Terms & Conditions
The following Terms & Conditions apply to all of Brendan's programs. Where specific items vary by destination, the modified Terms & Conditions are noted. For information on any of the policies listed, please contact a Brendan Specialist at 1-800-421-8446.
DEPOSIT & FINAL PAYMENT
A non-refundable deposit of $200 per person per program is required within 3 days of booking. The deposit forms part of your final payment, which is generally due at least 45 days prior to departure (50 days for North America Tour & Train programs/80 days for North America Tour & Cruise programs). Certain products, for example but not limited to, cruises, lodges and air, may have additional deposit requirements and/or require final payment sooner than 45 days. This will be advised at the time of booking or on your invoice. If we do not receive final payment by the specified date, we reserve the right to cancel the reservation. In the case of computer or human billing errors, we reserve the right to re-invoice with correct pricing.
Payment in full for airfare booked in conjunction with your vacation is required at the time of booking. Upon receipt of full air payment, your airfare, taxes and fuel surcharges are final. This is regardless of any future price fluctuations.
Before any payment on a Hawaii program can be accepted, Brendan must receive the passenger's written consent acknowledging and accepting the responsibility for additional payment should inter-island airfares increase.
Credit Card Bookings: Brendan should be advised of the credit card number when making the reservation. The passengers' authorization to use their credit card number for deposit and/or final payment indicates their compliance with our booking Terms and Conditions, whether or not they have actually signed the appropriate draft. Credit card payments require certain information. Third party charge cards require additional information.
HANDLING & REVISION FEES
A handling fee of $30 per transaction may be charged for any alterations or revisions. Name changes or corrections to clients' names after air tickets have been issued are subject to airline revision fees. A change of program date or itinerary within 45 days of departure (50 days for North America Tour & Train programs/80 days for North America Tour & Cruise programs) will be treated as a cancellation and new booking; regular cancellation fees apply. Bookings made within 30 days of departure may incur special handling fees.
CANCELLATIONS & CANCELLATION FEES
Notice of cancellation must be made in writing to Brendan, via email or letter to Guest Services.
The following per person cancellation fees apply§:
Escorted Vacations - Europe, Ireland & Britain (including Boutique Escorted Vacations), Australia & New Zealand, USA, Canada & Mexico (excluding North America Tour & Train programs and Alaska):
45+ days prior to departure*: Full deposit, including the Travel Protection Plan premium;
44-22 days prior to departure: 25% of the total price;
21-8 days prior to departure: 30% of the total price;
7-1 day(s) prior to departure: 50% of the total price:
Departure day* or later: 100% of the total price.
North America Tour & Train + programs and Alaska:
51+ days prior to departure*: Full deposit, including the Travel Protection Plan premium;
50-35 days prior to departure: 35% of the total price;
34-20 days prior to departure: 50% of the total price;
19-8 days prior to departure: 75% of the total price:
7 days or less: 100% of the total price.
+ Applies to tours featuring the Rocky Mountaineer, VIA Rail Canada's The Canadian and Copper Canyon's El Chepe trains.
North America Tour & Cruise
81+ days prior to departure*: Full deposit, including the Travel Protection Plan premium;
80-46 days prior to departure: 35% of the total price;
45-16 days prior to departure: 50% of the total price;
15-8 days prior to departure: 75% of the total price;
7 days or less: 100% of the total price.
Escorted Vacations - South & Central America:
45+ days prior to departure*: Full deposit, including the Travel Protection Plan premium;
44-31 days prior to departure: 30% of the total price;
30-8 days prior to departure: 50% of the total price;
7-1 day(s) prior to departure: 75% of the total price:
Departure day* or later: 100% of the total price.
Galapagos Cruise programs:
65+ days prior to departure*: Full deposit, including the Travel Protection Plan premium;
64-45 days prior to departure: 50% of the total price;
44-31 days prior to departure: 70% of the total price;
30-16 days prior to departure: 80% of the total price:
15 days or less: 100% of total price
Extra night hotel accommodations on Escorted Vacations that are cancelled within 14 days of the booked date will incur a 100% cancellation fee. Outside of 14 days, the following fees will be charged:
45 days or more: $30 per person
44-22 days: 25% of pre/post nights
21-15 days: 75% of pre/post nights
14 days or later: 100% of pre/post nights
Customized Vacations:
45+ days prior to departure day*: Full deposit, including the Travel Protection Plan premium;
44-21 days prior to departure day*: 25% of total price
20-4 days prior to departure day*: 50% of total price
3 days or less: 100% of total price
§ Special cancellation fees apply to certain products, for example but not limited to, cruises, lodges and air.
Once paid, the Travel Protection Plan's insurance premium is not refundable, nor can it be credited to any other booking.
Should a passenger sharing a room cancel, the remaining passenger(s) will be charged for a single (or twin share) room.
* "Departure day" is considered the date Brendan services begin.
These cancellation fees are in addition to any fees that may be levied by your Travel Agent.
Where paper tickets are issued, no refund will be made for cancelled air tickets until tickets are returned. Non-refundable tickets cannot be refunded under any condition. Please ensure that any returned tour documents which contain airline tickets are sent by certified or registered mail. Lost ticket replacement can take up to 1 year and processing fees may be assessed.
PROGRAM CANCELLATION
Brendan reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any program departure in accordance with operating requirements or due to circumstances beyond our control. Brendan will try to rebook the same or similar program and, where flights have been confirmed by Brendan, will attempt to confirm an air schedule for the new dates selected, subject to availability. If there is a difference in cost, it will be at the passenger's reduction or expense. Should the alternative not be accepted, we will refund all monies paid to Brendan and will be under no further obligation. If cancellation is made any time prior to departure*, Brendan's only liability will be to refund to the passenger the amount it has received for the booking.
Please note that Brendan is not responsible for any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations, and is not liable for any cancellation penalties incurred on any other travel arrangements, including air tickets purchased separately from the Air+Land inclusive package.
AIR ARRANGEMENTS
Cancellation Charges: The following cancellation charges apply for airline arrangements made by Brendan:
- Prior to Airline Ticketing: Service fee of $50 per person.
- After Airline Ticketing: Service fee of $75 per person plus any airline-imposed penalties which may be up to 100% of the air ticket value.
Airline Availability: Where possible Brendan will offer a choice of schedules and airfares at the time of booking. Some schedules may contain multiple connections and/or airlines. Schedule of passengers' choice may not be the lowest fare offered. Some airfares may not be eligible to accrue frequent flier mileage/points. Upgrades using Frequent Flyer mileage are not permitted. Once your air schedule is confirmed, any alterations risk the loss of air space or increased airfares.
Brendan does not hold block space on any airline and does not guarantee air availability. Passengers originating from different gateway cities and traveling with other passengers, might not be confirmed on the same airline or routing.
Airline Seating: Not all airlines offer pre-assigned seats and some may charge for pre-assigned seats. Any additional charge will be at passengers' expense. Where pre-assigned seats are not offered or different seats are desired, passengers are requested to contact airline(s) directly. Seating is solely under the control of the airline, as are itinerary changes resulting from flight delays and schedule changes. Brendan reserves the right to offer alternative schedules for itineraries affected by airlines' changes of flight schedules and equipment.
NON-REFUNDABLE AIR TICKETS
If you are purchasing a non-refundable air ticket, please make sure that your Travel Agent explains the difficulties associated with non-refundable airfares. Brendan cannot be held responsible for any change/cancellation penalties with these non-refundable airfares.
CRUISE ARRANGEMENTS
Cruise fees, or "Non-Discountable Amount" as referred to by the cruise line, is a mandatory fee levied by the cruise line. That portion of the price is not subject to reduction in the event of a discount promotion, nor commissionable to travel agents. Cruise Taxes, as used by the cruise line, refers to certain taxes, fees and charges imposed by U.S. and/or foreign governmental or quasi-governmental authorities, relating to any aspect of your cruise, including, but not restricted to, customs fees, head taxes, inspection fees, immigration and naturalization fees, harbor maintenance fees and Internal Revenue Service fees. Government fees and taxes are subject to change without notice and will apply irrespective of your booking's payment status. Similarly, the cruise line reserves the right to impose or pass through fuel surcharges, security surcharges or similar incidental surcharges. No right of cancellation exists under either of these circumstances. These additional Cruise Fees & Taxes are listed in the date & price panel of each applicable Land Tour & Cruise program.
Cruise Line Immigration Questionnaire: These mandatory forms are available online with your cruise company and must be completed online no less than 30 days prior to your departure.
Shore Excursions: To make your vacation even more memorable, cruise lines offer an extensive program of optional shore excursions. Confirmed guests may confirm shore excursion requests online in advance of sailing.
Staterooms: "Ocean-view Stateroom" is a cabin which features either a porthole or a window as opposed to an "Inside Stateroom." Cabin assignment is controlled by the cruise lines.
Ships' Registry: Holland America Line: ms Zuiderdam, ms Volendam, ms Statendam, ms Zaandam: The Netherlands.
REFUNDS FOR UNUSED SERVICES
No refunds will be made for unused services once travel arrangements have commenced. If you have to leave your vacation program early due to illness, you must obtain a medical certificate in support of any insurance claim. We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a program, including but not limited to, missed meals or sightseeing. Please note that employees of any domestic or overseas service supplier are not authorized by the Company to indicate or make refunds without respect to Brendan's stated Terms and Conditions.
SERVICE INQUIRIES AFTER THE PROGRAM
If after the program you wish to inquire about any services provided, please ensure that all correspondence relating to those services is received by Brendan within 60 days after the program completion date. To expedite processing, please email all correspondence to: clientservices@brendanvacations.com
PASSPORTS & VISAS
A valid passport is required for all international travel (machine-able for travel between the U.S. and Canada or Mexico). It must be valid at least six months after your date of return to the U.S. Your travel agent can help you obtain the necessary forms for passport application. Some of our programs require passport details be provided at the time of booking. Brendan will not be responsible for delays in confirmation or disruption to passengers' travel plans should these details not be provided at that time.
A visa may be required for travel to some of the destinations included on this website. U.S. and non-U.S. citizens must check with the appropriate consulates to determine if any visas are needed. Securing any needed visas is the responsibility of the passenger. See BrendanVacations.com/passportandvisas for more details.
TOUR DIRECTORS & TOURING - ESCORTED VACATIONS
Escorted Vacations are conducted in English only by a professional Tour Director (multi-lingual where applicable). Boutique Escorted Vacations are conducted by a professional Driver/Guide. On Locally Hosted Vacations, there is a local representative available for questions and local guides conduct tours. In some destinations if the number of tour participants drops below minimum levels, we will operate the departure on an individual basis with private transfers and individual arrangements and/or on smaller vehicles with a local guide. Touring and driving between cities is generally done by air-conditioned/ventilated motor vehicle (appropriate to the size of the group), with reclining seats and an on board restroom (where available). When passengers occupy a motor vehicle equipped with safety belts, the belts should be worn at all times when the vehicle is moving. Neither Brendan nor its cooperating organizations or other service providers will be liable for any injury or death or for any loss or damages whatsoever arising from any accident or incident if the safety belt is not being worn. We operate on a seat rotation system, and seats cannot be booked on coaches. There is a strict no smoking policy on board coaches, mini-buses and vans, however, regular comfort stops are made on traveling days.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Passengers should check with the consulates and/or the local health boards for the latest health requirements. Yellow fever vaccinations may be needed for travel to some South/Central American countries. Additional immunizations may also be required. A certificate of vaccination (original, not a photocopy) may be required upon entry.
NOTE: There are higher altitudes (8,500-14,000 ft) on some programs. Consult your physician for his/her recommendations.
YOUNG PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
Program participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. On Escorted Vacations, Brendan welcomes children five years of age and older. Some cruises have a minimum age of 6 or 7 years; ask when booking. There are no age restrictions on Customized programs.
If a child will be traveling with adults other than parents, or with only one parent, it is the passenger's responsibility to contact the appropriate consulates and the applicable airlines to ensure children have the required documentation for traveling outside the U.S.
PROGRAM ARRANGEMENTS
Brendan strives to provide a safe, enjoyable and memorable travel experience for all passengers. Brendan welcomes passengers with special needs or disabilities. However, please note the following:
- Passengers are required to advise Brendan, at the time of booking, of any physical, medical or other special needs that require accommodation. This may include the use of a personal wheelchair, scooter, walking-assistance device, supplementary oxygen tank or any other requirements. Failure to provide sufficient advance notice may result in Brendan's inability to procure the requested accommodations.
- All guests must ensure they are medically and physically fit for travel. Brendan may impose safety requirements necessary for the safe operation of the vacation. Brendan may also exclude an individual from participating in a tour or an activity if that individual's participation poses a direct threat to health or safety.
- Brendan does not provide personal devices (such as wheelchairs, hearing aids or prescription eye glasses) or services of a personal nature (such as pushing a wheelchair or assistance in eating, toileting or dressing). A companion capable of providing such assistance must accompany any passenger who requires services of a personal nature. Passengers should consult with their personal physicians to determine whether traveling is appropriate and whether a traveling companion is recommended.
- Motorcoaches and minibuses or vans are not equipped with wheelchair ramps.
- Brendan does not employ medical personnel. Any necessary medical attention will be provided by a local facility at the passenger's expense. Brendan is not responsible or liable for any losses or costs incurred as a result of medical services obtained while traveling, or for the quality of the care or services received.
- Brendan will not impose eligibility criteria that either screen out or tend to screen out persons with disabilities from fully and equally enjoying all goods, services, privileges, advantages or accommodations offered to individuals without disabilities.
- Brendan reserves the right to exclude any individual from participation in an activity if that individual's participation would result in a direct threat to health or safety. In such a circumstance, we will make a determination as to whether there is a significant risk that cannot be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level by reasonable modifications to our policies, practices or procedures or by the provision of appropriate auxiliary aids or services.
If you fail to provide us with any physical, medical or special needs, accommodations or requirements prior to the start of the tour, and it is determined that your continued participation poses a safety risk, you may be excluded from the tour. In this event, you will be responsible for all costs associated with your departure from the tour.
Passengers should be aware some vacation programs include rough terrain, extensive walking over cobblestone streets, uneven pavement, steps and locations which may not be easily accessible or accessible by wheelchair. On river cruise programs, the ships are spacious, but they may not have elevators. During the vacation program, Brendan may make arrangements with carriers, hotels and other independent suppliers to provide travel services. These parties are independent entities over which Brendan has no control. Accommodations on international vacation programs may differ from those in the United States. Brendan cannot guarantee disability access or accommodations for passengers traveling on international vacations.
Brendan may, in its sole discretion, decline the booking of any passenger or remove any passenger who cannot comply or refuses to comply with Brendan's Terms and Conditions, or whose conduct or behavior is incompatible with or detrimental to the interests of the tour or other individuals on the tour. Brendan is not responsible for any costs or losses incurred in the event a passenger is removed from a program. Passengers agree not to hold Brendan or any of its related entities liable for any actions taken under these Terms and Conditions.
AIRLINE & PROGRAM PRICES
Program prices are per person, based on two persons sharing a twin room. All prices are in US$ unless otherwise specified. Prices are based on charges, tariffs, rates, prices, taxes, levies and exchange rates in effect at the time each travel catalog was printed. Rates may vary depending on dates of travel. Prices featured for Customized Vacations are based on low season rates. Airfares are not guaranteed until paid in full and Brendan issues the ticket(s).
We reserve the right to recover from you increases in government and/or cruise line imposed fuel surcharges and in taxes, charges or levies. Prices, including taxes and fees, are subject to increase without notice.
NOTE: Brendan is unable to supply ticket copies after departure.
AIR-RELATED TAXES, FEES AND RESTRICTIONS
The TSA/Homeland Security Administration requires the ticketing agency to collect passenger's personal information before travel. Deposit and/or full payment will not be accepted for any booking until these details are received; if not received, this will prevent your documents from being processed. For more information regarding TSA's Secure Flight rules, please visit www.tsa.gov. Incomplete or inaccurate information may result in additional charges payable directly to the airline or in worst-case scenario, be denied boarding.
The required information:
- Passenger's full name as it appears on government-issued I.D. (e.g. passport) (including middle name)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Redress Number, if applicable
Any airfares provided on Brendan's website are indicative and do not represent actual air rates. Airfares will be provided upon booking, will be based on round-trip purchase, and will include fuel surcharges imposed by the airlines and the following additional, air-related taxes and fees:
- September 11th Security Fee charged at $2.50 per enplanement in the U.S., up to $5.00 per one way trip or $10.00 for more than four enplanements.
- Passenger Facility Charges up to $18.00 per passenger.
- U.S. Flight Segment Tax: For each Domestic segment (takeoff and landing) a charge of $3.60.
- U.S. Customs Fee: $5.50 is charged to each passenger arriving from outside the U.S. customs territory, excluding Canada, Mexico and U.S. Caribbean.
- Immigration Fee: $7.00 is charged for travel from any international point into the U.S.
- U.S. APHIS Inspection Fee: $5.00 per passenger is charged for travel from any international point except Canada into the U.S.
- Other International and U.S. Arrival and Departure Charges of up to $280.
If the customer is notified of the potential for a price increase prior to the time that the full amount agreed upon has been paid and customer's written consent prior to accepting any payment has been obtained, we reserve the right to recover from you increases in those surcharges.
Any additional fees charged by the airlines such as baggage handling, seat selections, and/or any other services are the sole responsibility of the passenger(s). Some countries charge a separate departure tax that is collected at the airport in either the local currency or US$. Additional air-related restrictions apply. Also visit www.BrendanVacations.com/airfarerules.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
Prices are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin-bedded room with private bath or shower. When booking triple (or quad) rooms please note that this is based on a twin-bedded room; the third bed may be a rollaway bed which will limit space in the room. Availability of triple (and quad) rooms is limited. Triple (and quad) rooms may not be available in some hotels and on some ships, or may only be available in a suite. Quads are reserved to limited departures (see individual tours or ask your Brendan Specialist) and are for families with children, not for 4 adults. Note that single rooms are generally smaller than twin-bedded rooms and that hotel standards, facilities and services provided may vary from those in the U.S.
Substitute hotels may be used at certain times and will be of a similar standard wherever possible. Special room or bedding requests, such as smoking/non-smoking, adjacent or connecting, etc., must be made at the time of booking and cannot be guaranteed. It is standard policy that hotel rooms are available for check-in after 3 p.m. Early check-in requires a pre-night be booked and paid for; late evening departures may require a post night be pre-booked. Passengers who are members of Hotel Frequent Traveler programs are not entitled to earn points with any of the hotels featured in this catalog.
Many hotels in North America (and increasingly in other parts of the world) are100% smoke free. This smoke- free policy includes all guest rooms, restaurants, bars, lounges, public spaces, and employee work areas. Smoking in a non-smoking rooms will result in a fine of up to US$350 per room.
MEALS
Any special meal requirements will be made on a REQUEST basis only. Brendan cannot guarantee special meal requests nor will it assume any responsibility or liability if passengers' special meal requests are not fulfilled.
BAGGAGE
On Escorted Vacations, baggage handling for one suitcase per person, at hotels, is included in the program price. Note that porterage at train stations is not included. Due to limited coach capacity, this single bag should have dimensions not exceeding 30"x18"x10" (76x46x25 cm) and weight not exceeding 50 lbs (23 kg). For South America programs that include the Galapagos Islands and for domestic flights within China, the maximum weight is 44 lbs. There is a charge of $3-6 per traveling day to be collected by the Tour Director if a second piece of baggage is carried or if the single suitcase exceeds the established weight and/or dimensions. However, it cannot be guaranteed that more than one suitcase will be carried.
Baggage handling is not included on Locally Hosted or Customized Vacations.
Hand luggage with wheels or telescopic handles will not fit in overhead compartments and cannot be accepted as carry-on luggage on Escorted Vacations.
Airlines impose weight and size limits for luggage and may also charge fees for checked baggage, including the first checked bag. Please check with your airline(s) directly for the most current baggage regulations and related fees. Brendan is not responsible for fees imposed by air carriers (see BrendanVacations.com/baggage).
Brendan will not accept liability for any loss or damage to baggage or any of the passenger's belongings. Brendan cannot assist in locating any lost items once the passenger has returned home. Baggage insurance is recommended.
TIPPING
All tips are included for services provided by dining room waiters, hotel room staff and hotel porters on Escorted Vacations. On Alaska cruises, gratuities (aka Hotel Service Charges) to all shipboard crew members are included. Tips for train personnel on the Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail Canada's The Canadian trains are included; gratuities at stations and on trains in Europe are not included. Tips for the Tour Director, driver, local guides and Driver/Guide on Escorted Vacations are not included. No tips are included on Locally Hosted and Customized Vacations.
HOLIDAYS
During local or national holidays in the country(s) you are visiting, certain facilities such as museums, sightseeing tours and shopping may be limited, and alternatives will be offered wherever possible. Similarly, holidays, closing days and other circumstances may necessitate a change of the day of the week for scheduled sightseeing, highlight dinners or other activities. Please check with the respective national tourist office for the countries visited before selecting a specific travel date.
SMOKING
Smoking is not allowed on motorcoaches, minibuses or vans. Smoking regulations vary across the globe. In many areas, hotels, restaurants and other venues are 100% smoke free. In other locations, non-smoking rooms in hotels and non-smoking areas in restaurants are not guaranteed.
ITINERARY VARIATIONS
Brendan constantly strives to improve program itineraries and features. If such improvements can be made; festivals, holidays, trade fairs, or other events warrant it; or if unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary, we reserve the right to vary itineraries and to substitute hotels. At certain peak periods, duplicate Escorted Vacations departures may operate, and sometimes in the reverse order, in which case hotels may vary from those shown on itinerary pages. On programs that include cruises, the itinerary, ports of call, scheduled hotels and ship may be changed due to operational reasons. In all such cases, we will do everything we can to ensure the locations visited, the excursions taken and the hotels or vessels offered are similar to the ones originally planned.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Escorted Vacations: Travel documents will be sent via UPS 21 days prior to the start of Brendan's services, provided full payment has been received. A fee of $10 per booking/per address will be charged for delivery.
Customized & Locally Hosted Vacations: Travel documents will be sent to you electronically approximately 21 days prior to the start of Brendan's services, providing full payment has been received. A $15 charge per booking is added for printed documents for programs with a total cost under $10,000 (no charge for programs with a total cost of $10,000 or above).
All Vacations: There is a $35 documentation charge if you need your documents earlier than the above time frame. Please ask your Travel Agent to request your travel documents to fit your schedule if you have plans prior to your Brendan Vacation. A charge of $35 will be applied if printed documents are requested to be sent via FedEx overnight delivery, within the continental U.S. Outside of the continental U.S., the charge is $50-$100.
NOT INCLUDED IN PROGRAM PRICES
Airfares (unless you purchase a land & air package); air-related taxes, fees and surcharges, any additional fees charged by airlines such as seat selection checked and/or excess baggage charges (see BrendanVacations.com/baggage), and/or other services; baggage fees on inter-island flights in Hawaii; additional taxes and surcharges that may be collected by government and non-government entities; passport and visa fees; insurances of all kinds; laundry; phone calls; beverages; meals not detailed in the program; discretionary tips/gratuities to Tour Directors, Driver/Guides, local guides, motorcoach drivers and city guides; porterage at train stations; tips/gratuities on board cruise ships (except on Alaska cruises); items of a personal nature; excess baggage on Escorted Vacations; optional excursions; etc. The program price also does not cover costs and expenses such as the return to your home if you leave your vacation of your own volition due to illness or as a consequence of official action by the government of any country visited.
Any domestic and international arrival or departure taxes, security charges, and other types of taxes or charges imposed by airlines, airports, governments, etc. are not included in the program prices, for example but not limited to, reciprocity and other taxes imposed by some South/Central American countries.
PHOTOGRAPHS & MAPS
Photographs show places in geographic areas, but are not necessarily included in the program. Maps shown on the itinerary pages are for general information and may not accurately reflect actual routings.
SAFETY
Please be aware that during your participation in programs booked on your behalf by Brendan, certain risks and dangers may arise beyond our control, including, but not limited to, the hazards of traveling in undeveloped areas; travel by boat, train, automobile, motorcoach, aircraft or other means of transportation; the forces of nature; political unrest; and accident or illness in remote regions without means of rapid evacuation or medical facilities. Brendan will not have liability regarding provision of medical care or the adequacy of any care that may be rendered. It is understood that Brendan will use its best efforts to ensure that adequate measures are taken.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
It is strongly recommended that all passengers take out comprehensive travel insurance including international air, cancellation and medical coverage. This may be arranged through your travel agent or Brendan. Certain countries have a requirement for foreign visitors to have valid medical insurance on entry. Brendan cannot be held responsible for denied entry should a passenger be unable to provide details to the authorities of such insurance.
Brendan's Travel Protection premiums are not refundable once purchased. Brendan makes no representation or guarantees concerning reimbursements of funds paid by you under any insurance claim.
IMPORTANT - RESPONSIBILITY
All travel products/programs are arranged by and/or are under the management of Brendan Vacations, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as the "Company") are operated and/or provided by Suppliers (hereinafter referred to as "Suppliers") believed by the Company to be reputable to operate in accordance with the standards set down by their own local authorities.
The Suppliers undertake the following duties:
1. The Suppliers shall be responsible to the passenger for supplying the services and accommodations described on this website and in Brendan's brochures, except where such services cannot be supplied or the itinerary used is changed due to delays or other causes of whatever kind or nature beyond the control of the Suppliers/Company. In such circumstances, the Suppliers will do their best to supply comparable services, accommodations and itineraries, and there shall be no refund in this connection. The Company acts only as an intermediary in making arrangements for hotels, sightseeing, transfers, transportation and any other travel services in connection with travel programs. Product information and descriptions are based on information provided by hotels and other suppliers worldwide. Reasonable care has been taken to ensure that the content of our brochures is accurate, but content is subject to change at any time, without notice. All content is published in good faith, but the Company cannot verify or accept responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of information provided by Suppliers. The travel agent and traveler are responsible for evaluating the accuracy, completeness and usefulness of any information available in our brochures.
2. Each brochure represents the entire agreement between the passenger and the Company.
3. In the absence of their own negligence, neither the Company nor their agents or co-operating organizations shall be responsible for any cancellations or for acts of any other service providers concerned, diversions or substitution of equipment or any acts, variations, postponements, omissions or defaults whatsoever by air carriers, land carriers, hoteliers or hotels, transportation companies, or any other persons providing any of the services and accommodations to passengers, including any results thereof, such as changes in services, accommodations or facilities necessitated by same. Nor shall they be liable for any loss or damage to baggage or property, or for injury, illness or death, or for any damages or claims whatsoever arising from loss, negligence or delay from the act, error, omission, default or negligence of any person not its direct employee or under its exclusive control, including any act, error, omission, default, or negligence of any country, government or governmental authority, officer or employee. All baggage and personal effects are at all times and in all circumstances at the risk of the travel program participant. Baggage insurance is recommended. Upon return to the United States, if lost articles are found and returned to the owner, a minimum service fee of $50 will be charged. The carriers, accommodation and other suppliers providing services are independent contractors and are not agents, employees, servants or joint venturers of the Company or their affiliates. All certificates and other travel documents for services issued by the Company/Suppliers are subject to the terms and conditions specified by the carriers and suppliers and to the laws of the countries in which the services are supplied. Carriage by sea is subject to the Carrier's Conditions of Carriage which are expressly incorporated into this contract, copies of which are available upon request. The Company is not responsible for any criminal conduct by third parties.
4. Where the passenger occupies a motorcoach or vehicle fitted with a safety belt, neither the Company/Suppliers nor their agents or cooperating organizations or service providers concerned will be liable for any injury, illness or death or any loss, damages or claims whatsoever arising from any accident or incident, if the safety belt is not being worn at the time of such accident or incident.
5. Transportation companies, airlines, etc. are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board planes, transportation or conveyances. We rely on international convention which may apply to the services provided by us, our suppliers or agents with respect to any claim of any nature brought by you against us as a result of the provision of those services. International conventions which apply may include: Warsaw Convention 1929, (as amended by Hague Protocol and Montreal Protocol) in relation to air travel, or Montreal Convention; the Berne Convention for rail travel; Athens Convention 1974 for carriage by sea; the Geneva Convention for carriage by road and the Paris Convention 1962 for hotels. We are to be regarded as having all benefit of these conventions on limiting our liability in relation to any claim for death, injury, loss, damage and delay to passengers and luggage. Enrollment in and payment for a vacation package shall constitute agreement and acceptance by the passenger of the Terms and Conditions set forth in our brochures which cannot be varied except in writing by an officer of the Company.
6. The agreement arising between the passenger and the Company under our brochures and the booking made by the passenger shall be governed by the law of the State of California, County of Los Angeles, which shall have exclusive jurisdiction in the case of any dispute between the parties.
7. In the case of computer or human billing errors, we reserve the right to reinvoice participants with correct billing.
8. Every effort is made to ensure brochure accuracy at the time of going to press; however the Company cannot be held responsible for printing or typographical errors, or errors arising from unforeseen circumstances.
Data Protection. In order to process your booking, Brendan will need to use personal information for you and other passengers included in your booking. This personal information may include each passenger's name, address, phone number, email address, passport number, credit/debit card number and sensitive information such as health, medical, dietary, mobility, religious or other special requirements. This personal information may be passed on to other suppliers of your travel arrangements in addition to public authorities (such as customs and immigration), security and credit checking organizations, and otherwise as required by law. Similarly, we may also need to provide personal information to contractors who provide services to or for us (e.g.-sending mail, processing payments, providing marketing assistance).
This may involve sending personal information (including sensitive information) to other countries that may not afford the same level of protection of personal information. We may also use the personal information you provide us to review and improve the tours and services that we offer, and to contact you (by post, email and/or telephone) about other tours and services offered by Brendan that you may be interested in. If you don't want to receive this information, or if you want a copy of the personal information we hold about you, write to us at: BRENDAN VACATIONS, 21625 Prairie St., Chatsworth, CA 91311. Brendan may charge a fee for supplying you with this information as permitted by law.
TOUR OPERATIONS
Many of our Escorted Vacations in Europe, the US, Canada and Mexico are code-shared with Trafalgar. Many of our Escorted Vacations in Australia and New Zealand are run in conjunction with Trafalgar and AAT Kings. Ask your Brendan Specialist for details.
EFFECTIVE DATES January 01, 2011 through December 31, 2011.
Terms and conditions are subject to change.
CST#2084503-20
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. We are a participant in the State of California's Travel Consumer Restitution Fund. Passengers who purchase from within California: This transaction is covered by the California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund (TCRF) if the passenger is located in California at the time of payment. Eligible passengers may file a claim with TCRF if the passenger is owed a refund of more than $50 for transportation or travel services which the seller of travel failed to forward to a proper provider or such money was not refunded to you when required. The maximum amount which may be paid by the TCRF to any one passenger is the total amount paid on behalf of the passenger to the seller of travel, not to exceed $15,000. A claim must be submitted to the TCRF within 12 months after the scheduled completion date of the travel. A claim must include sufficient documentation to prove your claim and a $35 processing fee. Claimants must agree to waive their right to other civil remedies against a registered participating seller of travel for matters arising out of a sale for which you file a TCRF claim. You may request a claim form by writing to: Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation, P.O. Box 6001, Larkspur, CA 94977-6001; or by faxing a request to: (415) 256-9756.
Passengers purchasing from outside of California: This transaction is not covered by the California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund.
This business is a participant in the United States Tour Operators Association's (USTOA) Consumer Travel Protection Plan. You may make a claim to this Plan if you are owed a refund. The Plan covers losses for transportation or travel services that were not delivered or not refunded when required. A passenger may make a claim against the Plan within 12 months from when the passenger learns of the loss.
USTOA's total liability for all possible consumer claims from this seller of travel's customers is limited to $1,000,000.
To obtain information on how to make a claim against the plan, the passenger should contact USTOA at 275 Madison Ave., Suite 2014, New York, NY 10016, or by email to information@USTOA.com or by visiting their website at www.USTOA.com. The maximum amount of any claim you, the passenger, can make against the plan is the total amount you have paid to date for this trip. |