Experience Culture Travel Terms and Conditions

These terms and conditions (“Terms and Conditions”) govern the relationship between Experience Culture Travel LLC d/b/a Experience Culture Travel (“ECT” and/or “us/our”) and you, the purchaser and/or traveler (“Client” and “passenger” and “you/your”). By planning travel with ECT, you agree to be bound by these terms and acknowledge that ECT acts solely as a booking agent for disclosed principal supplier tour operators, cruise lines, hotels, airlines, air charters, bus companies, ground transportation, boat purveyors or owners, and other independent contractors providing accommodations, transportation, and other services (“Supplier(s)”) and is not the source or provider of the travel services. These terms include warranties and disclaimers and exclusions of liability and may restrict your rights and remedies and provide protection to ECT.

1. USE OF ECT SERVICES, ACCESS AND INFORMATION FOR TRAVEL BOOKINGS

You warrant that you are at least 18 years of age and possess the legal authority to enter into this Agreement and to make travel bookings with ECT. You agree to be financially responsible for all of your travel bookings made on behalf of yourself and any member of your traveling party and warrant that all information supplied by you on behalf of yourself, members of your household, or others for whom you are authorized to transact business with us is true and accurate. You agree that you will only make legitimate reservations or purchases with ECT and its Suppliers, and acknowledge that, without limitation, any speculative, false, or fraudulent reservation is prohibited.All bookings are accepted by ECT as agent for the travel Suppliers on your itinerary. Separate Supplier terms and conditions will apply to your reservation and purchase of travel-related goods and services that you select, and you understand and agree to abide by the terms and conditions of purchase imposed by any Supplier that you have selected as a service provider on an itinerary you have approved.

You agree that by the use of ECT travel services for the booking of travel, certain personal information may be conveyed to third parties relevant and necessary to the transportation and accommodation of your travel. ECT shall not be responsible for the further use of said information by third parties by the customer. ECT is an Independent Contractor of Travel Quest Network, California Seller of Travel 2073234-00, Florida ST36257, Washington 602864166. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

2. PAYMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS

You shall be completely responsible for all charges, fees, duties, taxes, and assessments arising out of your travel bookings through ECT. By submitting a credit card authorization form to ECT, you agree to allow ECT to use your payment method to purchase travel products from our Suppliers on your behalf. EXCEPTING IN CASES OF FRAUD, YOU AGREE NOT TO FILE ANY DISPUTE WITH YOUR BANK OR CREDIT CARD COMPANY TO AVOID OR VIOLATE ANY BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ECT OR ITS SUPPLIERS, INCLUDING CANCELLATIONS OR CHANGES OF ITINERARY OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR REASONS BEYOND THE CONTROL OF ECT OR ITS SUPPLIERS. IF YOU ATTEMPT TO CHARGEBACK, REVERSE OR RECOLLECT A PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED TRIP PAYMENT, ECT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO COLLECT ALL ADDITIONAL COSTS, FEES AND EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH SUCH CHARGEBACK, REVERSAL OR RECOLLECTION, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ATTORNEY FEES.All payments for travel are due prior to departure according to each Supplier’s terms and conditions of booking, and ECT’s payment schedule, as presented to you. You understand that failure to make final payment or any violation of a Supplier’s conditions of purchase may result in assessment of a late payment penalty, cancellation of your reservations, in your being denied access to any flights, tours, hotels, cruises, or other travel services, or in your forfeiting any monies paid for your reservations. In some cases, there is NO REFUND once a booking is made and under deposit. You may not be entitled to a refund if you change or cancel your travel plans after confirmation of a booking. All cancellation requests must be sent to ECT in writing. As a result of cancellation, ECT's and third-party Supplier’s cancellation penalties will apply. Cancellation fees will be charged to the credit card or other payment method you authorized to pay for travel services or deducted from the Supplier’s refund.

3. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING TSA AND DHS ACCEPTABLE IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

It is the responsibility of each Client to obtain and carry a valid passport, visa(s), and all other documents required by applicable government regulations. When traveling domestically or internationally, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) advise that everyone carry acceptable identification in order to board a flight. Acceptable identification can be found at http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/acceptable-ids; examples are DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license, 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. 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 Client to miss flight(s), and subsequent scheduled travel bookings on cruises and tours. WHEN YOU RECEIVE ANY AND ALL TRAVEL DOCUMENTS, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO REVIEW AND VERIFY ALL INFORMATION FOR ACCURACY. CONTACT ECT IMMEDIATELY IF CHANGES OR CORRECTIONS ARE REQUIRED. FAILURE TO ADVISE ECT OF ANY DISCREPANCIES IN A TIMELY MANNER MAY RESULT IN ADDITIONAL EXPENSE TO YOU, INCLUDING ADDITIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE FEES.ECT strongly recommends that you take into account that certain countries will not admit a passenger if their passport expires within six (6) months of the anticipated date of return. Non-United States citizens may require additional documentation. Client is responsible to make ECT aware when traveling on a passport from a country other than the United States of America. ECT neither controls nor warrants the issuance of visas or approval of visa waivers related to your travel. Should a visa not be issued, ECT is not responsible for lost payments made toward the contemplated trip. Please note that rules of each country regarding entry and exit change on a daily basis.Children and infants also require 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; please see https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-3643 for additional information. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency requires that for groups of children under age 19 arriving to the United States by land or sea from contiguous territory and traveling with a school group, religious group, social or cultural organization, or sports team, may also present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization Certificate. Parental or legal guardian consent must be provided to the supervising adult/Group Leader in writing.

4. INDIVIDUAL ENTRY AND EXIT REQUIREMENTS

Each country holds different views of past criminal offenses, whether within or outside of their boundaries. If you have a current or prior criminal offense, contact that country directly for entry and exit requirements. You can visit the US State Department Website for further information about these requirements. See, https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html. We do not inquire about an individual’s criminal record in the interest of respecting our Clients’ privacy. For example, if traveling to or through Canada, individuals with a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) record should review current entry requirements. See: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/inadmissibility.html.

5. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

Federal law prohibits passengers from bringing hazardous materials on the aircraft. (1) Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard aircraft in the passenger’s luggage or on the passenger’s person. A violation can result in five years’ imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radio- active materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio pharmaceuticals. (2) There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in the passenger’s luggage and certain smoking materials carried on the passenger’s person. For further information, each passenger should contact the relevant airline representative(s) on their itinerary. Restrictions on hazardous materials are listed http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/prohibited-items.

6. INSECTICIDE NOTICE

We recommend that you refer to the DOT list of airports in countries that require airlines to treat the passenger cabin with insecticides prior to the flight or while on the aircraft. This list is on the DOT’s website and is updated from time to time: http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements.

7. HEALTH/IMMUNIZATIONS

You must have the proper immunizations and health screenings and required documentation of such immunizations and screenings before travel. ECT shall not assume responsibility for the accuracy of health, vaccination, or documentation prior to departure or upon landing at the final destination. In some cases, required inoculations must be recorded by Client’s health practitioner on a valid vaccination certificate, which the Client must carry for proof of inoculation. If you are concerned about taking any medications or receiving certain inoculations, check with your health practitioner BEFORE booking. Check the State Department Web site http://travel.state.gov, for relevant information relating to travel to specific destinations, and the Center for Disease Control http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/ relating to health issues related to travel.

8. AIR TRAVEL, SCHEDULE RECONFIRMATION, CHECK-IN


Your airline ticket is a contract between you and the air carrier, even if you purchase through ECT. If you purchase air travel through ECT, you acknowledge and agree that ECT does not have the right to control the operations of independent airlines, and agree that ECT is not liable for any personal injury, property damage related to your purchase of air tickets or air travel, including, but not limited to any act, error, omission, injury, loss, accident, or delay caused by any act, error or omission of the airline, including their failure to deliver services, partial or inadequate delivery of services, airline policies including refund or rebooking policies, fees for checked or carry-on luggage, fuel increases, bankruptcy or cessation of operations.


You understand and agree that ECT functions solely and exclusively as a booking agent for the air carrier, that we do not handle or hold client funds for airline tickets, and that we are not the Merchant of Record under the meaning of that term under the Department of Transportation's regulations. Because ECT does not hold or handle client funds, you understand and agree that any refund for cancelled or delayed flights, baggage fees or seat assignments must come directly from the airline and not from ECT.

ECT shall not assume any responsibility for any air schedule changes. In rare instances, upon departure from a country, certain departure taxes must be paid in cash only, and may vary in price. Failure to use a reservation may result in automatic cancellation of all continuing and return flights, as well as forfeiture of airfares. 

Airline e-tickets expire a year from issue date unless carrier fare rules in passenger’s itinerary fare provide otherwise.

Due to enhanced security, it is strongly recommended that you check in a minimum of 2 hours prior to scheduled departure for domestic flights and 3 hours prior to scheduled departure time for international flights. Reconfirm flight times at least 24 hours prior to scheduled departure time for domestic flights, and 72 hours prior for international flights.

Frequent Flyer mileage accrual is at the discretion of the airline(s). ECT has no liability if accural of miles or points is denied or if upgrades are not allowed. Many airlines do not permit upgrades on airfare purchased in certain fare classes or when using frequent flyer miles, loyalty status or certificates.

Seat assignments are not guaranteed even after they are assigned, and ECT has no control over airline seat assignments. Most airlines charge a fee to pre book a seat.

9. RIGHT TO CORRECT ERRORS/OFFERS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY

We reserve the right to correct errors. In the event of any pricing error or omission, we reserve the right to adjust such pricing or make any other corrections. All offers, incentives and Supplier promotions are subject to availability and may change without notice. Prospective Clients are advised to reserve early to avoid disappointment, increases in fares and additional late booking fees.

10. UNUSED ARRANGEMENTS, MINIMUM PASSENGER REQUIREMENTS AND ALTERATIONS TO BOOKINGS

When tour, cruise or package prices are based on Suppliers’ contract rates, you will not be entitled to any refund for any unused portion of travel. Some group tours are based on minimum numbers of passengers traveling; if the number of passengers falls below the minimum required, a surcharge may be imposed, or the tour may be canceled. Any cancellations of a tour or package for reason of failing to meet the minimum traveler requirement will be governed by the tour operator’s cancellation policy.If you decide to change any portion of your confirmed arrangements prior to departure or during your trip, we will attempt to assist you. Certain bookings may not be able to be changed. All requests for changes to a booking must be made in writing to ECT.The Supplier may determine that alterations in itinerary are necessary for any number of reasons, including but not limited to severe weather. Any alterations to an itinerary are at the sole discretion of the Supplier, and ECT bears no responsibility for any changes.

11. LIMITATIONS OF RESPONSIBILITY AND DISCLOSURE

ECT acts solely as a booking agent for disclosed principal Suppliers and is not the source or provider of any travel service. Each Supplier is an independent entity with its own management and is not subject to the control of ECT. The Suppliers whose names appear in travel documentation are those actually responsible for providing the travel services purchased, and you consent to the use of those Suppliers. BECAUSE ECT ACTS AS AGENT FOR DISCLOSED PRINCIPAL SUPPLIERS AND DOES NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO CONTROL THE OPERATIONS OF SUCH INDEPENDENT OPERATORS AND SUPPLIERS, YOU AGREE THAT ECT IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE, WHICH MAY ARISE OUT OF THESE SERVICES. ECT HEREBY DISCLAIMS ANY LIABILITY WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION LIABILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL OR INDIRECT DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH THE GOODS OR SERVICES PROVIDED BY ANY PRINCIPAL SUPPLIER BOOKING THROUGH ECT, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION LIABILITY FOR ANY ACT, ERROR, OMISSION, INJURY, LOSS, ACCIDENT, DELAY OR IRREGULARITY WHICH MAY BE INCURRED THROUGH THE FAULT, NEGLIGENCE, WILLFUL ACTS, OMISSIONS OR OTHERWISE OF SUCH SUPPLIER, OR OF ANY SUPPLIER OR THEIR RESPECTIVE EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, SERVANTS, OR REPRESENTATIVES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THEIR FAILURE TO DELIVER OR THEIR PARTIAL OR INADEQUATE DELIVERY OF SERVICES, THEIR CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICIES, FUEL INCREASES, BANKRUPTCY, OR CESSATION OF OPERATIONS AND OTHER MATTERS OUTSIDE OF ECT’S CONTROL, AND YOU HEREBY EXONERATE ECT FROM ANY LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO THE SAME. ECT HAS SOLELY RECEIVED COMMISSION AND FEES FOR TRAVEL TRANSACTIONS AND CLIENT AGREES AND UNDERSTANDS THAT ANY RECOVERY FROM ECT WILL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT OF COMMISSION AND FEES ACTUALLY RECEIVED BY ECT.

12. RISKS/SAFETY

BY BOOKING TRAVEL WITH ECT, YOU ARE AGREEING TO TERMS THAT WILL WAIVE CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS. Certain activities that are included as part of itineraries that we book pose inherent risks and may be dangerous. Your itinerary may also involve travel to remote areas without access to medical facilities or treatment; changing weather conditions; interactions or encounters with wildlife. By booking a trip with ECT, you acknowledge that you are aware that the physical exertion required to participate in certain activities can activate or aggravate pre-existing injuries, conditions, or congenital defects. You acknowledge that you should seek medical advice if you know or suspect that your physical condition may be incompatible with the activities on your itinerary. You may be required to wear approved safety equipment while participating in certain activities, and by booking travel with us and participating in these activities, you agree to use the recommended safety equipment and to ask questions if you are unsure about how to properly or safely use equipment.If you use, consume, or are under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs prior to or while engaging in any activities on your itinerary, YOU ASSUME AND ACCEPT ALL RISKS, DANGERS, AND HAZARDS THAT MAY RESULT FROM THIS INCLUDING THE POSSIBILITY OF PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, PROPERTY DAMAGE, AND LOSS, even in the event of negligence or fault by ECT or third parties, and you indemnify ECT from any and all liability for any damage to property or personal injury to any third party, resulting from your participation in the Activities, while, during, or after consumption of illegal drugs or alcohol.Travel to certain destinations may involve greater risk than others. ECT urges Clients to remain informed on a daily basis as to current news events, as well as to review travel prohibitions, warnings, announcements and advisories issued by the United States Government prior to booking travel to international destinations. Information on health and safety conditions in various countries and the level of risk associated with travel to particular international destinations can be found at http://www.state.gov, http://www.tsa.gov, http://www.dot.gov, http://www.faa.gov, http://www.cdc.gov, and http://www.cbp.gov. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency. Registration is recommended and provided by going to https://step.state.gov/step/.BY OFFERING FOR SALE TRAVEL TO PARTICULAR DESTINATIONS, ECT DOES NOT REPRESENT OR WARRANT THAT TRAVEL TO SUCH POINTS IS ADVISABLE OR WITHOUT RISK, AND SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR COSTS, DAMAGES, OR LOSSES THAT MAY RESULT FROM TRAVEL TO SUCH DESTINATIONS. CLIENT’S PARTICIPATION CONSTITUTES ACCEPTANCE OF SUCH EVENTS AT CLIENT’S OWN RISK.In the event of emergent health or safety concerns, once ECT has investigated the prevailing situation, ECT shall have the sole and absolute discretion whether to proceed with any ECT escorted trip or private departure, or to make alterations to the itinerary.

13. FORCE MAJEURE

ECT will not be in breach of these terms and conditions or otherwise be liable to you, for any failure or delay in performing an obligation under this Agreement that is due to any of the following causes, to the extent beyond its reasonable control: acts of God, accident, riots, war, terrorist act, epidemic, pandemic, quarantine, civil commotion, breakdown of communication facilities, including web host and internet service provider, breakdown or malfunction of equipment, destruction of or serious damage to facilities, natural catastrophes including, but not limited to extreme weather events, floods and volcanic eruptions, governmental acts or omissions, changes in laws or regulations, national strikes, fire, explosion, generalized lack of availability of raw materials or energy, and any other unforeseen circumstance which is beyond the control of ECT. THE PURCHASE OF TRAVEL INSURANCE IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ON ALL TRIPS. In addition, each of ECT’s Suppliers have terms and conditions which include Force Majeure provisions. In the event that a Force Majeure event occurs, those Suppliers may be entitled to, and may in their sole and absolute discretion, vary, postpone or cancel any itinerary or arrangement in relation to the trip. Payment of any refund to you as a result of the non-performance of any obligations hereunder shall remain in the sole and absolute discretion of the Supplier, pursuant to their policies, although ECT shall use its reasonable efforts to secure reimbursement for you where possible.

14. CLIENT CONDUCT

Each participant in any trip escorted by ECT is expected to act responsibly and adhere to all behavior guidelines established by ECT and our Suppliers. ECT and all local Suppliers reserve the right to remove you from any facility, hotel or resort property, tour location or means of transportation if your health or your conduct appears to endanger yourself or others, disrupts the general well-being of other clients on any element of your trip, or interferes with the operation or security of the places we visit. In any such case, there will be no refund.When you book with ECT, you accept responsibility for any damage or loss caused by you. Full payment for any such damage or loss (reasonably estimated if not precisely known) must be paid directly at the time to the accommodation owner or manager or other Supplier. You must indemnify us for the full amount of any claim (also including legal costs) made against us. We are not responsible for any costs incurred concerning a guest removed from a trip, or any portion of a trip. You agree not to hold ECT or any of its related entities liable for any actions taken under these terms and conditions. Baggage and personal effects are at all times the sole responsibility of the participant.

15. CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS

Currency exchange rates fluctuate. Prices are subject to change based upon currency exchange rate fluctuations. ECT is not responsible for surcharges or foreign transaction fees imposed by Client’s credit card or bank.

16. TRAVEL INSURANCE

ECT OFFERS ACCESS TO TRAVEL INSURANCE TO PROTECT PASSENGERS AND THEIR INVESTMENT IN TRAVEL. UNLESS SPECIFICALLY NOTED, TRAVEL INSURANCE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE COST OF CLIENT’S ITINERARY TO PROTECT AGAINST THIRD PARTY SUPPLIER DEFAULT/BANKRUPTCY PROTECTION, DELAY, INTERRUPTION, MISSED CONNECTION FOR CRUISES, CANCELLATION, MEDICAL EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION/EVACUATION & REPATRIATION, BAGGAGE & PERSONAL EFFECTS/LOST LUGGAGE & BAGGAGE DELAY, ILLNESS, JOB LOSS PROTECTION AND CHANGE OF PLANS, ACCIDENTAL DEATH AND DISABILITY, TRAVEL ACCIDENT/SICKNESS MEDICAL EXPENSES, AND MORE. PROPER INSURANCE MAY PROTECT YOU FROM FINANCIAL LOSS IN ALMOST ALL CIRCUMSTANCES. Without appropriate travel insurance, Client understands and agrees that if Client cancels or interrupts Client’s travel for any reason, portions of the trip/tour may not be refunded and ECT’s and travel Suppliers’ cancellation penalties will apply resulting in the loss of monies up to the full cost of Client’s travel booking and related costs. The purchase of travel insurance is not required in order to purchase any other product or service offered by ECT, however if you decline to purchase insurance, ECT will require that you execute an insurance waiver. ECT is not a licensed insurance broker, and its advisors 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 the prospective insured’s existing insurance coverage. An additional charge applies for any travel insurance selected. ECT CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT ANY INSURANCE PROVIDER WILL APPROVE COVERAGE FOR A CLAIM MADE UNDER THE INSURER’S POLICY AND MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS ABOUT THE EXTENT OF COVERAGE FOR ANY POLICY IT MAY OFFER OR QUOTE.

17. RESERVATION OF RIGHTS: CHANGES TO THESE TERMS

We reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to change these Terms and Conditions at any time. Updated versions of the Terms will be provided to Clients, will be posted on our website and are effective immediately on posting.

18. GENERAL

The laws of the State of Minnesota govern these Terms and Conditions. You hereby consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of courts in Hennepin County, Minnesota in all disputes arising out of or relating to travel bookings with ECT. If any part of these Terms and Conditions is determined to be invalid or unenforceable pursuant to applicable law including, but not limited to, the warranty disclaimers and liability limitations set forth above, then the invalid or unenforceable provision will be deemed superseded by a valid, enforceable provision that most closely matches the intent of the original provision and agreement shall continue in effect. These Terms and Conditions (and any other terms and conditions referenced herein) constitute the entire agreement between the Client and ECT with respect to travel bookings made with ECT by any means, and it supersedes all prior or contemporaneous communications and proposals, whether electronic, oral, or written, between Client and ECT with respect to communications with ECT. A printed version of this agreement and of any notice given in electronic form shall be admissible in judicial or administrative proceedings based upon or relating to these Terms and Conditions to the same extent and subject to the same conditions as other business documents and records originally generated and maintained in printed form.