Booking Conditions
Please note that it is essential to read and understand the conditions of booking below and the about Intrepid what we're all about section when you book. Please ensure you have read and understood the itinerary and style of the trip/s you are booking. Your contract is with Intrepid Travel. When you make your booking and pay your deposit you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the following points. Intrepid Travel accepts bookings subject to the following conditions:
validity
The prices listed are based on the costs and exchange rates current at the time of pricing. Intrepid reserves the right to alter these prices at any time. For trips departing between 01 January 2008 and 31 December 2008, the land price of your trip is guaranteed when you have paid in full. For trips departing beyond 31 December 2008, prices are indicative only. The itineraries and dates are applicable from 01 January 2008 until 31 December 2008. Beyond 31 December 2008 dates and itineraries are indicative only and are subject to change. All information in this brochure is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of printing, but please note that changes to our trips (which can be significant) can and do occur. Intrepid will make every effort to keep you informed of any changes, but cannot be held liable for any alterations made to the published itineraries. Please refer to our website for the most recent update to any trip. Please note that these conditions apply to Intrepid group trips only. Variations may apply for Intrepid Independent trips.
cancellation by the traveler
Loss of monies paid applies to all cancelled reservations. The date of trip cancellation is the date on which the written cancellation is received by Intrepid. The loss of monies paid is as follows, per person:
Cancellation for Intrepid Travel
- 60 days or more prior to trip departure - Loss of deposit
- Between 30 and 59 days prior to trip departure - 50% of total booking cost or loss of deposit; whichever is the greater
- Less than 30 days prior to departure - 100% of total booking cost
No refunds will be made if you voluntarily leave a trip for any reason after the trip has begun. Refunds will be at the discretion of Intrepid if you are involuntarily forced to leave a trip for any reason. No refunds will be made for any accommodation, transport, sightseeing, meals or services not utilized. Please note that these conditions apply to Intrepid land content only. Different fees may apply to airline tickets. You are strongly advised to take out cancellation insurance at the time of booking which will cover cancellation penalties in certain circumstances (Note: such insurance will not cover a change of mind).
cancellation by Intrepid Travel
Intrepid reserves the right to cancel any trip before it is guaranteed to run, but will not cancel a tour less than 60 days before departure. A trip is guaranteed to run once it has one fully-paid traveler, unless minimum numbers state otherwise. This applies to departures within the validity range. Intrepid reserves the right to cancel any trip, including a guaranteed trip, at any time prior to departure due to terrorism, natural disasters, political instability or other external events which make it unviable for Intrepid to operate our planned schedule. If Intrepid cancels a group adventure trip on which you are holding a fully paid booking you may choose between an alternative trip or a full refund. The company is not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking such as visas, vaccinations, non-refundable flights or loss of enjoyment, etc. If the alternative trip chosen is of a lower value than that originally booked then you are entitled to a refund of the price difference. If the alternative tour chosen is of a higher value then you will pay the difference in price.
booking amendments
If you wish to change your booking in any way, the following fees will apply:-
Transfer from one tour to another:
- Amendment request received by Intrepid 60 days or more prior to your original tour departure date - US$125 per person per change. A transfer can only be made to a departure date within the current validity.
- Amendment request received by Intrepid less than 60 days prior to your original tour departure date - charges as per cancellation fees.
- If there has been any change in the price of the tour you change your booking to, since the time of your original reservation, the new tour price will apply to the new reservation. These fees are in addition to any charges levied by hotels, ground operators or airlines.
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Changes to any other arrangements made in conjunction with your tour booking (eg: hotels, transfers, etc.)
- Amendments to any other arrangements made in conjunction with your tour reservation will incur a US$50 administration fee per booking per change. This fee is in addition to any charges levied by hotels, ground operators or airlines.
- No amendments are permitted to your booking within 10 days of departure.
late bookings
For bookings made within 15 days of departure, Intrepid reserves the right to charge a late booking fee of US$50 per booking. On some trips it is not possible for us to accept late bookings.
local payment
Most of our trips require a compulsory local payment. The local payment is required to be made to your leader on the first day of your trip, in cash in the specified currency. The local payment will be disbursed for your benefit in acquiring in-country services.
Further details and information on your local payment are shown in our brochures, website and in the trip notes.
Paying locally facilitates the flow of funds to local suppliers in countries that we travel through and therefore helps to reduce the overall cost of your trip.
insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all Intrepid travelers. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability. We also recommend it covers cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance at the time of booking.
passports and visas
You must carry a valid passport and have obtained the appropriate visas when traveling with Intrepid. Please ensure your passport is valid for 6 months beyond the duration of the trip. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas for your holiday. Intrepid cannot accept responsibility if you are refused entry to a country because you lack the correct visa documentation.
responsibility
You acknowledge that travel on an Intrepid trip requires a degree of flexibility and understand that the trip's route, accommodation and modes of transport are subject to change without prior notice due to local circumstances. Should Intrepid deem it advisable to amend an itinerary for any reason, it may do so by shortening, varying or re-routing any trip. These changes are binding and additional expenses will be charged to you if the reason for any alteration is outside Intrepid's control. While traveling with Intrepid you agree to accept the authority of the leader and local operator at all times. You are aware that travel within a group may involve compromise to accommodate the diverse desires and physical abilities of group members. You understand that Intrepid reserves the right to decline, accept, or retain any person as a member of the group at any time. You acknowledge that Intrepid contracts with a network of companies, government agencies and individuals to assist in the running of its tours. To the best of Intrepid's knowledge, these third parties are qualified to perform the duties they are contracted to perform. However Intrepid will not be held liable for any injury, damage, loss, delay or irregularity that may occur due to the behavior of these third parties. Intrepid will not accept responsibility or liability for any traveler who contravenes any law or regulation of any country visited. No employee, servant or agent of Intrepid has authority to vary these conditions. This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia.
participation form
All Intrepid travelers on group trips must sign a Participation Form on Day 1 of the trip. Please note that signing the form is a pre-requisite of traveling with Intrepid. The wording of this form follows.
"I understand that traveling with Intrepid may involve risks (and rewards) above and beyond those encountered on a more conventional vacation, and that I am undertaking an adventure trip with inherent dangers. I understand that I am traveling to geographical areas where, amongst other things, the standard of accommodation, transport, safety, hygiene, cleanliness, medical facilities, telecommunications and infrastructure development may not be of the standard I am used to at home or would find on a conventional vacation. I have read and understood the Intrepid Trip Notes for the trip I am undertaking and have provided details of any pre-existing medical conditions I have to Intrepid's representatives. I accept these risks and obligations and I fully assume the risks of travel. I release Intrepid Travel from any liabilities connected to these risks to the maximum extent permitted by law."
california seller of travel
I acknowledge that I have been advised that California has a Travel Consumer Restitution Fund. It does not cover non-Californian residents, does not cover foreign travel supplied by foreign providers of transportation and travel utilized for tours in this brochure, as they are not allowed to be registered as Sellers of Travel in California. I understand that this means I may not be eligible to make a claim against this fund in the unlikely event of default by Intrepid Travel or any of our agents or foreign suppliers. Intrepid Travel Inc. is a division of Intrepid Travel Pty. Ltd. governed by the Laws of the State of Victoria, Australia. Californian Seller of Travel Registration #2067633-40
trip grading
Our travelers are sometimes concerned that Intrepid trips might be beyond their capabilities. Relax! Intrepid has a huge range of trips, with something for everybody. To assist you in deciding which trip is right for you, please refer to both the "Physical grading" and "Culture Shock grading" that is included in the facts section for most itineraries. The Physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip, while the Culture Shock rating considers the remoteness of the location, the type of accommodation and transport we use and that "Wow, I'm really not at home now!" factor. While generalizations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows.
physical rating
rating 1: 
These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about being able to do anything physically demanding unless you want to.
rating 2: 
You are required to carry your pack on and off trains and buses, up hotel steps, etc. Your itinerary may include easy paced walks or bike rides, but these are on mainly flat ground.
rating 3: 
Activities include treks of 3 to 4 hours per day in hilly terrain, flat water kayaking or a long day's bike ride, in conditions which are likely to be hot and muggy. You will raise your heart rate on these trips, so a basic level of aerobic fitness is required.
rating 4: 
Be prepared for some serious physical activity. This may be treks of up to 6 hours per day in steep terrain, or extended bike rides of more than one day. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.
rating 5: 
Activities include extended treks of 8 or more hours a day or extended bike touring, often at altitude and over steep terrain. Even if you're in excellent shape, these trips provide plenty of challenges.
rating 6: 
These trips involve extended trekking at altitude and are for the seriously fit only.
culture shock rating
rating 1: 
This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. You have the ease of 'Western-style' accommodation and the support of local English speaking guides when sightseeing is included.
rating 2: 
The trip includes a range of accommodation, such as basic hotels with western facilities or overnight trains. Days of being on the move are well interspersed, communication with the outside world is ever-present and a wide variety of food is commonly available.
rating 3: 
Expect to rough it every now and again, whether it's very simple group-share accommodation at a homestay, a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, the odd cold shower or an encounter with a squat toilet.
rating 4: 
The comforts of home are more of a rarity. Expect extended stays of multi-share accommodation, limited access to hot water, simple food or days cut off from the rest of the world.
rating 5: 
You're out there in Asia, Africa, the Middle East or Latin America! You are likely to be exposed to the elements and/or altitude, stay in very basic lodgings for extended periods, travel in whatever means of transport is available and basically take it as it comes, whatever comes! It can be tough.
local partners
In many parts of the world, Intrepid Travel works with highly reputable local operators.
These local partners are all passionate and enthusiastic about the countries they operate in, and offer the same high standards as Intrepid. By working closely with these local companies, we are best able to put money back into the local economies of those countries through which we travel.
family adventures
Intrepid Family Adventures are living proof that children can add a special dimension to travel. We escape the ho-hum of conventional holidays and throw ourselves into all the fun and adventure that traveling has to offer. Our Family Adventure itineraries avoid long travel days where possible, and we've included plenty of highlights for the younger traveler such as elephants and unusual means of transport. While these trips are designed to keep the kids happy and stimulated, the parents are by no means forgotten! Our maximum group size on these family trips is 14, with a minimum age of 6. Please refer to Family Adventures trip style for full conditions.
traveling with children on intrepid's regular departures
We fully appreciate that parents wish their children to experience as full a range of experiences as possible in their development. Travel, and the geographical and cultural education which this can bring, can play a great part in this role. However, we feel we should take this opportunity to warn you of some of the negative aspects of traveling in the Intrepid manner with children. The reason for this note is not to put you off, just to give you the information to make the most informed decision possible.
a note to parents considering traveling with children (for travel to asia, africa & the middle east):
- Culture shock Traveling in the Intrepid way - at grass roots level - we see the country as it is. From the first minute we arrive the heat and smells assault us. The people have different ways of doing things, the food is new, the cities are usually noisy, personal space is a largely a forgotten concept. People often want to touch and play with western children which could be very distressing for your child. Added up, this affront on the senses we call culture shock can be daunting for us all, however even more so for children.
- Standards of safety and hygiene Standards of safety and hygiene are sometimes considerably lower than at home. This is particularly the case traveling with Intrepid as we aim to escape the traditional tourist path and frequently get into more remote and economically undeveloped regions. Transport, accommodation and hygiene standards will often be considerably lower than we are used to at home. Remember that your children may be more prone to sickness than you are, and should this be serious, the standards of hospitalization are extremely variable.
- Attitudes of other passengers Many of our passengers are single adults who are on their annual holidays and want to have a good time. At night they may go out, have a few drinks and perhaps do things they wouldn't do at home. Not that our travelers are louts or yobbos - they just want to have some fun on holidays. You may not be happy having your children exposed to this type of atmosphere. You should also put yourself in the shoes of your fellow adult passengers who may not wish to have children on their holiday.
- Degree of physical difficulty Most of our trips are more demanding than traditional travel. All have a reasonable degree of walking in them - be it sightseeing, day walks or full scale trekking. Whilst your children may be fitter than you are, they may not be after a period of time in the heat of the tropics with unfamiliar food. Generally we would advise against you traveling with Intrepid if your children have not had some outdoor or other travel experience.
- Responsibility If you decide to travel with Intrepid your children will be treated similar to an adult by the group leader. They are full paying clients just like every other traveler in the group. They have the same rights and the same obligations. The itinerary will not be modified because they are children. If you feel that something is too hard, or not desirable, then it is your responsibility to make alternative arrangements. This responsibility should not fall on your group leaders or your fellow travelers.
conclusion
This may all seem a little negative. In fact, some of the most successful trips we have ever run have had children on them. Children have a wonderful way of opening doors. Nowhere more so than in Asia, where the locals always have great affection for children. We have introduced the following guidelines to ensure the best possible experience both for children traveling and the rest of the group members:
- We do not accept children under 12 years of age on Intrepid group trips (some trips have a minimum age of 18 - see below for exceptions). Please refer to our Intrepid Family Adventures or Intrepid Independent itineraries which have many options suitable for younger children.
- Children 12 - 17 years old must be accompanied by an adult traveler.
- Maximum of 1 child per adult traveler.
- If there is a group of 3 consisting of 2 adults with 1 child, it may not be possible to obtain triple rooms. In such cases, one of the adults will share with the child and the other adult will share with another adult passenger in the group. In the case of 2 adults traveling with 2 children, for safety reasons 1 adult must share with 1 child at all times.
exceptions:
On trip codes starting with letters U or YO, we cannot accept travelers under 18 years of age.
accommodation
Traveling with Intrepid the accommodation is certainly not 5 star - however on Intrepid Basix accommodation can be much simpler again. While this has been requested by young travelers (who want to save the money for other things) our experience has shown that older travelers generally don't enjoy more basic accommodation - plumbing that works, lights that are bright, floors that are clean all become much more important! Remember you may be traveling in Asia, Africa & the Middle East - so a lower level of accommodation will be more "in your face" than it will in the west.
open age
Intrepid small group adventures are designed for travelers of all ages - we seem to have found a traveling style that suits all ages - assuming you are fit and healthy - and take travelers from 12 to 80 (12-17 year olds must be accompanied by an adult). The trips work brilliantly, with great group dynamics and social interaction. The majority of travelers are in the 25 to 45 age range. Intrepid Basix is different - the majority of travelers are in the 18 to 30 age range.
Please note that we require travelers over 70 years of age to complete a Self Assessment Form prior to traveling.
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