Sophisticated Escapes Travel LLC Terms and Conditions

Your Agreement with Sophisticated Escapes Travel LLC

Before we make or finalize arrangements for your trip, we require that you sign below or click “I Agree” on our website. Your signature or click will signify your agreement with the following terms and conditions on behalf of yourself and all members of your traveling party:

1. Agent for Suppliers: Sophisticated Escapes Travel LLC (“Agency,” “we,” or “us”) is an independent travel agency affiliated with Travel Planners International, Inc. (“TPI”), a host agency. References to “we” or “us” refer solely to Sophisticated Escapes Travel LLC unless otherwise expressly stated. Sophisticated Escapes acts as sales agent for any airline, hotel, car-rental company, tour operator, cruise line, or other service provider named in your itinerary or confirmation (“Suppliers”). We are not responsible for the acts or omissions of the Suppliers or their failure to adhere to their own schedules, provide services or refunds, financial default, or failure to honor future trip credits. In the event that a Supplier defaults prior to providing the service to you for which payment has been made, the sole recourse for refund shall be with the defaulting Supplier, from insurance covering such defaults if any, or from other responsible third party. We have no special knowledge regarding the financial condition of the Suppliers and no liability for recommending a trip credit in lieu of a refund. Many travel payments are remitted directly to third-party suppliers. Once funds are transferred, Sophisticated Escapes Travel LLC has no control over refunds, penalties, or policy enforcement. You agree that:

• Supplier cancellation and refund policies apply
• Airline tickets are often non-refundable
• Cruise and resort deposits may be non-refundable
• Name changes, date changes, and cancellations may incur penalties

2. Review Your Travel Documents Immediately: Once tickets and confirmations have been issued, it is your responsibility to review and inform us of any errors. Suppliers may have penalties for modifications or refunds. We do not have control over printed prices on the tickets, although some tickets may have BT (Bulk fare) printed on them, and some may have a specific value on them, which may be different (lower or higher) than the fare collected. Failure to notify us of errors shall be deemed acceptance of the documents as issued.

3. Health Risks Including Pandemics: You acknowledge that travel may involve exposure to health risks, including but not limited to pandemics, epidemics, and infectious diseases, and that requirements imposed by suppliers or governments may change without notice. We have no responsibility for health-related or pandemic-related requirements that travel suppliers and governments may impose from time to time, such as health affidavit forms, health screenings prior to departure or upon arrival, face coverings, exclusions, closures, or quarantines. For the latest government travel regulations, we recommend going to IATA’s website at https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/international-travel-document-news/1580226297.htm. For the latest travel supplier requirements, check the supplier’s home page.

4. Other Risks of Travel and Release: We assume no responsibility for and shall not be liable for the acts or omissions of any party not under our control, or any acts of God, unsafe conditions, terrorism, health hazards including pandemics, illnesses, weather hazards, or the suitability for a disabled person of any portion of any trip. We have no special knowledge of dangers during travel or at destinations. For information related to such dangers, we recommend going to the State Department travel website at www.travel.state.gov, click on "Find International travel Information” then click on "Country Information", and fill in the name of the destination country. For medical and health information, we recommend going to the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/travel, then click on “Destinations” and scroll to the name of the destination country. YOU HEREBY EXPRESSLY ASSUME ALL OF THESE RISKS AND DANGERS, AND YOU HEREBY EXPRESSLY AGREE TO FOREVER RELEASE, DISCHARGE AND HOLD US, AND OUR AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, ASSOCIATES, AFFILIATED COMPANIES, GUIDES, GROUP LEADERS, AND SUBCONTRACTORS HARMLESS AGAINST ANY AND ALL LIABILITY, ACTIONS, CAUSES OF ACTIONS, SUITS, CLAIMS, AND DEMANDS OF ANY AND EVERY KIND AND NATURE WHATSOEVER WHICH YOU NOW HAVE OR WHICH MAY HEREAFTER ARISE OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THESE RISKS AND DANGERS.

5. Travel Insurance: For your protection, we strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation and travel accident insurance. Please note that, unless you buy a cancel-for-any-reason policy, most policies have a specific clause stating they do not cover epidemics and pandemics, especially when travel warnings are in place. We are not qualified or authorized to answer technical questions about benefits, exclusions, and conditions of any of the insurance offered, nor evaluate the adequacy of your existing insurance coverage. No representation or description of the insurance made by our staff constitutes a binding assurance or promise about the insurance. You agree to hold us harmless for your election not to purchase travel insurance or for any denial of claim by travel insurer as it relates to COVID-19 or any other claim under the policy. If you decline travel insurance, you accept full financial responsibility for any losses, cancellations, or interruptions.

6. Booking Process: To start a booking, you need to agree with these terms and conditions, pay the trip deposit and our professional service fees (where applicable) and complete the credit card authorization form, if using a credit card for payment. We may accept your offer on behalf of the relevant Supplier or decline it if the Supplier is unable to confirm availability or pricing. We accept all major credit or debit cards with a verifiable billing address. You hereby authorize us to process the charge to the credit or debit card you provide to us for the total amount of your booking and our professional services. To protect our customers, we verify with the credit/debit card company that the billing address and credit card verification number you provided to us is accurate and that your debit/charge will be accepted. Until such information is verified, the fare is subject to change. We are not responsible for any transaction that is declined based upon a credit/debit card that is declined by the issuing company or a travel provider or if, for any reason, the debit/credit card billing address and/or credit card verification number cannot be verified in a timely manner, nor are we responsible for any changes in fare or any other charges that may occur during our verification process. In the event the fare selected is not available, an approval code may have been issued on your credit card. If the transaction is not completed the approval code may temporarily debit the amount from your bank account. The terms of your booking (such as price, availability and/or dates of travel) are not guaranteed until the ticket or confirmation number is issued. Please note that once you have completed the booking, any cancellation or change (including names, dates, or destinations) is subject to these Terms & Conditions and the applicable Supplier’s terms and conditions, including any penalties or restrictions imposed by the Supplier. Travel arrangements involving airline and cruise components are subject to Suppliers’ supplemental price increases that may be imposed by the Supplier and/or government, even after you have completed your purchase. You hereby consent to any such price increases and authorize your credit or debit card to be used for them. Suppliers have their own contracts covering cancellation penalties and other terms and conditions, and you may be bound by those contracts regardless of whether you receive notice of their terms.

7. Driver’s Licenses, Passports, Visas, and Other Foreign Entry Requirements: It is your responsibility to obtain and carry a valid passport, visa(s), and all other documents required by applicable government regulations. Beginning on October 1, 2021, you must present a driver’s license or another form of identification that complies with the requirements of the Federal Real ID Act (see www.dhs.gov/real-id for more information). If traveling internationally, you must have a valid passport and, depending upon the destination and nationality, you may need to obtain one or more visas, even for countries that you transit for a flight change. 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. We strongly recommend that you take into account that certain countries will not admit a passenger if their passport expires within six (6) months of the date of entry. Non-United States citizens may require additional documentation. Children and infants also require all such travel documents. Minors traveling with one parent, and/or without both parents, may be stopped and not admitted, unless authenticated and verified consent forms are provided to the authorities. Parental or legal guardian consent must be provided to the supervising adult/group leader. You acknowledge any failure to strictly comply with these requirements may result in denied boarding or an undue delay at an airport security checkpoint causing you to miss flight(s), and subsequent scheduled travel bookings on cruises and tours. Check each Supplier’s website to ensure you and all members in your travel group or party obtain and carry travel documentation required. Each foreign country holds different views of past criminal offenses, whether within or outside of their boundaries. If you have a current or past offense, and you are unsure how the country you are traveling to (or through) views that offense, please contact that country directly for entry and exit requirements. We feel it is an invasion of privacy for any member of our staff to make such an inquiry.

8. Our Professional Service Fees: In addition to each Supplier’s cost and fees, our agency charges professional fees. See below for details. All our fees are earned upon receipt, non-refundable, and separate from supplier payments. Verbal representations shall not modify these fees. Professional service fees compensate the Agency for time, expertise, and services rendered and are independent of travel outcomes.

Research/Planning - up to  $500

Cancellation*  - up to 10% of total booking

Changes to Existing Itineraries (after 24 hours of booking)*  - up to $50

*Fee is per booking

All our professional fees are non-refundable.

9. Credit Card Rights: We strongly recommend that you use a credit card for your purchase so you may exercise your rights under the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) in the event that a travel supplier fails to provide the services purchased. You acknowledge and agree that Sophisticated Escapes Travel LLC acts solely as a booking intermediary and facilitator, and that we collect funds on behalf of travel suppliers and remit those funds to them, or collect professional service fees earned by the Agency. If a travel supplier fails to provide the services purchased, your recourse is solely against the supplier. You agree not to initiate a chargeback, dispute, or reversal against Sophisticated Escapes Travel LLC for services rendered or professional fees earned.

10. NO CHARGEBACK / NO PAYMENT DISPUTE POLICY: By submitting payment, you agree not to initiate a chargeback, payment dispute, or reversal with your credit card company, bank, or payment provider for any reason. This policy is reinforced by Sections 8 (Professional Service Fees), 9 (Credit Card Rights), and 12 (Claims Deadline and Exclusive Jurisdiction) of these Terms & Conditions.

This includes (but is not limited to):

• Change of mind
• Dissatisfaction with travel experience
• Supplier cancellations or changes
• Weather, force majeure, or travel disruptions
• Failure to read itinerary, invoices, or supplier policies

All disputes must be submitted directly to Sophisticated Escapes Travel LLC in writing so we may attempt to resolve the matter in good faith. Chargebacks constitute a breach of this agreement. In the event a chargeback is initiated, you agree to be responsible for:

• The full disputed amount
• Any chargeback or administrative fees assessed
• Collection costs and reasonable legal fees, if applicable

We reserve the right to suspend services and pursue recovery of funds.

11. Changes, Cancellations & Interruptions: Travel plans are subject to change due to:

• Supplier decisions
• Weather
• Mechanical issues
• Government regulations
• Acts of God or force majeure

Sophisticated Escapes Travel LLC is not liable for costs arising from such changes. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

12. Claims Deadline and Exclusive Jurisdiction: You agree to present any claim, complaint, or dispute against Sophisticated Escapes Travel LLC in writing within thirty (30) days after the conclusion of your trip. Any legal action must be commenced within one (1) year of the incident giving rise to the claim. You expressly waive any longer statute of limitations that may otherwise apply. You further agree that the state and federal courts located in Williamson County, Texas, shall have exclusive jurisdiction and venue over any claim brought by you against Sophisticated Escapes Travel LLC, and you hereby submit to the personal jurisdiction of those courts. Any claim brought by you against Travel Planners International, Inc. shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts located in Orange County, Florida. Claims not brought within the timeframes stated above shall be deemed irrevocably waived. These remedies shall be your sole and exclusive remedy.

13. Independent Travel Advisor Disclaimer: Travel advisors affiliated with Sophisticated Escapes Travel LLC may operate as independent contractors. All bookings, payments, and agreements are entered into solely with Sophisticated Escapes Travel LLC, and not with individual advisors.

No individual advisor is authorized to:

• Guarantee refunds
• Alter supplier policies
• Waive fees
• Make representations outside of these Terms & Conditions

Sophisticated Escapes Travel LLC is not bound by verbal statements or assurances made by individual advisors that are inconsistent with these Terms & Conditions or supplier policies.

14. Electronic Acceptance: Acceptance of these Terms & Conditions may occur electronically, including by checkbox, digital signature, email confirmation, or submission of payment.

15. Severability: If any provision of these Terms & Conditions is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

Florida Seller of Travel Registration No. ST17873
California Seller of Travel Registration No. 2063964
Registration does not constitute approval by the State of Florida or California.