes, delays, and cancellations for such services. Also, we will not be responsible for any additional expense(s) incurred based on changes or delays in transport, as well as services affected by weather conditions. Any complaints of the above shall be directed to these companies providing the services and claims for any refunds connected with the above - to your insurance policy.
13. Responsibility, Passports, Visas and Insurance
13.1 You must carry a valid passport and have obtained all of the appropriate visas, permits and certificates for the countries you will visit during your trip; your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the duration of your 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 applicable country’s consulates 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.
13.2 Refusal of entry to any country on itinerary is your sole responsibility. Any unused bookings due to denial of entry are non-refundable. Any additional costs are to be incurred by you.
13.3 It is your responsibility to be adequately insured, your travel insurance must include cover against the cost of cancellation by you, assistance (including repatriation) in the event of accident or illness, medical expenses, personal baggage, money and public liability. Cover (including cancellation cover) will not be effective until you have paid all applicable premiums in full. We do not check insurance policies; however, we request written details (insurer’s name, policy number and emergency contact number). Please read your policy details carefully and take them with you on the Event. It is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance cover you purchase is suitable and adequate for your particular needs. You accept full responsibility for ensuring that all members of your party comply with the terms and conditions of the travel insurance purchased.
13.4 We hold no responsibility, nor will accept any, if you or anyone in your party break any law or regulation of any country visited.
14. Our liability to you
14.1 Bookings are accepted on the understanding that clients appreciate and accept the possible risks inherent in travel and that they undertake tours, activities, transfers, events and trips or expeditions that feature in their confirmation at their own volition.
14.2 We promise to provide our service with reasonable skill and care. If we fail to do so, and you are still on the Event, we will (where possible and appropriate to the circumstances), endeavour to organise suitable alternative arrangements at no extra cost to you. In all other cases, please notify us within a month of the Event, and we shall investigate matters and (where appropriate) make prompt efforts to find appropriate solutions.
14.3 To the extent permitted by law, our maximum liability to you is to refund the fee paid for the Event. Nothing in this provision is intended to exclude our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence.
14.4 We are not responsible for the acts and/or omissions of any third parties with whom you may have made any direct bookings or arrangements that have not involved us.
14.5 In respect of travel by sea and rail and the provision of accommodation, our liability is additionally limited in the manner provided by the relevant International Conventions which you agree are incorporated into these Terms & Conditions.
14.6 Our suppliers are instructed not to act as our agents in booking any alternative activities other than those approved and offered by us and which you have purchased directly from us. Any assistance they may offer at your request in relation to such activities does not imply they have acted as our agent or with our authority or approval. We are not responsible for such activities and have no liability to you in respect of any of them.
14.7 Special requirements If you have any special requirements (dietary or otherwise) you must inform us of these at the time of booking so that we can pass these onto our suppliers. We cannot guarantee that your requirements will be met, however, and we are not liable to you in the event that your wishes are not met.
14.8 We are not liable to you where our failure or the improper performance of any of our obligations to you is due to (a) your or any member of your booking’s act or omission such as lost or theft of museum or railway/bus tickets; (b) any act or omission of any third party unconnected with us.
14.9 If the Event includes a package (as defined here in the Package Travel Regulations), you have the benefit of an insurance policy under which the insurer agrees to indemnify consumers, who shall be insured persons under the policy, against the loss of money paid over by them under or in contemplation of contracts for packages in the event of our insolvency.
15. Accommodations
15.1 You must observe the house rules, if any, relating to the accommodation.
15.2 You must vacate the accommodation in most areas by 10:00am on the day of departure. Check-in is normally available from 3:00pm onwards subject to hotel management discretion.
16. Damage you cause
16.1 You agree that you are responsible for any damage or loss caused by you or any member of your party. Full payment for any such damage or loss (reasonably estimated if not precisely known) must be made direct to us or our supplier as soon as possible.
16.2 If the actual cost of the loss or damage exceeds the amount paid where estimated, you must pay the difference once known. If the actual cost is less than the amount paid, the difference will be refunded.
16.3 You will also be responsible for meeting any claims subsequently made against us and all costs incurred by us (including our own and the other party’s full legal costs) as a result of your actions.
17. Data Protection and Privacy Statement
17.1 For the purposes of the Data Protection Act 1998, we are a data controller. In order to process your booking requests, provide your Event and to help us give you a more personal service, we need to collect certain personal details from you. These details will include, where applicable, the names and contact details of party members, credit or debit card or other payment details and special requirements such as those relating to any disability or medical condition which may affect the chosen Event arrangements and any dietary restrictions which may disclose your religious beliefs. If we need any other personal details, we will tell you before we obtain them from you.
17.2 We need to pass on your personal details to the companies and organisations who need to know them so that your Event can be provided (for example your hotel, age, disability, dietary restrictions). We will ensure that anyone to whom we pass your details for this reason agrees to treat it with the same level of protection we are obliged to provide.
17.3 We would also like to store and use your personal details for future marketing purposes (for example, sending you a brochure or details of new features, tours or special offers which we think may be of interest to you, including by email). All details you give us in connection with your booking (including those relating to any disability or medical condition or your religious beliefs) will be kept but we will use only names and contact details for marketing purposes (unless you have indicated that you do not wish us to do so).
17.4 We respect your privacy and do not sell, rent, trade or give away any of your personal information.
17.5 If you do not want us to do any or all of these things, please let us know as soon as possible. Except where expressly permitted by the Data Protection Act, we will only deal with the personal details you give us as set out above unless you agree otherwise. We have appropriate security measures in place to protect this information. You are generally entitled to ask us (by letter or e-mail) what details of yours are being held or processed, for what purpose and to whom they may be or have been disclosed. We will charge a fee to respond to such a request. We promise to respond to your request within 40 days of receiving your written request and fee. In certain limited circumstances we are entitled to refuse your request.
17.6 If you believe that any of your personal details which we are processing are inaccurate or incorrect please contact us immediately.