Terms and Conditions

 

RESERVATIONS: Please visit www.thetravelempirebb.com or call The Travel Empire at (246) 269-8120 or contact us via email at info@thetravelempirebb.com.

IDENTIFICATION: Guests are required to make reservations in their full name as listed on his/her passport. If you need to make any changes to a name after travel documents have been issued, clients will be responsible for all name change fees, if applicable.

PAYMENTS: Our merchant account is with Travel Joy. This will allow our clients to make payments with any major credit cards. These payments must be received in full 60-90 days before travel. Payments are also processed via credit card authorisation form or online bank transfers. As a result of COVID-19, we do not accept cash payments.  

REFUNDS: Subject to limited exceptions, all payments to The Travel Empire are non-refundable and non-transferable. This is because The Travel Empire has contractual agreements with hotels, airlines and other vendors that will not allow us to obtain any refunds. This way we can keep our package prices competitive and allow you to make monthly payments on your vacation.

 

RESEARCH/PLANNING FEE: The Travel Empire reserves the right to charge a research/planning fee for all travel booked under The Travel Empire's management . In order to perform the professional services required to start your travel inquiry, a Research/Planning Fee is required. The Research/Planning Fee is a non-refundable & non-transferable fee and is separate from the total trip cost.
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With each Research/Planning Fee, Client will receive up to two (2) price quotes/proposals for the same destination and desired travel date. Quote revisions & requests for a different destination is subject to an additional Research/Planning Fee. The Research/Planning Fee price is determined by your Travel Concierge, please refer to your travel advisor at The Travel Advisor for pricing for your custom trip planning request.

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ROOMMATE MATCHING: Roommate matching is available for our International Tours only. You will be matched with a roommate once you have paid more than 75% of the balance of your travel reservations and provided the person you will be matched with has also paid 75% of his/her balance. After you have submitted a profile and when 75% of your reservation has been paid, you will begin to receive email notifications from The Travel Empire with the name, email address, and profile of other solo travelers on your tour that have also expressed an interest in finding a roommate. Your information will, in turn, be provided to those same solo travelers. You will have two weeks to select to roommate and notify The Travel Empire.

PASSPORTS AND VISAS: Passengers are responsible for ensuring that they have the proper travel documents and MUST CHECK with the respective consulate(s) or a visa agency to determine whether any visas or passports are required. Passports are required to be valid for at least 6 months after the return date of travel. Some countries require a full blank “VISA” page in the passport for stamping purposes. Any information provided on travel description pertains to Barbados citizens only. Non-Barbados citizens should check with the respective consulate of the country(s) to be visited for current entry requirements. 

TRAVEL PROTECTION: Missing a vacation is bad enough. Losing the money you paid for your vacation is even worse. Therefore, we highly recommend Travel Protection that helps to provide coverage for Trip Cancellation, Interruption, Baggage Loss or Delay, Medical Expenses and more. You are required to select and purchase travel insurance yourself for your travel arrangements, whether regional or international trips/tours. 

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: For our group tours, provided full payment is received no later than your Final Payment Due date, travel documents and travel instructions will be sent via email 30 days or earlier prior to travel.

CHILDREN: All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum age for cruises is 6 months old and child must sail in a cabin with an adult over the age of 21 years of age in most cases. Discounts for children sharing a room as the third person or fourth person may apply to children under 12 at some resorts. Accompanying adults are responsible for the safety of their children including providing any necessary safety equipment (such as infant/child seats) where appropriate. Please note that many countries have adopted practices to prevent international abduction of children. If a person under the age of 18 years will be traveling with an adult other than his/her parents, or with only one parent, a notarized letter written by the parents, or non-traveling parent, granting authorization to travel, including the dates of travel should be carried.

PRICES: All prices listed are per person based upon shared double occupancy unless otherwise clearly specified. Prices do not include items of a personal nature such as laundry, wines, water, beverages, food (other than at all-inclusive resorts or where clearly specified), passport and visa fees, insurance, and foreign port taxes unless specifically indicated in the package inclusions. Prices are correct at time of publication; however, as airfares continually fluctuate and classes of service may have limited capacity, tour package prices and availability will change accordingly. All prices are subject to change. In case of human or computer error, The Travel Empire reserves the right to re-invoice for the correct price or service. 

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PAYMENTS & CANCELLATION

Deposit: A deposit is due at the time of reservation. All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferrable unless otherwise specifically stated. All reservations (except where specified) will require a deposit and will be clearly noted the amount due and monthly payment plan. In cases where the full trip cost was paid upfront, the no refund policy will still apply.  

Full Payment: All reservations can be paid in full at time of booking as long as the trip still has available space.

Late Payment: If there is any outstanding balance by the Final Payment Due date listed on your invoice, a late payment fee of US$50 per person will automatically be added to your invoice one day after your final payment date. If the monthly payment is not received within 3 days of the scheduled due date, a late payment fee of US$75 per person will automatically be added to your reservation. 

Form of Payment: Major credit cards or debit cards. Online bank transfers can also be facilitated to our business bank account upon request. 

Credit Card Transactions:  If for any reason, any travel service provider is unable to provide the services for which you have contracted, your remedy lies against the provider, and not against The Travel Empire and in the event that payment has been made to The Travel Empire by credit card, you agree that you will not seek to chargeback your payment to The Travel Empire. If the credit card is passed through to the travel services provider and you seek to chargeback your payment from the provider, you agree to be held liable and indemnify The Travel Empire against this chargeback from the provider, including without limitation any air debit memos charged to The Travel Empire. If The Travel Empire incurs any costs, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees to recover any payments charged back by your credit card company, you agree that you will be liable for these costs. If the credit card is declined, you guarantee that you will settle any amounts owing to The Travel Order via online bank transfer or cash immediately.

 

Refunds: All trips are non-refundable and non-transferable without purchased travel insurance, unless you have booked a trip with a flexible refund policy or free cancellation policy. After final payment date, and there is a request for a refund, there will be a cancellation fee from the vendor because after the final payment date your reservation and accommodation will be confirmed.

Cancellation: Except for COVID related cancellations, if for any other reason you have to cancel your trip, there will be a US$50 cancellation fee per person paid directly to The Travel Empire per person plus any additional supplier cancellation fees/penalties before any refunds or travel credits (if applicable) can be returned or applied to a future booking. Once reservations have been made, cancellations will only be accepted in writing. Email your cancellation request to info@thetravelembirepp.com with your invoice number, full name, and date of travel. If you do not receive an acknowledgment within 48 hours, please call 246-269-8120 to ensure your information was received.  Refunds are not available and in most cases, you will get a future travel credit for cancelled trips less cancellation fees/penalties. Travel insurance is highly advised and recommended throughout the registration and check-out process.

 

Reinstatement of Reservations: If your travel reservations have been cancelled, and you notify us within 14 days that you want to reinstate your reservations, a service reinstatement fee of US$50 (US$100 for international tours) will be added to your invoice and must be paid in advance in order to apply for reconfirmation of services.

Reservation Changes: Changes to an existing reservation, whatever the cause, will incur a US$25 per person charge plus any additional supplier fees. This includes name changes*, date changes, trip component changes, dropping/adding passengers and removal of any services such as optional tours and transfers. *Please note that name changes to airline reservations are subject to full cancellation and rebooking. Replacing a travelling passenger with another traveling passenger constitutes a cancellation, subject to cancellation penalties, and is not covered by this Reservation Changes policy. Changes or additions after departure are subject to local rates at the time of amendment and must be paid directly by the passenger to the service provider. There are no refunds for unused services.
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TRAVELERS WITH DISABILITIES

Escorted Group Tours: In order to fully enjoy your Travel Empire tour, we recommend that you select a trip that is suitable to your physical capabilities. Tour participants requiring any form of assistance, including travellers with physical disabilities, sight or hearing impairments, are required to notify The Travel Empire prior to reservation for review and our agreement. Additionally, the tour participant must be accompanied by an individual responsible for providing those services. Tour managers, guides, drivers or other tours, hotel, ship personnel are not able to provide such assistance. In order to participate in escorted tours, passengers must be able to understand and follow instructions given by the Tour Director at all times, both for the successful operation of the tour as well as for their personal safety. The Travel Empire reserves the right to reject participation or remove any individual from a tour if a notification was not provided and/or when, in our sole judgment, continued participation would significantly hinder the services to be provided to all guests. Expenses, including cancellation fees and/or costs for alternate travel plans or to return home, will be the sole responsibility of the passenger. Escorted tours are fast-paced, often requiring long walks over uneven terrain. In the interests of group harmony, clients should be able to maintain the pace of the tour. Clients with special needs may be better served independently. The Travel Empire can suggest touring options based upon specific requirements.

Wheelchairs & Walkers: USA Tours: Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (the ADA), The Travel Empire seeks to accommodate disabled travelers to the highest extent possible and consistent with the specific tour itinerary. Nevertheless, you may find that certain tour features may not be accessible to the extent that you require a wheelchair, scooter, or other special equipment to participate. We cannot provide individual assistance to travellers with wheelchairs or other mobility devices. We regret that some itineraries cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters. Passengers are required to advise The Travel Empire of their accessibility requirements prior to booking in order for The Travel Empire to determine if reasonable accommodations are available. The Travel Empire will endeavor to accommodate special access needs but does not guarantee that it will be able to do so in all cases.

International Tours: Hotels, sea and river cruises outside of the United States are not required to comply with ADA requirements and therefore may not have ramps, wide entryways or elevators to accommodate disabled passengers or devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, and motorized scooters. Due to physical constraints and space limitations, wheelchairs, walkers, and motorized scooters may not be taken aboard motor coaches and river cruises.

Service Animals: Service animals cannot be accommodated on international escorted tours. Passengers on USA escorted tours who require a service dog because of a disability should check with The Travel Empire prior to booking a tour.
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GROUP FLIGHTS

AIRLINES: The Travel Empire is not responsible for the services and policies imposed by the airlines. Airline schedules and flights are subject to change without notice. The Travel Empire is not responsible for penalties incurred for tickets, international or domestic, not issued by The Travel Empire due to schedule and/or flight changes. Airline reservations completed online are subject to review and, should The Travel Empire deem it necessary, may be rebooked to match minimum connecting time requirements and/or tour package itineraries, in which case you will be notified immediately. Airlines reserve the right to demand immediate issuance of tickets whenever they determine that specific flights are heavily booked even when normal ticketing rules do not require tickets to be issued until a later date. In this instance, The Travel Empire will require immediate and full payment of the airfare. This situation overrides invoice terms and conditions and payment due dates. If full payment is not received, seats will be cancelled by the airline and may not be available to be rebooked on the same flights or at the same airfare. Any replacement air arrangements and airfare will be the sole responsibility of the passenger.

Airline Tickets: Once full payment is received; The Travel Empire airline tickets will be issued and are fully non-refundable. Should airline tickets require to be issued earlier than the Final Payment due date, you may be required to pay a larger non-refundable deposit and/or complete full payment.

Airline Seat Assignments: The airlines bear sole authority of assigning seats on group flights. All The Travel Empire airline contracts are for economy class seats only. If you require another class of service, you may consider purchasing your own flights and purchasing your land only package from The Travel Empire.
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Airline Frequent Flier Programs: Passengers are responsible to contact their airline directly regarding mileage eligibility and accrual. Airline frequent flier programs determine whether to award miles in part or total based on their own rules which are updated frequently. Some discounted or promotional airfares, as well as some code-share flights, are not eligible for mileage accrual. Some private airfares, such as a "The Travel Empire Airfare", are not eligible for mileage or may qualify for reduced mileage, even if the same airline class of service is eligible for full mileage when sold as an "Instant Purchase" published airfare. Not all published airfares are eligible for mileage. The Travel Empire will record frequent flier numbers when provided by the passenger prior to travel documents being issued. However, the addition of frequent flyer numbers to airline records does not guarantee mileage eligibility which is at the sole discretion of each airline. Airline schedule changes may result in flights which were originally eligible for mileage accrual no longer being eligible. We highly recommend passengers to provide their frequent flyer account information whenever checking in online and/or at the airport check-in desk. After travel has commenced, it is often not possible to apply for frequent mileage credit. Passengers are also responsible to determine whether previously earned mileage may be applied to flights to secure upgrades.

Contact Information: Pursuant to TSA Secure Flight requirements, passengers are responsible to provide The Travel Empire with their name as it appears on their passport, date of birth, gender, address, phone number, email and fax data for all passengers. Passengers must ensure that names are correctly listed on their invoice/credit card authorisation form. The Travel Empire will not be responsible for passengers who do not receive an invoice or documents or are denied boarding due to inaccurate information.

Airline Name Changes: Any name change including minor spelling corrections may require airline reservations to be cancelled and rebooked. Reservations are subject to current availability and pricing at the time of rebooking. Once airline tickets are issued, subsequent name corrections will be subject to an airline rebooking fee which may be as much as the full value of the airline ticket plus a BDS$50 revision fee per change. The Travel Empire will not be held responsible for the denial of services by a carrier due to any name discrepancy. Name changes must be advised in writing at info@thetravelempirebb.com.

Airline Taxes & Fuel Surcharges: If you purchased airfare, airline taxes and fuel surcharges are included. Prior to completion of full payment, there is a potential for a price increase(s) due to increases in government- levied taxes and fees and/or fuel surcharges. To avoid potential increases, you may choose to accelerate your final payment in order that your tickets may be issued. Once issued, airline tickets are no longer subject to potential increases but are fully non-refundable. Certain overseas flights are subject to air taxes which can only be paid locally; in these cases, the specific flights and amounts of those taxes are indicated in our package presentation and pre-departure 

Schedule Changes: In the event of an airline schedule change, The Travel Empire will make every effort to inform passengers of the schedule change and new flight schedule prior to departure. The Travel Empire is not responsible for schedule changes including, when applicable, changes in routing and/or the number of stops in the itinerary. The Travel Empire is unable to provide compensation for schedule changes, seat assignment modifications, or cancellations implemented by an airline. In the event of any change in flight itinerary made directly between passengers and their airline, it is the passengers' responsibility to advise The Travel Empire of amended flight details in writing at info@thetravelempirebb.com. The Travel Empire cannot be held responsible for land services, including arrival and/or departure transfers, if flights are changed without its knowledge.

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Hotel Accommodations: All rooms requested are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities unless you have specifically requested a king/double size bed. Please understand although we will make a bed type request on your behalf, bed types are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple and quad occupancy rooms consist of two beds for cruises, where triple and quad rooms will consist of a twin bed for each person. Some single rooms are smaller than a standard room size. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. Although available at most 4 and 5-star hotels, use of air-conditioning abroad differs greatly from Barbados. Many European hotels were built before central air-conditioning was introduced. Air-conditioning is often shut down at night and from the end until the start of the summer months. All hotel rates are based on The Travel Empire's agreements with its suppliers and are not negotiable. Hotel check-in time is generally not before 3:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to noon. Please be sure that adequate arrangements for accommodations have been taken into consideration when a late-night flight is being used. If a day room is included in the itinerary, check-out will normally be 6:00 p.m. We reserve the right to make substitutions with hotels of equal and comparable standard. There will be no refunds for any difference in the cost of those accommodations.

Hotel & Cruise Profiles: The Travel Empire's hotel and cruise ship profiles are based upon information provided to The Travel Empire by hotel and cruise ship partners and their representatives, including images and descriptions of individual properties. Star-ratings may differ from country to country. The Travel Empire does its best to maintain current information, however, is not responsible for any inaccuracies, changes in description details or amenities, or images provided by third parties.
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Meals: As specified in each itinerary. Meals are based on the hotel's or restaurant's buffet or set menu. In general, beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Although The Travel Empire cannot make guarantees, every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests submitted in writing at least 4 weeks prior to departure at info@thetravelempirebb.com.

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Transfers: Transfers are provided as indicated for each tour by car, minibus, or motor coach provided airfare is purchased from The Travel Empire. If you purchase a land-only tour, or if you deviate from the arrival and/or departure dates as stated in the itinerary, you will have the responsibility to purchase your own transfer to the hotel. Your arrival transfer is guaranteed for up to one hour from your scheduled arrival time in order to compensate for minor delays. The Travel Empire or the transfer company will not be responsible for flight delays, for any reason, beyond one hour from your originally scheduled arrival time. In case of a delay, whether due to a flight delay, immigration and customs, or time spent reporting baggage damage or loss, it will be your responsibility to make other transfer arrangements such as a taxi. Transfer costs are not refundable and any additional expenses will be your responsibility. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Travel Empire transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg', meaning that our driver must come to the airport, hotel or pier only to pick you up and necessarily loses a one-way fare. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. The Travel Empire transfer drivers, while not employees of The Travel Empire, are reliable. They provide you with a full welcome service, transfer you to the correct location and are prepared to answer your questions along with your ride. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money.
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Sightseeing & Itinerary: Will be operated by motor-vehicle, The Travel Empire tours have been designed to accommodate individuals as well as groups. Times listed in itineraries are approximate and meant only as guidelines. Some itineraries may have early morning start times for sightseeing in order to complete the touring during daylight hours or avoid afternoon heat in tropical and desert climates. It is your responsibility to arrive on time for all scheduled flights, cruises, and package components. Arriving late may be considered a "no-show", in which case you will not be eligible for a refund for the unused service(s). We cannot guarantee the number of passengers who will be on any given tour. You may find that you are traveling with a sizeable group or only with your own companions. Services, however, will remain constant no matter the number of tour participants. Persons requiring any assistance or who have any form of disability should refer to section "Travelers With Disabilities". On dates including, but not limited to religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed. On these occasions, touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, in affecting the sequence of the tour, locations visited and/or hotels. Therefore, we reserve the right to adjust the sequence and/or substitute any hotels with others of similar category. In such cases, there will be no cost adjustment. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be cancelled due to renovations, however The Travel Empire will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. The Travel Empire itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration.
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Rail Transportation: Once full payment is received, The Travel Empire will select train times, rail tickets will be issued and are fully non-refundable. Except where requested in writing prior to final payment. Passengers travelling with a group may not request alternative train times. Once issued, rail tickets are valid for the dates and times specified. Some exchanges must be done locally at the station due to fare restrictions. Changes may be subject to local charges, fees, and fare increases. Once the booked train has departed, changes are no longer possible nor can amendments be completed on board the train. The Travel Empire does not control seat assignments which are entirely at the discretion of the rail companies. Once rail tickets are issued they are fully non-refundable and non-changeable.
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Group Harmony: To ensure the desired group synergy, The Travel Empire reserves the right to accept, reject or expel any individual who is deemed disruptive or incompatible with the interests of the group, including, but not limited to, individuals who are intoxicated and/or under the influence of drugs leading to a negative experience for the remainder of the group. Expenses, including cancellation fees and/or costs for alternate travel plans or to return home, will necessarily be borne by the passenger. All unused services are non-refundable.
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CRUISES:

Ship & Itinerary Changes: Cruise itineraries and ships are subject to change without notice. Furthermore, cruise ships may be chartered and/or departure dates cancelled, in which case all monies will be refunded. The Travel Empire takes no responsibility for ship substitutions or itinerary changes imposed by a cruise line and is not responsible for any losses you may incur including the issuance and/or cancellation of airline tickets or visa fees.

Medical Services: Many ships do not carry a doctor or nurse onboard. Should medical attention be required, local services will be contacted. Resulting charges will be the responsibility of the passenger. The Travel Empire and the cruise ship operator are not responsible for the services provided.

Health Requirements: Check with your healthcare provider for up-to-date requirements. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. Required inoculations, if any, must be recorded by clients' health practitioner on a valid vaccination certificate which the client must carry for proof of inoculation where required. Individuals with heart disease, chronic illness, physical handicap, advanced pregnancy, or mental illness should not participate in these rigorous travel programs. Any person who arrives at the destination ill with apparent fever or becomes ill during the tour will be removed from the group and directed to a local medical facility for diagnosis. Only upon clearance by an accredited medical facility will that individual be allowed to resume group travel. All costs associated with medical treatment and related expenses such as additional hotel nights or transportation not included in the original itinerary will necessarily be borne by the passenger.
Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at: http://www.dot.gov/.../avi.../aircraft-disinsection-requirements.
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Luggage (Airlines): Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62”), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Many airlines apply charges for checked bags. The Travel Empire is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate your luggage upon arrival or to describe it if it is lost.

Luggage (Escorted Tours): All Travel Empire escorted tour buses allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to a handling charge of US$100 per piece. As The Travel Empire will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. ________________________________________
Tipping:

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Drivers including private cars and motorcoach drivers: US$5-$10 per person, per day

 

Tour Guides: US$10-$20 per person, per day
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Refusal of Service:  Service providers reserve the right to refuse service to you at their sole discretion and including without limitation if you; Lack proper documentation for the country of destination; Have a contagious disease; Are under the influence of alcohol, drugs or narcotics; and/or Manifest disruptive and/or unruly behavior. The Travel Empire assumes no liability for the acts of the service provider in refusing service.

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Travel Restrictions:  There are certain restrictions imposed by other countries that preclude travellers from entering if they have been convicted of serious crimes and/or felonies. These include, but are not limited to DUI/DWI, domestic violence, certain drug offenses, offenses of a sexual nature, among other crimes.  

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You understand that it is your sole responsibility, and/or that of any party to this form, to determine whether or not you are restricted from sailing, flying or crossing the border into any country. You agree that The Travel Empire and vendors/suppliers bear no responsibility in determining whether or not you are permitted to travel.

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PASSENGER AGREEMENT: All passengers are required to complete a Passenger Agreement prior to travel and, by so doing, formally accept The Travel Empire's Terms & Conditions. Passengers booking online will be required to complete the Passenger Agreement at the time of booking. Passengers booking via telephone will be provided a verbal review of the Passenger Agreement, which will be delivered via email shortly after the time of booking. Travel documents will not be released without a completed Passenger Agreement. The Travel Empire reserves the right to cancel bookings and return deposits without a completed Passenger Agreement. The Passenger Agreement incorporates these Terms & Conditions including the following Release from Liability, Assumption of Risk and Binding Arbitration Clauses. Confirmation during the booking process and submitting payment constitutes an agreement to these Travel Terms & Conditions and The Travel Empire's Release from Liability, Assumption of Risk and Binding Arbitration Clause.
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CANCELLATION TERMS:  If travel plans are delayed or cancelled for any reason there will be no refunds issued by The Travel Empire unless your booking included free cancellation. Please note that a ‘trip’ or ‘booking’ often consists of multiple components, each of which may carry its own cancellation penalties (example: an airline ticket, a pre-trip hotel night, a multi-day adventure vacation by a tour operator, a post-trip extension designed by The Travel Empire and Suppliers all of which may be subject to a different set of cancellation policies). Clients are responsible for obtaining the applicable insurance policies. No refund(s) will be issued for cancellations due to actual or threatened terrorist events. Furthermore, there will be no refunds due to fear of travel from actual or threatened terrorist, health, pandemics, epidemics, political, or other similar events. It is the traveler’s responsibility to protect their purchases and Travel Insurance is strongly recommended. The traveller is advised to obtain appropriate insurance coverage against these risks. Traveller's retention of tickets, reservations, or bookings after issuance shall constitute consent to the above and an agreement on his/her part to convey the contents hereto to his/her travel companions or group members.

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RELEASE FROM LIABILITY: The Travel Empire, its owner, directors, officers, employees and affiliates, (collectively "The Travel Empire") does not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip including, for example, ownership or control over hotels or other lodging facilities, airline, vessel, bus, van or other transportation companies, local ground operators, providers or organizers of optional excursions or equipment used thereon, food service or entertainment providers, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, The Travel Empire is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity, or of any other third party. Without limitation, The Travel Empire is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to person or property, death, delay or inconvenience in connection with the provision of any goods or services occasioned by or resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God, acts of government, force majeure, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, or the threat thereof, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, structural or other defective conditions in hotels or other lodging facilities, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely or safely, dangers associated with or bites from animals, pests or insects, marine life or vegetation of any sort, dangers incident to recreational activities such as swimming, kayaking, sailing, canoeing, rafting, hiking, walking, bicycling, etc., sanitation problems, food poisoning, lack of access to or quality of medical care, difficulty in evacuation in case of a medical or other emergency, illness, epidemics, pandemics or the threat thereof or for any other cause beyond the direct control of The Travel Empire. In addition, I release The Travel Empire from its own negligence and assume all risk thereof.

ASSUMPTION OF RISK: I am aware that travel such as that I am undertaking involves hazardous activities, with a risk of illness, injury or death which may be caused by forces of nature, animals, insects or flora, the negligence of The Travel Empire, or other persons and companies known or unknown, or of willful or criminal conduct of third parties. I am aware that weather conditions may be severe, adverse and/or unpleasant. I am also aware that medical services or facilities may not be readily available or accessible during some or all of the time during which I am participating on the trip. In order to partake of the enjoyment and excitement of this trip, I am willing to accept the risks and uncertainty involved as being an integral part of my adventure. I hereby accept and assume full responsibility for any and all risks of illness, injury or death and of the negligence of The Travel Empire and agree to hold harmless and release The Travel Empire from claims of third-party negligence and this includes any and all complications due to the Coronavirus COVID-19.

I understand the physical requirements of the activity in which I will be participating, and I currently have no known physical, medical or mental condition which would impair my ability to participate in this tour or my safety in this activity, and I am willing to assume all risks that may be created, directly or indirectly, by any such condition. I hereby authorize The Travel Empire or my local ground handler or others to arrange for any emergency medical treatment and hospitalization as may be necessary for me because of participation in this activity without my further consent.

GOVERNING LAW: These terms and conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Barbados without regard to any conflict of laws provisions to the extent such principles or rules would require or permit the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the courts of Barbados. Client irrevocably and unconditionally submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Barbados courts and agrees to bring any such action, litigation or proceeding only in the courts of Barbados. Client agrees that a final judgment in any such action, litigation or proceeding is conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS DURING A PANDEMIC OUTBREAK: It is prudent for travellers who are sick to delay or avoid travel to affected areas, in particular for elderly travelers and people with chronic diseases or underlying health conditions.

General recommendations for personal hygiene, cough etiquette and keeping a distance of at least one metre from persons showing symptoms remain particularly important for all travelers. These include:

• Perform hand hygiene frequently, particularly after contact with respiratory secretions. Hand hygiene includes either cleaning hands with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand rub. Alcohol-based hand rubs are preferred if hands are not visibly soiled; wash hands with soap and water when they are visibly soiled;

• Cover your nose and mouth with a flexed elbow or paper tissue when coughing or sneezing and disposing immediately of the tissue and performing hand hygiene;

• Refrain from touching mouth and nose;

• Wearing of masks. If masks are mandated to be worn, it is critical to follow best practices on how to wear, remove and dispose of them and on hand hygiene after removal (see Advice on the use of masks).

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As for any travel, travellers are also advised to follow proper food hygiene practices, including the five keys for food safety, as well as recommendations to reduce the risk of transmission of emerging pathogens from animals to human in live markets.

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Travelers returning from affected areas should self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days and follow national protocols of receiving countries. Some countries may require returning travelers to enter quarantine. If symptoms occur, such as fever, or cough or difficulty breathing, travellers are advised to contact local health care providers, preferably by phone, and inform them of their symptoms and their travel history. For travelers identified at points of entry, it is recommended to follow WHO advice for the management of travellers at points of entry. Guidance on treatment of sick passengers on board of airplanes is available on ICAO and IATA websites. 

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FORCE MAJEURE: Notwithstanding any other provision herein to the contrary, either party shall be excused from performance hereunder for failure to perform any of the obligations if (i) such failure to perform occurs by reason of any of the following events (“Force Majeure Events”): act of God, fire, flood, storm, earthquake, tidal wave, communications failure, sabotage, war, military operation, terrorist attack, epidemics, a global pandemic outbreak, national emergency, mechanical or electrical breakdown, general failure of the postal or banking system, civil commotion, strikes, or the order, requisition, request or recommendation of any governmental agency or acting governmental authority, or either party’s compliance therewith or government proration, regulation, or priority, or any other similar cause beyond either party’s reasonable control and (ii) such Force Majeure Event is beyond such party’s reasonable control. The party excused from performance shall be excused from performance (i) only after notice from the party whose performance is impaired, (ii) only during the continuance of the Force Majeure Event and (iii) only for so long as such party continues to take reasonable steps to mitigate the effect of the Force Majeure Event and to substantially perform despite the occurrence of the Force Majeure Event. The party whose performance is not impaired may terminate this Agreement upon thirty (30) consecutive days’ notice at any other time, effective immediately upon written notice to such party.

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VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION: I acknowledge that I have voluntarily applied to participate on the trip designated on this application (or a trip which I may change to) and that I have read the description of the trip as it appears in the current Travel Empire website relating to the trip or via email, together with all information contained in this application. I am voluntarily participating in this trip with knowledge of the hazards involved.

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KNOWING AND VOLUNTARY EXECUTION: I have carefully read these Terms and Conditions and the booking information sections of this document, and fully understand its contents. I am aware that this is a release of liability and a contract between myself and The Travel Empire and agree of my own free will. By signing, I agree to these Travel Terms & Conditions and The Travel Empire's Release from Liability, Assumption of Risk for myself, each member of my travelling party and any minor children accompanying me.

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PHOTOGRAPHIC RELEASE: The Travel Empire may take photographs or video of its trips and trip participants grant The Travel Empire permission to do so and for it to use same for promotional or commercial use without payment of any compensation to participant.
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USE OF WEB SITE: WWW.THETRAVELEMPIREBB.COM

Agreement between Client and The Travel Empire: www.thetravelempirebb.com is offered to you, the Client, conditioned on your acceptance without modification of the terms, conditions, and notices contained herein. Your use of www.thetravelempirebb.com constitutes your agreement to all such terms, conditions, and notices.
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LIABILITY DISCLAIMER: The information, products, and services published on this web site may include inaccuracies or typographical errors. Changes are periodically made to the information which appears here. The content of this site is not guaranteed to be complete, accurate, or available and may be changed at any time without notice. The Travel Empire may make improvements or changes on this website at any time. In no event shall The Travel Empire be liable for any direct, indirect, punitive, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising out of, or in any way connected with, the use of this website, or for any information, products, and services obtained through this website, or otherwise arising out of the use of this website.

Links to Other Web Sites: www.thetravelempirebb.com may contain hyperlinks to websites operated by parties other than The Travel Empire. Such hyperlinks are provided for your reference only. The Travel Empire does not control such Web sites and is not responsible for their contents.

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Effective: May 23, 2021