Christopher Travel® LLC Terms & Conditions
Updated January 19, 2022
We love planning trips! We are Christopher Travel® LLC and we are excited to help you with your travel. Please read the following terms and conditions carefully. These terms and conditions together with our privacy policy and any other documentation we provide you form the basis of your contract with us (hereinafter The Agreement). By booking with us, you are accepting and consenting to The Agreement. If you do not agree to the Terms and Conditions, you must not make any booking with us.
The terms "we", "us", "our", and “Christopher Travel®" refer to Christopher Travel® LLC The term "you", “participant”, “customer”, or “client” refers to the customer booking a reservation through us. Reference to “Suppliers” and “Service Providers” means all third parties who provide services to you including airlines unless otherwise specified.
You affirm that you are at least 21 years of age and possess the legal authority to enter into this agreement in accordance with all Terms and Conditions herein. If you are making travel reservations or bookings for another person you agree to inform that person(s) about the Terms & Conditions that apply to the travel reservations and bookings you have made on their behalf, including all rules and restrictions applicable thereto and these Terms and Conditions. You agree to be financially responsible for all bookings you make. You are responsible for any bookings and travel reservations made by persons under your direction or control. You also promise that all information supplied by you or on your behalf, or by members of your household is true, current, complete and accurate. Furthermore, you also confirm that the traveler is not an unaccompanied minor.
BOOKING PRICING AND PAYMENT
Christopher Travel®, after working with you on your initial trip details, will send an invoice for payment of any applicable planning fees. All planning fees are non refundable. Upon receipt of payment Christopher Travel® will provide a proposed itinerary and will work with you on any first draft changes if required. After any changes are made, you will then receive your final itinerary with an invoice and other important travel information. This invoice is subject to change until you receive confirmation that your travel is booked.
Some tours and airlines will require a larger or payment in full to hold your booking. Customer will be notified if a larger deposit is required. Deposits are NON-REFUNDABLE, unless stated otherwise in the Terms & Conditions of the Service Provider(s).
Final payment is due as indicated on the invoice. Some tours or accommodations require an earlier or later payment. Customer will be notified if earlier or later payment is required. If the full payment is not paid by the stipulated date, Christopher Travel® reserves the right to cancel the booking without further notice and without refund of deposit.
Once payment for your trip is processed, you will receive i) a receipt and ii) a checklist of items for you to review travel documents. Please review documents carefully and promptly as we will not be responsible for any errors. It is your responsibility to review all travel documentation and alert us as soon as possible with any corrections- we will send you a link for you to review and to sign electronically.
Credit Card Bookings: Christopher Travel® should be advised of your credit card number when making your reservation. For security purposes, we are required to collect the customer’s credit card billing address, card expiration date and the customer verification code every time a payment is applied. Credit Card fees may apply. Please note that we will request authorization from you for each payment that is made. For example: If you are making an initial deposit followed by additional payment(s) we will request that you authorize use of your credit card for each payment and we will send a receipt for each payment.
Christopher Travel® quotes prices in US currency, based on the exchange rates for the respective foreign currency for US Service Providers, as well as Euros or other country's currencies from Inbound Tour Operators (Those Service Providers in foreign countries) which Christopher Travel® uses to arrange your Travel Related Services. Exchange rates are subject to fluctuation. Customer's exchange rate is only fixed when full payment is made, unless otherwise noted on Customer's itinerary. Any price that Christopher Travel® quotes is subject to change without notice until full payment is made, unless guaranteed in writing with a specific expiration date.
If we are planning a custom package, usually for groups and/or trips to foreign countries, we present one total per person price in U.S. dollars covering the many different elements associated with such a trip to include items like hotels, restaurants, tours, transportation, entrance fees, destination management companies, special event costs, commissions, credit card processing fees, foreign exchange risk, foreign transaction fees, etc. Though there may be these and other elements that go in the cost trip payable to multiple providers, you will see one invoiced price in U.S. dollars payable to Christopher Travel® LLC -- our aim is to make that price competitive and offer you the best value for your budget.
We reserve the right to refuse a booking without giving any reason and shall in that event return any deposit received.
CANCELLATIONS AND AMENDMENTS
In the event that you do not pay for booking specified within the time limits specified above we reserve the right on our own behalf and on behalf of the operator/service provider to cancel your booking, or not to confirm the final booking with the operator, in either case without further notification to you. If this occurs then the initial deposit will not be refundable and the balance of any further money paid by you for the booking will be dealt with in accordance with the operator/service provider’s terms and conditions and any applicable law.
If you wish to amend or cancel a confirmed booking, you must contact us. For a second or subsequent amendments of your itinerary, we may invoice you for additional trip Planning Fees and you will receive invoices for the fees payable to Christopher Travel® LLC. All trip Planning Fees are non-refundable even if you cancel your trip or you decide not to proceed with your travel.
Other fees are at the discretion of the hotels, tour operators, rental car agencies and other Service Providers. Cancellation penalties may vary depending on the products booked and the Service Provider(s) used to book your Travel Related Services. Customer cancellation before the full payment due date will incur loss of the non-refundable deposits as specified in the Terms & Conditions of the Service Provider(s). Customer cancellation on or after the full payment due date, but more than 7 days prior to departure, will incur a penalty, depending upon the policies of the Service Provider(s). Christopher Travel® will make no refunds for Customer cancellations made less than eight days before departure or subsequent to travel commencement.
Other cancellation fees will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the operator/service provider. In all cases, once the booking is confirmed, you are subject to the terms and conditions of that operator/service provider’s cancellation policy. You should be aware of your operator’s cancellation policies as they apply to your booking. Hotel cancellations vary from property to property and cancellation fees may apply to your cancellation. Operator fees may also apply where a booking is changed and when tickets or documents are re-issued. In the event of a change or cancellation to an existing booking, any fees, charges, or additional fares and taxes imposed by the operator are applicable and payable by you. Where we incur any liability for an operator cancellation fee for any booking which you change or cancel, you agree to indemnify us for the amount of that fee. Where you seek a refund for a cancelled booking for which payment has been made to the operator, we will not provide a refund to you until we receive the funds from that supplier.
Where applicable, refunds will be made by the same method used to pay for the booking. Any payment made by credit card will be returned to that card. Please note that all deposit payments and additional charges paid at the time of booking are non-refundable.
Any changes to a booking that involve the addition of sequential nights to a stay will be considered an amendment to the original booking, regardless of whether the extra nights are booked by the person who made the original booking, or by another customer with whom they are staying.
CHANGES AND CANCELLATIONS BY THE OPERATOR
We will inform you as soon as reasonably possible if the operator needs to make a significant change to your confirmed booking or to cancel. We will also liaise between you and the operator in relation to any alternative arrangements offered by the operator but we will have no further liability to you.
During local or national holidays, certain facilities such as museums, sightseeing trips and shopping may be limited or unavailable. In such instances itinerary changes are made by Operators seeking to reduce inconvenience to customers. Such changes are deemed not to be a major change, and no compensation will be payable to customers. Holidays, closing days and other circumstances may necessitate a change of the day of the week for scheduled regional meals, sightseeing or other activities. If you feel your enjoyment might be diminished by any of these circumstances please check with the respective national tourist office before selecting a specific departure date.
SUPPLIER RULES AND RESTRICTIONS
Christopher Travel® does not provide, own, or control the travel services and products that are provided as part of your trip, such as flights, accommodations, rental cars, packages, or travel insurance (the “Travel Products”). The Travel Products are owned, controlled or made available by third parties (the “Travel Providers”). The Travel Providers are responsible for the Travel Products. The Travel Provider’s terms and privacy policies apply to your booking so you must agree to and understand those terms. Furthermore, the terms of the actual travel provider (airline, hotel, tour operator, etc.) apply to your travel, so you must also agree to and understand those terms. Your interaction with any Travel Provider is at your own risk; Christopher Travel® does not bear any responsibility should anything go wrong with your booking or during your travel. Hence, as the client you agree that Christopher Travel® LLC acts only as agent for the client in acquiring transportation, hotel accommodations, sightseeing and other privileges, or services for the clients’ benefit, and on the express condition that Christopher Travel® LLC shall not be responsible for any loss, accident, injury, delay, defect, omission or irregularity which may occur or be occasioned, whether by reason of any act, negligence or default of any company or person engaged in or responsible for carrying out any of the arrangements, or otherwise in connection therewith.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND DESTINATIONS
By offering reservations for travel in particular international destinations, Christopher Travel® does not represent or warrant that travel to such areas is advisable or without risk. It is your responsibility to be aware of travel warnings and advisories as announced by the U.S. State Department. Should you choose to travel to a country that has been issued a travel warning or advisory, Christopher Travel® will not be liable for damages or losses that result from travel to such destinations.
You and any minors traveling with you must be in possession of a machine-readable passport valid for 6 months after their trip return date along with applicable visas. Some countries require that your passport have two to four blank visa/stamp pages. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met. For information about passport requirements you can visits the State Department’s website at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html. It is your sole responsibility to secure and/or pay for any and all visas, reciprocity fees, affidavits, immunizations, etc. that are required to be permitted entry into each destination. In some countries you may be subject to entry (reciprocity) fees and/or departure taxes/ exit fees which will be collected at the airports upon entry/departure by local government authorities. Please note that entry to any country may be refused even if the required information and travel documents are complete.
Visas: Some countries require visas to enter. Without a valid visa, you may be denied entry into the country. You can find out if you need a visa by visiting the embassy website of the country you'll be traveling to. Although you can always contact us with questions it is your responsibility to ensure you have all the proper travel documents, to include your visa(s). We are happy to refer to you a third-party visa processing company if you so desire.
Children Traveling with One Parent, or Someone Who is Not a Parent/Legal Guardian, or Children Traveling in a Group: Foreign border officials may require custody documents or written consent from the other parent/both parents. Requirements vary by country, so if this applies to anyone in your traveling party please research the requirements and leave prepared.
When travelling domestically or internationally, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) advise that everyone carry at least two forms of acceptable identification in order to board a flight. Examples: DHS designated enhanced driver’s license, USA Passport, a foreign government passport. The name, date of birth and gender that appears on the identification card must exactly match the same such data that is listed on airline ticket(s) and booking records. For more information you can visit the TSA website at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.
For up-to-date detailed information on travel documents and visas, entry/exit taxes and further information on entry and exit requirements please check with your local consular services. Obtaining and carrying these documents is your sole responsibility. Christopher Travel® bears no responsibility for such information and will not be responsible for advising and/or obtaining required travel documentation for you, or for any delays, damages, and/or losses including missed portions of your vacation related to improper documentation or government decisions about entry.
Health: Recommended inoculations for travel may change and you should consult your doctor for current recommendations before you depart. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet all health entry requirements, obtain the recommended inoculations, take all recommended medication, and follow all medical advice in relation to your trip. Inoculation requirements can be found on the Center for Disease Control website at https://www.cdc.gov/.
Disinsection: Most countries reserve the right to disinsect aircraft if there is a perceived threat to public health, agriculture, or environment. While this is not a common practice, we want you to be aware that it is a possibility. This process includes the following: (1) spray the aircraft cabin with an aerosolized insecticide while passengers are on board or (2) treat the aircraft's interior surfaces with a residual insecticide while passengers are not on board. For more information you can visit the U.S. Department of transportation website at: https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/spray.
TRAVEL PROTECTION
Sometimes things go wrong and unfortunately sometimes the unexpected happens before, during, or after your travel. Sickness or injury. Job loss. Weather. Missed flights. Travel insurance and travel insurance providers attempt to mitigate the risk of something going wrong with your planned travel.
Travel protection is not included in the tour price. Christopher Travel® strongly recommends that you are covered by adequate travel insurance for your arrangements. Such insurance at a minimum should cover your losses sustained as a result of cancellation, medical issues, and repatriation in the event of accident or illness. Certain countries have a requirement for foreign visitors to have valid medical insurance on entry. Christopher Travel® cannot be held responsible for denied entry if a guest is unable to provide details to authorities of insurance or denial of entry for any reason. If you choose to travel without adequate insurance cover, we will not be liable for any of your losses howsoever arising, in respect of which insurance cover would otherwise have been available.
You may also already have coverage for travel insurance but we aren’t in a position to make an evaluation of your existing coverage. You may wish to compare terms of travel insurance policies with your existing life, health, home, automobile, or other insurance policies. If you have any questions about your coverage, call your insurer or insurance agent or broker. Christopher Travel® LLC is not qualified to answer technical questions about the benefits, exclusions, and conditions of travel insurance plans. Christopher Travel® LLC cannot evaluate the adequacy of the prospective insured's existing insurance coverage.
Declining travel insurance could result in the loss of your travel cost and/or require more money to correct the situation. You also acknowledge that without insurance, there may be no way to recoup any losses, costs or expenses incurred.
INDEMNIFICATION
Client agrees to and shall indemnify and hold harmless Christopher Travel® LLC and each of our officers, directors, employees and agents, from any expenses, losses, liabilities, damages, judgments, settlements and costs (collectively, “damages”) involved with or incurred by Christopher Travel® LLC (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and the advancement of same) with respect to any claims, law suits, arbitrations, or other causes of action, which result, directly or indirectly, from: (i) Client’s breach or violation, or threatened breach or violation, of this Agreement (including without limitation the Release) (ii) Client’s failure to obtain any signed Release from a Participant and any damages claimed by such Participant or on such Participant’s behalf against Christopher Travel® LLC with respect to the trip; and/or (iii) any Client Participant’s breach or violation, or threatened breach or violation, of the Release signed by such Participant to the extent that such Participant is held not to be responsible for any damages incurred as a result of such breach or violation (real or threatened).
RELEASE FROM LIABILITY
I hereby understand, acknowledge, and agree that Christopher Travel® , LLC, its owners, officers, members, employees, agents, representatives, affiliates, vendors, and independent contractors (collectively “Christopher Travel® ”) does not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for the Trip including without limitation, for example, partnership with, or ownership or control over hotels or other lodging facilities, airline, vessel, bus, van or other transportation companies, local ground operators, providers or organizers of optional or included excursions or equipment used thereon, food service or entertainment providers, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors that Christopher Travel® works with as such. I therefore release and hold harmless Christopher Travel® , its owners, officers, members, employees, agents, affiliates, and vendors for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity, or of any other third party, and you agree to and shall not make any claims against Christopher Travel® for any such actions or omission by Christopher Travel® or any such third parties. Without limitation, Christopher Travel® is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to your person or property, death, delay or inconvenience in connection with the provision of any goods or services occasioned by or resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God, acts of government, force majeure, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, or the threat thereof, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, structural or other defective conditions in hotels or other lodging facilities, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely or safely, dangers associated with or bites from animals, pests or insects, marine life or vegetation of any sort, dangers incident to recreational activities such as zip lining, snorkeling or scuba diving, paddle boarding, horseback riding, surfing, swimming, kayaking, sailing, canoeing, rafting, hiking, bicycling, rock climbing, etc., sanitation problems, food poisoning, lack of access to or quality of medical care, difficulty in evacuation in case of a medical or other emergency, illness, epidemics or the threat thereof or for any other cause beyond the reasonable control of Christopher Travel® . Christopher Travel® reserves the right to change hotels, the itinerary, or other features of the Trip if Christopher Travel® believes it will enhance the safety, comfort or enjoyment of the Trip for you and the other participants, but in each case, if feasible, with Client’s prior consent.
ASSUMPTION OF RISK; COVENANT NOT TO SUE
Client is aware that travel such as Client is undertaking on the Trip may involve hazardous activities, some in remote areas of the world. Inherent hazards and risks include, but are not limited to, risk of injury or death from: motor vehicles collisions, animals, roadway hazards, slips, and falls, consumption of alcoholic beverages, tainted food, or non-potable water; exposure to the elements, including heat, cold, sun, water, and wind; my own negligence and/or the negligence of others, including tour guides, other guests, Christopher Travel® LLC’s employees, agents and/or representatives; attack by or encounter with insects, reptiles, and/or animals; accidents or illness occurring in remote places where there are no available medical services; fatigue, chill, overheating, and/or dizziness,; known or unknown medical conditions, physical excursion for which I am not prepared or other such accidents; the negligence or lack of adequate training of any agents or employees of Christopher Travel® or their third-party providers who seek to assist with medical or other help either before or after injuries have occurred; accident or illness without access to means of rapid evacuation or availability of medical supplies or services; and the adequacy of medical attention once provided.
I understand the description of these risks is not complete and that unknown or unanticipated risks may result in injury, illness, or death. In order to partake of the enjoyment and excitement of this Trip Client is willing to accept the risks and uncertainty involved as being an integral part of travel. Client hereby accepts and assumes full responsibility for any and all risks of illness, injury or death and of the negligence of Christopher Travel® LLC and agree to and shall hold harmless and fully release Christopher Travel® LLC from any and all claims associated with the Trip, including any claims of third party negligence and you hereby covenant not to sue Christopher Travel® LLC for any such claims or join any lawsuit or action that is suing Christopher Travel® LLC.
GOVERNING LAW; SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION
This Agreement and all attachments hereto and the rights of the parties hereunder shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of Alaska, exclusive of conflict or choice of law rules. You agree that unless otherwise mutually agreed by the parties in writing or as otherwise, any Claims shall be brought in a court located in the state of Alaska. All customer claims must be submitted in writing and received by Christopher Travel® LLC no later than 60 days after completion of the Christopher Travel® vacation. Customer claims not submitted and received within this time shall be deemed to be waived and barred.
ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SEVERABILITY
This agreement, including any other attachments and exhibits referenced herein, constitutes the entire agreement and it supersedes all prior or contemporaneous communications and proposals, whether electronic, oral, or written, with respect to Christopher Travel® LLC. If any provision of these Terms shall be unlawful, void, or for any reason unenforceable, then that provision shall be deemed severable from these Terms and shall not affect the validity and enforceability of any remaining provisions.