Booking Conditions

The Nitty Gritty

Not exciting stuff but read the Booking Conditions carefully!

The contract

All bookings are made with Parallel 50 (us/we). By making a booking with us you have agreed to these booking conditions and are bound by these Terms and Conditions.

Deposit requirement

At the time of booking, a 50% payment is required to confirm your booking which includes a $500 non-refundable deposit. Additional payment may be required on some trips. If your payment is made within 90 days of departure date then the full amount is required at time of booking.

Payments

Final payment is due 90 days prior to commencement of trip or as advised. If payment is not received by the due date we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel your trip 60 days or more prior to departure we will retain the $500 non-refundable deposit.

Between 30 and 59 days prior to departure we will retain 50% of the total tour cost.

Less than 30 days we will retain 100% of total tour cost. You are strongly advised to take out cancellation insurance. If you leave a trip for any reason after commencement we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services.

Your details

To confirm your booking you must provide all requested details. Details needed are full name as per passport, date of birth, nationality, passport number, passport issue and expiry date and any pre-existing medical conditions. A minimum age of 18 is usually required and maximum age can be discussed due to the physical demands of our type of travel. Medical evidence of fitness to travel this itinerary must be provided if requested or if you have a pre-existing medical condition. Parallel 50 reserves the right to decline a booking at our discretion without further consultation.

Fitness Level

You must satisfy yourself prior to booking that you are fit and able to complete the itinerary of your chosen trip. Conditions are not what you will be accustomed to at home and we do not provide luxury holidays. Generally a moderate level of fitness will make your trip more enjoyable. Consider altitude and steep steps and staircases. Consult your doctor prior to travel for all travel needs medically. Please supply own medical needs and first aid kit.

Cancellation by Us

We may cancel a trip at any time at which you will receive a refund for the trip but we are not responsible for any incidental expenses incurred as a result of your booking such as visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Again, check your insurance.

Prices and Surcharges

Surcharges may apply due to unfavourable changes in exchange rates, increase in airfares, local operator costs, taxes, itinerary alterations or suchlike.

Passport & Visas

Correct documentation is your responsibility. You must have a passport with more than 6 months validity and have all the appropriate visas, permits and certificates. Refusal of entry to a country due to incorrect documentation will be your responsibility.

Itinerary

Travel requires flexibility so please allow for alternatives and is subject to change to suit other factors. We reserve the right to make these decisions as are necessary and that any incidental expenses due to this will be your responsibility.

Leader Decisions

All participants must comply with the group leader’s decision and must not interfere with the well-being and safety of the group. Failure to do this may cause you to be asked to leave the trip immediately with no right to refund. You must comply with laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited and agree to travel in accordance to our responsible travel guidelines.

Acceptance of Risk

Dangers and risks associated with this style of travel have been acknowledged by yourself. Political, cultural and geographical attributes present dangers and physical challenges different to your daily lives. Please acquaint yourself with the problems that may arise and accept the personal risk involved.

Limitation of Liability

We are not responsible for the acts and omissions for any third party used to assist in the running of our trips.

Optional activities

Activities not included in the trip, even if your group leader helps to arrange these activities, render us not liable for them in any way. If you wish to undertake higher risk activities such as horse riding, hot air ballooning, camel rides, bike riding, rafting or the like, they will need to be covered by your own travel insurance.

Claims and Complaints

Please inform your group leader at the time of complaint so as the matter can be rectified with any further complaint put in writing within 30 days of the end of the trip. It is our aim to provide you with an experience of a lifetime in a positive environment so please seek advice from your leader rather than burdening other members of our travel group.

Group Size

A minimum number of people must book to make the trip viable. If this is not reached then the trip will be cancelled or rescheduled or you may have the option of an added payment to attain a viable position for the tour to go ahead. This number is usually between 6-12 people.

Prepare Yourself!

As mentioned, our trips are not luxury trips! Please be prepared for possible discomforts that may arise such as beds, roads, food, toilets, showers, change of itinerary, weather, delays, power cuts, culture shock etc. Many trips will provide the best accommodation that is available for our budget and will fall in the midrange to deluxe standard for that country on a twin share basis. Countries we visit often adopt a basic but clean, with service slow but friendly attitude. Having a healthy mindset and outlook will go a long way to taking all these things in your stride making for an enjoyable travel adventure and experience.