Earth Dog Travel Ltd Booking Terms and Conditions

1. Introduction

Welcome to Earth Dog Travel Ltd (“the Tour Operator” or “Earth Dog Travel”). These booking conditions, along with our privacy policy, form the basis of your contract with you (“You”). Please read them carefully as they set out our respective rights and obligations. When we refer to “You” in these booking conditions, we mean all persons named on the booking, including any added or substituted at a later date.

ABTOT Protection

Earth Dog Travel Ltd is a member of the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT), which provides financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for non-flight packages. This cover includes a refund if you have not yet travelled or repatriation if transportation was included in your package. Bookings made outside the UK are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with Earth Dog Travel Ltd.

In the event of our financial failure while you are abroad, assistance is available through our 24/7 helpline on +44 7457 402977.

2. Acknowledgement and Acceptance of Risk

By booking a trip with Earth Dog Travel Ltd, you acknowledge and accept that our trips involve inherent risks, some of which may be greater than those encountered in daily life. These risks include, but are not limited to:

  • Physical Demands: Our trips may involve high-altitude trekking, fixed rope climbing, cycling on and off-road, and physical exertion in extreme weather conditions. You must assess your fitness and ability to undertake these activities before booking.
  • Travel to Remote and Developing Regions: Many of our trips take place in remote locations, developing countries, and areas with varying levels of infrastructure, hygiene, accommodation, and transportation standards.
  • Cultural and Legal Considerations: You are responsible for adhering to local laws and cultural norms during your trip. No refunds will be provided if your behaviour causes danger, distress, or harm to our team or other travellers.
  • Wildlife Encounters and Extreme Weather: Your trip may include exposure to wildlife and unpredictable weather conditions that could pose additional risks.

Waiver Requirement

To participate in our trips, you will be required to sign a waiver acknowledging these risks and releasing Earth Dog Travel Ltd from liability for any loss or damage arising from your participation, except where caused by our negligence.

Personal Responsibility and Safety

You are responsible for taking all prudent measures to ensure your own safety, including the use of safety devices (e.g., seatbelts) and complying with all reasonable oral and written warnings regarding health and safety. Earth Dog Travel Ltd cannot be held liable for any loss or damage resulting from your failure to comply with safety instructions.

Notification of Issues

If you encounter any issues during your trip, you must notify us immediately to give us the opportunity to address them. Failure to do so may affect your rights under these booking conditions.

3. Booking Process

Deposits and Payments:
A standard deposit of 25% is required at the time of booking, although this amount may vary based on the specific trip, destination, or product. The balance is typically due 70 days prior to departure, but this can also vary and will be communicated at the time of booking. You may make payments towards the balance at any time in any amount until the balance due date, at which point the full amount must be received.

Booking Confirmation:
After receiving your deposit or full payment, we require up to three working days to confirm your booking with our suppliers. Only after confirmation will your booking be considered final. We will inform you promptly upon confirmation, and should we be unable to confirm, a full refund of any payments made will be offered.

Cancellation by You:
If you need to cancel your booking, the following fees will apply based on the time before your scheduled departure:

  • Immediate loss of deposit (25% of total cost) upon cancellation.
  • 50% of the total cost if cancelled after the balance is paid and up to 45 days before departure.
  • 75% of the total cost if cancelled 30 to 45 days before departure.
  • 100% of the total cost if cancelled within 30 days of departure.

These fees compensate for expenses and bookings made on your behalf in anticipation of your trip.

4. Special Requests

When booking your trip, please inform us of any special requirements you may have at the time of booking. While Earth Dog Travel Ltd will make reasonable efforts to accommodate such requests, we cannot guarantee their fulfillment due to the limitations of the destinations visited and the availability of alternatives outside our planned itineraries.

  • Mobility Issues: If your mobility is limited in any way, please note that certain activities may be inaccessible to you.
  • Dietary Needs: All food allergies and dietary restrictions must be disclosed at the time of booking. Although we strive to meet dietary needs, we cannot guarantee that all requirements will be accommodated.

Special requests or requirements do not form part of the booking terms or the contract between you and Earth Dog Travel Ltd, and we are not liable for any failure to accommodate or fulfill such requests. Should you need to communicate any additional information regarding your requirements after booking, please contact us at hello@earthdogtravel.com.

5. Accuracy of Information

We endeavor to ensure all information on our website and promotional materials, especially regarding itineraries and pricing, is accurate. However, occasionally actual conditions may differ due to changes that are beyond our control. It is essential that you verify the most current price and itinerary details relating to your trip at the time of booking to ensure they meet your requirements.

We commit to correcting any inaccuracies in promotional materials promptly upon discovery. Please verify all details at the time of booking to ensure they meet your expectations.

6. Changes and Cancellations by You

Changes to Bookings:
If you need to make changes to your booking, notify Earth Dog Travel in writing at hello@earthdogtravel.com. A change administration fee of £50 per person will apply, in addition to any third-party supplier costs incurred (such as hotel or airline change fees). Note that changes are subject to availability and may not always be possible.

Cancellation Fees:
Cancellation charges, shown as a percentage, are calculated based on the total cost payable by the person(s) cancelling, exclusive of amendment charges. The following fees will apply:

  • Immediate loss of deposit (normally 25% of total cost) upon cancellation.
  • 50% of the total cost if cancelled after the balance is paid and up to 45 days before departure.
  • 75% of the total cost if cancelled 30 to 45 days before departure.
  • 100% of the total cost if cancelled within 30 days of departure.

These fees compensate for expenses and bookings made on your behalf in anticipation of your trip.

7. Cancellation or Changes by Earth Dog Travel Ltd

We may occasionally have to make changes or cancel your booking. While we always endeavour to avoid changes and cancellations, we reserve the right to do so at any time.

Insignificant Changes:
Examples of insignificant changes include a change of accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. In the event of an insignificant change, we will notify you where practical and reasonable.

Significant Changes:
Significant changes might include:

  • A change in accommodation area for the whole or a significant part of your time away.
  • A change of accommodation to a lower standard for the significant part of your stay.
  • A change of outward departure time or overall length of your arrangements of twelve or more hours.
  • A significant change to your itinerary, missing out on one or more destinations entirely.

If a significant change is necessary, we will inform you as soon as possible, offering you the choice to:

  • Accept the change and proceed with the revised itinerary.
  • Cancel your booking and receive a full refund.

Liability for Changes:
We accept no liability for changes made more than 60 days before departure, changes accepted by you, changes due to non-payment, or changes arising from force majeure circumstances.

On-Trip Changes:
Once a tour has departed, itinerary changes may be necessary due to unforeseen circumstances, operational concerns, or for your health, safety, enjoyment, or comfort. Any changes are at the discretion of Earth Dog Travel. You are expected to have reasonable financial resources to cover incidental expenses during all travel. Earth Dog Travel is not liable for indirect or consequential losses associated with any changes to a booking or itinerary.

Compensation: While no compensation will be provided for insignificant changes or those falling under the exclusions above, we may offer discretionary compensation for major changes, depending on the nature of the change and its impact on your trip.

Please note that our aim is always to provide services as close as possible to the original plan and to inform you promptly of any necessary adjustments.

8. Travel Insurance

Earth Dog Travel Ltd does not provide or recommend specific travel insurance policies but strongly advises you to secure comprehensive travel insurance before your departure. This insurance should adequately cover medical expenses, trip cancellation, loss of luggage, and other unforeseen circumstances that could occur during your trip.

Insurance Requirements:

  • Your policy should cover all activities you are participating in, especially those considered high risk, such as trekking at high altitudes. Ensure your insurance provides coverage up to and including the maximum altitude expected on your trek.
  • It is crucial to disclose all relevant information to your insurer to ensure that your coverage is adequate and valid.

Liability for Uninsured Travelers:
Earth Dog Travel holds no liability for costs incurred by travelers who choose to travel without adequate insurance coverage. Furthermore, we are under no obligation to incur costs on your behalf if you are uninsured. In cases where we voluntarily incur costs due to emergencies or unforeseen circumstances, we reserve the right to seek reimbursement for such expenses, which are payable by you within 28 days of incurring them.

Advisory:
You are responsible for ensuring that your travel insurance covers all potential expenses related to loss, damage, injury, delay, or inconvenience. Earth Dog Travel will not be liable for any indirect or consequential losses associated with changes to your booking or itinerary.

9. Passports, Visas, and Health Requirements

It is your responsibility to ensure that you possess all necessary travel documents, including passports, visas, and any other required documentation, and that these are valid and in order for the entirety of your trip with Earth Dog Travel.

Health Requirements:

  • You must verify and fulfill any vaccination requirements, health precautions, or other medical requirements prescribed for the destinations you will visit. This may include vaccinations for diseases commonly found in certain regions.

Travel Documentation:

  • Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the duration of your trip. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas for the countries you will visit during your journey with Earth Dog Travel.
  • You agree that you are responsible for the full amount of any loss or expense incurred by Earth Dog Travel that is a direct result of your failure to secure or be in possession of proper travel documentation.

Advisory:

  • Failure to meet these requirements may result in denial of entry into a country, for which Earth Dog Travel cannot be held responsible. It is also your duty to inform us of any health conditions or disabilities that might affect your ability to participate fully in the planned travel activities.
  • Earth Dog Travel does not provide advice on travel documents and makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of any information provided on visas, vaccinations, climate, clothing, baggage, or special equipment. You agree that Earth Dog Travel is not responsible for any errors or omissions in this information.

10. Liability and Limitation of Liability

Earth Dog Travel Ltd is committed to providing high-quality and fulfilling travel experiences. We accept responsibility for ensuring that the travel services booked with us are provided as described and that the services offered reach a reasonable standard.

Limitation of Liability:

  • Our liability for losses you suffer as a result of Earth Dog Travel breaching this agreement is strictly limited to the total price of the booking and any losses which are a foreseeable consequence of us breaking the contract. Losses are foreseeable where they could be contemplated by you and us at the time your booking is confirmed.
  • We are not responsible for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or exemplary damage or loss which is not foreseeable, including but not limited to loss of profits, data, or goodwill.
  • The maximum amount we will have to pay you in respect of loss or damage to luggage or personal possessions is equivalent to the excess on your insurance policy that applies to this type of loss per person in total.

Applicable Conventions and Conditions:

  • Our liability will be limited as if we were a carrier under the appropriate conventions, such as The Warsaw/Montreal Convention for air travel, The Athens Convention for sea travel, The Berne/Cotif Convention for rail travel, and The Paris Convention for hotel arrangements.
  • The operating carrier or transport company’s own ‘Conditions of Carriage’ will apply to you on that journey. You acknowledge that these ‘Conditions of Carriage’ are incorporated into this contract by reference.

Exclusions:

  • We do not accept responsibility for services or facilities which do not form part of our agreement or are not advertised in our brochure or on our website. This includes any excursions you book while away or any service or facility which your hotel or any other supplier agrees to provide for you.
  • We will not be liable for any injury, illness, death, loss, damage, expense, cost, or other claim of any description if it results from:
    • the acts and/or omissions of the person affected;
    • the acts and/or omissions of a third party unconnected with the provision of the services contracted for and which were unforeseeable or unavoidable;
    • Events Beyond Our Control.

Events Beyond Our Control:
These include warfare, acts of terrorism, significant risks to human health such as disease outbreaks, or natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, or weather conditions that make it impossible to travel safely back to your departure point.

Assistance for Delayed Return:
Where it is impossible for you to return on the agreed return date due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances, we shall provide necessary accommodation for no more than three nights per person. Exceptions apply for persons with reduced mobility, pregnant women, unaccompanied minors, and persons needing specific medical assistance if notified in advance.

Notification Requirement:
You must inform us without undue delay of any failure to perform or improper performance of the travel services included in this package. It is your responsibility to demonstrate that we or our suppliers have been negligent if you wish to make a claim against us.

11. Force Majeure

Earth Dog Travel Ltd is not liable for any failure to perform, or delay in performance of, any of our obligations under our contract with you that is caused by events outside our reasonable control (Force Majeure Event). A Force Majeure Event includes any act, event, non-happening, omission, or accident beyond our reasonable control and includes, in particular (without limitation), the following:

  • Natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, fires, or extreme weather conditions.
  • Civil strife, terrorism, war, threat of war, significant risks to human health such as pandemics or epidemics, government sanctions, blockades, labor disputes (excluding disputes involving our workforce), or revolutions.
  • Chemical or biological contamination, explosions, collapse of buildings, fires, accidents, and any other similar events.
  • Any law or any action taken by a government or public authority, including without limitation imposing an export or import restriction, quota, or prohibition, or failing to grant a necessary license or consent.

Responsibilities During Force Majeure:

  • We will endeavor to notify you as soon as reasonably possible if a Force Majeure Event occurs.
  • Where feasible, we will offer alternative travel arrangements or refunds where it is not possible to provide services initially contracted for.
  • Our obligation to provide refunds or alternative travel arrangements does not extend beyond what is feasible under the circumstances.

Traveler’s Responsibility:

  • It remains your responsibility to arrange travel insurance that covers Force Majeure events, ensuring that you can recover any additional costs incurred.

12. Medical Conditions and Disabilities

You must provide any medical information reasonably requested by Earth Dog Travel Ltd. For certain trips, you may be required to complete a Medical Form. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions that may impact your ability to participate, we may request a letter or statement from a doctor or other suitably qualified medical practitioner certifying your ability to take part in the trip prior to or at the time of final payment.

Earth Dog Travel Ltd reserves the right to request further medical information or opinions for your safety or the safe operation of the trip. We may deny you permission to travel if we determine that your condition renders you unfit for travel or poses a danger to yourself or others.

Pregnancy:
Pregnancy is considered a medical condition and must be disclosed at the time of booking. We may refuse to carry women who are over 24 weeks pregnant.

Cancellation Due to Medical Information:
Failure to provide required medical information by the deadline may result in the cancellation of your booking, with applicable cancellation fees and no recourse to a refund of any payments should we not have been made aware at the point of booking.

Suitability of Travel:
You are responsible for assessing whether a trip is suitable for you and should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel. Earth Dog Travel Ltd does not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to understand the risks and requirements of each aspect of the trip.

Medical Facilities:
Travel with Earth Dog Travel Ltd may involve visiting remote or developing regions where medical care may be limited and may not meet the standards of your home country.

13. Cutting the Trip Short

If you choose to cut your trip short for any reason, no refunds will be provided for unused services. Any additional travel costs incurred due to an early departure will be your responsibility.

14. Conditions of Suppliers

When you book with Earth Dog Travel Ltd, you acknowledge that you are subject to the terms and conditions of individual suppliers providing services such as hotels, transportation, and excursions. Some of these terms may limit or exclude the supplier’s liability to you, usually in accordance with applicable International Conventions. Copies of the relevant parts of these terms and conditions are available upon request from us or the supplier concerned.

Responsibility for Third-Party Services:
You are responsible for any goods and/or services you choose to receive from third parties during your trip, including rental equipment, clothing, and excursions run by third parties.

15. Flights

Earth Dog Travel Ltd does not include international flights in your booking. You are responsible for booking your own flights to and from your country of origin. We cannot be held responsible for any changes in flight schedules, errors in booking, or costs incurred as a result of these changes.

16. Prompt Assistance

If you encounter difficulties during your trip, Earth Dog Travel Ltd will provide prompt assistance within reasonable limits. However, you are responsible for covering any additional costs that may arise. We reserve the right to charge a fee for our assistance if the difficulty is caused intentionally or through your negligence.

17. Images and Marketing Consent

During your trip, Earth Dog Travel Ltd may take photographs or videos that include you. By participating, you consent to the use of these images for commercial or promotional purposes without payment or explicit consent. This applies whether you have shared material with us directly or publicly through social media, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

18. FCDO Advice

We strongly advise you to check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice before booking and traveling. Advice from the FCDO to avoid or leave a particular country may constitute Events Beyond Our Control.

19. Data Protection

Earth Dog Travel Ltd complies with applicable data protection laws and is committed to safeguarding the privacy of our travelers. Your personal information is collected and used only to the extent necessary to provide the services you request under the terms of our Privacy Policy.

Use of Information:

  • We use your information to facilitate your booking, manage your travel arrangements, and communicate with you about your trip.
  • Your information may be shared with third parties such as hotels, airlines, and local service providers to the extent necessary for the fulfillment of your travel arrangements.

Rights of Travelers:

  • You have the right to access, correct, or request the deletion of your personal data held by us.
  • You can exercise your rights by contacting us directly. Further details are provided in our Privacy Policy, which outlines how to make these requests.

Security Measures:

  • We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorized or unlawful processing, accidental loss, destruction, or damage.

Compliance:

  • We ensure that all data handling and processing activities are carried out in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other relevant data protection laws.

20. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is so broad as to be unenforceable, such provision will be interpreted to be only so broad as is enforceable. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision hereof will in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision.

21. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

The contract between you and Earth Dog Travel Ltd is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

Jurisdiction:
You agree that the courts of England and Wales will have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim that arises out of or in connection with this contract or its subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims).

Alternative Dispute Resolution:
Where disputes cannot be resolved amicably, we encourage the use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, such as mediation or arbitration, before resorting to litigation. Details of our preferred alternative dispute resolution provider can be made available upon request.

22. Amendments and Updates

Earth Dog Travel Ltd reserves the right to amend or update these Terms and Conditions at any time without prior notice. Any changes will take effect immediately upon being posted on our website or otherwise communicated to you.

Notification of Changes:
We will notify you of any significant changes to these Terms that could affect your booking. It is your responsibility to review the most current version of the Terms and Conditions before making any booking or continuing with your travel arrangements.

Binding Nature of Amendments:
By continuing to use our services or proceeding with a booking after any changes have been made, you agree to be bound by the updated Terms and Conditions.

23. Complaints and Dispute Resolution

Complaints Procedure:
If you encounter any issues during your trip, we encourage you to inform your local guide immediately and notify the Earth Dog Travel team as soon as is reasonably possible. If your complaint cannot be resolved on the spot, you should follow up with a written complaint to Earth Dog Travel Ltd within 28 days of the completion of your trip, detailing the nature of the complaint along with any relevant documentation.

Resolution Process:
We will acknowledge receipt of your complaint within 7 days and aim to resolve all complaints within 28 days of receipt. We are committed to handling complaints fairly and confidentially.

Alternative Dispute Resolution:
If we are unable to resolve your complaint to your satisfaction, you may seek further recourse through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms such as mediation or arbitration. We will provide details of our preferred ADR provider upon request.

24. Entire Agreement

These Terms and Conditions, along with any other documents expressly referred to within them, constitute the entire agreement between you and Earth Dog Travel Ltd. They supersede all prior agreements, understandings, or arrangements, whether oral or written, between you and the Tour Operator relating to the subject matter of any booking.

No Waiver:
No failure or delay by Earth Dog Travel Ltd to exercise any right or remedy provided under these Terms or by law shall constitute a waiver of that or any other right or remedy.

Reliance on Terms:
You acknowledge that, in entering into a contract with Earth Dog Travel Ltd, you do not rely on any statement, representation, assurance, or warranty that is not set out in these Terms and Conditions or any document referred to within them.