Explore With Monica Terms and Conditions

Access to and use of the services of Explore With Monica (“EWM” and/or “us/our”), an

affiliate of Elite Travel Journeys, is subject to acceptance of these terms and conditions

(“Terms and Conditions”). By accessing, using or obtaining any content, products, or

services through EWM, you, the purchaser and/or traveler (“Client” and “passenger” and

“you/your”) agree to be bound by these terms. These terms and conditions govern the

relationship between EWM and you, the Client. These terms include warranties and

disclaimers and exclusions of liability and may restrict your rights and remedies and

provide protection to EWM. IF THERE IS ANY PART OF THESE TERMS AND

CONDITIONS YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH, PLEASE DO NOT USE EWM’S

SERVICES. No alterations to these terms and conditions may be made by any EWM

authorized representative or agent, unless in writing by an authorized officer of EWM.

1. 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 at least

two forms of 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, USA 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.

EWM 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 date of entry.

Non-United States citizens may require additional documentation.

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.

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. Check

each supplier’s website to ensure you and all members in your travel group or party

obtain and carry travel documentation required.

Client is responsible to make EWM aware when traveling on a passport from a country

other than the United States of America.

2. INDIVIDUAL ENTRY AND EXIT REQUIREMENTS

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. (Details can be found at

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, Americans with a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) record should

always check whether current rules exclude admission, and potential waivers.

(Reference http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/faq/inadmissibility/index.asp)

EWM neither controls nor warrants the issuance of visas or approval of visa waivers

related to your travel.

3. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

USA federal law prohibits passengers from bringing hazardous materials on the aircraft.

(1) USA 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.

4. 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

5. HEALTH/IMMUNIZATIONS

Each Client is responsible to make absolutely certain to have the proper immunizations

and required documentation of such immunizations before travel, and to make the

necessary accommodation for security rules imposed by government authorities. EWM

shall not assume responsibility for the accuracy of health requirements or vaccination

and/or documentation prior to departure or upon landing at the final destination. See

your health practitioner for advice. Prior to travel, required inoculations, if any, must be

recorded by Client’s health practitioner on a valid vaccination certificate, which the

Client must carry for proof of inoculation where required. If you are concerned about

taking any medications or receiving certain inoculations, check with your health

practitioner BEFORE booking. Check the USA State Department Web site

http://travel.state.gov, for relevant information relating to travel to specific destinations,

and the USA Centers for Disease Control http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/ relating to health

issues. Should a visa not be issued, EWM is not responsible for lost payments made

toward the contemplated trip. Please note that USA rules regarding entry and exit

change on a daily basis.

6. USE OF EWM 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 EWM in accordance with all

terms and conditions herein. You agree to be financially responsible for all of your travel

bookings and warrant that all information supplied by you or members of your

household transacting business with EWM is true and accurate. Without limitation, any

speculative, false, or fraudulent reservation is prohibited. You agree that the travel

services provided by EWM shall be used only to make legitimate reservations or

purchases for you or for another person for whom you are legally authorized to act.

Separate supplier terms and conditions will apply to your reservation and purchase of

travel-related goods and services that you select. You agree to abide by the terms and

conditions of purchase imposed by EWM and any supplier that you have chosen as a

service provider for your travel, including, but not limited to, payment of all amounts

when due and compliance with the supplier’s rules and restrictions regarding availability

and use of fares, products, or services. You understand that any violation of any such

supplier’s conditions of purchase may result in cancelation of your reservation(s) or

purchase, in your being denied access to any flights, hotels, cruises, or automobiles, in

your forfeiting any monies paid for such reservation(s) or purchase, and in EWM

debiting your payment account for any costs EWM incurs as a result of such violation.

You shall be completely responsible for all charges, fees, duties, taxes, and

assessments arising out of your travel bookings through EWM. By submitting a credit

card authorization form to EWM, you agree to allow EWM to use your payment method

to purchase travel products from our suppliers on your behalf, and agree not to file any

dispute with your bank or credit card company to avoid or violate any booking terms and

conditions of EWM or its suppliers.

When you receive any and all travel documents, it is your sole responsibility to review

and verify all information. Contact EWM immediately if changes or corrections are

required. You acknowledge that it is your responsibility to review all documentation

necessary for checking in with suppliers on your itinerary.

7. PAYMENTS AND CANCELATIONS

Unless otherwise defined during the reservation process, final payment is due prior to

departure according to each supplier’s (airline, hotel, cruise line, transfer company,

sightseeing operators, and other travel service vendors) terms and conditions involved

in your travel booking. If final and full payment is not received by the applicable due

date, reservations are subject to cancelation and deposits shall be forfeited. In some

cases, there is NO REFUND once a booking is made and paid in full. Your right to a

refund if you change or cancel your travel plans is limited. All cancelation requests must

be sent to EWM in writing. As a result of cancelation, EWM’s and third-party supplier’s

cancelation penalties will apply, which are detailed in your travel documentation, and

each supplier’s website. We advise you of any cancelation penalties at the time of

booking and provided information about these penalties upon confirmation. If you have

any questions, or any penalties are unclear, please contact EWM. All cancelation 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.

8. LATE BOOKINGS

Prospective Clients are advised to reserve early to avoid disappointment and additional

late booking fees.

9. AIR, CHECK-IN, SCHEDULE RECONFIRMATION

UNLESS SET FORTH IN WRITING, AIRLINE RESERVATIONS ARE NOT INCLUDED

IN YOUR TRAVEL PLANS. In such event, it is the Client’s responsibility to make

appropriate air arrangements, as well as transportation to and from the destination

where the travel booking originates and returns. EWM shall not assume any

responsibility for any air and/or ground schedule changes. In rare instances, upon

departure from a country, certain departure taxes must be paid in cash only, and may

vary in price. 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. Failure to use a reservation may result in automatic cancelation 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.

10. RIGHT TO CORRECT ERRORS/OFFERS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY

We reserve the right to correct errors. All offers, incentives and supplier promotions are

subject to availability and may change without notice. In the event of any pricing error or

omission, we reserve the right to adjust such pricing or make any other corrections.

11. TOURS: NO REFUND FOR UNUSED ARRANGEMENTS AND MINIMUM

PASSENGER REQUIREMENTS

As EWM’s tour, cruise or package prices are based on its suppliers’ contract rates, there

will not be any refund for any unused portion of a tour. 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

cancelations of a tour or package for reason of failing to meet the minimum traveler

requirement will be governed by the tour operator’s cancelation policy.

12. ALTERATIONS TO CONFIRMED BOOKINGS

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 EWM.

13. LIMITATIONS OF RESPONSIBILITY AND DISCLOSURE

EWM acts solely as a booking agent for disclosed principal supplier cruise lines, hotels,

airlines, air charters, bus companies, ground transportation, boat purveyors or owners,

and other independent contractors providing accommodations, transportation, and/or

other services (“supplier(s)”), and is not the source or provider of the travel services.

Each of these supplier companies is an independent entity with its own management

and is not subject to the control of EWM. You are advised that 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. You

understand and agree to each supplier’s Terms and Conditions, which are contained in

printed form and are set forth on their respective websites and which govern the

transaction. All bookings are accepted by EWM as agent for the travel suppliers on your

itinerary. BECAUSE EWM 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 EWM

IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE, WHICH

MAY ARISE OUT OF THESE SERVICES. EWM 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 EWM’S OFFICE OR THROUGH THIS WEB SITE,

INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION LIABILITY FOR ANY ACT, ERROR, OMISSION,

INJURY, LOSS, ACCIDENT, DELAY OR IRREGULARITY WHICH MAY BE INCURRED

THROUGH THE FAULT, NEGLIGENCE, WILFUL 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, FUEL INCREASES, AND OTHER

MATTERS OUTSIDE OF EWM’S CONTROL, AND YOU HEREBY EXONERATE EWM

FROM ANY LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO THE SAME. Weather conditions, including

but not limited to the presence or absence of snow, sunshine, and rainfall are not

guaranteed to occur or not occur, and are clearly outside of EWM’s control. Volcanic

eruptions, ash clouds, and wind may be characterized as an adverse weather condition

or a natural disaster by suppliers and your travel insurance company, which is beyond

the control of EWM. EWM HAS SOLELY RECEIVED COMMISSION AND FEES FOR

TRAVEL TRANSACTIONS AND CLIENT AGREES AND UNDERSTANDS THAT ANY

RECOVERY FROM EWM WILL BE LIMITED TO THE COMMISSION AND FEES

ACTUALLY RECEIVED BY EWM.

14. RISKS/SAFETY

Travel to certain destinations may involve greater risk than others. EWM 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

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, EWM 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.

15. FORCE MAJEURE

“Force Majeure” means, in relation to EWM, any circumstances beyond the reasonable

control of EWM including, but without limitation, acts of God, explosion, flood, tempest,

forceful wind, fire or accident, war or threat of war declared or undeclared, acts of

terrorism, sabotage, insurrection, riots, strikes, civil disturbance, requisition, sickness,

pandemic, quarantine, government intervention, weather conditions, defects in

machinery and vehicles, delay, wildlife, or other untoward occurrences.

EWM shall not be deemed to be in breach of these terms and conditions or otherwise

be liable to you, by reason of delay in performance, or by non-performance, of any of its

obligations hereunder to the extent that any such delay or non-performance is due to

any Force Majeure. THE PURCHASE OF TRAVEL INSURANCE IS HIGHLY

RECOMMENDED ON ALL TRIPS.

If EWM or any of its travel suppliers are affected by Force Majeure, they shall be entitled

to, and may in their sole and absolute discretion, vary or cancel any itinerary or

arrangement in relation to the trip. Payment of any refund by EWM to you as a result of

the non-performance of any obligations hereunder shall remain in its sole and absolute

discretion, although EWM shall use its reasonable efforts to secure reimbursement for

you where possible.

Regarding civil unrest or other safety concerns related to emergent situations, once

EWM has investigated the prevailing situation, as it deems fit, it shall remain in EWM’s

sole and absolute discretion whether to proceed with any EWM escorted trip or private

departure, or to make alterations to the itinerary as it deems necessary.

16. CLIENT CONDUCT

Each participant in any trip escorted by EWM is expected to act responsibly and adhere

to all behavior guidelines established by EWM and our suppliers. EWM and all local

suppliers reserve the right to remove you from any facility, hotel or resort property, tour

location or means of transportation if yourhealth, or your conduct appears to endanger

yourself or others or 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 EWM, 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 EWM 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.

17. ALTERATIONS IN TRAVEL PLANS

Alterations in itinerary may be necessitated for any number of reasons, including but not

limited to severe weather at the sole discretion of a supplier, and subject to supplier

terms and conditions.

18. CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS

Currency exchange rates fluctuate. Prices are subject to change based upon currency

exchange rate fluctuations, provided actual variations have occurred. EWM is not

responsible for surcharges or foreign transaction fees imposed by Client’s credit card or

bank.

19. TRAVEL INSURANCE

EWM 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,

CANCELATION, 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 EWM’s and

travel suppliers’ cancelation 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 EWM,

however, EWM requires clients who decline to put travel insurance in place to sign a

waiver declining insurance. EWM 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. EWM 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.

20. 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.

21. GENERAL

The laws of the State of Pennsylvania govern these Terms and Conditions. You hereby

consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of courts in Schuylkill County,

Pennsylvania in all disputes arising out of or relating to travel bookings with EWM.

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 EWM with respect to travel

bookings made with EWM by any means, and it supersedes all prior or

contemporaneous communications and proposals, whether electronic, oral, or written,

between Client and EWM with respect to communications with EWM. 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.