Booking Conditions
PRICE AND ITINERARY CHANGES
(1) Prices are based on currency exchange rates effective November 2007 and international airfares in effect at April 2008. They are quoted in Australian Dollars and are GST free unless otherwise indicated.
(2) Details of particular hotels and holidays described in this brochure may have changed since publication. Changes in airline fares and exchange rates and other changes may also affect the price of particular holidays. Make sure you ask your Travel Agent to check whether such changes have occurred in the price or itinerary BEFORE YOU BOOK and WHEN YOUR BALANCE IS DUE. Every endeavour will be made to advise you of any changes after you book.
(3) The prices quoted by VENTURE HOLIDAYS are subject to change without notice in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as fluctuation in exchange rates and/or increases in land and airfare costs, airport charges or government taxes. Itineraries are subject to alteration if airline schedules are amended, a tour is cancelled by the operator for whatever reason, or other conditions require it. If, in the unlikely event that we have to cancel your booking because of insufficient numbers booked or because of events outside our control, we will, if we are able to, offer you an alternative tour of a similar standard. If you do not accept the alternative, we will refund in full any monies already paid for that particular tour. Tours may be bilingual.
(4) In the event that change(s) cause your holiday to be substantially different from that first booked, you have a right to withdraw from the booking. Whether a cancellation fee is payable or not will depend on when the cancellation occurs and whether the principals concerned levy fees - see 'CANCELLATION CLAUSE' and 'RESPONSIBILITIES'. Every effort will be made to minimise charges.
(5) To Book: Select the holiday of your choice and then consult your Travel Agent who will make the reservation request with Venture Holidays. All reservations are subject to availability at the time of booking. Any verbal or written quote is an estimate only of the price which will be subject to a written advice to your Travel Agent on confirmation of the reservation.
(6) Hotel Information: Whilst Venture Holidays makes every effort to ensure accuracy in hotel information and descriptions, we are reliant on the hotels giving us accurate data. Since hotels are constantly changing facilities and services, we cannot be liable for any errors or omissions herein or for any disruption caused by hotel renovations. If any feature is of critical importance to your holiday, it is the passenger's responsibility to ask Venture Holidays to check whether such features will be available at the time of occupancy at the given hotel.
(7) Changes of Hotels: If for any reason the hotel(s) nominated herein is/are unavailable, an alternative will be sought/offered. If, after confirmation, the hotel becomes unavailable, you will be assigned to a hotel of similar or superior standard.
EXTRA CHARGES PAYABLE BY THE TRAVELLER
(Travel Agents Please Note)
(1) Communication Charges: During much of the year, hotels and/or tours are in peak demand which may necessitate multiple faxes or international phone calls in order to obtain a booking. In such cases and at the discretion of Venture Holidays, you will be advised as to the charges. Failure to pay these costs will result in cancellation of the booking, thereby incurring all relevant cancellation charges. Communication charges are always payable on late bookings made within 10 days of departure, whether or not we are able to confirm the accommodation.
(2) Reservation Amendments: Where a client requests a change of name, tour, hotel or travel date, an amendment fee of $50 per file will apply. Note that if travel documents have been issued, the fee will be $75 per file, plus airline ticket reissue fees if applicable. Amendments within 42 days of departure may result in operator cancellation fees, inability to confirm and/or delays in receipt of travel documentation. Communication and/or courier charges may also be incurred.
(3) Late Bookings: Bookings may be accepted up to the day before departure but will be subject to availability of accommodation, tours, flights, payment of any higher airfares that may apply and any communication and courier costs incurred. An administration charge ($30 for 14 days or less and $50 for 7 days or less) per file will be levied in addition to holiday costs, plus additional communication (outlined above) and courier charges. Full payment is then due immediately on confirmation.
(4) Travel Kit Delivery: A charge may be made by Venture Holidays to cover freight costs in delivering the passenger's travel kit to the Travel Agent or client.
5) Short Duration Land Only Bookings: A service fee of $40 per file will be applied for all reservations of 4 nights or less for car rental of 13 days or less if air travel from/to Australia is not ticketed by Venture Holidays.
(6) GST: All goods and services offered for sale within this brochure are exempt from Australian Goods and Services Tax as the goods and services are provided outside of Australia. However, for goods and services and other items connected with Australia, Goods and Services Tax will apply. This is subject to change at any time should legislation be enacted affecting the current treatment of the Australian Goods and Services Tax upon the goods and services provided.
(7) Cancellation Clause:
(1) Land Arrangements
(a) Bookings cancelled at any time after confirmation may be subject to a $150 per adult ($50 per child) cancellation fee.
(b) In addition to this fee are any charges made by the hotel, tour operator, cruise line or other principal. This can amount to up to 100% of total land arrangement costs, particularly when cancelling tours and other arrangements within 45 days of departure. Some provider cancellation charges may also incur GST. You should check what additional cancellation fees apply (if any) BEFORE paying your deposit
(2) Airfares As required by airline tariff regulations (inclusive of GST). Ask your Travel Agent to explain full details. Note: Travel Agents may charge their own fees in addition to the foregoing.
DEPOSITS AND BALANCE
A deposit of $150 per person ($50 per child) is payable to your Travel Agent within 7 days of confirmation in order to secure a booking. A further deposit may be required by the hotel, tour operator, cruise line or other principal. Failure to pay the deposit by the due date will lead to cancellation of your booking. The balance is payable 45 days before your departure from Australia or immediately on confirmation if booked within this period. Late payment may lead to cancellation and/or late documentation. Some airfares have limited validity or are required to be booked and paid for a certain time before your travel. Please consult your Travel Agent for applicable airfare conditions.
CREDIT CARDS If you choose to pay for your holiday with a credit card, a credit card processing fee will be added to the total amount of the booking. The current credit card processing fees on any payments made by credit card are 1% for Mastercard and Visa and 2.8% for American Express and Diners Club. Please check for any variations to this at time of payment.
ROOM TYPES AND BEDDING GUIDE
Prices in this brochure are based on existing bedding. Bedding for three persons sharing a triple room may consist of two double beds. Additional bedding may be either a bed or a fold up 'rollaway' or a convertible settee. Please note that the 'Bedding Guide' is provided as a guide which may change, subject to room availability, renovations or other circumstances. Hotel rooms are generally 'Run of House' unless otherwise stated. Particular room requests (eg interconnecting, twin versus double bedding, non-smoking rooms etc) can be requested, BUT NOT GUARANTEED.
REFUNDS
No refund can be guaranteed for cancellations after the tour has commenced or in respect of any tours, accommodation, meals or any other services not utilised. Credit Offers cannot be refunded or taken as cash.
IMPORTANT POINTS TO NOTE
Health and Immigration
Passengers should familiarise themselves with any health or visa requirement that may be applicable in the areas they intend visiting, and they shall be responsible for all exit, entry, health and other documents required by laws, regulations, orders, demands or requirements of the countries visited or transited. Each person (including infants) requires a valid passport. Kindly note that passport and visa requirements are not Venture Holidays' responsibility or that of your Agent and Venture Holidays are not liable for any loss or expense due to a passenger's failure to comply with the above. Visas may take several weeks to process. Passports must have at least 6 months validity from the date of your return to Australia. The Australian Government has many travel advisories in place, for the latest details refer to www.smarttraveller.gov.au .
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance to cover hospital treatment, medical evacuation, loss of property, cancellation fees etc is essential for anyone travelling outside of Australia. Overseas medical costs are expensive and not covered by Australian medical insurance. Your travel agent can assist in purchasing appropriate travel insurance for your destination. The Australian Government has provided information regarding the need for adequate insurance including some case studies, refer to http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/travel_insurance.html.
Click here for Travel Insurance Quotes and even to purchase your policy online.
Maps and Illustrations
Route maps and photographic illustrations are for general purposes only and are not intended to indicate the exact route, facility, service or hotel, which may vary. Flying times are approximations only and may vary depending on schedules, actual flight routings and aircraft types. Our Holiday Hints are a guide only.
Baggage Allowances/Check In/Reconfirmation
Airline regulations across the Pacific generally provide for a free baggage allowance of 2 pieces per person. To/from Australia and Asia, airline regulations generally provide for a free baggage allowance of 20 kilos per person (excepting infants). Any charge for baggage in excess of these allowances will be at the passenger's expense. Some airlines may have varying baggage restrictions and some itineraries may include the services of smaller, local aircraft with reduced baggage restrictions. Please consult your Travel Agent for details regarding your particular itinerary. Baggage restrictions are also detailed on your airline ticket. Most international flights require passengers to check in at least 2 hours prior to departure, though once again variations can occur. Flights should be reconfirmed by the passenger 72 hours prior to the flight departure and a local contact number advised to the local airline office.
Not Included in Holiday Prices
Costs of passports or visas; meals other than those specified in the itinerary; excess baggage charges; personal items such as phone calls, laundry, drinks, room service etc.; sightseeing other than specified in the itinerary; airport taxes (paid locally) and Government taxes other than on accommodation; any costs in Australia; and Travel Insurance.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Clenton Pty Ltd t/as Venture Holidays SA/NT ACN 007 626 048 itself or through entities that are related or affiliated to it (all of whom are included in the expressions "Venture Holidays" or the "Operator" in this brochure) provide the service of selling holidays/tours and ancillary services such as bookings, arrangements and ticketing. The Operator does not itself provide the transport, accommodation, meals or other facilities described in this brochure (collectively the "services") that may be received by any person taking advantage thereof, all of which are provided by air carriers, land carriers, cruise operators, hoteliers or other service providers as principal. Venture Holidays agrees to make the reservations with the principals offering the services described in this brochure on the terms and conditions set out in this brochure. All coupons, exchange orders, contracts, tickets or vouchers issued by Venture Holidays (collectively "vouchers") are issued subject to all tariffs, terms and conditions contained in the contracts in use by the principals when used and constitute the sole contract between the principal and any person taking advantage of the services. Acceptance of such contracts constitutes acceptance of the foregoing. Venture Holidays is responsible only for the services it provides and it accepts no responsibility for any loss or injury to persons or property caused by any act or omission, whether negligent or otherwise, on the part of any principal providing any services to any person taking advantage thereof, including but not limited to any loss or damage in respect of luggage or other property or inconvenience in respect of the handling thereof nor for any dissatisfaction with the properties or services provided by the principals. Venture Holidays is not liable in contract or tort for any injury, damage, loss, delay, additional expense or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by force majeure or other events which are beyond the control of Venture Holidays or are not preventable including, without limitation, the acts or omissions of any person taking advantage of the services, dangers incident to the air or sea, delays, change of or alteration in any aircraft, itinerary, schedule or other travel service, illness, injury, strikes, war whether declared or not, failure of equipment, civil disturbance, medical or customs regulations, quarantines, floods, severe weather, acts of God, acts of government or other authority de jure or de facto or other disturbance of whatsoever nature, thefts, pilferage, improper or insufficient passport, visa or other documentation or anything else that interferes with, alters or adds to the cost of the services requested or booked. The foregoing exclusions of liability are subject to all Australian and State laws, such as the Trade Practices Act and Fair Trading legislation which prohibits the exclusion of certain liability, but remain effective to the full extent permitted by such laws. Venture Holidays will take due care to ensure the services provided by the principals are as described in this brochure subject to the qualifications and exceptions stated, but accepts liability for and only to the extent that loss or damage results directly from its own negligence or that of its employees. The making of a booking constitutes acceptance by all persons taking advantage of the services described in this brochure that the terms and conditions contained in this brochure constitute the entire agreement between them and Venture Holidays and that the agreement can only be varied by an officer of Venture Holidays in writing.
CONSUMER PROTECTION
Venture Holidays holds a Travel Agents Licence TTA68, is a member of the Travel Compensation Fund, Council of Australian Tour Operators ("CATO") and the Australian Federation of Travel Agents ("AFTA").
CONSUMER CLAIMS
You should attempt in the first instance to rectify any difficulty you have in respect of a service with the principal responsible for providing that service. Should your attempt fail and should you wish to make a claim, your claim should be made in writing to the Travel Agent who made your booking as soon as possible following your return to Australia and within 30 days of the difficulty occurring. Venture Holidays cannot be held responsible for delays or rejection of claims by principals if your claim is not made promptly.
LAW OF CONTRACT
The agreement constituted by the terms and conditions contained in this brochure are governed by the laws of South Australia, Australia.
VALIDITY
This programme is valid to 31 March 2009.
