BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY - THIS CONSTITUTES PART OF YOUR CONTRACT FOR TRAVEL SERVICES
The Purchase of your Travel Booking constitutes a contractual agreement between the traveller(s), customer(s), and/or purchaser(s), (collectively as "You" and "Traveller"), and Katherine Weiss of Upscale Travel an independent contractor (the "IC") with Direct Travel DT Ontario-West Inc. ("Katherine Weiss", "We", "Us") and implies acceptance of the following Terms and Conditions below.
1. AGENT ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
We act as a travel advisor only. Many, if not all, of the services that make up your travel booking are provided by independent travel suppliers including airlines, hotels, tour operators, cruise lines, and other service providers ("Travel Suppliers"). Payment of your travel booking to us, as the agent of the Travel Supplier, contracts you to the terms and conditions of the Travel Supplier.
If for any reason a Travel Supplier is unable to provide the services for which you have contracted, your remedy lies against the Travel Supplier, and not against us. We do not represent that any travel products or services will be suitable for you and we do not accept legal liability or responsibility for any services of a Travel Supplier that does not meet your expectations. We are not responsible for any damages or injuries sustained during a trip with a Travel Supplier.
We rely on information provided by Travel Suppliers to assist you in making informed decisions, but we cannot guarantee the accuracy of such information.
2. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
The amount of liability is limited to the amount paid for the travel services to Katherine Weiss, not what is paid directly to Travel Suppliers. There is no liability if Katherine Weiss obligations cannot be performed due to Force Majeure events. There is also no liability if travel insurance is not purchased and coverage would have applied to your situation.
3. BOOKING ACCURACY AND LEGAL NAMES
You are required to immediately review all aspects of your booking to verify (but not limited to): passenger names, contact information, dates of birth, pricing, airfare, arrival/departure details, accommodations, and organized activities. Please notify us immediately if any corrections are needed.
CRITICAL: Guest names must be identical to the passenger's LEGAL first and last names as they appear on government-issued photo identification and travel documents. You voluntarily assume full responsibility for any risks and costs involved with failure to report errors or name discrepancies.
4. PLAN TO GO DEPOSIT
4.1 New Client Requirement
All new clients are required to pay a Plan to Go deposit before we begin research and planning services. This deposit covers our professional consultation and research services.
4.2 Services Included
Your Plan to Go deposit of $100 covers:
One-on-one consultations by phone or email to determine your expectations and desired travel experiences
Research into the best possible matches for itineraries, accommodations, flights, and other travel services
Placement of courtesy holds where possible within supplier terms and conditions when suitable matches are found
Presentation of up to 5 potential travel options for your review
4.3 Additional Research
If you require more than 5 travel options, additional research can be provided for an additional deposit of $50 per 5 additional options.
4.4 Decision Timeline
Courtesy holds require a decision within 36 hours of the hold. Pricing and availability are always subject to change.
4.5 Deposit Application Policy
If you proceed with booking travel services through us, your Plan to Go deposit will be applied toward your booking
If you choose not to book travel with us for any reason, the Plan to Go deposit is forfeited and non-refundable, as it covers the time and expertise invested in your research and consultation
After 3 successful bookings, future Plan to Go deposits may be waived at our discretion
5. SERVICE FEES
In addition to travel costs, the following professional service fees may apply as specified in your quotation:
Planning fee for complex itinerary with more than 20 trip elements
Planning fee for complex itinerary with more than 10 trip elements
Research and Plan to Go deposit (as outlined in Section 4)
Air ticketing, changes, cancellations***
All service fees are non-refundable once services have been provided. Fees are subject to change with notice and will be clearly outlined in your quotation before any services are rendered.
***Please note that airline change and cancellation fees imposed by carriers are separate from and in addition to our service fees.
6. PRICING AND PAYMENT
Prices and availability quoted are subject to change at the sole discretion of Travel Suppliers until full payment has been received and tickets/confirmations have been issued. All airfares and tour operator rates are subject to change without notice if full payment has not been received.
If the total price increases by more than seven percent (excluding taxes, fuel surcharges, and government-imposed fees), you have the right to cancel the contract and obtain a full refund of payments made to us.
We accept major credit cards. Deposits are due as specified in your booking confirmation. Final payment must be made by the specified due date or your booking may be cancelled automatically.
6. TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION
6.1 Your Responsibility
It is your sole responsibility to have valid passports, visas, and other required travel documentation. A passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document.
6.2 Passport Requirements
Passports must be valid for 6 months beyond the full duration of travel
6.3 Additional Documentation Requirements
It is your responsibility to ensure you have all required travel documentation including visas, health certificates, vaccinations, and any other entry requirements for your destinations. You should refer to official government websites of your destinations for current entry requirements, as these can change without notice.
6.4 Failure to Comply
Immigration authorities have sole discretion to deny entry even with proper documentation. Travellers with criminal history may be denied entry. Failure to provide required documents may result in denied boarding or entry without recourse or refund possibility.
7. TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN
7.1 Documentation
Each child must have their own travel documents, passport, and appropriate visa, plus supporting documentation such as birth certificates showing both parents' names.
7.2 Consent Letters
Adults travelling with minor children should carry a notarized letter of travel consent signed by the other parent(s) or guardian(s). The letter must include contact information, authorization to travel, destination, and length of stay.
7.3 Special Circumstances
If parents are divorced or deceased, custody documents or death certificates may be required. For unaccompanied minors, provide details of the responsible person meeting the child at destination.
8. CANCELLATIONS, CHANGES, AND EXCHANGES
Flight and travel bookings are generally non-refundable and non-changeable. Any modifications will incur penalties from airlines, Travel Suppliers, or our agency. By acknowledging these terms, you authorize us to seek any available refunds or credits from suppliers on your behalf.
Service fees, including planning fees, ticketing fees, change fees, and cancellation fees are non-refundable. If you cancel any portion of your booking, you must advise the Travel Supplier prior to initial departure or lose the value of remaining portions.
9. CREDIT CARD CHARGEBACKS
If any Travel Supplier is unable to provide contracted services, your remedy lies with that provider, not with us. You agree that you will not seek to chargeback payments made to us via credit card. If you attempt unauthorized chargebacks, we reserve the right to collect all associated costs and fees, including legal fees.
10. ACCOMMODATION AND SERVICE STANDARDS
10.1 Standards Variation
Hotel ratings and service standards vary by destination and may differ from Canadian standards. There is no universal international rating system. Research accommodations independently to ensure they meet your expectations.
10.2 Service Interruptions
Services may be interrupted for renovations, maintenance, construction, or seasonal closures. We cannot be held responsible for service quality or interruptions.
10.3 Activities and Amenities
Activities may not be suitable for all ages or medical conditions. Some activities may be unavailable due to weather, insufficient participation, seasonal closures, or Force Majeure events. No compensation will be provided for unavailable activities.
11. HEALTH AND SAFETY
11.1 Different Standards
Living standards and practices outside Canada may differ significantly, including utilities, accommodations, food preparation, and water quality. We are not responsible for any loss, damage, illness, or injury resulting from different standards.
11.2 Medical Conditions
Pregnant travellers should consult their doctors before booking. We will not be liable for inability to participate due to pregnancy or related conditions.
11.3 COVID-19 and Health Pandemics
Travel during health pandemics carries inherent risks. Suppliers may change, delay, or cancel services with little notice. Government requirements may change suddenly. Senior citizens and those with underlying conditions face higher risks and must consider these when travelling.
12. TRAVEL INSURANCE
We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to protect your investment. The insurance policy terms will dictate coverage extent and circumstances. Should you decline to purchase travel insurance through us, you will be required to sign an insurance waiver acknowledging your decision and accepting full responsibility for any financial losses that could have been covered by travel insurance.
13. FORCE MAJEURE
We are not liable for failure to perform obligations due to circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to: acts of God, natural disasters, war, terrorism, government actions, strikes, pandemics, supplier failures, or other unforeseeable events.
14. GENERAL PROVISIONS
14.1 Flight Confirmations
Confirm flight departure times at least 24 hours prior to departure. Reconfirm onward and return flights at least 72 hours prior to each journey.
14.2 Check-in Requirements
Arrive at least 2 hours early for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights, or as required by the airline. Online check-in is recommended 24 hours prior to departure.
14.3 Baggage
Baggage allowances vary by carrier. Check specific airline policies before travelling. Additional fees may apply.
14.4 Additional Costs
Airport taxes, hotel taxes, resort fees, government fees, and other charges may not be included in your booking and are often collected at destination.
15. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION
This Agreement is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of British Columbia and the laws of Canada applicable therein. The parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Vancouver, British Columbia to resolve any disputes arising from this Agreement.
16. LEAD TRAVELLER RESPONSIBILITY AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Lead Traveller Responsibility: By proceeding with your booking and making payment, you acknowledge that you are the lead traveller and are accepting these terms and conditions on behalf of yourself and all travellers included in this booking. You are responsible for ensuring that all other travellers in your group are made aware of and agree to these terms and conditions.
By proceeding with your booking and making payment, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these terms and conditions on behalf of yourself and all travellers in your booking. You confirm that you are over the age of majority and that all traveller information provided is accurate as per valid travel documents.