This Agreement governs participation in Lumina’s group travel programs. By booking, [Traveler Name] (“Traveler”) acknowledges that participation is voluntary and agrees to comply with these Terms, as well as any applicable terms and conditions of third-party suppliers (including but not limited to airlines, hotels, ground operators, and excursion providers).

Minimum Group Size: Each Tour requires a minimum number of Travelers. If this minimum is not met, Lumina reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the Tour. Any Traveler payments will be refunded, less non-recoverable supplier deposits.

Group Nature of Travel: Lumina Tours are shared experiences. Traveler agrees to cooperate with schedules, logistics, and group activities.

Roommates: If shared accommodations are selected and no roommate is available, Lumina may assign roommates of the same gender identity. If pairing is not possible, the Traveler agrees to pay the single supplement. Some venues may require shared beds due to space limitations.

Traveler represents that they are medically, physically, and mentally fit to participate in the Tour and must disclose all medical conditions, allergies, dietary restrictions, mobility limitations, or special needs at the time of booking.

Accessibility and Special Accommodations:
Lumina will make every reasonable effort to accommodate special needs or accessibility requests; however, such accommodations cannot be guaranteed and are subject to local availability and third-party capabilities. Lumina is not liable for a Traveler’s inability to participate in any portion of the Tour due to undisclosed, unmanaged, or unaccommodated medical, dietary, or accessibility conditions.

Traveler is solely responsible for obtaining and maintaining valid travel documents (passports, visas, vaccinations, permits) and for complying with all local laws and regulations during the Tour. Failure to do so does not entitle the Traveler to a refund. 

• Lodging during official Tour dates
• Scheduled group activities and excursions as listed in the itinerary
• Meals, beverages, and alcohol as listed in the itinerary
• On-tour staff support and coordination
• Airport transfers, if explicitly listed in the itinerary
  

• International or domestic flights to/from the Tour destination
• Meals and beverages not listed in the itinerary
• Optional excursions, upgrades, or personal activities
• Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, alcohol, room service, etc.)
• Travel insurance
• Costs related to illness, injury, quarantine, missed flights, or extended stays
• Independent services or activities not booked through Lumina
  

Deposit: A non-refundable deposit is required to secure participation.

Payment Plans: Lumina offers interest free payment plans to help disperse the cost of the trip.
Final Balance: Due 90 days prior to departure.
Late Payments: A $50 fee per week applies. If the balance remains unpaid 30 days after the deadline, Lumina may cancel the booking without refund.

Cancellations by Traveler:

• More than 90 days before departure: Deposit non-refundable, all additional monies refunded.
• Within 90 days of departure: All payments are non-refundable.
• No shows: 100% forfeiture.
  

Cancellations by Lumina:
If Lumina cancels a Tour for reasons other than force majeure, Traveler will receive a refund of monies paid to Lumina, minus the non-refundable deposit. Lumina is not liable for incidental expenses (such as airfare, visas, insurance, etc.).

Supplier Terms:
Travelers are bound by the terms of all third-party suppliers as outlined in Section 1. By signing this agreement Traveler agrees to be bound by those terms. 

All published itineraries are sample schedules and subject to change. Lumina reserves the right to modify or substitute accommodations, transportation, or activities with comparable alternatives when necessary.
No refunds will be issued for unused portions of the Tour, including missed activities due to late arrival, early departure, illness, or personal choice.

Travelers agree to:

• Treat fellow Travelers, Lumina staff, vendors, and Author Host/Author Guest with respect.
• Follow schedules, safety protocols, and local regulations.
• Refrain from harassment, discrimination, illegal conduct, or disruptive behavior.

Consequences: Lumina may remove any Traveler, without refund, whose behavior is unsafe, unlawful, or detrimental to the group. Any additional costs incurred due to removal shall be the Traveler’s responsibility.

Lumina and the Author Host/Author Guest are not liable for changes, delays, or cancellations caused by events beyond their control, including natural disasters, pandemics, weather, government restrictions, political unrest, strikes, or supplier failures. Refunds in such cases are limited to amounts recoverable from suppliers. See Section 12. 

Travel Insurance: The Traveler is strongly encouraged to obtain comprehensive travel insurance to protect against potential losses related to trip cancellation, interruption, medical emergencies, evacuation, and personal property. Such insurance may be purchased through Lumina (at an additional cost) or through a third-party provider of the Travelerr’s choosing.

The Traveler must provide Lumina with proof of active travel insurance coverage prior to the Tour’s departure date.

If the Traveler elects to decline travel insurance, Lumina will require the Traveler to sign a separate waiver fully releasing Lumina from any and all liability, claims, or responsibility arising from or related to events that such insurance would ordinarily cover. 

Medical Responsibility: Traveler is solely responsible for personal health, fitness, and medical costs incurred during the Tour.

Lumina is not liable for medical emergencies, accidents, or losses incurred during the Tour. See Section 12. 

Travel involves inherent risks. By participating in a Lumina Tour, the Traveler voluntarily assumes all such risks and agrees to hold harmless and release Lumina, its officers, employees, agents, contractors, successors, assigns, and Author Hosts/Author Guests (“Released Parties”) from any and all claims, damages, or causes of action arising from participation in the Tour, except where prohibited by law.

These risks include, but are not limited to:

• personal illness, injury, or death;
• illness, injury, or death of the Traveler’s guest (if applicable), family members, or loved ones;
• actual or perceived emotional trauma, harm, or distress;
• accidents, incidents, injuries, or harm arising from food, drink, alcohol, or other consumption;
• accidents, incidents, injuries, or harm arising from contact with animals, insects, or plants;
• accidents, incidents, injuries, or harm occurring at any location, venue, activity, or mode of transport associated with the Tour;
• missed or delayed flights, ground, or sea transportation;
• any medical emergencies, injuries, illnesses, or allergic reactions;
• property loss or damage, including lost luggage;
• claims of defamation, libel, or slander;
• acts of nature (including but not limited to weather events, natural disasters, pandemics, including COVID-19, or other force majeure events);
• acts of national and local governments, political unrest, war, terrorism, strikes, or protests;
• disputes relating to copyright, licensing, or intellectual property between the Author/Author Guest and their publishers, printers, illustrators, editors, or other third parties; and
• any other actual, perceived, or alleged harm connected in any way to the Tour.
  

Traveler also agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties, including the Author Host/Author Guest, from any liabilities, expenses, or damages (including attorney’s fees) arising from the Traveler’s actions, negligence, or breach of this Agreement. 

The Author Host/Guest participates as Lumina’s guest and is not responsible for Traveler safety, logistics, or arrangements.

Traveler further agrees not to initiate or pursue any legal action against the Released Parties for any matter connected to the Tour.

Lumina will make every reasonable effort to ensure the scheduled Author Host/Author Guest attends the Tour. However, if the Author Host/Author Guest becomes unable to participate due to illness, emergency, or unforeseen circumstances, the Tour will proceed as planned. The absence of the Author Host/Author Guest does not entitle the Traveler to a refund, credit, or compensation.

Lumina is not responsible for lost, stolen, damaged, or delayed luggage or personal belongings. Claims must be made directly to the carrier or insurance provider.

Traveler grants Lumina and the Author Host/Author Guest permission to use photographs, video, and testimonials taken during the Tour for promotional purposes without compensation.
Travelers who do not wish to appear in online media must notify Lumina in writing before departure.

Lumina reserves the right to adjust pricing prior to final payment in the event of significant supplier cost changes, fuel surcharges, taxes, or currency fluctuations.

In the event of litigation arising from this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney’s fees and related legal costs.

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of New York.
If any provision of this Agreement is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in effect.
All provisions relating to indemnification, waiver of liability, assumption of risk, attorney’s fees, and Traveler obligations survive completion of the Tour.

This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between Lumina and the Traveler and supersedes all prior discussions or representations.
By submitting payment, the Traveler affirms they have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions.

Ellen K. Ciullo Lumina Literary Tours LLC 10/31/2025