DEFINING

a) "You" or "Client" refers to the person or people whose name or behalf the reservation is made.
b) We, "Us," and "Company" refer to Travel O’clock LLP.
c) "Independent Contractors" refers to any individual or group that the business has chosen to provide services to the client, such as hoteliers, hotel owners, owners of shipping companies, railroads, ferry boat operators, and coaches.

QUOTATION ACCURACY

Please note that the information provided in the quotations is based on the most current data available at the time of query. Due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, we reserve the right to make necessary changes to the itinerary, both before and after booking.

We will promptly notify you if we anticipate significant changes well in advance. However, in certain cases, such as unexpected road closures, restaurant changes, or high-demand events, adjustments may need to be made on-site by our tour managers or local representatives.

We understand that such changes can be inconvenient and we strive to minimize disruptions. In the event of limited hotel availability, we may need to make accommodations in nearby cities to ensure your comfort and enjoyment of the tour.

MEALS

Our tour menus are pre-determined and outlined in the given Quotation. We cannot accommodate special meals or diets unless explicitly stated in the brochure and your preferences. We may adjust meal arrangements due to unforeseen circumstances. If you miss a meal due to late arrival or personal outings, we cannot provide a refund or replacement.

Please note that the exact number of meals included in your tour is clearly specified in the 'Package Inclusions’ section of the brochure. We encourage you to review this information carefully to ensure your understanding of our meal arrangements.

HOTELS

To ensure a comfortable and budget-friendly experience, we have carefully selected accommodations that prioritize comfort while maintaining affordability. While we strive to provide the hotels listed in the itinerary, similar accommodations may be offered if necessary.

Please note that European rooms tend to be smaller in size. To maximize comfort, we recommend a maximum occupancy of three persons per room. Triple rooms often feature a rollaway bed. In the United States, triple rooms typically do not include an additional bed or associated charges.

Guests are responsible for the safekeeping of their personal belongings at all times. We cannot be held liable for any loss or damage to personal items. Any damages incurred to hotel rooms during your stay will be the guest's responsibility, and the company will not be liable.

ITINERARY

To enhance passenger comfort and convenience, we may adjust the tour itinerary including flight routes. We will provide advance notification of any such modifications.

Please note that if a client misses any portion of the sightseeing tour due to their own delay, they will not be eligible for a refund. This includes instances where the client fails to adhere to designated meeting times or participates in personal activities that result in missing scheduled tour components.

We recommend that clients plan their time accordingly and adhere to the tour schedule to ensure they do not miss any valuable experiences. If you have any concerns or questions about the itinerary or tour schedule, please do not hesitate to contact our tour manager or local representative for assistance.

TRANSFERS

Our tour fleet features air-conditioned & non-air-conditioned cars/ Coaches. To ensure equitable seating arrangements, we employ a daily seat rotation policy, eliminating assigned seating. We strongly advise against leaving valuable items unattended on the coach when disembarking. The company cannot be held responsible for any loss or theft of personal belongings. Guests are solely responsible for the safekeeping of their personal effects. Any damages incurred to the coach during your stay will be the guest's responsibility, and the company will not be liable.

Cancellation Due to Visa Rejection

All clients participating in a Travel O’clock LLP travel package must possess a valid visa. Please be aware that visa issuance or denial is solely at the discretion of the relevant consulate or authority. The company cannot be held responsible for visa rejections, even when all required documents are submitted.

We are not liable for visa non-issuance resulting from incomplete or delayed documentation provided by clients.

Passengers whose UK or US visas are denied must notify us at least 45 days prior to the departure. A cancellation fee of INR 2,000 per person will be deducted, and the remaining deposit will be refunded. If notification is received within 45 days of the tour's operation, standard cancellation charges will apply. For tickets already issued, the cancellation will be as per the T&C of the Airline and a service charge of Rs. 2000.

The requested tour date will be confirmed upon visa acquisition and is subject to tour availability at that time.

Any transfer from one tour to another prior to the departure of the originally booked tour will be considered a cancellation, subject to the applicable cancellation charges. A new booking must be made for the desired tour.

Cancellation Policy

Should you need to cancel your tour, written notification is required. Cancellation charges will be applied as follows:

  • 21 or more days prior to departure: 25% of the tour cost
  • 20-15 days prior to departure: 50% of the tour cost
  • 14-8 days prior to departure: 70% of the tour cost
  • 7 days or less prior to departure or no-show: 100% of the tour cost

Important Note: Please be aware that these cancellation charges are in place to cover our administrative costs and to ensure fair treatment for all guests. It can be changed or altered as per situation.

Company Cancellation

The company reserves the right to cancel any travel before departure, at its discretion. All payments made will be refunded in full, in Indian Rupees, and no additional compensation will be provided. However, we strive to avoid cancellations and will provide advance notice whenever possible.

Cruise Cancellations

For cruise cancellations, regardless of timing, 100% of the cruise cost paid will be forfeited. This policy is in place due to the unique nature of cruise bookings and the associated commitments made to cruise lines.

Third-Party Arrangements

The company is not liable for any additional costs or fees incurred for air ticket issuance, cancellation, or other arrangements not made through the company. We recommend that guests carefully review the terms and conditions of any third-party bookings to understand their cancellation policies and potential charges.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding our cancellation policy or the terms of your tour, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team.

Booking and Payment:

  • Deposit: A deposit of 10% of the total tour cost is required on confirmation of the tour.
  • Partial Payment: The next payment is to be made 30 days later.
  • Final Payment: The remaining balance must be paid 15 days prior to the departure date.
  • Cash Payments: When making cash payments of 10% of the total tour cost or more, please provide a copy of your PAN card as required by Indian tax regulations.

Refunds

Refunds for amendments or cancellations will be issued directly to you for bookings made through our company office. For bookings made through a preferred sales agent (PSA) or travel agent, refunds will be processed through them. Please allow a minimum of 30 days for refund processing.

Note on Refund Processing Timeframes:

  • Direct Bookings: Refunds for direct bookings will typically be processed within 30 days.
  • Airline Ticket Refunds: Refunds for airline tickets can often take longer, as they are subject to the specific policies and procedures of the issuing airline. Please allow up to 60 days for these refunds to be processed.

Unused Services

No refunds will be provided for unused services, such as meals, entrance fees, optional tours, hotels, or sightseeing. This includes instances where guests choose not to participate in scheduled activities or opt for alternative arrangements. If you have any questions or concerns about our refund policy or the terms of your tour, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team.

Health and Insurance

Guests are required to inform the company of any pre-existing medical conditions that may affect their ability to fully participate in the tour or potentially impact the overall group experience. This includes, but is not limited to, chronic illnesses, allergies, disabilities, or any other health concerns that could require special accommodations or medical attention during the tour.

The company reserves the right to request written medical clearance from a qualified healthcare provider prior to departure. This documentation may be necessary to ensure the guest's suitability for the tour and to identify any potential risks or precautions that should be taken.

Failure to disclose a medical condition may result in the company's inability to provide necessary assistance. In such cases, the company cannot be held responsible for any adverse health consequences or inconveniences that may arise

It is highly recommended that guests purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and other potential contingencies that may occur during their trip. Travel insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on Overseas Tour Packages

Pursuant to Section 206C(1G) of the Income Tax Act 1961, a Tax Collected at Source (TCS) is applicable to bookings of overseas tour packages.

  • TCS Rate: Five percent (5%) for bookings up to INR 7 lakhs
    Twenty percent (20%) for bookings exceeding INR 7 lakhs (This threshold is per remitter. A declaration must be submitted by the buyer to Travel O’clock LLP
  • Non-Refundable TCS: The TCS amount paid is non-refundable in case of tour cancellation.
  • TCS for Non-Filers: If you haven't filed income tax returns for the two preceding years and your aggregate TDS and TCS for each year exceeds INR 50,000, a twenty percent (20%) TCS will be applied upon PAN validation. If the PAN is found to be linked to your Aadhaar, the booking will be canceled, and cancellation charges will apply.
  • Aadhaar Linking: If your Aadhaar is not linked to your PAN during validation, a ten percent (10%) TCS will be applied. However, you may not receive TCS credit in Form 26, AIS, or TIS, and TCS certificates will not be available. Additionally, the booking will be canceled, and cancellation charges along with the ten percent (10%) TCS will apply.

OTHER TERMS:

Booking and Payment:

Deposit and Full Payment: To secure your reservation, a deposit of 10% of your tour cost is required. The remaining balance must be paid in full according to the payment terms outlined in the booking form. Late or incomplete payments may result in booking cancellation, forfeiture of your deposit, and additional cancellation charges as detailed elsewhere in this agreement.

Changes and Cancellations:

Company's Right to Modify or Cancel: The Company reserves the unilateral right to cancel your tour at any time before departure, for any reason whatsoever. The Company may also modify your itinerary, including changes to the tour operator, airlines, flights, or included services. In these cases, you will not be entitled to compensation or refunds for any inconvenience or disruption caused.

Client Options in Case of Itinerary Changes: Should the Company modify your itinerary after booking is confirmed, you will be presented with two options:
1. Accept the Amended Itinerary: You can choose to proceed with the tour as modified by the Company.
2. Select an Alternative Tour: The Company may offer you an alternative tour option.
It's important to understand that regardless of the option you choose, you will not be entitled to any compensation or refunds for the original itinerary or any changes made by the Company.

Limitation of Liability:

Broad Exclusion of Liability: The Company explicitly excludes itself from any liability for the following:

  • Any injuries, illnesses, accidents, losses, delays, inconveniences, additional expenses, or consequential damages that may arise during your trip, regardless of the cause. This includes incidents beyond the Company's reasonable control, such as natural disasters, political unrest, or unforeseen circumstances.
  • Actions, omissions, or negligence of any third-party companies or individuals involved in providing your travel arrangements (e.g., hotels, transportation, meals). The Company acts as a facilitator and is not responsible for the actions or shortcomings of these independent service providers.
  • Loss or damage to your luggage or personal belongings, even if caused by the Company's negligence. It is highly recommended to obtain travel insurance to protect your belongings in case of loss or damage.

Maximum Liability Cap: The Company's maximum financial responsibility to you is strictly limited to the total amount you paid for your tour. The Company is not liable for any additional expenses you may incur due to unforeseen circumstances, itinerary changes, or service disruptions caused by third-party providers.

Complaints:

  • Reporting Issues with Third-Party Providers: Should you encounter any problems with services provided by a third-party company (e.g., hotel, transportation provider), you must promptly notify them in writing and provide a copy of the notification to the Company's tour manager. This allows the Company to address the issue with the relevant provider and potentially prevent similar occurrences for future clients.
  • Timely Submission of All Other Claims: Any other complaints regarding your trip experience must be submitted to the Company in writing within 7 days of your tour's conclusion. Claims submitted after this timeframe will not be considered by the Company.

General Provisions:

  • Severability: If any provision of this agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of law, the remaining provisions will still remain in full force and effect.
  • Travel Insurance: For your own protection, you are required to obtain comprehensive travel insurance from a reputable travel insurance provider. Travel insurance can help cover unexpected medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other unforeseen circumstances.
  • Price Fluctuations: Please note that the prices listed in our brochure are based on current exchange rates and fuel costs at the time of printing. The Company reserves the right to adjust prices before your departure date due to currency fluctuations or changes in fuel costs. You will be responsible for any additional charges incurred due to these fluctuations.
  • Currency Regulations: Certain portions of your tour cost may be subject to Indian foreign exchange regulations as mandated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and may involve specific payment methods for a part of the tour.
  • Jurisdiction and Dispute Resolution: Any legal disputes arising from your trip will be settled exclusively in the courts of Ahmedabad, India.
  • Binding Arbitration: In the event of a dispute between you and the Company, the matter will be settled through binding arbitration by a single arbitrator chosen by Travel O’clock LLP. The arbitration will take place in Ahmedabad, and the arbitrator's decision will be final and binding on both parties.
  • Chargeback Notification Requirement: You are prohibited from initiating a chargeback