1.Booking
In order to make your booking, please make sure that you have the correct names, nationalities and date of birth of all travellers as per their passports. Designer Tours and Travel Ltd. will hold an option of 7 days from the time we have confirmed a tour before the cancellation rules apply. If our service or a tour is booked less than 7 days prior to the date when the service is rendered or the tour commences, cancellation rules will apply immediately. If you need more time please let us know. If a hotel is fully booked Designer Tours and Travel Ltd. will try to offer you an alternative property of a similar standard and location. .
A booking is binding for both the customer and travel agency once the deposit has been paid.
2.Conditions of payment
The following rules apply unless other conditions are stipulated in the tour itinerary or practical information relating to the specific tour on our website.
At the time of booking, a deposit on 30% of the total tour price per person, though no less than USD 1,000 must be paid. The remaining payment must be submitted no later than 60 days prior to departure. If the deadline for the remaining payment is exceeded, Designer Tours and Travel Ltd. will be unable to confirm the booking for the client. Please note that some tours have different conditions of payment which may entail stricter conditions for cancellation, e.g. tours utilising luxury trains, flights and certain safari camps and lodges and Group Tours.
3.Cancellation
The following rules apply unless other conditions are stipulated in the tour itinerary or the practical information relating to the specific tour on our website.
Cancellation by the customer
If the customer cancels a tour up to 61 days prior to departure the deposit will be lost. If cancellation is made within 60-31 days prior to departure, a penalty fee of 65% of the total price of the tour will be levied. For any cancellation made within 30-16 days before departure, a penalty fee of 85% will apply. In the case of cancellations made less than 16 days before the start of the tour we are unable to offer any reimbursement. No refunds will be given by Designer Tours and Travel Ltd. for no-shows.
The payment of bank fees for credit card payments and/or bank transfers are the responsibility of the customer and are strictly non- refundable.
The trip may be cancelled with no penalty charge should war, a life-threatening epidemic, or any other natural catastrophe or similar event occur within 14 days prior to departure. This will however be on the condition that your government advises against travelling to the specific area, and that the situation in question has arisen after the booking of the tour was made.
Cancellations must be made in writing and delivered either by hand, post, fax or electronic mail.
In the case of death or serious illness, special cancellation terms can be negotiated if Designer Tours and Travel Ltd. is presented with an officially-approved death/sickness certificate.
Cancellation by the travel agency
In the unlikely event that Designer Tours and Travel Ltd. has to cancel a tour or a service for any reason, we will try to offer the choice of an alternative arrangement; otherwise you will receive a full refund. We will do our utmost to inform you about any cancellations at the earliest possible convenience and at the latest 14 days before the commencement of the tour.
The tour may also be cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control and which neither our partners nor we could have foreseen (force majeure). In such cases customers will be refunded the price of the trip but will not be able to claim any extra expenses. Should one of the aforementioned emergency situations arise Designer Tours and Travel Ltd. will always try to offer an acceptable alternative to the customer.
4. Travel documents
If travel documents other than an invoice are required, these will be emailed or posted to the booking party upon receipt of the full payment.
Additional travel documents could include detailed flight schedules (if included in the purchase), vouchers and an itinerary that includes pre-booked services for your destination. If you are participating in a tour with a guide or in an event described in the programme, you will not normally be given a voucher beforehand.
5. Passports and visas
Unless otherwise specified, obtaining a passport and visa for entry to the country/countries in which the tour takes place is the responsibility of the traveller.
The traveller must ensure that he/she has a valid passport and visa and has given the travel agency the correct information regarding his /her name and nationality, etc. We draw your attention to the fact that the processing of visas may take several weeks. The travel agency cannot be held responsible for travellers who for whatever reason may be denied entry at a border. Some countries require the traveller to be in possession of a suitable amount of currency, as well as a valid return ticket.
Please be aware that rules and regulations may change between the time of booking and the time of departure.
Also, please note that there may be visa requirements when in transit. Your passport must normally be valid for a period of at least six months after returning from your destination.
We are always happy to supply you with any relevant travel documents that may be needed to apply for a visa if you need one. Each country has different requirements that need to be met so please contact your local embassy or go to the following website to find out exactly what visa requirements and processes are applicable: www.projectvisa.com
6. Changes in prices
In accordance with legislation, tour operators may raise the agreed-upon price as a result of increased transportation costs (including increased fuel prices), altered taxes, tariffs and fees, as well as fluctuating exchange rates. Unfortunately, many sudden price increases occur as a result of fuel surcharges, and increased taxes and tariffs. Price increases will take place according to the following principles: All prices are based on costs at the time of publication. Designer Tours and Travel Ltd. reserves the right to change the prices at any time before your booking is made. Designer Tours and Travel Ltd. will confirm price changes, if any, together with the confirmation of your booking. Some service prices, such as (but not limited to) park fees, government levies and airport taxes are not in the control of Designer Tours and Travel Ltd.. In the event of these prices being changed at any date Designer Tours and Travel Ltd. will charge the supplement to the client at cost.
7. Credit and Debit Card Payments
All Credit and Debit Card payments will be charged a 3.5% Surcharge which is the card processing fee charged by the card processing company.
