Terms & Conditions
Introduction
The following terms and conditions apply to the group travel services provided by Story of Style ("we", "us", "Story of Style", "our") through its website or other channels. These terms form the basis of your contract with Story of Style (hereon referred to as “the company”). Please read them carefully as they outline our respective rights and obligations. By using our services, you agree to be bound by these terms and acknowledge that you have read and understood them.
Eligibility
Our services are intended for individuals who are 18 years of age or older. By using the services, you represent and warrant that you are at least 18 years old and have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement.
Booking and Payment
All bookings must be made through the Company's website or other authorized channels. A deposit may be required, with the balance due at least 90 days before the start of the trip. If you book within 90 days of the trip, full payment is required at the time of booking. The Company reserves the right to cancel your booking if full payment is not received. Cancellation charges, as detailed in the "Changes and Cancellations" section, will apply based on the date of cancellation.
Passport and Visa Requirements
You must check the current passport and visa requirements well in advance of your departure. Obtaining a new passport typically takes 2 to 6 weeks in different countries. Ensure you have all necessary travel and health documents before departure. Any costs incurred in obtaining these documents are your responsibility. We are not liable if you are refused entry onto any transport or into any country due to lack of proper documentation. If failure to obtain necessary documents results in fines, surcharges, or other financial penalties for us, you will be responsible.
Health
By booking, you confirm that you are in good health, capable of undertaking all aspects of the trip, and not aware of any reason why you may be unsuited for participation or likely to suffer illness or injury during the trip. If you cannot provide this confirmation or have any medical condition or disability that may affect your trip, you must contact us before submitting your application so we can assist in determining the trip's suitability for you. Failure to disclose relevant health information may result in cancellation of your booking, with cancellation charges applied as per the "Changes and Cancellations" section. You must ensure you are aware of all recommended vaccinations and health precautions in advance of your trip.
Travel Insurance
It is essential to purchase travel insurance to protect against unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen circumstances. We are not responsible for any loss or damage resulting from failure to purchase travel insurance. Ensure that your insurance coverage is suitable and adequate for your needs, and carry your policy details with you on the trip.
Special Requests
Please inform us of any special requests before booking. While we will endeavor to meet these requests, confirmation that a request has been noted or passed on to the supplier is not a guarantee that it will be fulfilled. All special requests are subject to availability and may not always be met.
Changes and Cancellations
We reserve any services that must be provided before the trip departs, and we do so on your behalf with our suppliers; therefore, the reservations we make demand full payment. We retain the right to consider the reservation canceled by you if, for any reason, the payment (including any relevant premium) is not received by the deadline.
Up to 60 days before to the start of the trip, you are able to request changes to your reservation. Any such modifications could result in extra costs and are dependent on availability. The following cancellation costs will be charged if you need to cancel your reservation:
Refund Policy
**Refund on down payment - Minus transaction fee if at least eight travelers have booked the trip before it is confirmed.
Once a trip is confirmed, there is no refund for the first deposit, which is 25% of the entire trip cost.
If the trip is cancelled more than sixty days in advance, 50% of the total cost will be refunded, less the transaction fee.
If the trip starts fewer than 60 days out, there will be no refund.
The party leader must notify us as soon as possible by email or text if you need to cancel your reservations. Your cancellation notice won't take effect until we receive it in writing.
Time before departure that we must obtain written notice of cancellation: 60 days or more
Any trip price quoted includes all costs associated with organizing, planning, and carrying out the trip, including group supplies, equipment, lodging, administration, and staff; however, it does not include vaccination fees, travel insurance, transportation costs to and from the trip's start and return locations, including international airfare, passport and visa fees, personal meals and snacks, personal equipment, personal expenses while on the trip, and any other costs specifically listed as excluded on the trip description and/or invoice.
Should the Company decide to cancel a trip for any reason at any point, you will receive a complete refund. Before your journey is finalized, we have the right to alter the listed prices and correct any errors. When you make a reservation, we'll let you know about any errors we find and the pricing that was in effect at the time.
If you are unable to travel, you may transfer your spot to someone else (who you introduce), as long as you notify us at least four weeks in advance of departure and it is feasible to change specific reservations that were booked in your name. Before the transfer can take place, all expenses and fees that we and/or any of our suppliers may incur as a result must be paid. Payment for any outstanding balances must also be received. Depending on availability and practicality, modifications to your confirmed trip may be accepted, however there may be a fee. We only pass on any additional costs incurred or imposed by any of our suppliers in order to provide additional or alternative services; we do not charge a fee for amendments. Changing the dates of a vacation or trip is typically considered a cancellation of the first reservation and a rebooking, for which there will be cancellation fees. Recalculations of the price may be necessary in cases where, for instance, the methodology used to determine the initial trip's cost has changed.
The itinerary is a guide that we will try our best to follow, but due to unforeseen circumstances or events—like bad weather, poor road conditions, or any of those that qualify as force majeure (or because of operational requirements imposed by the owners and operators of lodging, facilities, and transportation) —we may need to make last-minute changes. To the extent that it is reasonably feasible, your itinerary will remain the same, barring unforeseen circumstances that render it unfeasible. If inclement weather requires you to incur additional expenses for lodging, travel, or meals, we will mutually agree to cover these costs.
Adjustments and cancellations by us: As previously mentioned, we reserve the right to make adjustments, correct inaccuracies in information that has been advertised and confirmed, and cancel confirmed reservations. Please be aware that in order for us to run our trips, there might need to be a minimum number of participants. We reserve the right to cancel a trip if the minimum number of reservations needed is not met. If for any reason we have to cancel, we will provide you at least 14 days' notice before your departure.
Most changes are minor. Every now and then, we must implement a "significant change". A modification made prior to departure that is reasonably anticipated to have a substantial impact on your trip is considered significant. We will notify you right away if we need to cancel or make a big adjustment. We will provide you the chance to select from the following choices if there is time before departure: Accepting the modified schedule (for major modifications) or, if possible, buying an alternate journey from us that is of a comparable caliber to the one that was initially scheduled. We guarantee that you will receive at least one comparable or superior alternative vacation, at no additional cost to you beyond the original trip's cost. We will reimburse the difference in cost if this trip turns out to be less expensive than the original one. You can select any of our other trips that are currently available if you decide not to take the trip that we have explicitly offered you, but you will still need to pay the relevant fee for that trip. This will entail paying more if it's more costly or getting a refund if it's less expensive.
Please be aware that if just minor changes are made, the aforementioned options are not available. With the following exclusions, if we must make a significant modification or cancel, we will, where applicable, pay you the fair compensation based on the situation and the time we notify you of the change or cancellation. Except from providing the aforementioned options, no duty or compensation will be due where:
we are obliged to alter or postpone due to exceptional and unanticipated events without our control, such force majeure, the repercussions of which we could not have prevented even with the utmost caution; or
If applicable, we must cancel since we have not received the minimum number of reservations required to run your trip (see above).
If you violate any of the booking terms that give us the right to cancel (like not paying on time), we reserve the right to cancel and you will not be entitled to any compensation or the previously mentioned options.
Very infrequently, "force majeure" (see section Our Responsibility) may require us to modify or end your journey after you've left but before the time you're supposed to arrive. We regret that in the event that this does happen, we won't be able to reimburse you for any charges or expenses you incur, give you any compensation, or issue refunds (unless we receive reimbursements from our suppliers).
Our Responsibility
Although the Company will make a good faith attempt to guarantee that the services are rendered exactly as promised, it makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or accuracy of any information or services rendered. Any errors or omissions, as well as any loss or damage brought on by your reliance on the Services, are not the responsibility of the Company. Any incident that neither we nor the provider of the service(s) in question could reasonably have predicted or avoided is referred to as "force majeure" in these booking conditions. These events could be any of the following: a war, riot, civil unrest, terrorist activity, industrial conflict, natural or nuclear disaster, severe weather conditions, fire, unfavorable weather patterns, serious disease outbreaks at the travel destination, or any other similar uncontrollable events. Unless specifically indicated otherwise in these booking conditions, we regret that we are unable to accept liability or make any payments in the event that "force majeure" prevents or interferes with our ability to perform our obligations under our contract with you, or if you otherwise incur any kind of damage, loss, or expense.
Any loss or damage originating from weather, strikes, government actions, war, terrorism, acts of God, or other uncontrollable occurrences (force majeure) is not covered by the Company.
Any services that are not included in our contract are outside the scope of our liability. This covers, for instance, any extra services that any provider (including local businesses) consents to offer to provide or arrange on your behalf, even in cases when our agreement does not require us to do so. Any activities that are not included in your contracted trip arrangements but that a supplier agrees to supply or organize for you while you are away will be considered supplementary services. Furthermore, we only pledge to exercise reasonable skill and care as described above; we bear no additional or different obligation for any language we may use on our website, in any advertising material, or elsewhere. Numerous travel arrangements are made by local businesses. Other than serving as suppliers of services that are part of your vacation, these businesses are independent legal entities and have no affiliation or legal connection to us. They have their own terms and conditions and run their business totally independently of Story of Style.
We disclaim all liability for any harm, disease, death, loss (including loss of enjoyment and possessions), damage, expense, cost, or other sum or claim of any kind resulting from any of the following: your act(s) and/or omission(s); the act(s) and/or omission(s) of a third party not involved in the arrangement of your trip that were unforeseeable or unavoidable; or "force majeure" as previously defined.
When determining whether the services in question had been lawfully delivered, we will take into account the laws and regulations of the nation in which your claim happened, as well as the commitments we have made to you regarding the services we have promised to offer or arrange as part of our contract. The specific services that gave rise to the claim or complaint will be deemed to have been rendered correctly if they were in compliance with all local laws and regulations in effect at the time. This will be the case even in the event that the services did not adhere to the US rules and regulations that would have been in effect had they been rendered in the US.
Indemnification
By using the Services, violating these Terms, or infringing upon the rights of another, you agree to indemnify and hold the Company, its affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, employees, and agents harmless against any claim or demand, including reasonable attorneys' fees, made by any third party.
Delays, Behavior, Damage, and Complaints
Delays: We are not liable for delays at departure points. Compensation must be pursued through the airline or transport operator.
Behavior: You must follow all reasonable instructions from Story of Style staff or regional partners. Disruptive behavior may result in removal from the trip without refund.
Damage: You are responsible for any damage or loss caused by you and must make immediate payment. Ensure your travel insurance covers such situations.
Complaints: Any complaints must be reported immediately to the trip guide or local agent and followed up in writing. Unresolved issues should be communicated to us within 14 days of the trip's end.
It is advised that you check the frequently updated travel guides available on the websites of each nation's Foreign and Commonwealth Offices before making any reservations or leaving early. Kindly look them up and familiarize yourself with them for your nation.
Terms and conditions of suppliers
Destination transport operators are among the suppliers who offer their services based on their own terms and conditions. These conditions may restrict or eliminate their obligation to you in the event of a bodily injury, death, delay, or loss or damage to personal property. Since these are separate from Story of Style, we usually have no influence over them.
All choices made during the trip are made by Story of Style employees or employees of our partner companies, and you are required to follow any reasonable orders that you receive. Anytime they believe that your continued presence is jeopardizing or likely to jeopardize the good order, discipline, safety, or successful operation of the trip, or the safety or wellbeing of any individual participant(s) or other third party, or if you break any law or regulation of any country where the trip takes place, the team leader, trip guide, or other member of our staff or staff employed by our regional companies may withdraw you from the trip.
We anticipate that every client will treat others with respect. We have the right to cancel your trip without giving any prior notice if, in our reasonable opinion or the reasonable opinion of any other person in authority, your behavior poses a risk to our employees, to any third party, or to property damage.
If the information you supply turns out to be materially erroneous or incomplete, we, or employees of the local Story of Style partner firms, have the right to cancel your trip. If you are withdrawn, you must depart the trip right away, and we won't be able to help you in any way going forward. We will not reimburse you for any out-of-pocket expenses or costs resulting from the withdrawal. Additionally, you will be required to hold us harmless from any damages or losses that may arise from your activities.
You take full responsibility for any harm or loss you may have caused. If there is any damage or loss, it must be fully paid for as quickly as possible, either directly to us or to the owner, manager, or other provider, if the amount is not known with accuracy. You are required to pay the difference as soon as it is discovered if the true cost of the loss or damage is more than the amount you initially paid. Should the amount paid exceed the actual cost, the difference will be reimbursed. In addition, you will be liable for all expenses incurred by us as a result of your acts, including our own and the other party's whole legal fees, and for any claims that may be later made against us.
Complaints
If you encounter any issues or have any complaints during your trip, please immediately inform your trip guide or our local agent (if available) and the supplier of the service(s) in question. Any verbal notification must be documented in writing and provided to both the trip guide/local agent and the supplier as soon as possible. If the issue is not resolved to your satisfaction by the trip guide, local agent, or supplier, you must contact us using the contact information we have provided, giving us full details and a contact number.
We cannot begin to resolve a problem until we are made aware of it. Most issues can be resolved quickly. However, if you remain dissatisfied, you must write to us within 14 days of the end of your trip, providing full details of your complaint. For all complaints and claims that do not involve death, personal injury, or illness, we regret that we cannot accept liability if you fail to notify us of the complaint or claim in accordance with this clause.
In the unlikely event that we cannot amicably resolve your complaint, you may, as an alternative to bringing a claim in the courts, use the independent resolution scheme. This scheme allows a dispute to be resolved based on documents alone with limited liability for costs.
Governing Law
The laws of the United States (and no other country) shall govern these Terms and your use of the Services, without regard to conflict of law principles. Both of us agree that, with the exception of what is stated below, US law (and no other) will govern your contract as well as any disagreement, claim, or other issue of any kind that comes up between us (the "claim"). We both further understand that any dispute arising between us, whether or not it involves physical damage, will be heard by US courts.
Website
To the best of our knowledge at the time of publishing, the information on our website and other promotional materials is accurate. On the other hand, mistakes could sometimes happen and data could then change. As a result, you have to be sure that, when making your reservation, you verify every aspect of the trip, including the cost.
Overseas Standards
he rules and regulations of the nation where any services that are part of your journey are rendered apply to those services, not the USA. These norms and criteria will generally differ from those in the USA and may even be lower.
Miscellaneous
The whole agreement between you and the Company for the use of the Services is contained in these Terms. The fullest extent of enforcement will be applied to any provision of these Terms that is determined to be invalid or unenforceable.