destinationsbydesign

We strongly suggest you print and read these conditions before you proceed.

Please note that it is essential to read and understand the conditions of booking below and we recommend you read the ‘Before You Go’ section on our web site before you book. Please ensure you have read and understood the itinerary and style of the trip/s you are booking. Destinations by Design (DbyD) accepts bookings subject to the following conditions:

Validity

The prices listed are based on the costs and exchange rates current at the time of pricing. DbyD reserves the right to alter these prices at any time. The itineraries and dates are indicative only and are subject to change. All published information is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but changes to our trips will occur. DbyD will make every effort to keep you informed of any changes, but cannot be held liable for any alterations made to the itineraries. Please refer to our website for the most recent update to any trip. Please note that these conditions apply to DbyD group trips only. Variations may apply for DbyD Independent, individually designed and tailored trips.

Cancellation by the traveller

Loss of money paid applies to all cancelled reservations. The date of trip cancellation is the date on which the written cancellation is received by DbyD. The loss of monies paid is as follows, per person:

• 50 days or more prior to trip departure - Loss of deposit

• Between 30 and 49 days prior to trip departure - 50% of total booking cost or loss of deposit; whichever is the greater

• Less than 30 days prior to departure - 100% of total booking cost

No refunds will be made if you voluntarily leave a trip for any reason after the trip has begun. Refunds will be at the discretion of DbyD if you are involuntarily forced to leave a trip for any reason. No refunds will be made for any accommodation, transport, sight seeing services, meals or ss not utilised. Please note that these conditions apply to DbyD land content only. Different fees may apply to airline tickets. You are strongly advised to take out cancellation insurance at the time of booking which will cover cancellation penalties in certain circumstances (Note: such insurance will not cover a change of mind).

Cancellation by DbyD

DbyD reserves the right to cancel any trip but will not cancel a tour less than 60 days before departure. DbyD reserves the right to cancel any trip, at any time prior to departure due to terrorism, natural disasters, political instability or other external events which make it unviable for DbyD to operate our planned schedule, or a reasonable variation of the planned schedule. If DbyD cancels a trip on which you are holding a fully paid booking you may choose between an alternative trip or a full refund. The company is not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking such as visas, vaccinations, non-refundable flights or loss of enjoyment, etc. If the alternative trip chosen is of a lower value than that originally booked then you are entitled to a refund of the price difference. If the alternative tour chosen is of a higher value then you will be required to pay the difference in price.

Your Contract with DbyD

To secure a booking with DbyD or its agent requires a completed and signed booking form together with a non-refundable deposit of $300 per person and full payment for travel 50 days prior to departure .The Company will not accept responsibility for any monies lost that have been sent by post.

Booking amendments

If you wish to change your booking in any way, the following fees will apply:

1. Transfer from one tour to another:

• Amendment request received by DbyD 50 days or more prior to your original tour departure date - AUD$125 per person per change. A transfer can only be made to a departure date within the current validity.

• Amendment request received by DbyD less than 50 days prior to your original tour departure date - charges as per cancellation fees. If there has been any change in the price of the tour you change your booking to, since the time of your original reservation, the new tour price will apply to the new reservation. These fees are in addition to any charges levied by hotels, ground operators or airlines.

2. Changes to any other arrangements made in conjunction with your tour booking (eg: hotels, transfers, etc.)

• Amendments to any other arrangements made in conjunction with your tour reservation will incur an AUD$50 administration fee per booking per change. This fee is in addition to any charges levied by hotels, ground operators or airlines.

3. No amendments are permitted to your booking within 10 days of departure.

Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory for all DbyD travellers. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability. We also recommend it covers cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance at the time of booking.

Passports and visas

You must carry a valid passport and have obtained the appropriate visas when travelling with DbyD. Please ensure your passport is 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 for your holiday. DbyD cannot accept responsibility if you are refused entry to a country because you lack the correct visa documentation.

Your responsibility

You acknowledge that travel on a DbyD trip requires a degree of flexibility and understand that the trip route, accommodation and modes of transport are subject to change without prior notice due to local circumstances. Should DbyD deem it advisable to amend an itinerary for any reason, it may do so by shortening, varying or re-routing any trip. These changes are binding and additional expenses will be charged to you if the reason for any alteration is outside DbyD's control. While travelling with DbyD you agree to accept the authority of the leader and local operator at all times. You are aware that travel within a group may involve compromise to accommodate the diverse desires and physical abilities of group members. You understand that DbyD reserves the right to decline, accept, or retain any person as a member of the group at any time. You acknowledge that DbyD contracts with a network of companies, government agencies and individuals to assist in the running of its tours. To the best of DbyD's knowledge, these third parties are qualified to perform the duties they are contracted to perform. However DbyD will not be held liable for any injury, damage, loss, delay or irregularity that may occur due to the behaviour of these third parties. DbyD will not accept responsibility or liability for any traveller who contravenes any law or regulation of any country visited. No employee, servant or agent of DbyD has authority to vary these conditions. This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia.

Participation understanding

All DbyD travellers on group trips must understand that travelling with DbyD to some of our destinations may involve risks (and rewards) above and beyond those encountered on a more conventional holiday. You should be aware in some geographical areas the standard of accommodation, transport, telecommunications, medical facilities and infrastructure development may not be of the standard you are used to at home or would find on a conventional holiday. You should read and understood the DbyD Trip Notes for the trip you are undertaking and have provided details of any pre-existing medical conditions that you have to DbyD’s representatives. By accepting and signing our Booking Form you will accept these risks and obligations and fully assume the risks of travel and release DbyD from any liabilities connected to these risks to the maximum extent permitted by law.

Group Ages

DbyD small group adventures are designed for adult travellers and the majority of our travellers are in the 35 age to 65 range. It is not possible for children to accompany us on all trips, however, we do tailor a number of family group tours upon request. Please contact us at info@destinationsbydesign.com.au for more information on family group travel.