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Nature Travel Specialists

nature travel, wildlife tours, adventure travel and general travel to Australia, Southeast Asia and South America

Terms & Conditions

Read this carefully - it's important (even if boring)

GENERAL INFORMATION, TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Nature Travel Specialists LLC wants you to enjoy your trip and your anticipation of it. Please read the following carefully to ensure you are aware of all aspects of your travel arrangements with us, and contact us if you have any questions.

SUMMARY
We will make travel arrangements for you when requested, as your agent. You will pay us a deposit when we agree to make such arrangements, only part of which is refundable under normal circumstances, and then at a later date(s) you will pay us the remaing amount due. All land prices seen on our website, in other promotional material or conveyed to you by us are at a discount for cash or check; there is no discount if a credit card is used. The amount of deposit refundable, and the amount of final payment refundable, varies over time. Our only liability where appropriate is refund of monies paid to us. We have agreed to supply only those items specifically included in the written itinerary. Whatever risks may be inherent in buying products from and traveling with third parties are assumed by you. Due to the nature of travel, substituions may need to be made in planned arrangements and you accept this. All requirements for departure from the US and entry into other countries are your responsibility.

Please note that if there is conflict the detailed information below overrides anything in the above paragraph.

SERVICES INCLUDED
Services included in travel arrangements made by Nature Travel Specialists LLC are limited to those described in the supplied itinerary. No other services are included or implied. Please check your itinerary and/or tickets carefully for errors or omissions upon receipt, and contact us if necessary.

NOT INCLUDED

Travel insurance
Fees for passports and/or visas
US and foreign airport departure taxes, reciprocity tax, domestic air taxes, GST taxes (unless otherwise noted), and security taxes. Where such fees and taxes accompany air or other services they will be charged on a separate line of your invoice, and are subject to change.
Tips to drivers and guides
Items of a personal nature such as laundry, equipment rental, phone calls, beverages, camera fees etc.

DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS
A deposit of $400 per person ($600 for Alaska; some program may have higher deposits about which you will be advised) is required when Nature Travel Specialists LLC has been requested to make travel arrangements (“time of booking“). Once travel arrangements have been confirmed with suppliers a further payment of 10% of the total arrangement cost not including taxes may be required. On certain programs or arrangements where suppliers require immediate deposits, such deposits will be additional to the $400 deposit. Final payment for all land and air arrangements will be due 75 days prior to travel. Payment more than 10 days overdue may result in loss of deposit and cancellation of travel arrangements. All prices quoted by us reflect a discount for check/cash. No discount is available if a credit card is used for payment other than for approved air costs. All land payments are to be made by check unless other arrangements are made with Nature Travel Specialists LLC. Air tickets can usually be paid by credit card at no additional cost; credit cards may not be used for certain special fares unless prior arrangements are made. Airlines do not guarantee ticket prices until tickets are paid for; therefore quoted prices for airline tickets are subject to variation until ticketed. If air ticketing occurs prior to usual final payment date the full price of the air ticket including taxes is due at that time. All costs are accurate at time of travel arrangement; however as many arrangements are made well in advance of travel any fluctuations in exchange rates or costs received by Nature Travel Specialists LLC may result in changed pricing. Please note especially that exchange rates can change rapidly and such changes will be reflected in our price to you. Such exchange rate changes in quoted prices are not cause for no-charge cancellation by you. Some programs sold by Nature Travel Specialists LLC may have minimum numbers, and may be subject to cancellation or re-pricing if numbers fall below the minimum. Please note that in some circumstances such re-pricing is part of the tour agreement and does not justify withdrawal from the tour.

CANCELLATIONS
All cancellations must be made in writing and are effective upon receipt in our office. The following fees apply and are per person:

$150 from time of booking until 120 days prior to departure, plus any additional cancellation fees imposed by suppliers
15% of total costs, plus any additional cancellation fees imposed by suppliers, from 119 to 45 days prior to departure
Full penalty form 44 to 0 days prior to departure.

On some programs including Alaska special cancellation fees may apply.

Nature Travel Specialists LLC will make good faith efforts to secure refunds from its travel suppliers, and these will be refunded to you subject to the above penalties and at Nature Travel Specialists LLC’s discretion. Please note that no claim is made that such refunds will be available or made.

Many tour suppliers reserve the right to cancel any tour. Should a tour be cancelled, Nature Travel Specialists LLC will inform you of any such cancellation when we are so informed, subject to reasonable working delay. Under such circumstances the supplier will usually refund the full trip cost; however any additional costs such as non-refundable air tickets or penalties, insurance and additional incurred costs are not refundable by either the supplier or Nature Travel Specialists LLC. Should a tour supplier booked for you by us cancel your trip Nature Travel Specialists LLC will waive its usual cancellation fees.

Transfers of tours or other travel arrangements to different dates are subject to a 5% transfer fee, plus any fees or penalties imposed by tour suppliers, hotels, airlines etc, which have their own transfer and cancelaltions fees and penalties policies. Changes to confirmed itineraries will attract a $50 change fee up to 45 days prior to departure and a $100 change fee for changes made less than 44 days prior to departure, at our discretion.

UNUSED SERVICES
If you make any changes to your travel after departure, such changes are entirely at your own additional (if any) expense. Refunds will not be made for any services provided but not used by you. Where changes are made by Nature Travel Specialists LLC during travel at your request, or due to circumstances beyond the control of Nature Travel Specialists, additional and reasonable costs incurred making such changes are recoverable from you by Nature Travel Specialists.

ALTERATIONS IN TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Every effort will be made to provide all travel arrangements exactly as described, booked and invoiced. However, Nature Travel Specialists LLC reserves the right to alter or cancel accommodation and/or travel arrangements at any time. Nature Travel Specialists LLC will then provide, wherever possible, similar accommodation/travel arrangements in the same area. Where accommodation/travel arrangements of a lower grade are substituted, Nature Travel Specialists LLC will refund the difference between the price of the original accommodation/travel arrangements originally booked and the actual accommodations/travel arrangements provided. If it is necessary to substitute accommodations/travel arrangements of a higher standard Nature Travel Specialists LLC reserves the right to charge you extra at its discretion.

In the case of a travel supplier failing to supply their agreed services either shortly before departure or upon arrival at the destination, Nature Travel Specialists LLC will make every effort to provide alternative arrangements for you on hte above basis, but shall otherwise not be liable to compensate you where such failure on the part of the supplier to provide such services is beyond our conrol. Should you decline the alternative arrangements the refund for for such services will not exceed the value of the services originally booked less any costs not paid out but not recoverable by Nature Travel Specialists LLC.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS & RISK WAIVERS
It is your responsibility to advise us of any special requirements and/or medical conditions that you may have that may affect the travel arrangements you make with us, including your ability to participate in all aspects of tha arrangements. Such advice must be in writing and be sent to our office when a request is made by your for Nature Travel Specialists LLC to make your travel arrangements. Not all special requirements are compatible with travel, or particular tours, events or attractions. In many countries and areas special facilities are not available, including but not limited to disabled access, non-smoking facilities, and special dietrary requirements. Nature Travel Specialists LLC cannot be held responsible for any parts of the travel arrangements made for you that are unsuitable due to special requirements of which we are unaware. Many tour operators require a medical checklist to be provided prior to participation and will refuse participation where such checklists are not provided. Dive operators may require a medical check by an in-country dive medicine doctor if you have had any medical treatment since certification. Some adventure activities require a risk waiver to be signed; such waivers may not be produced until shortly before participation, and after full payment has been made. A refusal to sign such a waiver will cause a denial of service, often with no refund. Nature Travel Specialists LLC makes best efforts to be aware of and inform you of such local requirements but is not responsible for any losses due to its failure to know or advise of such requirements. Please click here for examples typical risk waivers for diving and rafting.

AIRLINE TICKETING
Nature Travel Specialists LLC and its affiliates act as agents only for airline carriers; all tickets are subject to the rules, restrictions and penalties of the individual carrier. Please note that international and overseas airlines may have different rules, restrictions and responsibilities to those based in the US. Changes made after tickets are issued are subject to penalties. If a non-refundable ticket is purchased or a ticket subject to airline penalties is purchased and there are subsequent changes, all fees are the responsibility of the traveler. Air arrangements made by Nature Travel Specialists LLC have been designed to allow for legal and comfortable connection times; however we are not responsible for missed connections and any subsequent travel arrangements and/or costs necessary to continue with your travel arrangements. Where US domestic tickets are issued in conjunction with international tickets any missed connections due to airline delays or weather are usually dealt with by the delivering airline; in most cases they will assist you in making a connection that will help you get to your destination. If not please contact us for further assistance.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
A US passport valid for 6 months beyond your planned return date is essential. Most countries also require and entry visa. A visa or an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is necessary for Australia. If you would like Nature Travel Specialists to arrange this ETA, please indicate this on the separate deposit form. This service is not available to some nationalities. The Australian Government charges a $AU20 ETA processing fee for this service, which we pass on to you. You can also apply to an Australian Consulate for a visa at no charge. Nature Travel Specialists is not responsible for entry refusal or subsequent costs due to the lack of a Visa/ETA; it is the responsibility of the traveler to confirm that they have a valid Visa/ETA. No visa is necessary for New Zealand for US citizens. For those with non-US passports, please contact a New Zealand Consulate for appropriate requirements. Those traveling with minors need to contact the international carrier for specific requirements, usually a notarized letter from the parent(s) and suitable photo ID is required. For safety and ease of travel we strongly recommend minors have their own passport; please contact the appropriate embassy for acceptability if you have a family passport. For all other countries please check with the country's embassy for entry regulations, complying with which are solely your responsibility.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
No health precautions are necessary for Australia, New Zealand or Chile; other countries vary in their requirments. Travelers who have been in yellow fever areas, or where other certain diseases are prevalent may face certain restrictions. Please make us aware if you have been in such areas within the last 6 months, but it is the responsibility of the traveler to be aware of any restrictions that may apply, and take measures accordingly. For all other countries please check with the relevant Embassy. No refunds will be given for refusal of entry due to these circumstances. The CDC website www.cdc.gov/travel has current information regarding overseas travel. Note there is a difference between health precautions, which are up to the traveler's discretion, and health requirements, which are not and can result in refusal of entry if not met. Most "shots" are optional; yellow fever requirements are not.

INSURANCE
We highly recommend travel, personal and property insurance, as your personal insurance may contain limitations. Please read our section on travel insurance.

RESPONSIBILITIES, TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Nature Travel Specialists LLC, also trading as Australian Natural Adventures, Southeast Asian Natural Adventures, South American Natural Adventures and Alaskan Natural Adventures, its affiliates, cooperating airlines and agencies (hereafter referred to as THEY) act only in the capacity as agents in all matters of transportation and tour operations, and THEIR liability is limited to the terms of airline tickets and/or supplier agreements. THEY are not liable for any expenses or injuries due to delays, inconveniences, accidents, expenses or mishaps of any kind whatsoever resulting entirely, or in part, from the negligence of Nature Travel Specialists LLC or others or from causes beyond THEIR control. THEY can accept no liability or responsibility for injuries, losses or additional expenses due to delays or changes in air or other services, acts of God, sickness, weather, strike, war, terrorism, quarantine, theft, civil unrest, or other causes over which THEY have no control. In no event will THEY be responsible for incidental, consequential or special damage or loss suffered by any person. THEIR maximum liability, for any reason whatsoever, will be limited to the amount paid to Nature Travel Specialists LLC for its services. Nature Travel Specialists LLC purchases transportation, tours, transfers, hotel and other accommodations, restaurant and other services from various independent contractors that are not subject to its conrol. Nature Travel Specialists LLC cannot, therefore, be liable for any personal injury or property damage, or any other special or consequential damages that may occur due to (a) intentional, wrongful, negligent or arbitrary acts or omissions on the part of a supplier, its employees and others not under the direct control of Nature Travel Specialists LLC, or (b) defects or failures of any aircraft, vessel, automobitive vehicle or other equipment or instrument under the control of independent suppliers. The right is reserved to substitute accommodations or other modes of transportation and to make any changes in the itinerary where deemed necessary or caused by changes in air schedules. On some activities it may not be possible to accommodate persons with severe health problems or physical disabilities. It is the traveler’s responsibility to judge the appropriateness of these travel activities to their physical capabilities. THEY take no responsibility for special arrangements or problems incurred by travelers physically unable to participate in the planned activities. No refund can be made for the absence from planned activities or failure to participate in planned activities unless arrangements are made at the time of booking; such arrangements may not be possible. The right is reserved to decline, accept or retain any person as a traveler for any reason which affects the operation of the planned activities or the rights and/or enjoyment of other travelers. THEY will not discriminate against any individual because of race, sex, creed or nationality. A refund of the cost of recoverable land and/or air services is the limit of THEIR liability. THEY reserve the right to take photographic or film records of any trip or traveler, and may use the record for promotional and/or commercial purposes. All contracts for services provided by Nature Travel Specialists LLC and its affiliates are entered into in the state of Alabama and all parties to such contracts submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the state of Alabama.

EXPRESS AGREEMENT
By requesting Nature Travel Specialists LLC to make travel arrangements for you you expressly acknowledge that you have read and agree to these terms and conditions.