INTRODUCTION
We are Wild Globe Expeditions Ltd, UK company number 15020920. Our postal address is Wild Globe Expeditions Ltd, 35 High Street, Builth Wells, Powys LD2 3DL, United Kingdom.
DEFINITIONS
“We”, “Us”, “Ours” or “Wild Globe Expeditions” refers to Wild Globe Expeditions Ltd.
“You”, “The traveller”, or “The participant” refers to any participant on a Wild Globe Expeditions trip that is not employed by the company.
“Expedition” or “Trip” or “Adventure” refers to any of our offered trips.
1.1 These are our Terms and Conditions, please read them carefully as they are the entire Terms of Agreement between Us and the Traveller for your expedition.
1.2 The following Terms & Conditions together with our Privacy Policy and any other written information we brought to your attention before we confirmed your booking form the basis of the contract between Us and you, the traveller.
1.3 Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully as they set out our respective rights and obligations. The contract based upon these terms and conditions is solely between the named participant(s) and Wild Globe Expeditions.
1.4 Except where otherwise stated, these Terms & Conditions only apply to the expedition arrangements and itinerary agreed between us, which you book with us and pay for before departure and which we agree to make, provide or perform (as applicable) as part of this contract with you.
1.5 We both agree that English law (and no other) will apply to your contract and to any dispute, claim or other matter of any description which arises between us (“claim”) except as set out below. We both also agree that any claim must be dealt with by the Courts of England and Wales only.
1.6 No variation in this contract shall be acceptable unless agreed in writing by both parties at least one month prior to the relevant expedition start date.
1.7 All references in these Terms & Conditions to, “booking”, “Expedition” or “arrangements” mean such arrangements unless otherwise stated. All bookings are made pursuant to these Terms & Conditions. Please be aware that your deposit is non-refundable.
1.8 All final balance payments are due and payable ninety (90) days prior to the departure date.
2.1 In order to make a booking, the participant must be over 18 years old.
2.2 We will communicate with you by e-mail and Whatsapp in relation to your booking. You must accordingly check your emails and Whatsapp on a regular basis. We may also contact you by telephone or post if we cannot, for whatever reason, contact you by e-mail or Whatsapp.
2.3 If you are booking for more than one person you and/or the first named person on the booking agrees and also on behalf of all persons detailed on the booking:
2.3.1 he/she has read these Terms & Conditions and has the authority to and does agree to be bound by them;
2.3.2 he/she consents to our use of information and personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy and is authorised on behalf of all persons named on the booking to disclose their personal details to us, including where applicable special categories of data (such as information on health conditions or disabilities and dietary requirements);
2.3.3 he/she is over 18 years of age;
2.3.4 he/she accepts financial responsibility for payment of the booking on behalf of all persons detailed on the booking.
2.4 You expressly agree that Wild Globe Expeditions Ltd may use your image in the form of photographs and/or video, taken during the expedition, for the use in media promotions, such as, but not limited to, social media and brochures by and on behalf of the Company. You may opt out of this by emailing [email protected].
3.1 In order to confirm your chosen expedition, a non-refundable deposit (or full payment if booking within 90 days of departure) must be paid at the time of booking.
3.2 When making a booking and paying the deposit to secure your space on one of our expeditions you will be provided with payment details. Only once we receive confirmation of your payment, will we confirm your booking.
3.3 The balance of the expedition cost must be received by us not less than 90 days prior to departure. This date will be shown on the confirmation invoice. Reminders might be sent.
3.4 You can settle the balance by bank transfer.
3.5 If we do not receive all payments due in full and on time, we are entitled to assume that you wish to cancel your booking. In this case, we will be entitled to keep all deposits paid or due at that date.
4.1 Your contract, subject to availability, we will confirm the booking by issuing our receipt of payment. This receipt will be sent to you or the lead name on the booking (“Lead Name”). Upon receipt, if you believe that any details on the receipt are incorrect you must advise us immediately as changes cannot be made later and it may harm your rights if we are not notified of any inaccuracies in any document within ten (10) days of our sending it out.
4.2 A binding contract between you and us comes into existence when we dispatch our confirmation invoice for all bookings.
5.1 Prices agreed are correct at the time of the offer being made. We reserve the right to alter our expedition prices, introduce supplements or correct pricing errors at any time before your booking is confirmed. We also reserve the right to correct any errors in any expedition price and not be legally bound in the case of incorrect pricing and acknowledgement of such an error does not mean acceptance of it. We will advise you of any error of which we are aware and of the revised applicable price at the time of booking.
5.2 We guarantee that no surcharge will be added to the basic price of your expedition once your booking has been confirmed, the exceptions to this price promise are as follows:-
5.2.1 surcharges which are a direct consequence of changes in the level of taxes or fees chargeable for services applicable to the expedition imposed by third parties not directly involved in the performance of the holiday, including tourist taxes or other local taxes. Where such circumstances apply, you will be charged for the amount of any increase in accordance with this clause.
CHANGES BY WILD GLOBE EXPEDITIONS
6.1 We start planning the expeditions we offer many months in advance. Occasionally, we have to make changes to and correct errors on the website and other details both before and after bookings have been confirmed. Whilst we always endeavour to avoid changes, we must reserve the right to do so.
6.2 Most changes are minor. Occasionally, we have to make a “significant change”. A significant change is a change made before departure which, taking account of the information you give us at the time of booking and which we can reasonably be expected to know as a tour operator, we can reasonably expect to have a major effect on your expedition. Significant changes are likely to include the following changes when made before departure; a change of accommodation to that of a lower or higher official classification or standard, a change of accommodation area, or a significant change of itinerary missing out one or more major destination substantially or altogether.
6.3 If we have to make a significant change, we will tell you as soon as possible. If there is time to do so before departure, we will offer you the choice of the following options: –
For significant changes:
(a) accepting the changed arrangements or
(b) transfer to an alternative expedition from us, if available. We will offer you at least one alternative expedition for which you will not be asked to pay any more than the price of the original expedition. If this expedition is in fact cheaper than the original one, we will refund the price difference. If you do not wish to accept the expedition we specifically offer you, you may choose any of our other available expedition. You must pay the applicable price of any such expedition. This will mean you paying more if it is more expensive or receiving a refund if it is cheaper or
(c) cancelling the trip; in which case you will receive a full and quick refund of all monies you have paid to us (including the non-refundable deposit).
6.3.1. Please note, the above options are not available where any change made is a minor one.
6.4 We may be forced to change your expedition due to “force majeure” after departure but before the scheduled end of your time away. In these booking conditions, “force majeure” means any event which we or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include, weather (actual or threatened), war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, fire, significant risks to human health such as the outbreak of serious disease at the travel destination, epidemics, pandemics, plagues (including, but not limited to the ongoing effects of Covid-19) and all similar events outside our control.
6.4.1 Except where otherwise expressly stated in these booking conditions, we regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our obligations under our contract with you is prevented or affected by or you otherwise suffer any damage, loss or expense of any nature as a result of “force majeure”.
CHANGES BY THE PARTICIPANT
6.5 Should you wish to make any changes to your confirmed expedition, you must notify us in writing as soon as possible. Whilst we will endeavour to assist, we cannot guarantee we will be able to meet any such requests.
6.6 A change in expedition date or destination may result in the recalculation of the expedition price where, for example, the price of the original expedition has changed.
6.7 All changes are subject to a £75 administration fee.
6.8 Any changes of expedition dates after 90 days before the departure date will be treated as a cancellation of the original booking. In this case, the cancellation charges mentioned in the next section will apply.
6.9 If any member of your party is prevented from travelling, the person(s) concerned may transfer their place to someone else (introduced by you) provided we are notified not less than two weeks before departure. Where a transfer to a person of your choice can be made, all costs and charges incurred by us and/or incurred or imposed by any of our suppliers as a result must be paid before the transfer can be effected. Any overdue balance payment must also be received.
CANCELLATION BY WILD GLOBE EXPEDITIONS
7.1 Due to the nature of the expedition and the destinations we operate in there can be unforeseen changes to the itinerary or in extreme circumstances not being able to occur at all. Whilst we always endeavour to avoid cancellations, we must reserve the right to do so.
7.2 Please note, our expeditions require a minimum number of participants to enable us to operate them. If the minimum number of bookings required for a particular expedition have not been received, we are entitled to cancel it. Minimum numbers are as follows:
Costa Rica: 6 participants minimum.
7.3 We may need to postpone the trip. Wild Globe Expeditions will endeavour to inform all clients of any postponement at least 90 days prior to the expedition start date. In the event of postponement, all monies will be carried over and applied to a future trip.
7.4 We may need to cancel the trip. Wild Globe Expeditions will endeavour to inform all clients of such cancellations at least 60 days prior to the expedition start date. In such instances all monies paid to that date will be returned and wherever possible, alternatives will be given for cancelled expeditions.
7.5 In the unlikely event, we may be forced to terminate your expedition due to “force majeure” after departure but before the scheduled end of your time away. In these booking conditions, “force majeure” means any event which we or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include, weather (actual or threatened), war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, fire, significant risks to human health such as the outbreak of serious disease at the travel destination, epidemics, pandemics, plagues (including, but not limited to the ongoing effects of Covid-19) and all similar events outside our control.
7.5.1 Except where otherwise expressly stated in these booking conditions, we regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our obligations under our contract with you is prevented or affected by or you otherwise suffer any damage, loss or expense of any nature as a result of “force majeure”.
7.6 Your safety is our first consideration and if the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against travel to a certain country, we act on this advice. The FCDO issues regular advice and updates on its website which you are recommended to consult before booking and in good time before departure. You are responsible for making yourself aware of FCDO advice in regard to the safety of the countries and areas in which you will be travelling and to make your decisions accordingly.
CANCELLATION BY PARTICIPANT
7.7 You may cancel the booking by notice to us in writing, this may be by letter or email, and payment of the applicable cancellation fee as shown below. Cancellation notifications are not effective until received by us in writing.
7.8
Period before departure within which written cancellation is received by us | Cancellation charge per person |
90 days or more | Deposit |
89 – 45 days | 50% of expedition fee |
44 days or less | 100% of expedition fee |
7.9 Depending on the reason for cancellation, you may be able to reclaim these cancellation charges (less any applicable excess) under the terms of your insurance policy. Claims must be made directly to the insurance company concerned.
7.10 This clause 7 outlines the rights you have if you wish to cancel your booking. Please note that there is no automatic statutory right of cancellation under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013.
8.1 We promise to make sure that the expedition arrangements we have agreed to make, perform or provide as applicable as part of our contract with you are made, performed, or provided with reasonable skill and care.
8.2 We will not be responsible for any injury, illness, death, loss (including loss of enjoyment or possessions), damage, expense, cost, or other sum or claim of any description whatsoever which results from any of the following: –
– the act(s) and/or omission(s) of the person(s) affected or any member(s) of their party or
– the act(s) and/or omission(s) of a third party not connected with the provision of your expedition and which were unforeseeable or unavoidable or
– ‘force majeure’ as defined above
8.3 Please note, we cannot accept responsibility for any services which do not form part of our contract. This includes, for example, any additional services or facilities which your hotel or any other supplier agrees to provide for you where the services or facilities are not advertised by us and we have not agreed to arrange them as part of our contract and any excursion you purchase. In addition, regardless of any wording used by us on our website, in any advertising material or elsewhere, we only promise to use reasonable skill and care as set out above and we do not have any greater or different liability to you.
9.1 You must follow the expedition leaders and in-country guides or, other reasonable instructions, at all times to ensure your own and the safety of others on the expedition. You acknowledge and agree that failure to do so may result in restricted access to activities on the expedition, if necessary, for your own safety and/or that of others on the expedition.
9.2 All our travellers are required to conduct themselves in an orderly and acceptable manner and not to disrupt the enjoyment of others on the expedition. If we, or our leaders, guides or suppliers, are of the view you are negatively affecting your own health, safety or environment or that of other travellers on the expedition, we can require you to withdraw from the expedition immediately and we will terminate your booking with us with immediate effect, at our sole discretion. We will have no further obligations to you and/or your party and we will not be liable to you for any loss, cost or damage resulting from your withdrawal, we will, at your cost, make all reasonable efforts to obtain transport to the nearest local town where you would be able to make onward travel arrangements. If you are withdrawn from the expedition, you must make your own return travel arrangements at your own expense. No refunds for lost accommodation or any other arrangements will be made. You and/or your party may also be required to pay for loss and/or damage caused by your actions and we will hold you and each member of your party joint and severally liable for any damage or losses caused by you or any member of your party. Full payment for any such damage or losses must be paid directly to us prior to departure. If you fail to make payment, you will be responsible for meeting any claims (including legal costs) subsequently made against us or any third party as a result of your actions together with all costs we incur in pursuing any claim against you.
9.3 Should a participant wish to leave the expedition at any time without a medical requirement, the transportation costs will be those of the client.
9.4 The client must ensure they make the designated meeting place and time and if flight delays / cancellations affect this, it is the client’s responsibility to catch up with the rest of the group. Costs incurred doing this are the sole responsibility of the client.
9.5 You must make your own enquiries regarding your expedition, including being aware of any relevant government travel or safety warnings.
10.1 If you have any special requests or special dietary requirements, you must advise us at the time of booking. Although we will endeavour to carry out any reasonable requests, we regret we cannot guarantee any request will be met. Failure to meet any special request will not be a breach of contract on our part. Confirmation that a special request has been noted or passed on. All special requests are subject to availability, unless and until specifically confirmed and noted as an addition on your confirmation invoice. For your own protection, you should obtain confirmation in writing that a special request will be complied with (where it is possible to give this) where it is important to you.
10.2 All special dietary requests are subject to availability. We cannot accept any conditional bookings. All such bookings will be treated as “standard” bookings subject to the above provisions on special requests
10.3 If you have any food allergies which may cause significant health issues, you must tell us before you confirm the booking. Whilst we will try to accommodate any such requests, it is your responsibility to ensure that you actively avoid any food you are allergic to and make all appropriate enquiries to establish the ingredients contained within any food. We have no liability to prepare or provide special meals to meet your needs.
11.1 Due to the extreme environment, climate and activities that will be experienced throughout a Wild Globe Expeditions trip, we strongly recommend that the client seeks medical advice prior to participating.
11.2 If you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your expedition or has any special requirements as a result of any medical condition or disability (including any which affect the booking process), please tell us before you confirm your booking so that we can assist you in considering the suitability of the arrangements and/or making the booking. In any event, you must give us full details in writing at the time of booking and whenever any change in the condition or disability occurs.
11.3 You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your expedition develops after your booking has been confirmed. If we reasonably feel unable to properly accommodate the particular needs of the person concerned, we must reserve the right to decline their reservation or, if full details are not given at the time of booking or the condition / disability develops after booking, cancel when we become aware of these details.
11.4 Any changes of the condition / disability, such as recent injuries or illness must be notified to Wild Globe Expeditions in writing prior to the expedition start date. Failure to do so may result in the client being refused permission to participate and forfeit all monies paid.
11.5 It is a condition of booking that you are fit and able to take care of yourself for the duration of the expedition and recognise that if you do have any disabilities or walking difficulties you may find access to certain areas difficult.
11.6 We cannot provide individual assistance to a passenger for the expedition activities. Any traveller who needs such assistance with disabilities or special needs must be accompanied by a companion capable of providing all assistance throughout the expedition.
11.7 We reserve the right to refuse to accept a booking from any person who we deem cannot fully care for themselves on the expedition without assistance or whenever we reasonably feel unable to accommodate the needs or restrictions of any particular traveller.
11.8 Our expeditions include strenuous activities in hot and humid environments which may involve walking for periods of time with kit carried in bags. Uneven ground may feature as part of the expedition. Transport, such as 4X4 vehicles, canoes, and the like may also be used. This is not an exhaustive list. By the nature of our trips and due to the environment in which we operate the client must have an acceptable level of personal fitness. Information of the level required for each individual trip is available from Wild Globe Expeditions. If Wild Globe Expedition leaders or guides deem a person is not physically capable of taking part in a trip they may be refused permission to continue.
11.9 In such circumstances, additional transportation and costs incurred due to this will be charged to the client involved.
12.1 You must have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity following your return date. It is your responsibility to ensure any visas required for countries to be visited on the expedition have been obtained prior to the tour departure date. Failure to obtain correct documentation, visas and/or any other requirements for travel, including any required vaccination(s), will mean that you may be unable to travel or enter a country. We accept no liability for this, and no cancellation or refund will be provided under these circumstances.
12.2. Flights, passport, visa entry and any vaccination(s) or vaccination certificate requirements and costs are your sole responsibility. We can only provide general information about this. You must check requirements for your own specific circumstances with the relevant airlines, Embassies and/or Consulates as applicable. Requirements do change and you must check the up to date position in good time before departure. We cannot accept any liability if you are refused entry onto any transport or into any country due to failure on your part to carry correct documentation. If failure to have any necessary travel or other documents results in fines, surcharges or other financial penalty being imposed on us, you will be responsible for reimbursing us accordingly.
12.3 The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office publishes regularly updated travel information on its website www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice which you are recommended to consult before booking and in good time before departure.
12.4 Vaccinations, medication and medical services, health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary from time to time. It is your responsibility to ensure you are aware of all recommended vaccinations and health precautions for the country you are visiting and ensure that vaccinations or preventative measures are taken early enough to be fully effective by the date of travel. You should take professional health advice about your specific needs as early as possible and confirm that advice has not changed, prior to your departure.
12.5 It is your responsibility to ensure that any medication you need to carry is permitted to be taken into the countries you are visiting. We recommend you consult with your GP or medical professional and relevant embassy before booking and review in good time before your departure as advice may change. Any medical services and costs required for the expedition are at your own expense. We strongly recommend suitable and adequate travel insurance which includes full medical cover.
12.6 If, whilst you are on the expedition, you find yourself in difficulty for any reason, we will offer you such prompt assistance as is appropriate in the circumstances. In particular, we will provide you with appropriate information on health services, local authorities and consular assistance, and assistance with distance communications and finding alternative travel arrangements. Where you require assistance which is not owing to any failure by us, we will not be liable for the costs of any alternative travel arrangements or other such assistance you require. Subject to the other terms of these Terms & Conditions, we will not be liable for any costs, fees or charges you incur in the above circumstances, if you fail to obtain our prior authorisation before making your own travel arrangements.
13.1 Risk and travel insurance, you acknowledge and accept that there are inherent risks associated with our expeditions, for example events of Force Majeure, hazards of travelling in undeveloped areas, travel by boat, automobile or other means of transportation particularly in underdeveloped countries or more remote locations, forces of nature, political unrest and accident, illness, epidemics or pandemics in regions without means of rapid evacuation or medical facilities. We cannot accept any liability regarding the provision of medical care or the adequacy of any care that may be rendered where it is provided by third parties.
13.2 It is a condition of your booking and your responsibility to ensure that you have sufficient and valid travel insurance to cover your booking. We reserve the right to decline your booking if adequate proof of such current and valid travel insurance is not provided to us if requested.
13.3 It is a term of this agreement that you take out appropriate travel insurance to cover as a minimum: pre-existing medical conditions, medical expenses, medical evacuation, repatriation in the event of accident or illness, cancellation by you for any reason, cancellation charges, loss of luggage, early return following death of a relative as defined in the respective proposal forms or emergency repatriation, for example in the event of accident or illness. It is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance fully covers all your personal requirements and the specific risks outlined above. Please read your policy details carefully and take them with you on your expedition. It is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance covers you and is suitable and adequate for your particular needs. If you choose to travel without adequate insurance cover, we will not be liable for any losses no matter how arising, in respect of which insurance cover would otherwise have been available. If you have any questions, these should be raised with your travel insurance provider.
13.4 Note, we do not check your insurance policies and cannot assist you with this.
14.1 Wild Globe Expeditions operates in extreme environments. Despite conducting risk assessments, comprehensively briefing clients on safety and minimising as much risk as possible, potential dangers shall always remain. Given this, the participant acknowledges that it is at their own risk that they participate in the expedition, and the participant acknowledges that there are circumstances where accidents could happen that are beyond Wild Globe Expeditions’ control. Therefore, with the exception of gross negligence, Wild Globe Expeditions accepts no responsibility or fault for any accidents or illness that occur during an expedition. The participant understands that by participating in a Wild Globe Expedition activity he/she is doing so at their own risk.
14.2 Please be advised that we are unable to offer any guarantee that the transport on any expedition will meet the recognised health and safety standards in the UK and you expressly agreed and accept that this will be the position when making any booking. The company makes every effort ensure the safety of our travellers on their chosen expedition.
14.3 The participant acknowledges that they are liable for any damage or loss to Wild Globe Expeditions equipment including the full cost of replacement and expenses.
14.4 Wild Globe Expeditions does not accept responsibility for any loss, damage or tampering to any valuables and monies given to them for safe keeping during an expedition.
14.5 All personal belongings, personal equipment and valuables kept in a participant’s possession are the participants responsibility, and Wild Globe Expeditions accepts no responsibility for them.
14.6 The participant also acknowledges that Wild Globe Expeditions is not responsible for any expenses or loss of monies or personal belongings through delays or cancellations of a booking, and that Wild Globe Expeditions liability is hereby limited.
15.1 In the unlikely event that you have any reason to complain or experience any problems with your expedition whilst away, you must immediately inform our local representative (the expedition leader or guide). Until we know about a complaint or problem, we cannot begin to resolve it. Most problems can be dealt with quickly. If you remain dissatisfied, however, you must write to us within 10 days of your return to your home country giving your booking reference and full details of your complaint.
16.1 This agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between us and the traveller and supersedes and extinguishes all previous agreements, promises, assurances, warranties, representing and understanding between them, whether written or oral, relating to its subject matter.
16.2 No variation of this Agreement shall be valid or effective unless agreed by both us and the traveller and in writing and is duly signed.
16.3 Us and the traveller acknowledge and agree that they do not rely on any other Agreement, understanding, custom and practice or any other such thing in relation to this Agreement and its content.
16.4 There is no right to assign any of the obligations under the Terms of this Agreement, by either us or the traveller of any part or the whole of this Agreement to any other party without the prior written consent of the other Party. The Contract (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 is therefore excluded
16.5 Any clause by its intention or words which is intended to survive termination of this Agreement, however terminated, shall do so.
17.1 If any provision or part provision thereof of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent authority such provision will be deemed removed from the Agreement and the remaining, provision or part provision thereof shall not be affected.
17.2 If the whole of any provision or clause or part thereof is deemed invalid or unenforceable the Parties agree to replace it, as near to the original as practicably possible, with such replacement provisions as the clause may legally constitute and be enforced as near to the original meaning as possible. Such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other clause or provision.
18.1 A waiver of any right or remedy under this Agreement or by law is only effective if given in writing and shall not be deemed a waiver if any subsequent breach or default. Nor shall any delay in exercising any rights, under this agreement be deemed a waiver of such rights or remedy nor shall it prevent or restrict any further exercise of that or any other right or remedy.
19.1 This Agreement may be entered into in any number of counterparts and by the Parties to it on separate counterparts each of which when executed and delivered shall be an original, but all the counterparts together shall continue on and shall be the same Agreement.
19.2 Us and the traveller acknowledge and agree that this Agreement may be executed by electronic signature, which shall be considered as an original signature. Without limitation an “Electronic Signature” shall include faxed versions of an original signature, electronically scanned and transmitted versions of an original or any other electronic means.
20.1 Wild Globe Expeditions may update these terms and conditions from time to time, and it is the client’s responsibility to ensure that they are aware, and agree to any modifications before joining any expedition.
20.2 If you wish to, you may contact us by e-mail for any of the reasons mentioned in these booking conditions providing you do so to [email protected]